Week 4

Information Systems in Organizations

In Week 1 Content –  What is an Information System – there are several examples of definitions of an information system.  The one constant in those definitions is that they are used to hold data and enable the use of it to support an organization’s use of that data.

This week's reading on Analyzing Process Improvements Supported by IT explains how systems enable communication, collaboration and workflow throughout an organization.

In Section II Process Analysis (Stage 2 Assignment), the focus is on process analysis and improvement as well as benefits of improvements on some specific non-technical areas (Stage 2 Assignment is due at the end of Week 4). 

For this week’s discussion, select one of the three areas (listed below) and discuss how companies can use information systems and the data within them to address that aspect.  Conduct some research and provide specific examples including what companies have focused on in these areas and examples of types of information systems used to gather, analyze and distribute data.  Simply typing “use of data to support organizational collaboration” (or whatever aspect you select) into your web browser will produce results but be sure to evaluate the sources to make sure they are relevant to this discussion. The idea is to discuss these various aspects and how companies use information systems to improve in these areas, as examples to help you as you think about the Stage 2 assignment.

As you select your topic, insert your topic in the subject line of your response.  Please address an area not selected by another student if not all have been selected; if all areas have been selected, make sure your posting provides additional information to expand the discussion.

• Communication


• Collaboration


• Workflow