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Introduction

Policy and Strategy The Challenge of Information Management A few decades ago, businesses would tend to have one mainframe computer to process data for payroll, stock etc. Nowadays, businesses have company-wide intranets that are available to everyone, not just IT professionals. Even customers can use the system through cashpoints, touch screens or the Internet. Information is different from other resources. It is not depleted when used. It is not normally possible to claim exclusive "ownership" of information (it is usually a shared resource). Management may want to formulate an "information management policy" that will help them manage computing resources to maximise the benefits of information. Consistency with Business Priorities A company's information system strategy should be linked to its business plan. ...read more.

Middle

* Management Information Systems (used by senior management) End users require software that is easy to use but also has enough features to help them get their job done effectively. Centralisation v Decentralisation The information systems department within an organisation has responsibility for the maintenance of the IT systems and for the development of new systems. In some organisations all the tasks connected with managing IT resources (e.g. hardware and software purchases) are the responsibility of the Information Systems Department. In other organisations, however, a decentralised (or "distributed") system is run, whereby each department (e.g. Sales, Human Resources, Marketing etc.) are given freedom to make their own decisions. They can develop their own applications. This system can unlock the creativity of employees. ...read more.

Conclusion

as systems for accounting or invoicing, that have been upgraded time and time again. This can make a computer system very fragile. Starting again from scratch would be a good idea but because the system "works" management may be reluctant to provide funds. It is not always necessary for everyone in an organisation to have their hardware or software upgraded. Different people do different jobs and, therefore, have different needs. Someone who is doing very technical work (e.g. heavy graphics or multimedia work) may need a powerful computer to do his job properly. However, someone who only used the computer for word processing could comfortably make do with a very low spec. machine. It is impossible to "future proof" the IT system but, generally speaking, organisations should purchase computers more powerful than they currently need. Going for a cheaper option usually means that the hardware will become obsolete more quickly. ...read more.

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