Reflection on Learning and Progress

REFLECTION ON LEARNING AND PROGRESS
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Personal reflection is a critical process that allows an understanding of the areas of
learning. It is a metacognition based process that enables improving areas learned. The current
scope of reflection deals with learning from varied types of information system. There are
various types of information system which can be used for business management. The various
management information system (MIS) that practically can be applied in the manufacturing,
education and medical sector are multifarious (Hogan and Li, 2011, p 1). MIS in the medical
sector is the Hospital Information System, Medical Informatics, Health Management Information
System (HMIS) and so on. MIS in the education sector is Education Management Information
System (EMIS), and MIS used in the manufacturing sector are Transaction Processing System
(TPS), Executive Support System, Enterprise Resource Planning System, Material Resource
Planning (MRP) and so on.
There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with the application of an
enterprise resource planning system. The SAP R/3 is an ERP system for software application for
all businesses and is considered to be one of the best. The attractiveness of this ERP system is
that it supports a large number of users and operates with high speed. It has the ability to
integrate other modules along with the frequency and key used modules (Nazemi, Tarokh and
Djavanshir, 2012, p 1002). It enables improved performance of analytical and reporting tools
along with managing different divisions working at varied locations. For large organizations, it
can serve various purposes as this ERP can serve an independent application for the division. It
could also provide a consolidated view of the entire organization at the highest level in real time.
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems provide a diverse system set enabling replication of
human decision making for some problem types. There are several techniques of AI applications
that support Knowledge Management Systems in making valuable decisions of the company.
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Using of Deep learning in the artificial neural network allows learning across multiple layers,
leading to taking effective decisions through the presentation of task-based algorithms (Turban,
Sharda and Delen, 2010, p 2). Customer Relationship Management (CRM) enables various
automated functions by predicting a customer's lifetime value. Making use of AI in KMS such as
CRM allows companies to design products, making packaging, undertake distribution systems,
thus design customer experience according to their preference. Expert Systems such as
MARKEX for marketing provides valuable data for thinking processes. Such data is further used
in devising marketing techniques for the company. The KMS collects various data from online
sources, then assimilates such data, with AI enabling decision making.
Monitoring or spying on employee's online activities and behaviors might be stated in
company regulations and employee handbook. Hence it might be allowed but not legal when a
company clearly states in its policy, that it can monitor employee behavior and perception
(Bertland, 2009, p 27). There are several ethical implications when executive spies or monitors
an employee's online activities or behaviors. Monitoring of company's electronic and digital
devices such as phones and computers is legal, however monitoring the same without employee's
knowledge might end up creating an ethical dilemma for the business. It entails violating
employee privacy, as various federal and state laws do not permit legal rights on employee
privacy. Employees believe privacy is their right, hence employee might feel violated when
activities are conducted without their knowledge. The confrontation between the executive and
employee with information without his knowledge can destroy trust between the employee and
business altogether, dampening reputation.
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