Management Information Systems (MIS)

Introduction Businesses require constant information to be processed and disseminated to the relevant stakeholders on time. To achieve this, they need Management Information systems. A Management Information System is a set of connected apparatus, mostly computerized combinations that continuously acquire raw and needed data from within and outside a firm. Consequently, the data is processed and stored in a central place called database where it is always updated and availed to those with authority to access it.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Management Information Systems (MIS) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are several applications that are described in the case study. They are known as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The disseminate information relating to financials, inventories, manufacturing, sales and marketing, as well as order management and procurement. The systems also ass ist in project management documentation as well s post-implementation performance measurement. El Alamein is faced by various challenges as they seek to implement the Enterprise Resource Planning systems. First and foremost, some heads of department have been resistant to change. They are used to relying on separate computers which were fitted with custom excel sheets so as to facilitate the operations. The second challenge was high staff turnover during implementation. It is clear from the case study that El-Alamein suffered loss of six crucial people in a period of six months only. High staff turnover is hurting for business because a corporation has already invested a lot in those people in training as well as other resources offered to them during their stay in the organization. In addition to heavy investment in the staff who left, their departure led to delay in the areas they were in charge of as well as repeating some of the steps already done during the analysis and set up stages. To mitigate the resistance to change, El-Alamein took drastic steps. Firstly, the company identified crucial persons from all major departments to act as agents of change. These agents were to take up the role of convincing the other employees on the need to embrace the system. Secondly, El-Alamein took it upon themselves to train users for the new system so that they understand how the new system will affect business operations. Lastly, the company took a step further by fostering participation by end users through inclusion of more employees than just the senior management when it came to decision making, analysis and implementation.Advertising Looking for case study on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In my opinion, the three steps taken to mitigate resistance to change are so bright. When you involve people and especially the junior staff in decision making, analysis and implementation, the proce ss is bound to be smooth because the feeling of imposition and ambush is expunged. They feel part of the process and as such, they own it and would not wish to see it fail. Over and above, change agents, if well trained on their critical role can influence the viewpoint of other employees. They are trained to believe in the system/process first. Consequently, what they pass on to their colleagues is deep conviction from within them. This becomes easy to convince others in various departments. The Enterprise Resource Planning systems helped El-Alamein to reduce investment risks. In addition, the company has strengthened the process of integration as well as improving the rate of production. The efficiency in regard to handling of inventory is now rated highly. The IT investments have helped El-Alamein to initiate connections with multinational corporations. This case study on Management Information Systems (MIS) was written and submitted by user Elsa Herman to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Management Information Systems (MIS) Introduction Management information system in organizations is a very essential element which cannot be disregarded especially in contemporary business organizations. It is important to note that information system is one of the crucial and invaluable approaches in the modern generation’s way of doing business.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Management Information Systems (MIS) – Linked In specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indeed, information systems play pivotal role in operational, strategic and tactical decision making. Such systems are used by every department in all levels of managing an organization bearing in mind that the modern world of business demands an optimal information flow. Therefore, it is imperative to note that every business organization is obliged to make information technology part and parcel of its operations. The application of information systems has become crucial and needs to be optimized throughout the entire life of a business organization. Organizations which have opted to operate on poorly established and under developed information system platforms find themselves missing out on the myriads of opportunities which are available in the global economy (Akcura 380). It is definite that these organizations are undeniably realizing dismal operations since businesses have grown considerably more competitive with the adoption of viable information systems and platforms. A comprehensive study of Linked In information systems offers a typical discussion of the value of a quality information system in both national and multinational organizations. This paper offers a deductive analysis of the management information systems as applied by Linked In. It highlights how information technology has been used in management, the general operations of the organization as well as how the use of information systems has helped the organization to attain a com petitive edge. A brief background of the organization Linked In is a global professional networking and consulting company. It was started way back in 2002 in the house of co-founder Reild Hoffman (Linked In par 1). After its launch in the year 2003, the Linked In site realized a total of 4,500 members within a period of one month.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Professionals continued to join the network and studies reveal that by the end of the first three months of 2012, the link was receiving two new members in every two seconds (Breitbarth 20). Needless to say, the company has a strong public image. It is believed and has also been rated as one of the most diversified modern business models. It is a well known entity which provides hiring options in large scale. It is imperative to note that the company also gives all marketing solutions and has a specialty in premium subscriptions. Through the use of its professional team, linked In has managed to display high standard use of information systems in its overall operations by providing an information-rich approach of conducting researching in the business world. The company has been able to venture into new markets across the world and has developed reliable methods of serving its customers. Linked In has acquired the status of a formidable company. This has been achieved by employing information systems in all its internal and external operation mechanisms. This company was started to set a wide and dependable platform for professional linkage. Over the several years the company has been in operation, Linked In has been able to exhibit an effective management of information systems through the use of professional mergers. According to recent studies, Linked In has been able to smoothly cooperate with other networking firms because of the nature of its business ventures (Gregor and Hevner 8). The field of professional networking of business firms has a holistic need of articulating and assimilating interested stakeholders from all host nations. The management has constantly endeavored to establish a highly integrated international network (Lim and Ting 52). Their network has a base line which incorporates all international as well as intermediary branches with the establishment of control units in numerous nations. The application of modern information technology has equally led to the inception and expansion of a widely spread and networked system of professionals.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Management Information Systems (MIS) – Linked In specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Information systems Studies indicate that success in the adoption of broad spectrum IT is dependent on a technical selection process. Linked In has selected a post modern system which is specially designed in a manner which ensures that high-tech objectives of doing e-business which have been adopted by the company are timely met. Development of efficient internet technologies has been used to create an operational stability. Their system ensures that transactions are carried within the shortest time possible and according to the preferences of clients (Latham 26). In addition, it is worth to note that security has been prioritized in the sense that the system has a powerful criterion of detecting white collar criminal activities. Due to the emergence of sophisticated internet criminology, the company has privatized and personalized technological systems. They have a pimp of their entire information system with multiple chambers which do not merely increase functionality but also ensure greater speeds for efficient operation. Their IT architecture is under constant evaluations to cater for malpractices from within or without the organization. The infamous e-commerce machine used by L inked In is mastered with the incorporation of a directed operation. This enables customers to access findings and facts about the company without making contact with its officials. This company has also been using management systems which are data oriented. Their system have been determined by the data category which they deal with on their day-to-day operations. It has broad divisions which accommodate the management teams in all different positions of the company. Their system is well programmed to ensure that professionalism is displayed in every aspect of the company’s dealings. Internal control has been made viable enough through the use of a clear set of ethical procedures which are to be portrayed when interacting with the company’s network (Rosenkranz and Holten 21). The use of a decision making strategy which relies on information systems has improved service production and delivery across the whole dominion of linked In (Linked In par. 6). There is enough ev idence that the dependence of the company on information technology has created a high and desired quality and comfortable business environment.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, more robust information system applications are continually being invented due to the application of the clear approach of intensive reliance on IT (Palvia and Pancaro 8). Over the years of operation, their system design has moved the company from the level of a developing enterprise to the category of a highly profitable organization. The great awareness of the need of using standardized information systems has not been a recent development at Linked In. it has been intrinsic in the operations of the organization. Besides, the company has principle strategies of countering competition by keeping their services highly usable (Lim and Ting 54). Use of information systems in management A season has come whereby business trends are more reliant on the dynamism of the global market. This is as a result of the emergence of dynamic consumer patterns, modern management of information systems and the realization of business success depending on the degree of embracing reliable information technology. By understanding the essence of information systems in effective decision making, Linked In has been able to adopt a mainstream business circle. It is worth to underscore that information systems have been used by Linked In as a toolkit which has bore quality development strategies (Breitbarth 22). The information technology has been a critical factor in the business environment as part and parcel of determining the needs of the market. Through the application of online evaluations, the company has been in a position to accurately address the exact demand of the market. Managing information systems effectively is a fundamental activity in business operations. It is evident that it leads to simplification of actions and speeds up business transactions (Akcura 384). This leads to the achievement of the set profitability goals and objectives the company is targeting. The company has also displayed an expertise in applying information technology in all its intern al operations with key decisions having a strong technological foundation. Studies reveal that linked In has greatly invested in IT to create the much needed business and organizational value as one of its major objectives. This has helped their management information system to become a basic tool which provides quality responses to all professional needs of customers. The diverse needs of customers from all over the world are being met online by just a single mouse click. The management has embarked on such large scale investments in information systems especially after accruing numerous gains from information technology. Notably, the broad and organizational wide use of management information systems has given the business the power to have a multinational influence. Information technology for competitive advantage The application of management information systems in the internal and transactional operations of a company is important in determining how the company articulates its major procedures (Palvia and Pancaro 8). By understanding this, the information and communication managers at Linked In have been able to formulate effective strategies towards realizing the aforementioned goal. As a matter of fact, they have learned to articulate all the systems which infer desirable alignments and also create the ability of building a correct niche which gives the company the much needed competitive advantage. Complex situations emerging from the business operations of the company are clearly tackled with the employment of information technology transparency. In addition, the organization has been exemplified by clear implementation of IT which has enhanced the realization of higher financial returns. The use of information systems in short and long term strategic planning has been very resourceful. It has helped the company to grow tremendously in addition to seizing opportunities as well as formulating a transition into maintaining high profile market competitio n. Appropriate use of information technology by Linked In Latham (26) has observed that focus on effective marketing, effective differentiation of the available marketing opportunities as well as effective leadership are the three major strategies of competing favorably in the corporate world. Linked In has used information technology to offer variety of quality services to all its customers. The company has developed a clear focus through the application of cost leadership. Their worldwide network has equally integrated both top and bottom line strategies. The e-commerce strategy has been instrumental in cutting down the overall cost of reaching its consumers. Collaborative software has helped in resource planning, chain operations management and in developing quality customer relations. Therefore, the company enjoys a good linkage with its consumers. Its technology is wired in a manner that it offers services which are unique and different from those of other firms in the industry . Their site has been built using a technological design which is able to recommend services to clients depending on their earlier transactions. It has a time saving check out system which allows them to evaluate the services which attract many persons. Customers enter their credit card numbers to make payments online. During subsequent visits, one is able to track their activities and the services which were proposed to them by the company. In order to maximize on the actual focus of the company, the organization has embarked on using the internet to reach the widest market possible. This has generated wide range differentiation and cost advantages. In any case, these are some of the merits which the company has leveraged on for some time now. The company has embraced the principle of using information technology to reach the vast market in the most cost effective way. Linked In has grown highly competitive realizing billions of net and gross sales from hiring and consultation serv ices. Gregor and Shirley (9) believe that if the organization continues being effective in management information systems, there is no doubt that it will become a consistent top player in the industry. In spite of the above platforms that the company has put in place, it is also worth to mention that the use of wireless technologies and innovations like cloud computing characterize the operations of linked In. A mobile digital base has created a global customer and service provider collaboration. It has been so easy for the officials of the company to identify and utilize customer outcomes. This happens with the quality monitoring mechanism which is in place at Linked In. The workers of the company have a perpetually high output since the information system works by keeping them aware of all new functionalities and trends in the market. It has been successful for them to work digitally in and out of their routine offices. Their information system has elements of personal training vi a its online store of resources which are freely accessible by all staff members. The workers have not lagged behind when it comes to the management of change for improvement. Information has helped in keeping everyone informed enough to make professional decisions without difficulties. Innovation, operational excellence and customer confidence have been attained through the use of the directions provided in the flexible instruction tool which is a major attribute of this company’s information system. All the stakeholders operate closely with the company since its comprehensive data base is open to scrutiny. The latter has also been used as platform for ensuring that the security of both clients and company staff is safeguarded at all times. The inevitable challenge In the analysis of this corporation’s information technology system, it is important to point out cases of illegal and unauthorized activities which are evident similar to any other organization, it is impe rative to mention that challenges are indeed inevitable. For instance, the use of technology gadgets to perpetrate malicious activities has been a significant blow. The practice has had adverse effects to the site. Online computer programs which compromise the usability of online services have been a major challenge. Due to the wide use of technology viruses have been able to find their way into the systems of linked In. Cases of malfunctioning which have led to financial losses have been severally reported within the operations of the company (Rosenkranz and Rolend 15). The most significant threats in this case are site viruses like Dloadr-CMJ and Randex which corrupt the links to most visited programs. They rename the paths of access and block all terminal lee ways (Gregor and Hevner 5). Indeed, one of the most important steps to take is to educate clients on the high risk of online criminology. Owing to the high dependency on information technology to do business, Linked In has e mbarked on concerted efforts of securing its basic online consumers. There are strong appliances to abhor hackers who seek to benefit from the organization through manipulating its operation outcomes. It has put in place expertise employees who trace all criminal activities from within and outside Linked In. In order t ensure optimal security, Linked In has personalized its systems digitally. Its information has very strict digital seals. Proprietary data, electronic fund transfers and professional communications entail high levels of technological secrecy. Their security system has been engineered with high sensitivity and response programs. They operate according to procedures which have inherent digital excellence (Linked In par 2). It has been ensured that the company does not lay its technical methods of product processing in the sole hands of technological engineers. Its copy right operation is well known to the whole executive team and is protected by the international secrec y of IT productions. Conclusion The credible use of information systems by Linked In has been handy to the company. The choice of building an exemplary digital foundation is indeed resourceful especially in the current post modern professional industry. The organization has been able to become a force to reckon with in giving the corporate fraternity the desired status of professionalism. It is worth noting that organizations as well as individuals have been able to tap the standard services of Linked In. This has in turn been reciprocated into the creation of a culture of corporate coexistence. Businesses are able to share their most useful techniques through the easy communication and publication via the Linked In professional network. The inventions of the company have created an interdependence of professionals across many nations. It is possible to access the most reliable ways of operation by the use of the ultimate linkage which has been necessitated by Linked In. This succes s is accredited to the appropriate management of information systems in the key areas discussed. Moreover, the management of information systems at Linked In has taken a diversified approach in the sense that new and better method of running the organization has always been devised as part and parcel of meeting the needs of the dynamic market. In spite of the prevailing challenges, the company has managed to maintain its brilliant performance as a networking tool across the globe. Works Cited Akcura, Togla. â€Å"Affiliated marketing.† Information Systems and e-Business Management, 8. 4 (2010): 379- 394. Print. Breitbarth, Wayne. â€Å"Linked In or Lose Out.†Quality Progress 44. 7 (2011): 18-22. Print. Gregor, Shirley and Alan, Hevner. â€Å"Introduction to the special issue on design science.† Information Systems and e-Business Management, 9.1 (2011): 1-9. Print. Latham, John. â€Å"Latham’s Response to Commentaries.†The Quality Management Journal , 19.2 (2012): 27-29. Print. Lim, Weng and Ding, Ting. â€Å"E-shopping: an Analysis of the Technology Acceptance Model.† Modern Applied Science, 6. 4 (2012): 49-62. Print. Linked In. Company background. 2003. Web. https://about.linkedin.com/ Palvia, Shailendra and Rudy, Pancaro. â€Å"Promises and Perils of Internet based Networking.† Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 13.3 (2010): 1-9. Print. Rosenkranz, Christoph and Holten, Holten. â€Å"The variety engineering method: analyzing and designing information flows in organizations,† Information Systems and eBusiness Management, 9.1 (2011): 11-30. Print. This research paper on Management Information Systems (MIS) – Linked In was written and submitted by user Jedidiah Knapp to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.