Explore how small, large, and global organizations use information systems. You will look at the following systems and describe how they change as an organization increases in size and global reach.
The systems are:
Accounting
Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications
Email
Document storage
Webserver (Online presence)
Cybersecurity
Asset Management
Now, write a business plan for an organization that is just starting and will grow to support larger local and global operations. It is important to remember that some systems will be beyond the financial commitment of the small organization as it gets up and running. Thus, it is important to think about systems that can be leveraged while a small organization that will need to be scaled up or replaced when the organization achieves major milestones (large within a single country and global reach).
The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA standards, and adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.
Full Answer Section
- Email: Email is a versatile tool that can be used for both personal and business communication. It is a cost-effective way to stay in touch with customers, partners, and employees.
- Document storage: Document storage IS are used to store and manage documents. This can include contracts, invoices, employee records, and marketing materials.
- Webserver (Online presence): A webserver is a computer that hosts a website. It is essential for organizations that want to have an online presence.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity IS are used to protect an organization's data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
- Asset Management: Asset management IS are used to track and manage an organization's assets. This can include physical assets, such as equipment and inventory, as well as intellectual assets, such as patents and trademarks.
As an organization grows in size and global reach, the IS that it uses will need to evolve to meet its changing needs. For example, a small organization may use a simple accounting spreadsheet to track its finances. However, as the organization grows, it will need to implement a more sophisticated accounting system that can handle more complex transactions.
Similarly, a small organization may use email to communicate with its employees and customers. However, as the organization grows, it will need to implement a more robust communication system that can support video conferencing and instant messaging.
The IS that an organization uses also needs to be secure. As an organization grows and expands its global reach, it becomes a more attractive target for cyberattacks. Therefore, it is important to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect the organization's data.
Business Plan for a Growing Organization
The following is a business plan for a small organization that is just starting and will grow to support larger local and global operations. The plan outlines the IS that the organization will need to implement at each stage of its growth.
Stage 1: Startup
In the startup phase, the organization will need to implement the following IS:
- Accounting: A simple accounting system to track financial transactions.
- Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications: Email and instant messaging.
- Email: A basic email system to communicate with customers and partners.
- Document storage: A cloud-based document storage system to store and manage documents.
- Webserver: A basic webserver to host the organization's website.
- Cybersecurity: Basic cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software.
Stage 2: Growth
As the organization grows, it will need to implement the following IS:
- Accounting: A more sophisticated accounting system to handle more complex transactions.
- Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications: Video conferencing and instant messaging.
- Email: A more robust email system with spam filtering and virus protection.
- Document storage: A more scalable document storage system with advanced search capabilities.
- Webserver: A more powerful webserver to support a larger website.
- Cybersecurity: More robust cybersecurity measures, such as intrusion detection systems and data encryption.
Stage 3: Global Reach
As the organization expands its global reach, it will need to implement the following IS:
- Accounting: A global accounting system that can handle multiple currencies and languages.
- Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications: A multilingual communication system that can support employees in multiple countries.
- Email: A global email system that can deliver emails to recipients in multiple countries.
- Document storage: A global document storage system that can store and manage documents in multiple languages.
- Webserver: A global webserver that can host a website that is accessible to users in multiple countries.
- Cybersecurity: A global cybersecurity system that can protect the organization's data from cyberattacks from all over the world.
This business plan outlines the IS that a small organization will need to implement at each stage of its growth. By implementing the right IS, the organization can improve its efficiency, productivity, and customer service
Sample Answer
Information systems (IS) are essential for organizations of all sizes. They help organizations to collect, store, process, and distribute information. This information can be used to make better decisions, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service.
The specific IS that an organization uses will vary depending on its size and needs. However, there are some IS that are common to all organizations, regardless of size. These include:
- Accounting: Accounting IS are used to track financial transactions, prepare financial statements, and manage budgets.
- Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications: These IS are used to facilitate communication between employees within an organization. They can include email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.