Management of Information Systems

This essay explores the management of information systems, focusing on the role of technology in decision-making and digital transformation in Parkinson's UK. It discusses the use of cloud-based data warehousing and data science to improve operations and highlights the benefits and challenges of implementing these technologies.

Management of Information
Systems

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Main Body...................................................................................................................................1
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................7

Introduction
Management information system is computer system which comprises of hardware as
well as software which acts as backbone for operations of firm (Al-Qaysi, Mohamad-Nordin and
Al-Emran, 2020). It is liable for gathering information from various online systems for analysing
the information as well as is liable for reporting data for assisting within management of decision
making. This essay is based on Parkinson's UK which is liable for improvisation of quality of life
for individuals and identification of cure for their condition. Julie Dodd is liable for overseeing
IT as well as marketing functions (CIO interview: Julie Dodd, director of digital transformation
and communication, Parkinson’s UK, 2020). This report involves interview of Chief Information
Officer and themes are formulated accordingly with respect to digital transformation which
occurs within the Parkinson's. Along with this, it comprises of identification of problems that are
being faced along with future strategies.
Main Body
Julie Dodd is director of digital transformation as well as interaction at Parkinson's who
sees IT along with marketing functions which makes is easy to formulate strong working
relationship among technology as well as marketing (Aqqad and et. al, 2019). As per Dodd,
technology aids them within effective delivery of services which enables their research teams to
identify quick cure of the disease as well as identify campaigning teams along with fundraisers.
As such within the charity organisations like Parkinson's UK do not make use of digitalisation
but appropriate changes are required along with modernisation. For this, research was being
carried out and it was observed that relevant changes were required to be made. According to
Julie Dodd, it is important for non-profit firms to opt for digital transformation for transforming
lives of individuals who are being affected by Parkinson's. With respect to this, themes have
been formulated, they are as: Theme 1: Execution of cloud-based data warehousing technology
and Theme 2: Improvisation within decision-making processes through usage of data science.
Theme 1 illustrates making use of cloud-based data warehousing technology. Before
understanding what it is, this is important to understand why it being needed and problems
behind this (Gottschalk, 2020). Data exist within distinct departments in of Parkinson's UK and
having access to data while carrying out operations on that becomes difficult. This hinder within
formulation of budget, research and many other aspects of organisations. A data warehouse
1

refers to repository which comprises of entire data which organisations consolidates from distinct
sources and this can be accessed as well as analysed for carrying out the operations of business.
Cloud-based data warehouse comprises of database or pointers which points towards gathering
of data which assist within integrated query engine that will allow users to carry out search as
well as analyse data. It renders flexibility within storage as well as support different data types.
Cloud-based data warehouse takes edge from core benefits that are related with on-demand
commuting which involves enhanced computational capacity, limitless storage and rendering
user access (Cloud-based Data Warehouse, 2019).
For supporting move from separate database, Snowflake platform is being utilised by
Parkinson's UK for creation of single version of truth. The analytical warehouse that is furnished
as SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) is referred to as snowflake platform. It is easier, faster as well as
more flexible as compared to traditional data warehouse. Here, new SQL database engine is
utilised which is formulated with respect to unique architecture which is designed for cloud
(Kamariotou and Kitsios, 2019). In this central data repository is being utilised which will
furnish Parkinson's UK with data that can be accessed from all computing nodes.
2

(Source: Key Concepts & Architecture, 2019)
3
Illustration 1: Snowflake Platform

Snowflake architecture comprises of database storage (optimised data is stored), query
processing (queries are processed by making use of virtual warehouses) and cloud services (tie
all the components for processing user requests which ranges from login to dispatch of the
solution). Within Snowflake, database storage will reorganise data within internal optimised,
compressed as well as columnar format and cannot be viewed directly (Key Concepts &
Architecture, 2019). For this SQL query operations are being utilised, this will aid Parkinson's
UK to have a structured data. Within query processing, each virtual warehouse is independent of
compute cluster nodes and they do not share any kind of compute resources with other virtual
warehouse. This denotes that performance of each virtual warehouse is independent and will not
be impacted by the either. Cloud services executes on compute instances which are being
provisioned from cloud provider. This involves authentication, infrastructure, metadata, access
control as well as query and optimisation. It will enable them to have sponsored joined-up and
data-led working around the charity. It will furnish Parkinson's with appropriate as well as on
time response through which research can be carried out in a required manner and formulate
decisions with respect to that.
Benefits rendered through cloud-based data warehousing emphasis will be laid on how
research insights will be shared within real time. The other benefit is that there will be
transparency which will act as a single source of truth for development of clarity with respect to
how charity's funds are being deployed (Liebowitz, 2019). This has enabled them within building
up supporter journey through which they have tighter grip on their data and this is being utilised
for building up relationship among individuals. The major drawback will be security of data as
this will be present within the central locations but appropriate permissions must be provided
through which security aspects can be handled. Access must be provided only to top officials and
employees will be rendered with only that information which is needed by them for delivering
their services.
Theme 2 is liable for making improvements in decision-making processes with respect to
activities and operations carried out within Parkinson's. For this, they make use of data science.
Parkinson's is making their significant investments within technology with proportionate interest
in training. Data science refers to multi-disciplinary field which makes use of scientific
processes, methods, systems and algorithms for for extraction of insight and knowledge from
structured as well as unstructured data (What is Data Science?, 2020). This is associated with big
4

data and data mining. Data science is liable for unification of statistics, machine learning and
data analysis for understanding as well as analysing actual phenomena related with data. It
comprises of blend of distinct tools, machine learning and algorithms with goal for identification
of hidden patterns from raw data. Data science will assist Parkinson's UK to utilise their efforts,
energy, time and money within appropriate channels by which they can have appropriate funds
which enables them to attain their missions (Mayer and et. al, 2019).
With respect to Parkinson's UK they need to germinate statistical models which will aid
them within optimisation of fundraising. They can make use of segmentation as well as
predictive model for identification as well as targeting appropriate groups which will lead them
within development of refined marketing strategies. Data science aids firms within discovering
relationships and identify the probable donors. Along with this, through its execution
performance of activities can be measured and assist them within tailoring processes for having
better outcomes. Visualisation and data analysis will aid Parkinson's in real-time tracking when
crisis occurs and relief efforts with respect to optimisation. The data science tools can be used for
discovering patterns through which effectual decisions can be formulated (Pearlson, Saunders
and Galletta, 2019).
(Source: What is Data Science?, 2020)
5
Illustration 2: Data Science

The major benefit that is being laid down by data science and can be utilised by
Parkinson's UK is that it will empower management as well as their officers through which better
decisions can be developed and accordingly actions can be carried out that will aid within
defining goals (Tanabe, FANUC Corp, 2019). Along with this, opportunities must be defined
that will enable in quantifiable data driven evidences which will lead them within effective
decision-making. Along with this, target audiences can be identified and targeted in context of
those who are suffering as well as require appropriate cure. This will enable them to manage and
manipulate data in an efficacious manner on the basis of insight as per Dodd. For this they are
rendering training to staff members within Parkinson's UK along with this, they makes use of
case management software which possess ability for tracking as well as tracing trends in context
of performance.
At present scenario around 400 employees have knowledge with respect to ways in which
information can be utilised by which better decisions can be made. The drawback which they
might feel with respect to data science is that if there is lack within any section or value then its
working will be limited and in case if data is being utilised from surveys then it is must be
always remembered that individuals do not furnish accurate information. This might limit the
process associated with decision-making (Al-Qaysi, Mohamad-Nordin and Al-Emran, 2020).
Furthermore, tools which are being utilised within data science and analytics costs a lot as for
this training has to be rendered to employees with respect to ways in which it can be utilised.
There has been a strong desire among individuals which has created alterations within their
behaviour as well as internal environment. There is a strong desire within the organisations
which leads to learning and working in an agile manner. The major issue that is being faced by
Julie Dodd while delivering their services within Parkinson's UK is budget which is required for
meeting their objectives. It becomes difficult to carry out out clinical research as well as offline
services within such kind of environment and this leads to creation of lots of pressure.
Strategies which are being used by Julie Dodd involves developments which takes plays
around user-facing services involves machine learning. This involves development of products
for acknowledgement of experiences of individuals within Parkinson's UK. Here, algorithm-
based tool is used for analysing data for people with respect to identical experiences and
recommendations as well as support can be rendered accordingly either by direct interaction or
via email (Aqqad and et. al, 2019). There strategy is to digitise their services through which
6

individuals can have benefits by having remote appointments in frequent manner. It implies that
Parkinson's UK can opt for video conferencing with their patients instead of driving to their
place. This also denote that through this they can reach out ample number of individuals and can
render their services to them accordingly. It will lead them to have potential effective gains and
there are different ways through which it is being supported. Tools like Skype, Google Hangouts,
Zoom, Sqwiggle and many others are there which can be used by Parkinson's for ensuring that
there services reach maximum of individuals along with having benefits from this (Gottschalk,
2020).
Apart from this, they have done partnership with Benevolent AI who are specialist within
development as well as applications of artificial intelligence. The simulation of human
intelligence processes via computer system for carrying out enhanced operations is being
referred to as artificial intelligence. This will furnish Parkinson's with learning process
(emphasise on acquisition of data and creation of rules with respect to ways in which data can be
transformed into actionable information), reasoning processes (it will aid them to choose
appropriate algorithm through which desired outcomes can be attained) and self-correction
processes (to attain precise results through usage of relevant algorithm). Parkinson's UK has
opted to make use of machine learning platform provided by BenevolentAI for searching for
drugs which can be offered as a cure for specified conditions.
In context of future, people thinking forward for the ways in which technology can be
applied in the manner they deliver their services and can be a continuous process but a
continuous support is required for shifting towards usage of technology (Kamariotou and Kitsios,
2019). As per Julie Dodd they are formulating a 14 point plan in which they will analyse and
identify approach that can be used for bringing in digital transformation as well as bringing in
shift around the firm. The plan comprises of emphasis on digital products which are being
created by Parkinson's and are exciting.
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that, it is important to bring in digital transformation
within the business with evolution of technology. But for this, it is mandatory to identify which
technology will yield more affirmative results in future context also. The CIO of organisations is
liable to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken like while opting for usage of technology
7

within working premises, training must be furnished. As organisation deals within charity
services, they need to opt for new and innovative methods through which funds can be raised.
8

References
Books & Journals
Al-Qaysi, N., Mohamad-Nordin, N. and Al-Emran, M., 2020. A systematic review of social
media acceptance from the perspective of educational and information systems theories
and models. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 57(8), pp.2085-2109.
Aqqad, N. and et. al, 2019. The relationship among emotional intelligence, conflict management
styles, and job performance in Jordanian banks. International Journal of Human
Resources Development and Management, 19(3), pp.225-265.
Gottschalk, P., 2020. E-government interoperability and information resource integration:
Frameworks for aligned development. Information Systems, p.193.
Kamariotou, M. and Kitsios, F., 2019. Strategic information systems planning. In Advanced
Methodologies and Technologies in Business Operations and Management (pp. 535-
546). IGI Global.
Liebowitz, J., 2019. Building organizational intelligence: A knowledge management primer.
CRC press.
Mayer, N. and et. al, 2019. An integrated conceptual model for information system security risk
management supported by enterprise architecture management. Software & Systems
Modeling, 18(3), pp.2285-2312.
Pearlson, K.E., Saunders, C.S. and Galletta, D.F., 2019. Managing and using information
systems: A strategic approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Tanabe, M., FANUC Corp, 2019. Operation management system for directly displaying work
instruction based on operation management information on machine tool. U.S. Patent
10,203,686.
Online
CIO interview: Julie Dodd, director of digital transformation and communication, Parkinson’s
UK. 2020. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252450948/CIO-interview-Julie-Dodd-
director-of-digital-transformation-and-communication-Parkinsons-UK>.
Cloud-based Data Warehouse. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.snaplogic.com/glossary/cloud-based-data-warehouse>.
Key Concepts & Architecture. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://docs.snowflake.net/manuals/user-guide/intro-key-concepts.html>.
What is Data Science?. 2020. [Online]. Available through:
<https://datascience.berkeley.edu/about/what-is-data-science/>.
9