WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1

A. Short Answer Questions

1. Discuss a specific computerized information system.

A Local Area Network is a specific computerized information system. It usually consists of clients which would be desktops or laptops connecting to servers for authentication and file management. The physical network would consist of routers and switches. Voice Communications can be part of the information system as a whole as well.

2. What are some of the systems development methodologies used by specific corporations?

The methodologies that could be used by specific corporations could be either a Centralized data processing system or a distributed data processing system. In a centralized system the processing of computing is centralized and data retrieval is already done for them. A distributed system has multiple computers housed in remote branches. Another methodology used could be the client/server concept.

3. What steps would you take to align the IS functions of an organization with its organization's goals?

I would first have a company meeting with all department heads. Collectively together I would gather what is the most important function they would need to be incorporated into the information system. Then I would have separate meetings with each dept. head to get a more specific handle of how much they have to spend on IS equipment for their dept.

4. Should technology drive an organization's strategic planning or should strategic planning drive an organization's technology adoption plans?

Strategic Planning should drive an organization’s technology plans because for the organization to be successful choices need to be unique and different in activities for the business to thrive. This way then the Technology can be adopted to intertwine into the companies vision of where they would like to go an what needs to be achieved in the future for growth.

B. Project
Project B
Pick a company that operates globally and use the Internet and any other available source to gather information on the company. Based on your research, write a 1–2 page paper describing some of the possible benefits that the company might have gained by operating globally. Also, describe challenges that the company has faced or is currently facing as a result of operating in a global society. Be sure to cite all sources. I choose United Parcel Service because it is world renowned Fortune 500 Company that started out locally as a messenger service and turned into a 400,000 employee global giant company that is still running strong today. UPS gained a worldwide prestige from operating globally. There global benefits enable them to optimally stage their entire inventory which speeds their transit and lowers transportation costs. Their products are received at the right place and on time. They can serve customers of any size to exact specifications anywhere in the world. UPS air freight is one facet of their global operation. UPS is twenty percent more productive and produces greater job growth rather than being a non exporter. Also they are nine percent more likely to stay financially solvent being global. In 2008 UPS opened a new international hub in Shanghai, China. The Shanghai location provided there operations of heavy freight and express shipments to be further expedited on a global basis. UPS Shipment Tracking Technology Globally improves their capacity management overall. UPS IS systems enable tracking globally. This is where they have an experienced IT team consisting of Web Developers, System Programmers, Network Engineers, Admins, and Help Desk Support to manage and maintain there vast outreach globally on the World Wide Web. UPS demands to maintain the global technological advantage for shipment tracking. The challenges UPS face is their customer service level must be the same all over. Their operation in Turkey has horrible roads, but they try to compensate the customer directly at their airports. By having an expanded role globally challenges UPS to have managers that are proficient in recruiting, hiring and developing talent. UPS Communications must maintain in several different languages to operate globally. UPS usually encounters transportation capacity constraints and security since airports rely heavily on security in today’s society. UPS has to also follow by different government policies and regulations when transporting freight globally. Some regulations could include carrier pricing, service restrictions for equipment operators, local noise policies that would affect aircraft landings and departures at night.

Sources - http://www.ups-scs.com/logistics/distribution.html http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jun2007/sb20070627_827624.htm?chan=search http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/337194-Global_logistics_air_cargo_UPS_opens_up_new_international_hub_in_Shanghai.php