Good Global Information Structures Term Paper Example

Introduction

With the globalization of the world economy and advancements in technology, people are increasingly exchanging information across the world. Multinational corporations, through the global information infrastructures (GII), are reaching customers and coordinating their operations in various branches across the world with much ease. According to Bowker et al. (2010), GII refers to the “worldwide information and communication systems that process and transport data inside and outside national boundaries.” (98). Multinational corporations that fail to embrace GII often fail to be competitive in the global markets. In this discussion, the major components of the GII will be addressed, as well as how these components and the architecture impacts on the core IT capabilities. Besides, the discussion will suggest the appropriate standards by which the benefits and strategies to manage GII will be evaluated by managers of multinational corporations.
GII of multinational corporations entails various components, which enable such companies to provide ameliorated services to their customers, suppliers and investors. First, the hardware components of GII include computers and networking hardware. While computers are used to process and store the data of organizations, networking hardware makes it possible to interconnect the various systems, and thus, enabling information sharing and collaboration. Secondly, the software component of GII includes the software that is installed in computers so as to enable the sharing of information. Thirdly, the data component of the GII is very critical and requires that the GII’s capacity is sufficient and reliable to store the data. Lastly, the human component of the GII is of great significance and includes the support staff with adequate training in order handle the transmitted information appropriately (ISACA, 2009). Through paying attention to these main GII components, multinational corporations attain the competitive edge in their operations, in the global market.
The architecture of GII, as well as the components, has a great impact on the core capabilities of IT of a company. By having the communication systems of a company’s branch interconnected, an integrated information system is developed. Rather than providing a link of the supply chain for a single company or region, IT, through the GII, is able to colligate the entity’s entire supply chains, in any branch across the globe (Bowker et al., 2010). In essence, IT provides a flow of information that is seamless, across national borders as well as time zones. The result is an integral repository of knowledge, which is represented by the corporation’s global network (David, 2011). The global business operations of the multinational corporation are supported by the adoption of GII as the fundamental delivery system of IT.
The business value of the GII is unequivocal, and managers of multinational corporations ought to assess these benefits appropriately. First, managers should assess the reduced cycles and delivery durations of products and services to customers after embracing GII. Moreover, the heightened inventory controls of the corporation need to be assessed by managers in order to appreciate the business value of GII. In the same vein, managers need to assess the close relationship created between the corporation and other business partners. Moreover, the ameliorated customer satisfaction, leading profits increase, is a factor that managers should assess in valuing GII (David, 2011).
Additionally, effective management of GII requires various strategies. First, the computing platforms across the branches and the world in general, have to be standardized to a greater extent for GII to be effective. Also, the staff personnel need to receive adequate training in the handling and sharing of information over the corporation’s global network (David, 2011). By so doing, the managers will be ensuring that the shortcomings of GII are mitigated and kept under control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GII is very important for the business operation of multinational corporations. The hardware, software, human and data components of GII aid in facilitating the capabilities of IT throughout the organization implementing it. Managers need to understand the business value of GII and placed strategies to maintain the effectiveness of GII, such as training of staff and standardization of computing platforms. Without doubt, the sharing of information across the globe has a myriad of benefits for multinational corporations.

References

Bowker, G. (2010). Toward Information Infrastructure Studies: Ways of Knowing in a
Networked Environment. In Hunsinger, J., Klastrup, L., & Allen, M. The international handbook of internet research. Dordrecht: Springer.
David, S. (2011). The Globalization of Information Technology in Multinational Corporations.
Information Management Journal, Vol. 33(3). Over park, Kansas: Association of Records Managers & Administrators (ARMA).
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). (2009).An Introduction to the
Business Model for Information Security .Rolling Meadows, IL: ISACA.