Information Systems & IT Solution: Theories, Methods, Techniques, and Risks

This report discusses the theories, methods, and techniques related to the design and development of IT solutions such as McAfee, Moodle, Canvas, and MS Office. It also explains the systems like DSS, ESS, TPS, MIS, and KSM with relevant examples. The report further explores the meaning of globalisation and the impact of IT industry on globalisation. It defines digital infrastructure, provides examples, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages. Lastly, it highlights the risks associated with information systems outsourcing and the critical role of IT infrastructure in digital transformation.

BSc (Hons) Business Management
Cohort 2
BMP4005
Information Systems and Big Data
Analysis
Information Systems & IT Solution
2019/2020
February 2020/Semester 1
Submitted by:
Name:
ID:
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Contents
Introduction p
Task 1: Theories, methods and techniques which relate to
the design and development for TWO of the IT solutions
listed here: (i) McAfee; (ii) Moodle; (iii) Canvas; (iv) MS
Office p
Task 2: Explanation of the systems below with relevant
examples p
Task 3: Globalisation and the effects of IT on globalisation
p
Task 4: Definition, example, advantages and disadvantages
of digital infrastructure p
Task 5: Risks associated with information systems
outsourcing and why is IT infrastructure so critical to
digital transformation! P
Conclusion p
References p
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Introduction
Information system provide tools for collection, organization and presentation of data
for the purpose of providing knowledge regarding a business. The use of information
systems in an organization has benefited the companies in numerous ways.
Information systems are being used to convert data into meaningful information that
facilitates ease in decision making progress. The following report contains
information regarding the theories and development of various software and how
they help in the functions performed by an organization. This report deals with
application and usage of various important management systems in an organization.
In addition to this, the report states the meaning of globalisation and the impact of IT
industry on globalisation (Sengan,and et.al., 2022). IT industry made a huge
contribution in the rapid expansion of the process of globalisation by enabling
interaction across all over the world. It discuss the importance, advantages and
disadvantages of digital infrastructure along with its relevance in digital
transformation.
Task 1: Theories, methods and techniques which relate to
the design and development for TWO of the IT solutions
listed here: (i) McAfee; (ii) Moodle; (iii) Canvas; (iv) MS
Office
McAfee: McAfee is a computerized system software designed by John McAfee in
1987. It is a popular antivirus program used for detecting viruses, malware and
provide protection against such mishaps. It gives you access to look out for various
opportunities and enhance learning without worrying about the threat imposed by
viruses attack. Agile or continuous integration / continuous delivery (CI/CD)
methodology is used in developing designs of all software of McAfee. Agile
development techniques allows the creation of software using iterative processes
which includes three steps namely planning, collaboration and delivery and the
whole process is completed by feedback (Gunderson, L.H., Allen, C.R. and Garmestani,
A. eds., 2022). Iteration technique helps in enhancement of efficiency by identifying
defects and improve them. McAfee make effective use of computerized web crawler
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and detect malware as well as classify them by types and level of threat that they
impose. With the help of updated database, it search and identify the methods to
deal with virus attacks by deleting them from the system. This helps an organization
by enabling them to operate computerized systems without interruptions caused by
virus attacks.
MS Office: Microsoft office is a computer based software basically known as family
of software containing various programs useful for the purpose of performing
multiple tasks on a computer. It allows creation and editing of various documents,
presentations and creative posters with the use of graphics. It comprises of various
applications supporting designing various spreadsheets , documents and content in
numerous formats (Pisarov, and Mester, 2022). The programming language of
Microsoft office is C++ which allows the software in speedy work and effective
memory based functions. Microsoft office used various technologies for the purpose
of development of its numerous applications. It uses .NET framework to create web
applications and used other modern advancements to design the software. Microsoft
office is helpful in numerous ways in an organization and attempts at facilitating
effective decision making process.
Task 2: Explanation of the systems below with relevant
examples
DSS (Decision Support System)
It is a computer program application which provide its users with important
information by combining variety of data sources for better decision making. It helps
the management to improve its performance by properly analyzing large amount of
data. Moreover, it provide support to the company by presenting the best possible
actions available(Choi and et.al., 2018.). The type of information which the decision
support system can gather includes: comparative sales figures , consequences of
different action plans etc..The example which is relevant to this system are:
 GPS application: this application helps to compare and navigate different routes by
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undertaking certain factors like: distance, time and cost.
ESS (Executive Support System)
It is type of software system which allows the users to turn enterprise data into
quickly accessible and summarized reports mainly used by top executives. It helps
top level managers by providing possible results and fast reference to statistics data
needed for quick decision making. Moreover, ESS put emphasis on using graphical
displays and providing user friendly interface. Hence, it provide support to top level
executives by analyzing and comparing the changes in important variables so that
they can identify the potential threats and opportunities. The example which is
relevant to this system are:
 It provides the managers of TESCO company with necessary information about financial
trends in the market in order to make investment decisions.
TPS (Transaction Processing System)
It is type of information system which helps in collecting, storing and modifying the
business transactions for the enterprise(Ghani and et.al., 2019). It is a real time data
processing system which possess the following features such as: performance,
dependability and consistency. Furthermore, it is the system of breaking down the
business transactions by using a more simpler and unified method. There are
generally two types of processing systems which are: Batch processing and real
time processing systems. Batch processing is built for the complex business
transactions whereas real time processing is efficient in less complex and singular
transactions. The following example of this system is: This system is used in
reservation systems in any industry where the product or service is held for a
particular customer like reservation of train tickets(Kunanets and et.al., 2019).
MIS (Management Information System)
This system is very useful for monitoring and controlling the business operations. It
works by gathering the set of procedures and provides with systematic and relevant
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data that can be used in decision making process. The main motto of this system is
to organize all data from internal and external environment ,summarize it and deliver
in a way that can improve the growth of the company. For example: For making the
next quarterly budget plans, the manager can gather and analyze the internal and
external trend and can make an suitable action plan for budget forecasting.
KSM (Knowledge Management System)
The management system process which involves organizing and delivering
company's knowledge in order to achieve the goal in the best possible way. It
ensures that quality information is shared among members of an organization.
Moreover, it helps in the development of goods and services by establishing and
promoting the innovative culture within the organizational environment(,Lytras and
et.al., 2017). The following examples are: Establishing employee on- boarding
system can provide instant knowledge to new employees about the company's
working culture and can save training time.
Task 3: Globalisation and the effects of IT on globalisation
Globalisation: It can be defined as the process of facilitating the process of social
and cultural inter-contentedness, political interdependence and economy integration
among different countries of the globe. Moreover, globalisation provides an
opportunity for the country to gain a large no. of products, services, human capital,
investment and knowledge of the external markets (Liu and Wang, 2022). The aim of
globalisation is to make the world more inter- dependent and more closer than ever.
Effects of Information technology on globalisation:
Advancement in the technology has greatly enhanced the growth of
globalisation and makes it possible for the business enterprises to expand its global
operations and market share. Moreover, it also helped in reducing costs of
transportation and increasing communications channels among different countries
globally(Sledgianowski and et.al., 2017). . In relation to it, it helps the company to
increase its global sourcing of raw material and vital inputs.
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Thanks to IT, it has turned the world into a global village in which provides an
opportunity in front of the firm to optimally utilise external resources and
technologies. Owing of patented technology by firms has increased growth of
globalisation as they can exploit the new market without taking much competition.
Furthermore, technology has helped business firms in overcoming the threats of
globalization and international trade such as trade barrier, lack of common ethical
regulation, transportation cost and delay in information exchange, thereby
transforming the market place (Giridharan, Chittawadigi and Udupa, 2022).
Introduction of World Wide Web has the greatest influence on globalisation as
the internet allows sharing of knowledge and information quickly between the two
entities. Moreover, it allows buyers and sellers to make transactions at anytime and
in any part of the globe which further facilitates the growth of globalisation. Creation
of fibre optic cables also had a revolutionary change in the growth of globalisation as
they are associated with increased speed and bandwidth power. In relation to it,
there are cell phones and laptops which also have a profound effect on the
globalisation.
Furthermore, inventions of newer technologies such as instant messaging
apps like what's app also influenced its growth as it allows people to communicate
instantly and can also operate from anywhere in the world. Introduction of video
conferencing applications such as Skype has also put a positive impact on the
development of globalisation as it allows the user to communicate with the people
located in different country in a very efficient and cost effective manner. Thus it is
understood with above explanations that information technology has put a crucial
role in pushing the growth of globalisation to the newer heights(Wang and Hajli, N.,
2017).
Task 4: Definition, example, advantages and disadvantages
of digital infrastructure
Digital infrastructure refers to the physical resources which are essential to facilitate
the utilization of data, programming gadgets, computerized systems and other
processes. Digital infrastructure has became crucial in order to perform functions
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and bring advancements in the society (Kaur and Mehta, 2022). Digital infrastructure
aims to break those limits which are restricted due to the geographical boundaries
and attempts to enable high technology advancements to take place. Examples of
digital infrastructure includes the following inventions:
• Internet : Internet is a systematic network of combining millions of web
servers connecting the whole world. It facilitates effective communication
across various boundaries and connects people with one another
• Broadband: The term broadband can be defined as a transmission technique
containing hard-wired connections transmitting information.
• Communication satellites: These satellites creates a channel which allows
communication between a transmitter and receiver which making interaction
possible on different areas on earth.
• End User devices: These includes gadgets like mobile phone, tablet,
computer and laptop etc which facilitates transmission of data.
• Data centers: These comprises buildings taken on rent to store data on
servers and systems.
Advantages of digital infrastructure
• Keeps the world connected: Digital infrastructure assets enables the
transmission of data and it is not limited to geographical boundaries. It allows
people all across the world to interact and share necessary information.
People are able to convey messages to one another with just one click.
• Enhance productivity: Digital infrastructure allows companies and
businesses to exchange ideas and innovations which enhance the scope for
growth and development. The practice of Online business is increasing day
by day which is only made possible with the effective use of these physical
assets enabling digitization. The widespread exchange of innovative ideas
increase productivity.
• Boost economic growth: The world is changing with the constant evolution
of digital platforms and infrastructure which is encouraging development of
economy. Digital infrastructure is promoting growth of various businesses and
increasing employment opportunities which in turn boost economic growth.
• Facilitate adoption of technologies: The continuous introduction of new
and emerging technologies are only possible with the use of digital
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infrastructure because technology needs access to necessary resources
enabling transmission of data.
Disadvantages of digital infrastructure
• Issues regarding security of data: Digital infrastructure allows transmission
of data which contains massive amount of personal information and it has
become a pretty hard task to keep this data safe and secure. Personal data
can be used by various users and this may lead to exploitation of people if the
data is wrongly used to gain personal advantages (Wang and et.al., 2022).
• Increasing activities of crime: The wide web of digital world is helping
people to commit crime with ease. Terrorist make effective use of digital
assets to gain harmful information and it has became possible to disguise
themselves through digital media. The activities of Cyber crime is increasing
with increase in the networks of digitization.
• Concerns regarding privacy: Digital infrastructure promotes invasion of
individual's privacy through exchange of information. It has became almost
impossible for people to keep their data protected from hackers and users
which are capable of misusing their data.
• Social media manipulation: Digital infrastructure allows people to
manipulate people by wrongful giving of information. It has made
appearances deceptive by promoting fabrication by using various techniques
like photo-shop and editing applications.
Task 5: Risks associated with information systems
outsourcing and why is IT infrastructure so critical to
digital transformation!
Risks associated with information systems outsourcing
Outsourcing of information systems referred to the practice of performing functions
information technology through third party service providers. It has proven
beneficiary by fulfillment of various aspects but also has some risks associated with
it. Providing information to third parties can cause serious issues if the information is
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wrongly used in any context (Mishra and et.al., 2022). Some disadvantages of
outsourcing IT services are discussed below:
• Threat of vulnerability: If the third party service providers are in charge of
management of a massive amount of sensitive data and the frequency of
processing is high then the threat of maintaining confidentiality arises. There
are high chances that the information provided will be kept safe.
• Uncertainty of compliance: Another risk factor associated with outsourcing
is that business firms can never be certain whether the third party service
providers are complying with their specifications or working according to their
instructions. Specially in information system outsourcing,
• Declining technical understanding: The outsourcing of IT services may
result in loss of technical knowledge of clients. Outsourcing increase the
dependency of a firm on the third party and stop them from remaining familiar
with changes that keeps happening in technology. This further declines and
disrupts their thought process and restrain them from thinking innovative
ideas because technology is synonymous to innovation.
• Factor of hidden costs: Outsourcing of information system comes with
various costs and some costs remain unidentified but they are being incurred
in the process. These hidden costs include the cost related with the search of
potential and expert third party service providers. There are many other
hidden costs associated with it.
Why is IT infrastructure so critical to digital transformation!
IT infrastructure serves as the root of foundation and expansion of digital
transformation. With the help of effective networking, the optimum utilization of
technology facilitate enhanced interaction all over the world. Digital transformation
refers to the process of application of digital platforms and modern advancement in
the areas of business (Anwar and et.al., 2022). A business organization make effective
use of advanced technologies in various aspects of their operations and offers
attractive goods and services to meet requirements of the audience. IT infrastructure
facilitates the processes required in digital transformation. A strong and secure IT
infrastructure is required for the successful implementation of digital processes. An
organization relies on appropriate web of networks to enable the usage of digital
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platforms by them in their operational activities. It helps in systematic working of an
organization by enabling automation of services and functions which is possible
through IT infrastructure. Networking platforms and servers enables transmission of
necessary information and helps in management activities of an organization.
Conclusion
As per the view of respective report, it has been concluded that IT advancements
promote major development in business environment. The development of various
management systems provide access to information and facilitate ease in decision
making processes of an organization. It has been evaluated that outsourcing of
information system has supported businesses but also comes with few demerits. It
has been analyzed that proper IT infrastructure is significant to facilitate the process
of digital transformation in an organization.
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