Strategic Information Systems\'? A Strategic Information System

¶ … Strategic Information Systems'?

A strategic information system is a system that enables an organisation to alter the structure of its business strategy so that it can achieve a competitive advantage over others. This system also helps organisations in fastening the time it takes to react and adapt to several environmental changes that take place and makes the overall business structure more efficient. Within a strategic information system there exists a decision support system that helps align business goals and strategies with information systems and technologies.

Write down the various business models of internet.

The various business models of the internet include:

Advertising, Blogging, Affiliate, Community, Utility, Subscription, Brokerage, Merchant, Manufacturer.

Question 3: What is 'Network Bandwidth'?

The amount or volume of data which is being transmitted through a particular network at a given point in time is referred to as a network bandwidth. Network bandwidth's can be affected by software or hardware limitations or if there is a problem in devices that facilitate communication.

Question 4: Differentiate between OLTP and OLPP.

OLTP which stands for Online Transaction Processing involves a set of programs that facilitate transaction based applications. OLTP involves records like accounts in a bank or online reservations. A transaction is processed which means that a record is created or updated. OLPP, Online Paper Processing, on the other hand is the paper equivalent of the OLTP. The difference between the two is that where in a OLTP the system creates and updates records in keyed databases on computers, OLPP's allow paper pushers in companies to do their work electronically online without dealing with any paper physically. In OLTP a lot of processing is done to little data while in OLPP little processing is done to larger data and thus the system requirements for both vary.

Question 5: What are the dimensions of Strategic Management?

Strategic management involves making an entire range of decisions. There are six core dimensions of strategic management. It involves top management decisions and allocation of large sums of company resources. Strategic management decisions have a significant impact on the long-term survival of a company and are future oriented with a range of consequences. Question 6: Critically analyse the concept of BCG matrix.

The BCG matrix (Boston Consulting Group) is based on the product life cycle theory and it helps a company determine what priorities should be given to which products in the business product portfolio. The matrix has two dimensions: market share and market growth. When products of a company are placed in a BCG matrix 4 categories: Star, Cash cow, Question mark and Dog are formed. Stars have a high market share and high growth and generate large amounts of cash. Cash cows have low growth but high market shares and are the foundations of the company and are highly profitable. Dogs have low growth and low market share and thus should be avoided by companies and questions marks have high growth but low market share and the worst characteristics when it comes to cash. Businesses invest heavily in cash cows and lesser in starts and question marks.

Question 7: What is SWOT analysis?

SWOT analysis is a method or tool which is used for strategic planning and it enables organizations to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with a particular business project.

Question 8: What are the characteristics of Short-Term Objectives?

Short-term objectives are objectives which expect accomplishment to be achieved in a short period of time. It is a goal that is achievable within the span of a year.

Question 9: Explain PCMM (People Capability Maturity Model) approach for HRD.

PCMM approach helps in guiding software organizations to select improvement auctioned based on the level of their workforce practices. These practices include work environment, staffing, communication, training, career development, team building and cultural development. The PCMM approach for HRD assumes that the people management practices improve in five stages of maturity- initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimizing and that the capability of the organization can be improved by improving the capability of the working force and ensuring that all individuals are motivated towards the goal of the association.

Question 10: Write a short note on HRD Strategy Model.

Human resources ensures that organizations are able to acquire and retain individuals that they hire and the most effective way to do so is by following the HRD strategy model. This strategy recognizes that human resources are assets and that these assets are capable of being appreciated and can gain more knowledge over time and with experience. It does not only focus on hiring people with all sorts of talents but lays significant emphasis on the development of skills through training programs. This model improves human talents and motivates people and provides an environment for employees where they can work effectively and in healthy competition.

Question 11: Explain the utility of 'Training Process Pyramid'.

Question 12: What are 'on the job' and 'off the job' techniques of training and development?

On job training is when employees receive training while they remain in the workplace. on-the-job training techniques include demonstrations, projects, coaching and job rotations. Off the job training is when employees are trained at places away from the working environment and techniques involve lectures, role playing, case studies and simulations.

Question 13: Who are 'Blue Collar' workers?

Blue collar workers are a part of the working class who perform manual labour. These workers may be both skilled or unskilled.

Question 14: What are the basic causes of 'Grievances'?

Grievances in a work place may arise due to many reason. The basic causes however, are: wage revision and fixation, inadequate bonus, poor working conditions, favouritism, strained relations, too much discipline, layoffs, in appropriate behaviour of top management, victimization and insufficient health and safety devices.

Question 15: Write a note on 'Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972'.

The Payment of Gratuity Act extends to the whole of India and it provides for a scheme where bonuses are paid to employees who are engages in factories, mines, plantations, oilfields, railway companies, shops, ports or any others establishments. The bonus or gratuity is payable to the employee on termination of his employment after he has served a particular sector for not less than five years, when he resigns or on his death. Upon death the money will be given to an appointed nominee.

Question 16: Explain 'Walker's Model' for worker's participation in management.

Walker's model explains the importance of the participation of workers in managerial decisions in any organization and that workers can do so if there exists freedom of action in the company. Also if technology is simple and allows workers to make decisions they can contribute to the process. Walker explains that workers participation also depends on the human aspect as well. The workers attitude to participation, the workers perceived power to participate and his capacity to participate all affect the decision.

Question 17: Elaborate the functionality of 'Married Women's Property Act' of India.

Question 18: What are the necessary documents that have to be submitted for getting a license for agent ship in insurance business?

The following documents are required to obtain a licence: Agency application form, Identity card copy, Screening requirement- consent letter, letter from minimum 2 third party guarantors, 2 sets of completed agency agreements, salary slips, bank statements, Guarantor form duly completed.

Question 19: Mention any two insurance policies for handicapped.

High- Limit Disability insurance policy and Individual Disability Insurance Policy.

Question 20: What is 'Charter Policy Parity'?

Question 21: What are Moral and Morale Hazards?

A moral hazard is a habit that increases the chances of loss from a danger while morale hazards are attitudes that increase the probability of loss from any threats.

Question 22: What do you understand by subsidization?

Subsidization is the act of receiving money from subsidies which are basically benefits given by the governments.

Question 23: What are ' Waiver' and ' Estoppel'?

A waiver is when a right is voluntarily suspended while an Estoppel is a rule of evidence where a person cannot deny the truth of a fact that is already established.

Question 24: Write a short note on 'Patient's bill of rights.

A patients' bill of rights is a list of guarantees that will be received by those who have medical care. It usually guarantees fair treatment, patient information and autonomy over medical decisions.

Question 25: Discuss the concept of Manpower Audit.

Man power audit tells the number of employees within an organization that form the basis and structure of business operations and analyzes and determines the findings of audits. Question 26: Explain the concept of management by objectives.

Management by objectives is a framework which aligns the actions and doings of employees in an organization with the goals of that particular organization. It ensures that everyone is knows exactly what they must be doing and when they should be doing it.

Question 27: Write a note on Employee state insurance scheme.

This scheme was run under the employee state insurance act and in provides protection to employees who work in factories that use power and employee 10 or more people. Under this scheme medical care is provided to these workers through insurance dispensaries.

Question 28: Discuss McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y

McGregor developed two theory's of human behaviour at work. He said there are two kinds of workers. Theory X workers are those who dislike work and avoid it when possible and also lack ambition and prefer that they be spoon fed. Theory Y workers are those who seek responsibility and take consider work to be important. They consider work just like resting or playing.

Question 29: Discuss the terms wages and salary. What factors determine the wage structure in an industrial enterprise?

A wage is a payment which is made based on the number of hours worked while salary is paid for a particular job no matter how many hours are spent on it. There can be external and internal factors which determine the wage structure of an industrial enterprise. External factors include labour unions, labour market, government, legislations, cost of living, society and the economy while internal factors include company strategy, job evaluation and performance appraisal.

Question 30: Define job design. Briefly explain various techniques of job design.

Job design defines what a job is. It decides the duties and responsibilities of a job and the relationship the job holder will have with those who have given the job. Techniques include work simplification where the job is simplified, job enlargement where a variety of tasks are intermingled into one and job enrichment where a person is given autonomy and can perform various tasks in order to stay motivated.

Question 31: What is a balanced score card? What are its different perspectives?

A balance scorecard is a strategic planning tool which is used to align business activities with the strategy of the organization and subsequently monitor performance. There are four perspectives: Financial, customer, learning and growth and internal business process.

Question 32: Write a short note on 360-degree performance feedback.

A 360 degree feedback is a multi-source assessment that comes from all around an employee. Subordinates, peers and supervisors all provide a feedback which is why it is known as a 360 degree feedback.

Question 1: Explain the term e-commerce. Also explain the history and limitations of e-commerce.

The term e-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services on the internet. It allows the electronic exchange of goods and services without any barriers of time and distance. E-commerce did not begin with E-bay and amazon. It dates back to the 1970's EDI and EFT came into the scenario- credit cards and banking transactions. One of the first e-commerce sites was the television where products were advertised right before the eyes and all a person had to do to obtain it was make a phone call and exchange credit card details. From then on the trend began to develop and computers developed even better and online websites were made and e-commerce took a whole new turn. Limitations of e-commerce also exist. Hacking of credit card numbers, insufficient bandwidth, continuous evolution of software and different internet medium are a few of many limitations.

Question 2: What do you understand by the term Data Base? Explain the various database models in detail.

Data base it the term used to define a collection of data that is properly arranged and can be easily accessed, managed and updated whenever required. There are various data base models.

Hierarchal Model organizes data in the form of a tree. There are parent and child data segments and child segments can be repetitive. In this model data is in a serried of records that have field values attached to them.

Network Model allows a many to many relationship among data. It is in some ways similar to the hierarchal model. This model has a set construct which consists of owner record type, set name, and a member record type.

Relationship model defines database as a set of tables which contains all data.

Object oriented model portrays databases as a collection of objects with methods and features.

Object relational model is a combination of both the relationship model and the object oriented model and allows a data base to work as a combination of both.

Question 3: What are the basic principles of Organizational Structure? What are the types of Organizational structures?

Principles of organizational structure help an entity maintain a structure and then keep it efficient. Basic principles include hierarchy of command, role definition, evaluating outcomes and altering organizational structures. There are different types of structures. They include: line structure, staff structure, functional structure, product structure, market structure, matrix structure, bureaucratic structure, network structure and team structure.

Question 4: Though BCG matrix can be very helpful in forcing decisions in managing a portfolio of products, it can be employed as a sole mean of determining strategies for a portfolio of the product. Do you agree with this statement or not? Why or why not?

I do not agree with this statement because I believe that it cannot be the sole means to determine the strategies for the portfolio of a product. Yes, the matrix can help us in deciding the allocation of our resources but it cannot entirely make up the whole product strategy because for that various other marketing tools and concepts are required.

Question 5: Trace out the changing paradigm of growth. Why has human resource development assume greater importance in present time?

Over the past few years development in human resources has taken a new turn. There is an expanding supply of skilled workers that have extra ordinary capabilities. In an ever changing world which is shrinking by the day due to globalisation it is important that valuable employees be treated as assets. The most important thing for any business is its employees and this utmost importance should be places on their development. Without it, companies would be nowhere and turnover ratios would be so high all major organizations would have filed for bankruptcy within a year.

Question 6: Training effectiveness is crucial for the success of the training department. How will you ensure it?

In order to ensure training effectiveness we should make sure that the development activity has a context, employee learning styles are considered and effectiveness of training should be measured in terms of improvement in on job performances.

Question 7: What is inflation? Compare its role with money and the real earning of the Industrial workers. Use appropriate data to justify your answer.

Inflation is the term used to define the rise in the levels of the prices of goods and services in a particular economy during a given time. Inflation causes a reduction in the purchasing power of money for industrial workers. Thus we can say it inflation reduces real earnings of people. For example, suppose Mr. X earned 200 dollars a month and has 50 dollars disposable income. Due to inflation costs rose and he only had 30 dollars disposable income left. This means that he is now earning 20 dollars less than he was before because his purchasing power has reduced.

Question 8: How can the bargaining affect the workers as well as the firm? "It is a method of wage fixation." Evaluate.

Bargaining is a process whereby two parties negotiate and try to reach common grounds. Workers and management of firms engage in bargaining so that they can reach common grounds on issues like wages, working conditions, insurance provision, safety, discipline etc. Bargaining determines what kind of relationships and employee will have with its firm and vice versa.

Question 9: How does Money Back Policy differ from Endowment Assurance? Which one is a better option and why?

In endowment assurance, there are low premiums and an assured sum is returned on maturity along with a bonus. In money back policy, higher premiums exist and at regular intervals part of the assured sum is paid back and at the end the remaining balance along with the bonus is returned. There is no better option. It depends on the needs of the individual at the time of buying the insurance.

Question 10: How important is the Consumer Protection Act an in today's world of consumerism?

In today's world of consumerism CPA is of utmost importance. It helps guard the rights of customers and enables them to know what their rights exactly are. If for example a consumer is given a product which harms him or her in any way under this act he can take legal action against the supplier and reimburse all losses.

Question 11: If you were a large business with $10 million of property, would you want your primary insurer to purchase reinsurance? Explain your reasons. Would you prefer to deal with a small primary insurer who reinsured your risk or a large primary insurer who did not purchase reinsurance?

Since 10 million is a huge amount I would prefer that my primary insurer be reinsured so that in case something happens and my insurance company is not able to fully cover up the risk that it has taken on the company that has reinsured it will be able to. Also there would be virtually no insurance company who would be wanting to insure fully a 10 million dollar property alone and thus reinsurance is inevitable. I would prefer to deal with a small primary insurer who reinsured my risk.

Question 12: Do you think a college education is necessary to perform the following occupations effectively?

a. Life insurance agent

b. Loss adjuster

c. Property insurance underwriter

d. Actuary

I think all the above mentioned occupations in order to be performed effectively require college education because almost all require complex math and accounting skills which one can only learn in college. Also the experience and learning arena that one gets to face in college helps deal with people in the professional world and hence degrees are important.

Question 13: What do you understand by the term 'Performance Appraisal'? Discuss the various methods of performance appraisal in detail.

Performance appraisal is a method by which the job performance of an employee is evaluated by supervisors and managers. There are various methods of performance appraisal. They include: Graphic rating scale where management does simple checks on the performance of employees. Performance ranking methods deal with making comparisons of employees with one another. Management by objectives aligns business goals with the actions of employees. 360 degree feedback evaluates an employee from the eyes of supervisors, colleagues and managers.

Question 14: What is Training? Why is training necessary for organization performance and success?

Training is the act of teaching someone a skill or behaviour. It is necessary for organization success because everything around us rapidly changes. New technologies come in, new ideas are made, new skills develop and training is essential in order to make sure employees are up-to-date with these new innovations so that the company does not stick to old ways and moves ahead with everyone else.

Question 15: What is compensation management? What goals or objectives does it follow?

Compensation management is a means of attracting and retaining skilful and talented employees. The objectives that it follows are that it helps the organization achieve strategic success all while keeping a balance in external and internal equity.

Question 16: What are some of the challenges which HR managers face in designing a compensation system?

Union power, government issues, globalization, worker productivity.

Question 17: What is a fringe benefit? Can it be made a part of an employee benefits plan?

Fringe benefits are compensations that are provided to employees apart from wages and salaries that are exempted from taxes. They can involve sick leaves or paid vacations and they are a subset of employee benefits and thus can be a part of the plan.

Case let 1:

Question 1: Discuss the client strategy for the success of store.

Initially the client strategy was such that the clients did not keep track of the clicks which were leading to sales and they were spending a greater amount of money on pay per clicks. But afterwards they started to track down the clicks and deleted terms that did not generate enough sales. Keyword researches were done and title tags for the page was switched and the product name was put before the manufacturers. Spam blockers were quietened down and product names along with graphics were put in newsletter so that they wouldn't be blocked by Google. Web statistics programs were implemented in order to analyze the site's traffic and this was the client strategy for the success of the store.

Question 2: Suppose if you are the client maker what would you suggest for the client.

If I were the client maker I would suggest that they not do irregular emails and also not keep so many emails in their data base. Also I would suggest that they not only quieten down spam blockers but totally eradicate the problem as a whole.

Case let 2:

Question 1: Explain the role of data warehousing in the functioning of a call centre.

Data warehousing is used by companies for planning, forecasting and management. Data warehousing enable call centres to establish better customer relationship management strategies and is used a tool to make better decision. It is used to making strategies which are critical for complex situations and carry decision support for call centres. These warehouses help deal with customers and identify profitable and loyal ones so that better services can be provided to them.

Question 2: How the response time in performing OLAP queries can be improved?

Data warehouses are used to store large amounts of data which is used for OLAP for which short response times are essential. However because the amount of data is so vast the response time in performing the query takes a long time. The response time in performing OLPA queries can be improved by multidimensional hierarchal clustering and using distributed computing. It can also be improved by caching the architecture and algorithm of the database.

Case let 3:

Question 1: Do you think that IKEA has been successful to utilize Porter's Five force analysis? Give reasons.

IKEA is utilizing Porter's Five Force Analysis to a certain extent. It has a control over its customers because it is providing things to them at a cheap rate and good quality. They have low dependency on distributors and customers value products greatly. Consumers have less alternative choices when is comes to furniture so buyers have little power. IKEA has thousands of suppliers and they deliver materials. Suppliers compete with other suppliers to make IKEA products and thus they have little bargaining power. IKEA's furniture competitors offer different styles and new low cost furniture's but only IKEA delivers the complete package and thus has weak rivals. It has no substitutes and since IKEA is rolling on a low cost strategy there is no threat of new entrants. Thus IKEA does successfully utilize the five force analysis.

Question 2: Where do you think can IKEA improve?

IKEA can improve itself when it comes to providing furniture and products for homes beyond just those that have room for a good living. Also IKEA can expand into a greater market and provide a better in store experience to its customers.

Case let 4:

Question 1: Do you think the progress of ITC Ltd. is realistic?

In my opinion the progress of ITC Ltd. is not realistic because they are expanding into numerous segments one by one way too fast and growth rate may be high initially but the market share may be low and so progress may seem to be good but in reality it may not be. The products may just end up becoming question marks for the company and ITC might have to end up discontinuing them in the future due to very low market shares.

Question 2: After analyzing the above case, do you think every company should aim at cost leadership with high quality product?

Every company should not aim at cost leadership with high quality products. In fact this is not even possible. For many companies it is vital that they provide high quality to customers but they also sell their products at a higher cost and consumers buy the product because they have differentiated their product in such a way that it is able to sell.

Case let 5:

Question 1: What in your view are the central human resources issues involved in this case?

The human resource issues involves in this case are that the employees that are hired are almost similar to machines. They are not interested in the work they are doing and have vast differences amongst themselves. The approach is highly centralised and there is a traditional style of leadership being followed in the organization which is not liked in today's working environment and factory workers are not involved in the company's success and this makes them feel demotivated and leads to human resource issues.

Question 2: What strategy should Mr. Tanmoy Deb develop and implement for improving the present system?

In order to improve the present system the 'us' attitude should be removed from the system and a decentralized approach should be followed throughout the organization. Proper personnel should be hired who should be motivated to do their work and the relationship between the employees and the bosses should be a friendly one so that no leadership issues arise at any levels. Technical issues should be resolved. Job descriptions should be flexible and job rotations should be allowed so that people can perform different jobs and not feel bored on doing the same repetitive jobs again and again. Also employees should be given a certain level of autonomy and responsibility so that they feel the work they do is benefiting them.

Case let 6:

Question 1: Why a high performer like Mr. Mohan decided to leave the organization he has been long part of?

Mr. Mohan has decided to leave the organization because the working conditions are not favourable to him anymore and have become a source of stress in his daily life. This may lead to severe problems in his health and performance and thus he has decided to leave.

Question 2: . Do you think Mr. A.P. Mohan took the right decision to leave the organization? What would you have done if you were in his shoes?

In my opinion Mr. A.P. Mohan took the right decision. If the conditions are too stressful and frustrating for him to handle and he is constantly feeling victimized he should not be working for the organization. If I were in his shoes I would have made the same decisions. Organizations should realize that employees are assets and that they are not to be played around with and that they have emotions and cannot be treated like machines. When his boss tells him to adapt to the environment and deal with the situation he should realise that Mr. Mohan is a prized employee and that his words and his opinions should be considered specially because he has been a part of the organization for a long time.

Case let 7:

Question 1: Similar problems which caused this strike in 1960 were satisfactorily resolved in the past in Bombay Electricals. Why could not the differences be settled in 1960?

Times were different before and in the 1960's things had changed significantly. With the advent of newer technology workers had lesser work to do and machines did most of it hence when bonuses were given earlier and agitation occurred, they would be raised as more hard work and persistence was involved. In 1960 the scenario had changed and workers were already getting paid 4 times more than the industry average and so asking for a bonus above a bonus was unreasonable and that is why the difference could not be easily settled.

Question 2: . Inspite of high earnings by employees, why did they choose to go on strike for a relatively small difference of Rs 30/- in their demand preceding the strike?