Finals' Question #5

Finals' Question #5

As a topic before KBS, DSS and VO, identify and describe one company that adopts an MIS. Include in your discussion, how MIS help and support the company, its managers and other employees, in their problem solving and decision-making.

Do this in two paragraphs at least. COPYING OF TEXTS IS DEFINITELY NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Cite your reference.


Philbest Tuna Corporation,Through the use of MIS they help them especially to increase their productivity. Through the connection of internet they interchange what is the status of their actual sales of their product exported from different countries.They can monitor their sales through out the country and weather they increase their quality of the product. This can also help or encourage self evaluation among employees.Their work become more accurately and easily achieved their strategic goals by the use of (mis).
Philbest Tuna Corporation can easily minimized their organizational problem and productivity,through the help of mis they can gather some information that can can asses it.This is the biggest help especially in the office because they can easily transmit some information and pertinent documents during their exporting of products.

Finals' Question #4

Finals' Question #4

TOPIC: THE KNOWLEDGE - BASED SYSTEMS (KBS)

Question # 3:
1. Describe or define KBS.
2. Distinguish KBS from MIS.
3. Illustrate (give examples) how KBS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.

Cite your reference.

1.defines a knowledge-based system as a computer system that is programmed to imitate human problem-solving by means of artificial intelligence and reference to a database of knowledge on a particular subject.

Knowledge-based systems are systems based on the methods and techniques of Artificial Intelligence. Their core components are the knowledge base and the inference mechanisms.

2.Knowledge based system are system based on the methods and techniques of artificial intelligence.It is a cased based reasoning system and neural networks. While are group of information management information tied to the automation or support of human decision making.

3.This are some advantages of (KBS), expert systems generate sustained competitive advantage for a firm. Specifically, we analyze the extent to which expert systems (ESs) exhibit the attributes of value, rareness, imperfect imitability, and non substitutability associated with a rent-generating resource (e.g., Barney, 1991). Then, we discuss how expert systems yield sustainable competitive advantage through fostering organizational knowledge development and utilization. Finally, the role of ESs in engenden’ng a reciprocal, mutually enhancing relationship with organizational competencies, leading to sustained competitive advantage. Propositions are offerred to facilitate future research.

Finals' Question #3
TOPIC: THE VIRTUAL OFFICE (VO)Question # 3:

1. Describe or define VO.

2. Distinguish VO from MIS.

3. Illustrate (give examples) how VO can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.

Cite your reference.



1. Virtual office is a term for shared office services, which normally includes business address, mail & courier services, phone services, fax services, answering services, web-hosting services, and meeting & conference facilities.[1]
Certain providers of virtual office services will provide other in-house or outsourced services such as corporate secretarial services, accounting services, or legal services. Professional firms such as law firms and accounting firms often provide registered address services as part of their service offerings.

2.A Virtual Office is almost to be taken literally, it has the address of an office, the telephone numbers of an office and even the meeting rooms of an office, except for one determining factor, you are not actually in the office.

While Management Information System (MIS) is a subset of the overall internal controls of a business covering the application of people, documents, technologies, and procedures by management accountants to solving business problems such as costing a product, service or a business-wide strategy.

3.Advantage:

A virtual office advantage is that your office doesn’t need to exist in one single physical location. A virtual office is a combination of the work that one or more individuals do in their home offices, as well as the telephone and web interaction with others in different locations. Hiring a virtual office service can help you and other employees to coordinate calendars and meetings, develop projects as a team, and professionally interact while still giving each of you the freedom to work from your own office. Each member of the group can enjoy the virtual office advantage of being to able to work from their own individualized work space, while still working with their colleagues as a team towards company goals.

Finals' Question #2
To cover the lectures to miss during my absence, please answer questions #3-5. REFRAIN FROM COPYING AND PASTING TEXTS FROM THE NET. THIS WILL ONLY INCUR VERY VERY VERY LOW SCORES.TOPIC: THE DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS)Question # 3:
1. Describe or define DSS.2. Distinguish DSS from MIS.3.
Illustrate (give examples) how DSS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.
Cite your reference.


1.A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program application that analyzes business data and presents it so that users can make business decisions more easily. It is an "informational application" (to distinguish it from an "operational application" that collects the data in the course of normal business operation).

2.Management Information System (MIS) is a subset of the overall internal controls of a business covering the application of people, documents, technologies, and procedures by management accountants to solving business problems such as costing a product, service or a business-wide strategy. Management Information Systems are distinct from regular information systems in that they are used to analyze other information systems applied in operational activities in the organization. While A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program application that analyzes business data and presents it so that users can make business decisions more easily. It is an "informational application" (to distinguish it from an "operational application" that collects the data in the course of normal business operation).

ADVANTAGES:
Decision support systems can potentially create a differentiation advantage. Providing a DSS to customers can differentiate a product and possibly provide a new service. Differentiation increases profitability when the price premium charged is greater than any added costs associated with achieving the differentiation. Successful differentiation means a firm can charge a premium price, and/or sell more units, and/or increase buyer loyalty for service or repeat purchases. In some situations, competitors can rapidly imitate the differentiation, and then all competitors incur increased costs for implementing the DSS.
Finally, decision support systems can be used to help a company better focus on a specific customer segment and hence gain an advantage in meeting that segment’s needs. Management information systems and decision support systems can help track customers, and DSSs can make it easier to serve a specialized customer group with special services. Some customers won’t pay a premium for targeted service, and larger competitors also target specialized niches using their own DSSs.

For Example:
For example, a bank or mortgage loan firm may reduce costs by using a new DSS to consolidate the number of steps and minimize the number of staff hours needed to approve loans. Technology breakthroughs can sometimes continue to lower process costs, and rivals who imitate an innovative DSS may nullify or remove any advantage.

Finals' Question # 1

Finals' Question # 1

Research one company from the Internet and describe their MIS strategic plan in 1-2 paragraphs. Discuss too the impact of this strategic plan on the company's management, competitors, customers and the company as a whole.

Evaluate how can this strategic plan be applied to any local company in the Philippines. Discuss too the possible effect on the company.

Include your reference.


ABC Health Corporation Information Services Department
Information Management Plan

The Information Management Plan documents the objectives and methods for improving and assessing the use of information within]. The plan consists of eight sections: Purpose, Objectives, Planning Overview, Information Services Department overview, Current HIS Environment, Microcomputer policy, Hospital Security of Information, and Information Services Security Policy.

I. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Information Management Plan is to provide a framework for assessing and improving the management and use of information within ABC Health Corporation.

II. Objectives

The objectives of the information management planning process are to assess the [Company name] information needs and implement solutions. Proposed solutions should address the following topics:

A. Strengths and weaknesses of existing manual and automated systems;

B. Organization or department's type, structure, size, and complexity.

III. Planning Overview

Information system planning is performed at two levels: Strategic and Implementation. Strategic planning involves the Information Systems Executive Steering Committee who meet quarterly. The mission, strategic goals and planned systems are presented in the ABC Health Corporation. Information Systems Strategic Plan.

Implementation level planning involves project steering committees

IV. Information Services Department

ABC Health Corporation, Information Services Department (ISD) coordinates the collection, processing, and reporting of data throughout the facility to support a reliable, efficient flow of information. The ISD staff oversees the daily operation of the Hospital Information System (HIS) and assists users with training, support, and problem solving. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with hospital policy. ISD also assists other departments with planning and implementation of new information systems.

V. Current Hospital Information System (HIS) Environment

A. Hardware Technology

The current HIS hardware configuration consists of a [hardware vendor] [model] computer with [number] megabytes of main memory (more)

B. Software Technology

These major applications, provided by [software vendor], operate on the [hardware vendor] platform:

Application Name Date Source

Accounts Payable
Admissions/Discharge/Transfer
Billing/Accounts Receivable
Case Mix
DRG Analysis/Grouper

VI. Microcomputer (PC) System Policy

Hospital departments utilize micro computer (e.g. personal computer, PC) systems to manage information. The department manager oversees the use of PC's considering departmental information needs

VII. Security of Information

A. The hospital information systems policies and procedures include security and backup of information. The HIS applications employ User ID and security (password) codes, with assigned levels of access.

B. The Health Information Management (Medical Record) department's policies and procedures address confidentiality and security of patient information.

VIII. Information Systems Security Policy

The Information Services Department requires each user to have an individual User ID and security code to access the Hospital Information System (HIS).

The user's responsibilities include:

A. The user will obtain a User ID for HIS applications necessary to perform his/her job. The department manager must request the User ID for new employees from the Information Services Department.

1. The user must keep the User ID and security code confidential.

The Information Services Department responsibilities include:

A. Access will be assigned for the standard set of functions required for the user's job description.

B. If additional access is required, the need will be evaluated by the ISD security administrator (more)

Department Manager Responsibilities (for departments using independent systems).

A. The administration of passwords and User ID's for independent departmental systems are the responsibility of the department manage

ABC Health Corporation Information Systems
Strategic Plan

The [Company name] Information Systems Strategic Plan provides an overview of the current information systems environment and a framework for planning. The plan consists of three sections: Current Environment Assessment, Strategic Goals and Policies, and Information System Strategy.

I. Current Environment Assessment

A. Organizational Overview

The ABC Health Corporation healthcare providers include Alpha Medical Center, Beta Memorial Hospital, Gardenview skilled nursing facility, and the Wellcare Home Health agency. The ABC Health Corporation is a partner in other health care entities, including the Apple Outpatient Clinic and the Orange Surgery Center.

B. Mission Statement:

C. Business Assumptions

The Information Systems Strategic Plan is predicated on the following business assumptions for [Company name].

1. Projected increase in volume of outpatient and clinical services.

2. Ongoing pressure to lower the per unit cost for patient care.

3. Managed care will be dominant form of insurance.
   

D. Information Systems Executive Steering Committee

The Information Systems Executive Committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Information Services, one Board member, and one member of the Medical Staff. The committee responsibilities include:

1. Provide long-range direction for information systems planning.

2. Review major information system strategies, plans and projects.

E. Information Services Department

The ABC Health Corporation Information Services Department (ISD) coordinates the collection, processing, and reporting of data throughout the facility to support a reliable, efficient flow of information. The ISD staff oversees the daily operation of the Hospital Information System (HIS) and assists users with training .

The mission statement of the ISD is:

To provide consistent, comprehensive and high quality service to ABC Health Corporation staff and affiliated physicians.

F. Current Systems and Applications

1. Hospital Information System (HIS) -- The current HIS hardware configuration consists of a [hardware vendor] [model] computer with [number] megabytes of main memory and [number] gigabytes of on-line disk storage. There are currently [number] attached peripheral devices consisting of CRT's, PC's, and printers. These major applications, provided by [software vendor], operate on the [hardware vendor] platform:

a. Accounts Payable

b. Admissions / Discharge / Transfer

c. Billing / Accounts Receivable / Collection.

1. Laboratory Information System (LIS) -- The current LIS hardware configuration consists of a [hardware vendor] [model] computer with [number] megabytes of main memory and [number] gigabytes of on-line disk storage.

II. Strategic Goals and Policies

The following guidelines will be applied for information system strategy decisions and planning:

A. Information technology solutions will be evaluated in terms of benefits realization, cost, and risk.

B. ABC Health Corporation will not invest in newer "leading edge" technology solutions without proven track records. Proposed new systems should be successfully installed in a significant percentage (e.g. 25% to 33%) of other hospitals.

III. Information System Strategy

This section outlines information system project plans in three categories: Approved Information Systems Plans, Potential New Information Systems, and Long Range Potential Systems.

A. Approved Information Systems

The following systems have been approved for implementation. Needs assessments have been conducted and approval received.

1. Physicians Access System

A Physician Access system will allow physician office computers to connect via modem to the hospital mainframe computer .

B. Potential New Information Systems

The following systems are under consideration for future implementation. Needs assessments and cost/benefit analysis will be conducted.

1. Clinical Information System

A Clinical Information System (a.k.a. Point-of-Care System, CIS) will facilitate information gathering and access for clinicians. The system will help provide clinical pathways and care plans to standardize care. It will also support graphical work stations and mobile devices such as pen computers. Applications will include:

http://www.olcsoft.com/IM_Strategic_Plans_for_JCAHO.htm


ABC Health Corporation has an competitive advantage that can easily achieved their setting goals.With the use of MIS Strategic Plan they can earn more productivity and management can cope with long system development time.MIS Strategic Plan can can easily achieved goals in specific time.

Midterm Question #3


For those who are working, interview your IT in-charge and ask him/her to describe the computer database systems used in the company. Write your answer in 1-2 paragraphs. Further, ask also the benefits and/or disadvantages derived from these database systems.





For those who are not working, research one company in the net who is using computerized database systems. Describe the use and/or nature of these systems and describe too the benefits/disadvantages from these systems. Include your reference

Exxon Mobil Company

Advantage:


Compared to a manual database, Exxon Mobil Company is using a computerized database which is more flexible, compact, and faster. It reduces the probability of inconsistent data. When a database is teamed with a computer, many of the problems with a manual database are eliminated.


Exxon Mobil Company, computerized database Provides:


Speed It can find a specific record or information from among thousands or even a million entries within a second.



Compact Since the database records stored in filing cabinets can be stored in a single floppy disk


Flexible It has the ability to examine information from a number of ways, so you could search for people living in the same city or with persons with the same last names.



Disadvantage:



One failure of computerized database system can automatially paralised some portion of record in the company.It can be also enterupt some portion of work in the company because mostly are in the computerized database system.