IT for Business (HC1041): Discussion on Strategic Information Systems

This discussion assignment, covering lectures 1 and 2 of an IT for Business course, examines the core components and strategic applications of information systems. The assignment begins by critiquing the limited definition of an information system as solely hardware and software, emphasizing the importance of data, people, and processes. It then defines a business problem, using lack of data integrity as an example, and illustrates how computer-based information systems can provide solutions. The discussion further addresses the strategic use of off-the-shelf computer programs and their role in responding to corporate business initiatives. It explores how strategic information systems offer corporations short-lived advantages through innovation. Finally, the assignment analyzes Adobe's strategy of offering Acrobat Reader and Flash Player for free, explaining how this approach benefits the company strategically by encouraging user adoption and creating a platform for monetization through related products. The discussion emphasizes the significance of information systems in organizing, analyzing data, and supporting business operations.

Running head: IT FOR BUSINESS
IT for Business
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note:

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
1. Information System Comprises of Hardware and Software: Inadequate Statement..........2
2. Definition of Business Problem with Example and Solution.............................................2
3. Using Off-the-Shelf Computer Program as Strategic Information System.......................2
4. Procedure of SIS offering Corporation Short-Lived Advantages......................................3
5. Adobe Encourages PC Users for Downloading Acrobat Reader and Flash Player...........3
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................4

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Introduction
The information system is the formal, organizational and socio technical system that
is being designed for the proper collection, processing storing and distribution of information
(Laudon and Laudon 2016). The decision making process is easily completed with this
system and the operations and management are supported. The following discussion activity
outlines a brief discussion on the information system with relevant details.
Discussion
1. Information System Comprises of Hardware and Software: Inadequate Statement
The information system does not only comprise of hardware and software. It also
consists of data, telecommunication, people and procedures and all of them work together for
the processing of data and hence producing relevant information (Bajdor and Grabara 2014).
Hence, it can be stated that the statement is inadequate.
2. Definition of Business Problem with Example and Solution
Problem can be stated as an undesirable situation that could cause harm or damage to
the organization or their properties.
One of the most basic and major example of the business problem is lack of data
integrity and higher data manipulation.
The computer based information system eventually provides high security to the data
of the business and hence the business threats of lack of data integrity and data manipulation
are eradicated easily.
3. Using Off-the-Shelf Computer Program as Strategic Information System
Off-the-shelf computer program are ready to be utilized by the company without any
type of customization (Gallagher and Sixsmith 2014). When there are software packages, off-

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the-shelf programs could be designed in such a manner that the configuration and set up is
completed properly without any issue. This type of program could be used as the strategic
information system since it helps in responding to the corporate business initiatives.
4. Procedure of SIS offering Corporation Short-Lived Advantages
Strategic information system is responsible for providing all types of competitive
advantages to the respective organization and also maximizing the organizational strengths.
This strategic information system subsequently offers corporation short lived advantages for
the organization (Galliers and Leidner 2014). It completes the activity by combining the
major initiatives and hence providing innovation.
5. Adobe Encourages PC Users for Downloading Acrobat Reader and Flash Player
Adobe encourages the users of personal computer for downloading the Flash Player
and Acrobat Reader completely free of charge. These two software are extremely important
and significant for the betterment of users strategically. A specified standard is to be created
by giving away the products of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Flash Player and Acrobat
Reader of Adobe. Both of these products of Flash Player and Acrobat Reader help Adobe
strategically since the users could easily open the PDFs without any error. Moreover, if they
give the application away, their generosity would help them in making money as the users
could not download the PDFs without their software and hence these users would have to buy
them.
Conclusion
Therefore, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that information system is
the software, which helps in the proper organization as well as analysis of confidential data. I
is the proper collection of several equipment pieces for information dissemination. There are
some of the major components of information system that are important to complete the

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business operations. The above discussion activity has provided specific understanding about
IS.

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References
Bajdor, P. and Grabara, I., 2014. The Role of Information System Flows in Fulfilling
Customers’ Individual Orders. Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, 7(2).
Gallagher, S. and Sixsmith, A., 2014. Engaging IT undergraduates in non-IT content:
Adopting an eLearning information system in the classroom. Interactive Technology and
Smart Education, 11(2), pp.99-111.
Galliers, R.D. and Leidner, D.E., 2014. Strategic information management: challenges and
strategies in managing information systems. Routledge.
Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., 2016. Management information system. Pearson Education
India.