IT Systems Strategy Of A Company Research Paper

IT Systems Strategy Of A Company - Research Paper Example In the context of current market trends, the increase of a firm’s profitability cannot be achieved without a radical change in the methods used for managing information across the particular organization. The development of information as an element of competitive advantage is, primarily, the result of the continuous improvement of technology involved in various organizational activities. Under these terms, the firms, which are interested in achieving a long-term growth, need to ensure that they are able to capture, process and transmit information across all their departments. The above issue is set under examination in this paper. Reference is made to a particular firm, Microsoft UK. The information management practices of the above firm are evaluated emphasizing on the following issues: a) the effects of a potential information audit, b) the relationship between the organizational structure/ culture and the information management policies used by the organization and c) the value of competitive intelligence for the development of organizational performance. It is concluded that the development of the firm’s existing information management policies would help the firm to increase its competitiveness within the global market; moreover, the incorporation of effective competitive intelligence methods would also support the achievement of the above target. However, the firm’s existing structure and culture would need to be reviewed and updated supporting more effectively the relevant efforts of the organization. 2. Key issues that would be likely to emerge if an information audit were to be conducted for Microsoft UK In order to identify the effects of a potential information audit in Microsoft it would be necessary to refer primarily to the common needs and benefits of the particular process as developed in firms internationally. In accordance with Dube et al. (2005) information audit results to a series of benefits for the organization invo lved: the most important benefit of information audit is the improvement of a firm’s existing control systems (Dube et al 2005, p.12); moreover, information audit helps to identify the problems of a firm’s information management policies and to suggest information management processes which are more appropriate for the particular organization (Dube et al. 2005, p.12). However, despite its value for the organizational performance, information audit is a rather costly process (Lipman et al 2006, p.66). In this context, the ability of a firm to cover the relevant expenses cannot be guaranteed. In the case of Microsoft, no such problem is expected; the firm’s financial status allows for such initiatives; however, another issue would occur: is the information audit process attempted in Microsoft well planned? If the relevant plan is not carefully developed, the risk of a failure would be extremely high. From a different point of view, the success of information audit has been related to the IS skills of the employees engaged in the specific process; this is an issue highlighted in the study of Coderre (2009). For Microsoft, the above issue is not important; the firm’s employees are

Presidential Transition and Policy Priorities on Civil Rights Essay

Presidential Transition and Policy Priorities on Civil Rights - Essay Example Discrimination in itself is one hot issue that Pres. Obama must address. In other words, every Civil Rights issue will stem upon his resolve (or lack of it) to address discrimination. The American Founding Fathers believed that "All men are created equal," and it is really absurd of people will be discriminated because of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex and religion. In follows then that health care institutions should not tolerate discrimination, and it is good that such services under the Office of Civil Rights are prohibited from displaying such acts. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed and implemented to prevent "racial segregation" in public places, schools and place of employment. It was established first and foremost to aid African Americans and protect women. To accomplish its objectives, this law also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Subsequent to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, President George H.W. Bush has signed into law the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 or ADA in July 26, 19904. The Act bans discrimination against people with disabilities in employment in public service, in public accommodations and in telecommunications. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for enforcing the prohibition of discrimination against people with disabilities in employment. The ADA protects people from job discrimination of qualified individuals because of the presence of a disability. According to ADA, a person has a disability if he or she possesses a mental or physical impairment that adequately limits a major life activity. ADA can protect such person in cases wherein a person has history of such disability, or even in the case that such disability exists only in the mind of the would-be employer. To be protected under the ADA you must have a record or evidence of considerable impairment. A considerable or substantial impairment is one which restricts key life activities in the form of hearing, seeing, speaking, and performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning or working. But if a person has a certain disability, there are conditions by which he or she can be reasonably accommodated. In particular: 1. A person must satisfy the requirements for education, relevant experience, specific skills, and professional certification. 2. A person ought to be able to fulfill the job with or without accommodation since an employer cannot refuse to hire such him or her on the basis of the presence of any disability. But in doing so, it is important to clarify what is reasonable accommodation. It pertains to adjustments or changes with a work environment which allows a qualified applicant with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities. Reasonable accommodation may include: 1. Provision or modification of equipment. 2. Job