Background about Strategic Information Systems and Uses of SIS for a Manager from MB0031

Get solved assignment of Management Information Systems for MB0031 of SMU. The question is related to “Write in detail the background about strategic information systems. How is it helpful to a manager? Give relevant examples.” We already have explained about Value Chain in MIS, Classification of Information and Decision Support Systems.

The growth of information system and technology during the last 2 decades has been phenomenal. During this growth, many branches evolved in the information science. One such branch is strategic IS. It is mainly concerned with providing and organization and its members an assistance to perform the routine tasks effectively. One of the major issue before any, organization is the challenge of meeting its goals and objectives. Strategic IS enabling such organization in realizing their goals. Strategic Information System (SIS) is a support to the existing system and helps in achieving a competitive advantage over the organization competitors in terms of is objectives.

This unit deals with critical aspects of the strategic information system. This unit indicates the theoretical concepts and the way in which the same are realized in practice. The flow of the unit is in such a way that it starts which the development of contemporary theory about strategic uses of corporations internal information systems leading to systems which transcend the boundaries of particular organizations. The process whereby strategic information systems are created or identified is then examined.

A number of weaknesses in the existing body of theory are identified, and suggestions made as to directions in which knowledge is or may be progressing. Strategic information systems are concerned with systems which contribute significantly to the achievement of an organization’s overall objectives. The body of knowledge is of recent origin and highly dynamic and the area have an aura of excitement about it. The emergency of the key idea, the process whereby strategic information systems come into being is assessed, areas of weakness are identified and directions of current and future development suggested.

Information system is regarded as a tool to provide various services to different management functions. The tools have been developing year by year and different management application of the tool has become more and more diverse. In management it is now a very power means to manage and control various activities and decision making process. The original idea of automating mechanical process got quickly succeeded by the rationalization and integration of systems. In both of these forms, IS was regarded primarily as an operational support tool, and secondarily as a service to management. Subsequent to the development, it was during the last few years that an additional potential was discovered.

It was found that, in some cases, information technology (IT) had been critical to the implementation of an organisation’s strategy. An organisation’s strategy supported by information system fulfilling its business objectives came to be known as strategic information system. The strategic information system consists of functions that involved gathering. Maintenance and analysis of data is concerned with internal resources and intelligence about competitors, suppliers, customers’ government and other relevant organizations.

Decision Support Systems and Example of a Computerized Restaurant for MB0031 Assignment

This is the Management Information Systems MBA assignment for MB0031 of SMU. The question is related to “Explain the decision support systems in detail. Consider the example of a computerized restaurant to illustrate your answer.” We already have explained about Value Chain in MIS and Classification of Information.

Business decisions are those, which are made in the process of conducting business to achieve its objectives in a given environment. In concept, whether we are looking about business decision or any other decision, we assume that the decision-maker is a rational person.

The major characteristics of the business decision-making are:

a) Sequential in nature.
b) Exceedingly complex due to risks and trade offs.
c) Influenced by personal values
d) Made in institutional settings and business environment.

The business decision-making is sequential in nature. In business, the decision is not isolated events. Each of them has a relation to same other decision or situation. The decision may appear as “snap” decision but it is made only after a long chain of developments and a series of related earlier decisions.

The decision-making process is a complex process in the higher hierarchy of management. The complexity is the result of many factors, such as the inter-relationship among the experts or decision-makers, a job responsibility, a question of feasibility, the codes of morals and ethics, and probable impact and business.

The personal values of the decision-maker play a major role in decision-making. A decision otherwise being very sound on the business principle and economic rationality may be rejected on the basis of the personal values, which are defeated if such a decision is implemented. The culture, the discipline and the individual’s commitment to goals will decide the progress and success of the decision.

Whatever may be situation, if are analyses the factors under laying the decision-making process, it would be observed that there are common characteristics in each of them. There is a definite method of arriving at a decision; and it can be put in the form of decision process mode.

The decision-making process required creativity, imagination and a deep understanding of human behaviour. The process covers number of tangible and intangible factors affecting the decision-making process. It also requires a foresight to predict the post-decision implications and a willingness to face those implications. All decision solves a ‘problem’ but over a period of time they give rise to a number of other ‘problems’.

Give the Explanation about the Classification of Information for MB0031 MBA Assignment

Get the solved assignment of Management Information Systems for MBA MB0031 of SMU. The question is related to “Explain how information is classified? Give suitable examples of the classification and also the user of that information.” We already have explained about Value Chain in MIS.

There are six major types of information systems:

Transaction processing systems (TPS) – A transaction processing system (TPS) helps in conducting the daily routine activities like sales order entry such as Airline reservations, payroll etc.

Office systems – Some of the tasks involved in the administration of an office are storage of data, manipulation of data, documentation, communication etc. To increase the efficiency of these activities various word processors, image processors, telecommunications systems, networks are adopted. These constitute the office systems.

Knowledge based systems (KBS) – KBS is a system that represents knowledge. Abundant information is available today. These in formation are representatives of various fact and figures. These constitute knowledge base. They system adopted is capable of quick data acquisition and interpretation of the data which is necessary in decision making. This system is used as an expert to give expert advice on various subject matters and of time as a consultant. Such a system is known as knowledge based system.

Decision support system (DSS) – Managers are usually faced with challenges which are unstructured. The problems they face are normally under situations involving uncertainties and risks. Decision making becomes very difficult under such situations. A system which provides solutions to such problems is known as decision support system (DSS).

Management Reporting Systems (MRS) – Management reporting system (MRS) helps the management in decision-making by providing them with reports and different statistical tools.

Executive support systems – Executive support systems helps the senior executives in the organization in decision making through advanced graphics and communication.

Different kinds of information systems serve different levels in an organization. Each level of system and its sub system is views differently depending upon the following levels of classification. Operation-level systems help the managers in keeping track of the daily routine activities. For example - recording daily sales placing orders knowledge-level system from the workstations and office systems in an organization with help in including the latest technology in the working of the organization.

For example, preparing displays for advertisements. Management-level systems help in administrative activities and decision-making of the managers.

For example, the monthly sales figures by territory.

What is meant by value chain? Explain value chain significance in MIS? For MB0031 Assignment

This is an assignment of Management Information Systems for MBA of SMU. The subject code is MB0031 which is related to MIS. Question of assignment is – “What is meant by value chain? Explain its significance in MIS?”

The connection between the producers and buyers may be reinforced, at least to the level of customer loyalty, and perhaps to the point of establishing a partnership between them. Such a relationship imposes ‘Switching casts’ on the buyer, because its internal process becomes adapted to the beneficial peculiarities of the particular factor of production, and use of an alternative would force internal changes. Hence product differentiation also serves as an entry barrier. In addition, a continuous process of product differentiation may produce and additional cost advantage over competitors and potential entrants, through intellectual property protections, such as potent, and the cost of imitation.

The activities performed by a particular enterprise can be analyzed into primary activities, which directly adds value to the enterprises factors of production, which are together referred to as the ‘value chain’, and supporting activities.

There is always a mention about what IT contributes to corporate strategy. It was recognized that corporation achieved a significant competitive advantage by adopting suitable IT concepts in building up their strategy. It quickly become incumbent on its competitors to neutralize that advantage, and hence to avoid ‘competitive disadvantage’ (Vitate 1986, warner 1987, Brouns eau 1990). The notion of ‘competitive advantage’ and ‘contestable’ competitive advantage came in light (Clemons 1986, Feeny andlves 1989, clborra 1992). Though many kinds of advantages which can possibly be derived from innovative use of IT, it is possible to quickly neutralize by others. A distinction needs to be made between the sustainable of the original advantage, and of any derived advantage.

An enhancement to the porter framework of competitive strategy was the notion of ‘alliance’ (Barrett and Konsyanski 1982, Gummesson 1987, EDP Analyzed 1987, Johnston and vitale 1988, Rockart and short 1989 Wiseman 1989, Konsyanski and Mcfarian 1990 ford 1990, Bowersox 1990). This referred to chains or clusters of organizations which collaborate in order to gain competitive advantage over others, similar organizations, or to neutralize the advantage of one or more competitor organizations. The innovation in IT and its strategies importance to enterprise is compatible with the company’s existing characteristics and advantages (Beath and Ives 1986, Clemons and Row 1987, Ives a and Vitale 1988, Hopper 1990). One policies and outline of factors that influence organization’s strategic goals is summarized in the following levels.

MIS and Characteristics of Management Information System for MB0031 Assignment of SMU

“Define MIS? What are the objectives and characteristics of MIS?” is the question of SMU MBA assignment of MB0031.

About MIS:

MIS is popularly known as the Management Information System. MIS is considered as one such method of generating information which is used by management of organization for decision Making, control of activities, operations etc.

During the period 1940 to 1960 computers were commercially used for census and payroll work. This involved large amount of data and its processing. Since then the commercial application exceeded the scientific applications for which the computer were mainly intended for.

MIS is an information System which helps in providing the management of an organization with information which is used by management for decision making.

Objectives of MIS:

Managers play a key role in any organization. They are responsible for taking decisions appropriate to the need of the market. Information systems have become the main tool used by managers in decision making. Managers perceive information as the driving force to achieve success in any business. Hence there is a need for MIS as:

Support of its business process and operations

Support of decision making by its employees and managers

Support of its strategies for competitive advantage-Gaining a strategic advantage

The major roles of the business applications of a Management Information System may be represented in the pyramid form as shown below:



Characteristics of MIS:

MIS is mainly designed to take care of the needs of the managers in the organization.

MIS aids in integrating the information generated by various departments of the organization.

MIS helps in identifying a proper mechanism of storage of data.

MIS also helps in establishing mechanism to eliminate redundancies in data.

MIS as a system can be broken down into sub systems.

The role and significance of MIS in business and its classification is explained. It is possible to understand the various phases of development in MIS based on the type of system required in any organization.

About Business Plan and its Purpose for SMU MBA MB0036 Assignment

“What is a Business Plan? What purpose does it serve?” is the question of SMU MBA MB0036. The MBA assignment question is related to Strategic Management & Business Policy of Sikkim Manipal University.

What is Business Plan?

A good business plan will help attract necessary financing by demonstrating the feasibility of your venture and the level of thought and professionalism you bring to the task.

The first step in planning a new business venture is to establish goals that you seek to achieve with the business. You can establish these goals in a number of ways, but an inclusive and ordered process like an organizational strategic planning session or a comprehensive neighborhood planning process may be best. The board of directors of your organization should review and approve the goals, because these goals will influence the direction of the organization and require the allocation of valuable staff and financial resources.

Your goals will serve as a filter to screen a wide range of possible business opportunities. If you fail to establish clear goals early in the process, your organization may spend substantial time and resources pursuing potential business ventures that may be financially viable but do not serve the mission of your organization in other important ways. A liquor store on the corner may be a clear money-maker; however, it may not be the retail to assistant your community desires.

The following are examples of goals you may seek to achieve through the creation of a new business venture:

What purpose does it serve?

Revenue Generation – Your organization may hope to create a business that will generate sufficient net income or profit to finance other programs, activities or services provided by your organization.

Employment Creation - A new business venture may create job opportunities for community residents or the constituency served by your organization.

Neighborhood Development Strategy – A new business venture might serve as an anchor to a deteriorating neighborhood commercial area, attract additional business to the area and fill a gap in existing retail services. You may need to find a use for a vacant commercial property that blights a strategic area of your neighborhood. Or your business might focus on the rehabilitation of dilapidated single family homes in the community.

Describe the Positive Aspect of Trade Liberalization for MBA MB0037 Assignment of SMU

“Describe the positives of trade liberalization” is the fourth semester SMU MBA assignment question of International Business Management of MB0037.

Liberalization is another aspect of globalization. Both are two faces of one coin. Liberalization is known for free trade and business. In the global era, liberalization has a greater positive aspect for trade and business.

Liberalization gives a policy to make an economy open to trade and invest across the world with suitable growth. In the capitalist and imperialist era, no country has achieved economic success and substantial increases in living standards for its people without being open to the rest of the world.

To open up economy to the global economy, a country has developed competitive advantages in the manufacture of certain products in the global world of market. For examples, we can take some countries that have opened their economies in recent years such as – India, Vietnam and Uganda, have experienced faster growth and more poverty reduction.

Liberalization advocates the aspect of free trades. In the recent era, free trade has given so many befits for the poor especially. Liberalization has created many new jobs for unskilled workers also.

Free trade has been the most successful aspect for developing countries and industries. It has changed culture and society also with new working culture. Developing countries would gain more from global trade liberalization as a percentage of their GDP than industrial countries, because their economies are more highly protected and because they face higher barriers.

Although, there are only benefits from improved access to other countries’ markets, countries benefits most from liberalizing their own markets. The main benefits for industrial countries would come from the liberalization of their agriculture markets. Developing countries would gain about equally from liberalization of manufacturing and agriculture. The group of low-income countries, however, would gain most from agricultural liberalization in industrial countries because of the greater relative importance of agriculture in their economies.

In the recent era, in every field of life protection has been removed. Liberalization is taking part as open trade. This concept is very harmful for an undeveloped country and it sovereignty. Liberalization has never followed any barrier in its growth. So, in the age of liberalization or globalization only that fish can survive that are big.

Global Aspect of Globalisation in the Current World for MB0037 Assignment of MBA

“Write a short note on ‘Globalization’” is the assignment question of International Business Management of SMU MBA MB0037. This is the fourth semester question of Sikkim Manipal University of MBA assignment.

Globalisation is a historical process rather than political or economical. It is the result of human innovation and technological progress. Globalization has shown the increasing integration of economics around the world. It has taken a greater aspect in the world particularly, through trade and financial flows. Globalization has covered the broader culture, politics and environmental dimensions of globalisation.

Today, globalization is well known topic across the world. The word has taken a common term. It is referred as the extension beyond national borders of the same market forces that have operated for centuries at all levels of human economic activity – village markets, urban industries or financial enters.

Global markets promote efficiency through competition and the division of labour – the specialization that allows people and economies to focus on what they do best. Global market offer greater opportunity for common people also to tap into more and larger markets around the world.

In the global market, people can access more capital flows, technology, cheaper imports and larger export markets. Today, commerce and finance are more developed and deeply integrated in global world.

The global era has raised many questions related to social, political and workers. Does globalisation harm worker’s interest? Many theoreticians don’t believe in this question. However, this is right question. Globalisation is the parallel world between the rich and the poor. Capitalist globalisation is always very harmful for workers.

In the global world, only big giant can survive. Globalization has given the theory of third world countries also. In the financial world, globalization is known as the basic elements of periodic crisis of an inevitable consequence of globalization.

National sovereignty question is also related to the globalization question. In the financial market national sovereignty is never followed however, the question always has taken place in political era.

For an MBA student the topic is very current and situational. Understanding about the topic is much wrathful in the global era. To handle a position in any company is much related to the company’s interest in globalisation.