Questions1) Explain the differences and focus of MIS systems and KMS systems. Research online, present a specific company that most benefits from each type of system, analyse how each company uses the

Enterprise Information Systems Topic 4 – Overview Topic’s learning objectives:  Wireless, Mobile Co mputing, and Mobile Commerce  Information Systems Within the Organization 4.1 Wireless, Mobile Computing, and Mobile Commerce Like many issues in MIS wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce are not that new. Their significance however and the way they are utilized is increasing . These technologies are utilized today in ways that they were not one year ago and in one year from now they will be utilized in even more innovative ways. Being able to be interconnected without being tied to static PC opens a world of opportunities. In order to be able to take advanta ge of these opportunities the capabilities and limitations of mobile computing must be understood. The limitations are mostly related to limited access under certain circumstances and the risks are mostly related to issues of security both for the user an d for others. Wireless transmission can be by microwave, satellite that also enable GPS positioning , radio and infrared . Internet can be transmitted over short ranges by Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Near -field communication (NFC). NFC is being incorporated to more and mor e devices and is expected to enable consumers to use their mobile phones to pay for things. Medium range networks include Wireless Fidelity (Wi -Fi) , MiFi a small portable Wi -Fi and Mesh networks that combine Wi -Fi networks. Lon g range internet can be provided by Wide -Area Networks. These are comprised of cellular radio and wireless broadband. Mobile computing is not defined narrowly to mean a computer that is mobile but more broadly to mean being able to do all the things a pr ofessional would be able to do if they were at their office. This involves access to the networks, databases and applications. From a consumers point of view mobile computing and mobile commerce may mean being able to do anything a consumer can do in a s hop or it may mean so other particular functionality such as extra information. This extra information may be specific to a particular location the consumer is in. As more people and objects such as cars or houses get more connected and ‘intelligent’ we are on our way to pervasive or ubiquitous computing where almost everything is connected and communicating. This is enhanced by technologies such as RFID that enable objects to be tracked and share some information as if they were wireless bar codes. The re are also Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) that are made up by ‘motes’ that can collect process store and transmit information. The WSN network works in a similar way to the way routers dynamically select a path to send the message . They can adapt and change the path if necessary . Pause for thought By using GPS your phone can be aware of your location. Based on your instruction it can then provide you with location based information. Based on your lifestyle and your interests what would be your top three location based types of information you woul d like to have? 4.2 Information Systems Within the Organization After discussing new technologies that are changing the way organizations operate such as Web 2.0 and mobile computing it is important not to forget the systems an organization uses to operate on a day to day basis. While new technologies are utilized existing systems and technologies must be improved. There are various ways of distinguishing types of information systems. For this module the most important syste ms are firstly the transaction processing systems, secondly the management information systems by functional area and lastly Enterprise Resource Planning systems. The transaction processing system is fundamental for two main reasons: Firstly it executes procedures that would take a long time and would be worse if done manually. Some example s are receiving a payment for a product, reporting VAT, paying staff and many more. A second reason is that as most organizations are for profit making sense of most data usually involves relating it to revenues. Each department or functional areas carry out different processes. The marketing department carries out different processes to the finance department. This is the reason they are separate and this is also the reason they may have different systems. The systems attempt to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments. Enterprise Resource Planning systems are systems that encompass the whole organization. They may offer different departments and users different functionalities but the data across the organization is consistent, usually by having a single database. The consistent and up to date informatio n enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. Pause for thought A transaction processing system fulfils many financial functions. How different would a transaction processing system be for a non -profit organization such as a charity? Optional exercise There are some functional areas that are common in most organizations and there are some that are specific to a specific industry. For the following industries identify the functional areas:  Manufacturing (ex. laptops )  Postage (ex. DHL)  Transport (ex. Easy Jet) Further reading Rainer R.K., Watson H.J. (2012) Management Information Systems: Moving Business Forward, Wiley. Gunasekaran, A., Shea, T. (2009) Organizational Advancements through Enterprise Information Systems: Emerging Applications and Developments: IGI Global Motiwalla, L. And Thompson, J. (2012) Enterprise Systems for Management: International Version, 2/E, Pearson Higher Education Magal, S. R. and Word, J . (2012) Integrated Business Processes with ERP Systems, Wiley Plus course Cruz -Cunha, M. M. (2009) Social, Managerial, and Organizational Dimensions of Enterprise Information Systems, IGI Global Obrien, J. and Marakas G. (2007): ‘Enterprise Information Systems’, Chapter 12: Local and International Management of Information Technology, 13th ed., McGraw Hill.