IT/205 Week 1

Checkpoint: Information Systems Business Problem Dimensions

Essentials of Management Information Systems.

• Consider the following questions and provide substantive responses of at least 150 words per question.
• What are the three dimensions to business problems? Provide examples of each.
• What is the difference between IT and information systems? Describe some functions of information systems.

Discussion Questions

• What is an information system? How does it work? What are its people, organizational, and technological components? List and describe the people, organizational, and technological components.  

• What are some benefits and challenges of enterprise systems? Why would an organization want to build one? 

IT/205 Week 2

Key Computer Terms CheckPoint - Appendix B

Definitions and Usage of Information Technology Infrastructure Components and Technologies

The following terms are examples of information technology infrastructure components and technologies used in business. Research definitions using the Internet. You will write a definition of each term and provide at least two examples of the component or technology. Provide citations and references for all resources.

Assignment: How Computers Work Presentation

Assume you present an overview of computers and software to individuals who have not used computers extensively and want to learn more about them.

• Create a 5- to 7-slide PowerPoint presentation, providing an overview of how computers are used.
• Compare and contrast different types of computer software required to make computers work.
• Include an overview of the purpose of the software, with detailed information provided in the speaker’s notes.
• Describe the relationship between different types of software and the type of machine with which they are compatible.

IT/205 Week 3

CheckPoint Toolwire Scenario Clarifying Business Strategy Through Database  Analysis

White Peaks Resort

In this scenario, you are a business consultant. You must find ways to increase the White Peaks Resort’s net profit and make it more competitive through interconnecting systems and applying databases and tools.

Throughout the scenario, you interact with hotel staff to gain necessary information to analyze current business conditions. Take notes as you progress through the interactions. Using the information, analyze the business and formulate a way to restore the organization’s health through proper implementation of databases and tools.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important for an organization to have an information policy? What are some important things an organization must consider when creating information policies? What are the roles played by data administration? Why is data administration vital to an organization?

• Compare the characteristics of a management information system and a decision support system. Why are decision support systems suited for executive decision-making? Why must an executive support system be flexible and easy to use? 

IT/205 Week 4

CheckPoint: Monitoring Employees on Networks

Read Monitoring Employees on Networks: Unethical or Good Business?

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

•  How does e-mail benefit an organization? Why might an organization want to limit how an employee uses e-mail during work hours? What is an e-mail’s path once it leaves an organization? 
• What is the effect of instant messaging on organizational networks? What are benefits and drawbacks of using instant messaging in an organization? 
• What are benefits and drawbacks of Web page and search engine use in an organization? 
• Should managers monitor employee e-mail and Internet usage? Why or why not?

Assignment: Internet Tools at Dirt Bikes

Dirt Bikes’ management is concerned about how much money is being spent on communicating with people inside and outside the organization and obtaining information about developments in the motorcycle industry and the global economy. You have been asked to investigate how Internet tools and technology could be used to help Dirt Bikes’ employees communicate and obtain information more efficiently. Dirt Bikes provides Internet access to all employees who use desktop computers.

Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper, providing recommendations of various Internet tools that would help Dirt Bikes’ employees. Address the following topics:

• Include recommendations of how Dirt Bikes could benefit from intranets for sales and marketing, human resources, and manufacturing and production.
• Propose at least two other tools that would be helpful. Describe the tools’ benefits for the employees and organization, and the potential network effect.
• Discuss the concept of providing wireless access to employees from the perspective of employee benefits and the effect to the organization.
•  Format your paper according to APA standards.

IT/205 - Week 5

CheckPoint: TXJ Companies

The credit card data theft at TXJ Companies is considered one of the worst ever. The case is significant because of a lack of appropriate security and control.

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

•  List and describe the security controls in place. Where are the weaknesses?
• What tools and technologies could have been used to fix the weaknesses?
• What was the business effect of TXJ’s data loss on TXJ, consumers, and banks?
• Which moral dimensions may be applied in this situation? How?

Exercise: ToolWire Smart Scenario—Ethics of Monitoring Network Usage

In this scenario, you are an intern with MegaCo., an organization exploring network usage policies. You have the opportunity to evaluate the policies on behalf of MegaCo., and consider its social, political, and ethical considerations. Each policy is implemented for one day. At the end, you fill out a survey and feedback form. Once you experience all policies, you must provide feedback on which policy you recommend and why you liked it.

Discussion Question

• Organizations must ensure the security and control of systems and transactions with clients and vendors. What security breaches may cause harm to an organization or its clients? Why is it important to ensure a proper level of security? What tools are available to prevent breaches?   

IT/205 - Week 6

CheckPoint: The Contribution of Enterprise Systems

Remember enterprise systems are key in businesses’ core IT components.

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

• What are enterprise systems? Provide examples of organizational functions supported by enterprise systems.
• How does effectively implementing and using enterprise systems contribute to achieving operational excellence?
• What challenges are posed by enterprise applications?

Assignment: ToolWire Scenario—Determining the Effect of CRM Software on Business Success

In this scenario, you gain an understanding of how enterprise CRM systems may be used to help organizations achieve enhanced customer intimacy and improved business performance. This scenario presents you with a variety of situations and assessment types. Take notes to prepare to address the assessments.

IT/205 - Week 7

CheckPoint: Analysis of Electronic Payment Systems

• Many of us have become accustomed to electronic payment systems. These systems will continue to increase as businesses and banks present more opportunities to use them.

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

•  Name and describe various categories of e-commerce. 
• Compare and contrast electronic payment systems. Which type do you use most often? Which type is most applicable for organizations you interact with regularly? 
• Explain how Internet technology supports business-to-business e-commerce.

Discussion Questions

• How is e-commerce different from traditional retailing? What are some distinguishing features of digital markets and digital goods? What is your experience in purchasing online? Do you prefer to shop online or via a traditional outlet? Why? 

•  How is the Internet changing the economics of information and business models? Name and describe one business model for e-commerce. What is the difference between pure-play Internet and clicks-and-mortar business models? 

IT/205 - Week 8

CheckPoint: Dorfman Pacific Rolls Out a New Wireless Warehouse

Read Dorfman Pacific Rolls Out a New Wireless Warehouse on p. 395 of Essentials of Management Information Systems.

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

•  Assume you are a Dorfman Pacific consultant. Apply the problem-solving process and present your answers to each step of the process. 

• Define the problem.

• Develop alternative solutions.

• Choose the best solution.

  Implement the solution.

   

• Identify the types of system-building methods used by Dorfman to build its wireless warehouse system.

• Describe the methodologies you would suggest, using for modeling and designing your proposed system.

Assignment: Hardware Replacement Project

The IT department is implementing a new CRM solution to its corporate offices. The hardware currently in use is out of date and will not support the CRM application. The hardware must be replaced prior to deployment.

Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper that addresses the following:

• How do the five major variables of project management—scope, time, cost, quality, and risk—relate to this scenario?
• What considerations must be applied when selecting projects that deliver the best business value?
• What factors that influence project risk? What strategies would you recommend for minimizing this project’s risks?

Summarize your response by identifying best practices for managing this project.