Information technology Jeffrey L. Ellis Argosy University Online

1. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 . Information technology Jeffrey L. Ellis Argosy University Online

2. Introduction INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2 The analysis of Alpha books is centered on stake holder and ownership membership to financial group business dealership

3. organization’s current and past use of information systems INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3 • There has been change of hands from • Macmillan administration to Alpha Books administration • From Pearson to Penguin These changes have led to change in the Information systems at Alpha Books. The changes include from information systems operation as a branch to operations as a stand alone company.

4. impact on efficiency and operations INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 4 • The efficiency level has changed in the • number of files being catered for in the new systems • Time required to carry out functions • Reduced decisions to be made and also • independence

5. impact on decision making and profitability INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 5 • This section explains • Number of decisions made by the systems • How Information systems impact labor requirements • How the systems help in accurately calculating and reporting ratios • Production of financial reports using Information systems

6. usage and purpose of the IS system INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6 • The purpose of the IS system in Alpha Books is based on three main aspects; internal and external relations, management, and decision making, the latter is further explained in previous sections in this paper. • In managing internal and external relationships, the management at Alpha Books has always ensured that the IS has an interface for both. The interaction with internal environment includes sending of memos, communication on new deliveries, inter departmental communication as well as preparations of meetings. The management also convenes virtual meetings using tele-conference systems in the organization (Alpha Books). • On the other hand, management systems have been another effective role of the IS at Alpha books. The monitoring of staff, verifiability of processes, and consolidation of reports is easily done using the IS system at Alpha books (Shajahan, 2009).

7. the improvements that can be made INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7 • While the advantages of the information systems noted earlier in this paper have already been attained, there are still areas that the management at Alpha books needs to improve on • First, the website usage is yet to be maximized. • Secondly, the IS at Alpha Books should be improved to provide access to interaction between the company and prospective human resources. • The management should also be able to increase the internal communication s through the IS systems.

8. need for an information system INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8 • The key requirements for Information Systems in Alpha Books include • Data flow management • Human labor management • Inventory management • Sales management • Marketing management • Financial recording and reporting process • Time management , and, • General management decisions making process (Shajahan, 2009)

9. how decisions are made using the IT system INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9 • There are three main decisions made using the IT system • Structured and unstructured problems • Programmed and un-programmed problems, and • Certain and uncertain problems

10. key business requirements or needs that the system must meet INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 10 • For an information system to be successful, it must be able to meet the factors that are laid down below • Create an interface between the system and the user • Ability to make key decisions on behalf of the user • Be compatible with the operation of the organizations • Ability to hold all the data that has been in put by the management (Shajahan, 2009) • The systems must be compatible with future changes or can be phased out where new system must take over, and • An effective information system must allow the user to execute all commands.

11. types of decision-making support systems INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 11 • As an IT professional, the efficiency at my department may rely mostly on the various DSS’s that are available ay my disposal and how best I am able to use the decision making tolls. Some of the DSS’s are • Executive support systems (ESS) • Group decision support systems (GDSS) • Decision support systems (DSS) • Management information systems (MIS) • Intelligent systems (Shajahan, 2009)

12. Conclusion INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 12 • From the above data, the importance of information systems to Alpha Books and to many companies is evident. The operations using Information Systems are easier not only for management but also for the staff, the customers and other stakeholders in that organization (Lucey, 2004). The improvements that are recommended for the Information Systems at Alpha books are not final, the field of Information Technology continues to grow by the day. It is thus important to focus on continued improvements for the benefit of the company.

13. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 13 References • http://www.alphatextbooks.com/ • Lucey, T., (2004). Management Information Systems. New York: SAGE • Shajahan, S., (2009). Management Information Systems. New York: Willey