3. Information technology and business
are becoming inextricably
interwoven.
I don’t think anybody can talk
meaningfully about one without the
talking about the other”
--- Bill Gates
1 - 3
5. 5
IS
The study of information systems is a
multidisciplinary field. No single theory or
perspective dominates.
IS can be divided into technical and
behavioral approaches
Apart from technology, IS require
substantial social, organizational and
intellectual investment
Information systems are socio-technical
systems
6. 2 - 6
IT’s Ability To Change
Strategy
IT can
◦ Enable new strategies
◦ Provide new ways to reach
customers
◦ Expand the markets in which the firm
participates
7. 7
Why IS
Managers and business firms invest in
Information Systems because they
provide real economic value to the
business.
It is assumed that the return on IS
investment will be superior to other
investments in building, machines, or
other assets.
These superior returns will be expressed
as increased productivity, revenue,
market-share etc
8. 1 - 8
Contributions of IT
New ways to design organizations and
new organization structures
New relationships between customers
and suppliers
Opportunities for electronic commerce
Efficiencies through EDI
Changed basis of competition and
industry structure
Groupware
9. 1 - 9
Contributions of IT
(Continued)
Knowledge capture and accessibility
Increased productivity and flexibility of
knowledge workers
Electronic alternatives for
communications and supervision
Improved opportunities of competition
among nations
10. 1 - 10
Transforming Organizations With
IT
A Technology-Form organization uses IT to
become highly efficient and effective through
◦ Electronic communications and linkages among
employees
◦ Trust based supervision
◦ Delegation of tasks, data, and decision making
◦ Networked computers
◦ Highly automated production and electronic
information handling
◦ Virtual teams
◦ Electronic linkages with customers and suppliers
14. 1 - 14
Key Themes in the Management
of Information Systems
Theme Issues
Organizational
Transformation
Technology is bringing about dramatic
changes in organizations, markets,
industries and economies
IT and corporate
strategy
Strategy and technology are now
inseparable
Value How to demonstrate value from investing
in information technology
Management of
technology
Incredibly powerful technology is
available; the limits on its use are
managerial, not technical
15. 1 - 15
IT Value Proposition
Transformation technology provides
value to organizations in the following
forms
◦ A firm that is more competitive
◦ Greater efficiencies in operations
◦ A more effective organization
◦ An improved work environment for
employees