HC1041 IT for Business: Information Systems Discussion Activity

This discussion activity delves into the core components of an information system, highlighting the inadequacy of defining it solely by hardware and software. It addresses the concept of a 'problem' in a business context and illustrates how computer-based information systems can offer solutions, particularly with Accounting Information Systems (AIS). The discussion also explores the strategic use of off-the-shelf computer programs and the often short-lived advantage conferred by Strategic Information Systems (SIS). It further analyzes Adobe's strategic approach of offering free software like Acrobat Reader and Flash Player, explaining how this generosity translates into revenue through increased user base and in-app sales. The document concludes with relevant references supporting the arguments presented, all of which can be found with other study tools on Desklib.

1Running head: INFORMATION SYSTEM
Information system
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note:

Discussion activity 1
1. ‘An information system consists of hardware and software.’ Why is this statement
inadequate?
The information system consists not only hardware and software as well as other important
aspects such as the data which are needed to be processed, telecommunication network,
procedure of the information system and technicians who will be working with the information
system.
2. What is a problem? Give an example of a business problem and discuss how a
computer-based information system could solve it.
Problem in business organization is defined as a situation which is useful Problem in business
organization is defined as a situation for which complexity increases in business situations, it
needs to be taken special care with the help of effective information systems.
Conventional accountability problems of business organization which were traditionally
maintained by professional accountants can be solved with the help of Accounting Information
System (AIS).
3. Can an off-the-shelf computer program be used as a Strategic Information System?
There are different types of off-the-shelf computer programs which can be used as the
strategic information system due to their low costs. Maintaining competitive advantage needs
efficient strategic planning which requires lot of funds, however, using the off-the-shelf
computer programs can be beneficial as it can perform similar tasks which are performed by the

strategic information system 1. It can also provide guidance to the concerned people on how to
deal with strategic issues.
4. A Strategic Information System often offers a corporation short-lived advantage.
How so?
Every business corporations needs to have a competitive advantage over the rival business
organizations and strategic information system are required by them to manage all the business
processes of the organization. Categorization of the business processes are much easier with the
help of the SIS 2. Every project may be different from each other in business corporations and
each of the project requires a type of strategy which are aligned by the help of the SIS so it can
be said that strategies are very much short lived which are developed in the SIS.
5. Adobe encourages PC users to download its Acrobat Reader and Flash Player free of
charge. How does this eventually help Adobe strategically? If they give the application
away, how does their generosity help them make money?
This strategy helps Adobe as the increased number of downloads helps the business
organization to rank their products higher among the other free products. In-app sales are very
much significant for business organizations like Adobe as well as for the leading application
platform such as google play store.
1 "Computer Based IS (CBIS)", in Information Sytem, , 2019,
<https://informationsystemis.wordpress.com/computer-based-is-cbis/> [accessed 14 January 2019].
2 "How to make money from Google Play Store? | MobiRoller", in Mobil Uygulama Yap, Yaptır ve Para Kazan |
MobiRoller, , 2019, <https://www.mobiroller.com/en/blog/how-to-make-money-from-google-play-store/> [accessed
14 January 2019].

The giving away of the applications for free with the help of application platforms is one
of the successful strategies of Adobe over the years. Business purposes are met for the
organization as the customers of the application have their restriction for the premium features,
full access to the functionality is not given to the clients so their generosity it helpful for the
organization.

Reference
"Computer Based IS (CBIS)". in , , 2019,
<https://informationsystemis.wordpress.com/computer-based-is-cbis/> [accessed 14 January
2019].
"How to make money from Google Play Store? | MobiRoller". in , , 2019,
<https://www.mobiroller.com/en/blog/how-to-make-money-from-google-play-store/> [accessed
14 January 2019].