Begin Working On Your Presentation: Submit An Outline Of The
Beginworking On Your Presentationsubmitan Outline Of The Presentat
Begin working on your presentation. Submit an outline of the presentation that includes the following: A full description of the new system, a description of its components, and the benefit it will provide to Riordan. A discussion of the business requirements driving the need for the system. A discussion of the information used in the system. A discussion of any information security and ethical concerns with the system. Note: Riordan Manufacturing is one of the Virtual Organizations. Please see the link under Academic Resources or on this entry. Materials Virtual Organizations Checkpoint Instructions New System Proposal (Preparation for Week 4 Checkpoint).
Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper identifying and describing how information is used and how it flows in an organization. Explain this use in your current place of employment or an organization you are familiar with. Describe concerns with properly controlling this flow, including keeping it safe from unauthorized use.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective information management and flow are critical components of organizational success, especially in the context of implementing new systems. This paper explores how information is utilized and how it flows within an organization, using Riordan Manufacturing as a case study. Additionally, the discussion includes a detailed description of a proposed new system, its components, associated business requirements, security, and ethical considerations, along with insights drawn from personal work experience or knowledge of organizational information flow.
Introduction
Information plays a vital role in organizational operations, decision-making, and strategic planning. As organizations evolve, particularly through the adoption of new systems, understanding how information flows between departments, systems, and users becomes essential. Riordan Manufacturing, a virtual organization, exemplifies the need for effective information management due to its dispersed structure and reliance on integrated technological processes. This analysis emphasizes the significance of designing systems that facilitate efficient information flow while maintaining security and ethical standards.
The New System: Description and Components
The proposed new system for Riordan Manufacturing is an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed to streamline operations across various departments such as finance, production, supply chain, and human resources. The core components include a centralized database, management software modules, user interfaces, and security protocols. The database consolidates data from multiple sources, providing real-time access to information. Each module caters to specific functions, such as inventory management, order processing, payroll, and customer relationship management (CRM). The user interfaces allow employees to interact with the system efficiently, while security protocols ensure data integrity and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Business Requirements Driving the System
The primary business requirements for implementing this system include the need for operational efficiency, improved data accuracy, better decision-making capabilities, and enhanced customer service. As a virtual organization, Riordan Manufacturing necessitates a unified platform that facilitates seamless communication and data sharing across dispersed locations. The system must support scalability to accommodate future growth, customization to adapt to evolving business processes, and compliance with regulatory standards such as ISO certifications and data privacy laws.
Information Used in the System
The ERP system accumulates and processes a wide array of information, including transactional data from sales, procurement, production, and financial records. Customer data, supplier details, employee records, and inventory levels are integral to operations. The system utilizes real-time data analytics to generate reports, forecast demand, and optimize resource allocation. Such comprehensive information supports strategic planning and operational decision-making, enabling the organization to respond quickly to market changes and internal needs.
Security and Ethical Concerns
Security concerns involve safeguarding sensitive organizational data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data breaches. The system implements security measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and regular audits to mitigate risks. Ethical concerns relate to data privacy, especially regarding customer and employee information. The organization must ensure compliance with ethical standards and legal regulations governing data collection, storage, and sharing. Transparent data usage policies foster trust and uphold ethical standards.
Information Flow and Control
In this context, information flow encompasses the movement of data from input points (e.g., sales transactions, procurement records) through processing stages to output reports and decision-making tools. Proper control of this flow is crucial to prevent data loss, corruption, or misuse. Challenges include maintaining data consistency across platforms, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring real-time synchronization. In my organization, similar information flow processes involve the use of secure databases and access controls, but vulnerabilities persist in areas such as email-based data sharing and inadequate user training. Addressing these vulnerabilities involves establishing strict security policies, user authentication protocols, and ongoing staff training to foster security awareness.
Controlling Data Security and Privacy
Effective control mechanisms include implementing robust cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption. Segregating duties ensures that no single individual has excessive access privileges, reducing insider threats. Regular audits detect anomalies and reinforce compliance with data privacy laws like GDPR or HIPAA in healthcare. In my organization, strengthening these controls has mitigated unauthorized data access, but continuous improvement is necessary given evolving threats. Furthermore, creating a culture of security awareness and ethical data handling among staff is vital for maintaining data privacy and integrity.
Conclusion
In summary, effective information flow within organizations like Riordan Manufacturing is foundational to operational success and strategic agility. The proposed ERP system aims to enhance this flow through integrated components, real-time data processing, and security features. Addressing business needs, securing data, and ethically managing information are interconnected challenges that require continuous attention. My personal experience highlights that technological controls must be complemented by organizational policies and cultural practices to ensure information security and ethical compliance. As organizations become increasingly digital, mastering information flow control remains a critical competence for sustainable growth and trustworthiness.
References
- Davenport, T. H. (1998). Putting the enterprise into the enterprise system. Harvard Business Review, 76(4), 121-131.
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm. Pearson.
- O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2011). Introduction to information systems. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
- Porwal, A., & Frenkel, S. (2019). Ethical issues in enterprise systems. MIS Quarterly Executive, 18(3), 158-169.
- Ross, J. W., Beath, C. M., & Goodhue, D. L. (2006). Develop long-term competitiveness through effective Enterprise System management. MIT Sloan Management Review, 48(1), 31-38.
- Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2020). Principles of information systems. Cengage Learning.
- Vaidya, S., & Yadav, N. (2021). Data security in enterprise systems: Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Computer Applications, 174(4), 1-8.
- Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT governance: How top performers manage IT decision rights for superior results. Harvard Business School Press.
- Zafar, A., & Malik, A. (2018). Ethical considerations in enterprise resource planning systems. Journal of Business Ethics, 152(2), 457-471.
- Zhou, Q., & Li, W. (2020). Ensuring security and privacy in enterprise information systems. Journal of Information Security and Applications, 52, 102470.