Sample Essay On Some Problems Associated With Software Obsolescence Are Software Bugs, Copyright & Licenses, Software Upgrades, And Global Software Support.

Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World 12th ed.

Chapter 2 and 3 Guide Questions
Chapter 2 Questions:
Compare and contrast the characteristics of the operational, managerial, and executive levels of an organization.
Operational level of organization makes use of transaction processing system while managerial level uses management information system and the executive level uses executive information system. Operations are usually responsible for the supervision and execution of day-to-day operations of all aspects of information system within a particular product unit. Managerial is responsible for the forecast of technology trends and the evaluation and experimentation with new technologies. Lastly, the executives are responsible for the decision making processes of a specific firm in a particular product unit.
4. Describe competitive advantage and list six sources.
A competitive advantage means a company can do more or can offer more than what its rival companies or firms can offer. Some sources of competitive advantage includes the quality, service, low-cost, innovation, brand and value of the products that the company/firm has to offer.
5. How do an organization’s resources and capabilities result in a competitive advantage?
The resources and capabilities of an organization are considered as the organization’s edge over the other business firms. Since these are edges, therefore resources and capabilities are considered to be a competitive advantage as it makes a particular business firm to be ahead on its rival companies/firms/organizations.
7. Describe the multi domestic business strategy and how it affects the flow and control of information.
Multi-domestic business strategy is focused on achieving maximum local responsiveness. The flow and control of information has been made easier due to expanding networks and connections.
10. Using past examples, explain what is meant by a disruptive innovation.
Disruptive innovations are information technologies that allow a business firm to accomplish some tasks and goals and even to maintain their competitive advantages.
11. Describe the E-business innovation cycle.
E-business innovation cycle includes the use of nearly information technologies or information systems to be able to support each and every part of the business. It is primarily made up of five major steps including the (1) choosing emerging technologies, (2) matching technologies to opportunities, (3) execution of business innovation for growth and (4) assessing value. The E-business innovation cycle starts with the creation of jobs, groups and processes which will be used in matching technologies to opportunities. In this way, as each emerging technologies are matched with opportunities, business innovation takes place which contributes to growth. After the execution of business innovation, the value of the use of the technology to both the customers and the internal clients will be process and assessed.

Chapter 3

1. How do applications support organizational business processes?
Applications are useful in business processes and businesses as a whole because it increases productivity and revenue while reducing costs and improving customer services. Applications are also considered a factor to increase one’s competitive advantages over rival businesses.
3. Describe the different types of computers and their key distinguishing characteristics.
There are five considered portable laptops and four non portable computers. Portable laptops includes the (a) handheld which main use is to organize personal data, (b) laptop which aims to improve worker productivity, (c) notebook to improve productivity of highly mobile worker, (d) netbook to have access to internet and electronic mailing and (e) tablet to capture data via pen input while also improving worker productivity. On the other hand, nonportable computers include thin client, desktop, nettop and workstation. Thin client are used to enter data and to access the internet. Desktop computers are used to improve worker productivity. Nettop replaces desktop with a smaller and low cost computer that is also proven to have lower energy consumption. Lastly, workstations are those performing engineering, CAD and other software developments.
4. Describe the key functions of system software.
System software allows computers to process payrolls, transfer bills and also provides managers and other workers with information for the success of the business itself. Another key function of system software in particular is to control basic computer operations including the start-up and printing operations and processes.
5. For which purpose are data stored in organization.
Data stored in organization is important and useful when it comes to back tracking transactions, making trends and assessments to see the progress of the business that the organization has.
7. How does computer networking work?
Computer networking works by allowing users to easily set up home and business networks through internet connections, printers, storage and data.
11. What are the problems associated with software obsolescence?

13. What are the differences between SaaS, PaaS and IaaS?
SaaS allows businesses to subscribe to web delivered business application software through monthly payment service charge. IaaS provides Office Depot to increase revenue. Lastly, DaaS allows company to outsource through a service provider.
16. Describe why green computing has become so important to modern organization.
Green computing has become essential to modern organizations because it provides efficiency and more environmentally responsible design. Other than that, it is also seen to be very helpful in manufacturing, operations and disposal most especially of information system related products.