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the assignment's due tmr, and im only halfway through! plus i think what ive written up till now is crap. ): read if you want.

Are Technologies and Information Systems Strategic to Organizations?

Before we go into the details, we must first understand what exactly are Information Systems and Technologies.

In a nutshell, Information Systems are sets of interrelated components that collect or retrieve, process, store and distribute information to support decision-making, co-ordination, control, analysis and visualization. The study of Information Systems is normally premised on the assumption that they are socio-technical systems, which encompass both technical and social variables. Information Systems are designed to meet organizational needs, which are socio-technical in nature, often done by using any one of the three models namely the design model, decision making model and the transaction cost model. Examples of Information Systems that are more commonly used these days are Supply Chain Management (SCM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Groupware and Collaborative Commerce System (C-Commerce).

SCM is an enterprise application that spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption. Many companies like Flextronics and Baxter Healthcare successfully integrated this process into their workflow. Flextronics’s SCM would track supplies of raw materials or parts and sub assembles to all of their subsidiaries. SCM also keeps their clients updated on the delivery of finished products, including the deliveries made on behalf of their clients to their customers like retailers and wholesalers.

On the other hand, CRM handles information that is related to the frontline as compared to SCM, which handles information relating more to the internal functions of the company. CRM integrates marketing, sales and customer services to achieve better lasting customer relationships with a view to understand, secure and expand the customer base. It helps the company to assemble information about customers purchase history to provide sales forecasting, territory management, and team selling. By providing the relevant information, it helps to make call centers, help desks and customer support staff more efficient in managing customer requests.

ERP is an integrated application of all business processes of an enterprise, not just at country-level but also its other associates on a global basis. It tends to be at firm level as it focuses on integrating the key internal business functions of the enterprise. Comparatively, Groupware systems are computer-based systems that support groups of people engaged in a common task that provide an interface to a shared environment, and is commonly referred to as a form of collaborative software.

Lastly, C-Commerce involves the creation of a collaborative network of trade partners to strengthen strong business growth as a group. Most importantly, they gain strategic alliance and provide a competitive advantage for partners.

sigh. it feels like crap. im just writing down everything that i can possibly link to the topic, havent even edited it yet. so much things to do! ): think i desperately need a break. i want a holiday! but im not getting one until next year after my exams. ): SOMEONE SAVE ME! )))))))):

NI HAOOOO.