Strategic Information System for Business and Enterprise: Telstra

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Telstra's strategic information systems, focusing on the telecommunications company's organizational structure, operational challenges, and system acquisition methods. It examines the role of ERP systems, custom and commercial software, and the system flowchart for sales procedures. The report also addresses control issues within Telstra, particularly in the context of accounting software and fraud prevention. Furthermore, it explores the development and adoption of accounting software packages, the current market size, and the competitive landscape. The analysis covers the benefits of accounting software, its impact on financial management, and the company's strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in the market. The report provides a detailed overview of Telstra's strategic approach to information systems and its impact on business operations and performance.

Running head: Strategic information system for business and enterprise
Strategic information system for business and enterprise

Strategic information system for business and enterprise
Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Part 1...........................................................................................................................................................3
The current organizational structure of Telstra........................................................................................3
Operational problems in Telstra..............................................................................................................4
System acquisition method.....................................................................................................................5
System flowchart for the sales procedure...............................................................................................6
Control issues..........................................................................................................................................6
Part 2...........................................................................................................................................................7
Development and adoption of the accounting software packages..........................................................7
The current market size...........................................................................................................................8
Leaders in the market..............................................................................................................................9
The current gaps and challenges in accounting software........................................................................9
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................10
References.................................................................................................................................................11
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
Introduction
Accounting software packages and ERP system are significant factors for each and every
organization in order to accomplish the goals and objectives in a hassle free manner. Telstra
Corporation has been selected in the paper. Telstra is Telecommunication Company who offers
internet services to the consumers across the world. The below literature review demonstrates
information and facts about the ERP system, custom software, commercial software and
accounting software packages of the company. Telstra is a combination of various strategies and
methods. The paper explains that how the company is reducing and detecting fraud and errors by
implementing the accounting software and ERP system. The paper also explains the organization
structure and leadership team of Telstra. More detail of the task has been discussed below.
Part 1
The current organizational structure of Telstra
Telstra Corporation Ltd. is a media and telecommunication Company in Australia. The firm
operates and builds telecommunications networks and provides voice, mobile, internet access
and other entertainment products and services to the customers across the world. It is one of the
biggest telecommunications company. Telstra was incorporated in 1st July 1975 having
headquartered located in Melbourne, Australia. Network, IT functions and technology have also
been consolidated into a single corporation group. It shall be analyzed that Telstra provide 17.6
million retail mobile services, 3.5 million retail fixed services and 5.1 million retail fixed voice
services to the consumers in Australia. They create a brilliant and excellent future for everyone
in Australia. There are approx 36,165 employees employed in the organization. The
multinational organizational structure has been adopted by the company. It helps to manage and
operate the business activities and operations globally (Dalkir, 2013). The company works with
approx 150 subsidiaries in the market to attract more clients. The multinational organizational
structure helps Telstra to cope with rivalries in Australia. This organizational structure has also
helped the company to uplift its productivity and outcomes in the competitive business
environment along with gaining competitive benefits globally (Telstra, 2018). Apart with this,
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
ERP and accounting software are used by the firm to increase and enhance the wide range of
consumers worldwide. Telstra current board includes the following:
Operational problems in Telstra
It has been analyzed that various operational issues are faced and handled by Telstra when
conducting business operations and activities at international level. In Australia,
telecommunication industry can easily expand and explore its business globally because the
country provides wide range of opportunities to the industries. On the other hand, if the company
explores its business activities in other country then various types of challenges are managed by
the firm (Zheng and Jamalipour, 2009). Telstra is one the leading telecommunications company
in Australia. The company faces certain issues and challenges exist with organizational structure
initiated by Telstra. Due to Lack of accounting methods, lack of improvements and innovation
etc are some of the biggest issues and challenges faced by the company currently. These issues
are affecting the image and goodwill of the firm adversely. Along with this, taxation benefits
would also be declined with the effect of implementation of this organizational structure. It has
been noted that the organization is not focusing on the tasks and responsibilities of the
employees. Telstra has failed to appoint right and capable employees for assigning roles and
responsibilities. Thus, due to lack of knowledge and managerial control, the employees are
unable to grow business and to maximize the profitability of the firm. Due to lack of efficiency,
the subordinates are failed to perform their tasks and duties effectively. The operational issues
are increasing because customer and market trends are changing rapidly. Therefore, it is quite
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
difficult to attain long term goals and objectives in the rivalry market. Apart from this, various
errors and mistakes are done by the workers while providing telecommunication and internet
services to the clients in the marketplace. All these issues hamper the revenue and long term
profits of the organization ( Cai, 2012).
System acquisition method
There are various system acquisition methods that can be used by Telstra while rendering
telecommunication products and services to the consumers. Custom software, commercial
software and enterprise resource planning are major system acquisition method that might be
used by the company. Business applications are increasingly significant in the success and
growth of the business.
Commercial software: Cleland-Huang, Gotel and Zisman (2012) define that commercial
software is any program or software that is developed and designed for licensing or sale end
users or that serves a commercial purpose. This software can be open software or proprietary
software.
Custom software: This software is also known as bespoke software that is developed and
designed for some specific firm or other users. This software is cost effective and provides wide
range of solutions to handle the issues and problems of the company (Meehan et al, 2010).
ERP system: Telstra uses ERP system within the organization to increase the number of clients
in the marketplace. Sun, Bhattacherjee and Ma (2009) stated that ERP is business process
management software that permits the company to utilize a system of integrated software and
applications to handle the business and automate the various back offices function related to
human resources, services and technology. This system streamlines Telstar business and
optimizes application performance so that the firm can provide a more seamless experience to
the employee and customer. By using this system, the organization has been able to offer
solution related to software and applications. Telstra minimizes business interruptions and
enhance the performance for end users customers with mentoring and controlling the activities
and operations. The company’s managed network services and equipments help to deliver the
best possible experiences in the marketplace. It has been studied that ERP system provides
enormous benefits to the consumers in global market. ERP is excellent as compared with custom
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
and commercial software because it helps in forecasting and encouraging the collaboration. This
software helps to reduce the operations and administration costs. The ERP software systems are
flexible, configurable and robust. The ERP system can adapt to the ever changing needs and
requirements of growing business (Magal and Word, 2011).
System flowchart for the sales procedure
The above mentioned picture shows the sale procedure of Telstra. A system flowchart is a
physical design tool that shows the activities and operations that will be performed in an
information system. This flow chard also indicates sales and revenue of the firm. The
organization has been able to handle the sales and revenue with the help of software application.
By initiating the sales flow chart, Telstra has been able to maximize the number of consumers in
the international market.
Control issues
The accounting department is responsbile for maintaining all the ledgers and other accounts of
the company in an effective and hassle free manner. It helps to fulfill the needs and requirements
of the clients in the market. Some of the control issues that are being handled by Telstra due to
lack of managerial control have been discussed below.
 Due to lack of efficiency, the employees are not able to keep secret information of the
company related to the software and technology. They share these information and
software with competitors in the international market.
 Telstra is unable to appoint a capable and potential workforce because the cost of hiring
and retaining is high. Thus, the goal of retention and hiring is very difficult task for the
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
company. Due to lack of training and development coaching, the workers are unable to
know whether how to use software and application. Thus, it could affect the success and
progress of the firm adversely. It shall be noted that cyber security and data collection is
one of the serious issues in the Telstra which could dealt by the firm in today’s
competitive world. Due to sophistication software, the organization is unable to protect
the important data and information for the consumers. Due to technical issues, the firm is
found it difficult to satisfy the needs and requirements of the consumers (Ng, 2013).
 Furthermore, application is one of the major issues in Telstra. Due to application issues,
the firm has been able to provide appropriate and important information and facts to the
customers.
Recently, frauds are reduced to provide good quality of telecommunication and internet services
to the users in the market. By implementing ERP system, the employees of Telstra are able to
perform roles and responsibilities very well within the organization. It is the responsibility of the
employees and managers to detect and eliminate the fraud activities which could occur in the
organization. After the various researchers, it has been found that Telstra has developed and
designed such type of software which could help to avert fraud activities within the organization.
The rule based engine and latest technology is used by the firm to handle these activities in the
workplace (Pathan, 2014).
Part 2
Development and adoption of the accounting software packages
Basically, accounting software system plays an important role in each and every organization. It
is noted that accounting software falls under the accounting software system and it is used by the
firm for recording and processing accounting transactions to handle the modules and issues. This
software is based on the complexity and cost (Lee and Ghosh, 2010). In today’s modern world,
accounting software is not only offers functional modules but also maintains record of financial
data. It helps to make managerial decisions within the organization. This software increases and
enhances the productivity by eliminating the monthly costs of the products and services. It
should be studied that accounting software is initiated for maintaining ledgers, and handling
daily transactions. This software also reduces and eliminates the chances of errors, recording of
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
wrong information, mistakes and miscalculation. Romney et al (2012) studied that accounting
software pacakge increases efficiency of the workers and maintains accuracy in the workplace.
By using accounting method, Telstra has been able to maintain accounts of books, and record
transaction with less chance of mistakes and errors in the organization. With the help of
accounting software, the firm can attract investor and attain desired goals and objectives. This
software is designed after considering the accounting, rules, policies, standards, regulations and
standards of accounting (Stallings et al, 2012). By initialing this software, Telstra can maintain a
dynamic and unique picture in the minds of customers, investors and stakeholders. This will help
the firm to attain long term mission and vision. The accounting software helps to make easy
accounts receivables, accounts payable and general entry. This software is also initiated by
Telstra to stay in the competitive market (Bradford, Cooper and Gordon, 2010).
The current market size
Telstra is a leading communication company in Australian in term of revenue and profitability.
With the effect of this, the company has been able to grow and flourish its business activities
globally. The main vision of the company is to create a better way to empower everyone to stay
in the rivalry market. The firm offers a broad suite of connectivity, content and media to the
consumers. The net income of the company is A$5.8 billion (2016) and revenue A$27.1 billion
(2016). The company head office is the Telstra corporate centre situated at 242 Exhibition Street,
Australia and Melbourne. The company is offering services in the healthcare in Asia. The firm
has also invested a large amount in research and development to invent new and innovative
methods and techniques in order to increase profitability and revenue in the market. In today’s
era, the company’s has around 3000 workers based in 22 countries outside of Australia rendering
services to hundreds of government customers and business. In today’s competitive world, the
organization is providing technology solutions for various types of businesses including data and
IP networks, network application services, cloud and integrated solutions, These services are
underpinned by Subsea cable network with licenses in Europe, the America and Asia and access
to more than 2000 points of presence across the world. The muru D and accelerator programs are
operated and designed by the company in New Zealand. The company holds 39.5% market
share of the total Australian mobile market. It has been noted that company is exploring and
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
growing its business globally by providing unique and effective telecommunication and internet
services to the customers.
Leaders in the market
Each and every organization is dependent on the employees to overcome the competitors in the
marketplace. The more talented and potential workers a company have, the firm will be more
progressive as well as goal oriented. In order to meet long term goals and objectives, the
company should appoint a potential and capable team within the organization. The Telstra
international leadership team is proud to be a part of the leading and growing technology
companies in the Asia pacific region. Telstra team can deliver the best quality of products and
services to the customers whenever they needed (Kakabadse, 2015). Martijin Blanken is the
chief customer’s officer and managing director. His excellent and potential knowledge and
experience have helped the organization to grow and flourish the business in the marketplace.
Ellie Sweeney is the executive director of the firm and David Burns is the group managing
director (Antonaki and Day, 2017). All these leaders help to overcome the rivalries in the
international market. Telstra with maintaining an effective and dynamic leadership team has
been able to increase sales and revenue in the international market. Telstra focuses on the
retaining and hiring of the potential employees at any cost. The employees are treated in fair
manner and they ignore any type of inappropriate activities in the workplace. The firm uses
internal communication tools to maintain reciprocal relationship with consumers and employees
as well. With maintaining a communication tools and techniques, the employees are able to
immediately report to the top level in the relevance with completion of unfair practices and
activities. The team leaders with having excellent knowledge and experience have been able to
know and analyze the plans, policies and strategies of the competitors. The team of Telstra is
experienced in various areas such as operations, marketing, finance and technology. The team is
working for resolving and handling the risks and challenges of the market (Aitken, 2017).
The current gaps and challenges in accounting software
After initiating the ERP system and accounting software in the organization, it has been noted
that organization requires suitable measures and alternatives to find out the gaps and challenges
faced during the usage of the automation network. The company is worried about the security of
their data as they are accessible for the foreign parties. Due to lack of security and efficiency, the
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
employees are unable to find out right and suitable information. Some accounting software
solutions are powerless and worthless in helping users who wish to get their business data out. It
is one of the biggest issues in accounting software packages. These software’s are considered
lack of capabilities, compatibility, features and abilities. Furthermore, it has been noted that the
accounting software that used by Telstra are outdated. Hence, details tend to be inaccurate,
system slow down and system mistakes happen. In addition, data corruption issues also are
associated with accounting software packages. All these issues are faced by Telstra when
implementing accounting software packages in the workplace.
Now it is recommended that Telstra should use latest and innovative technologies to design new
software in the organization. Furthermore, cloud based accounting software packages must be
initiated by the company to improve and enhance the accounting software packages within the
organization. It has been analyzed that modification in accounting software packages shall be
done to improve and develop the ERP system within the organization. Potential and skilled
candidates shall be appointed by the organization to handle the grievances and issues of the
consumers in the global market (Chen et al, 2012). In this way, Telstra has been able to beat the
competitors.
Conclusion
On the above aforesaid information, it can be concluded that ERP system will help the
organization to move towards automation. This system also helps to check the quality and
efficiency of the software and applications. The primary objectives of the firm would be easily
attainable with the help of ERP system. It also helps to accomplish the long term targets, goals
and objectives. ERP and accounting software also help to detect fraud and mistakes within the
organization. By initiating accounting software packages and ERP system, the organization has
been able to reach its target market across the world. Telstra also uses accounting software
packages to handle and reduce the queries and complaints of the employees, investors and
customers.
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Strategic information system for business and enterprise
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