Course Description: The Theory And Practice Of Mana

Course Description Considers the theory and practice of management information

consider the theory and practice of management information systems, including information requirements analysis, design methodology, and system implementation considerations. Topics include new technology convergence, management of disrupted technology, technology impacts, and business continuity planning. Course Textbook(s) Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2016). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (14th ed.) [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Summarize the complexities of information technology practices. 2. Describe the role of the information technology professional within an organization. 3. Evaluate the process of developing an information system for an organization. 4. Explain how information technology systems influence organizational strategies. 5. Examine information systems decision-making from a managerial perspective. 6. Compare and contrast databases and database management. 7. Evaluate the driving ethical issues of information systems. 8. Analyze the importance of software, hardware, and telecommunications to the business. 9. Examine advanced information systems solutions such as ERP (enterprise resource planning) and SAP (software application and products). 10. Explain important information systems compliance and security considerations.

Analyze the case study titled "Who's the World's Top Retailer? Walmart and Amazon Duke It Out" on pp. of your textbook. For this assignment, you will need to: 1. analyze the case study comparing Walmart and Amazon's business models and business strategies, 2. explain the role that information technology plays in each of these businesses and describe the role of the various IT professionals involved in this case, 3. explain how IT helps influence Walmart and Amazon's organizational strategies, and 4. summarize your findings in a two- to three-page paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapidly evolving landscape of retail giants like Walmart and Amazon showcases the critical role of information technology (IT) in shaping business models and strategies. Analyzing these two retail behemoths reveals how their unique technological applications influence their organizational strategies and competitive positioning in the global marketplace.

Walmart's business model primarily focuses on cost leadership and operational efficiency, leveraging traditional supply chain management and logistics systems enhanced by information technology. Its extensive use of data analytics and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems facilitates inventory management and real-time sales tracking, enabling Walmart to maintain low prices and high availability (Laudon & Laudon, 2016). Walmart's IT professionals, including supply chain analysts, database administrators, and systems developers, are integral in designing and maintaining these complex systems, ensuring seamless integration across its vast network of stores and distribution centers.

Conversely, Amazon's business strategy emphasizes customer-centric innovation, rapid delivery, and extensive online offerings. Amazon's advanced IT infrastructure underpins its e-commerce platform, cloud computing services (AWS), and personalized recommendation systems. The company's IT professionals play diverse roles, from software engineers developing algorithms for recommendation engines to cybersecurity specialists safeguarding its vast digital ecosystem (Huang et al., 2018). Amazon's use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) significantly influences its organizational strategy by enabling personalized marketing and optimizing supply chain routes.

The role of information technology in both corporations demonstrates its influence on organizational strategies. Walmart's IT systems bolster its supply chain efficiency, supporting its strategic goal of cost minimization. In contrast, Amazon's IT innovations foster superior customer engagement and logistical flexibility, aligning with its strategy of rapid delivery and expanded product offerings. These technological capabilities enable each company to differentiate itself in a competitive retail landscape, demonstrating that IT is not merely supporting but actively shaping organizational strategy.

In conclusion, Walmart and Amazon exemplify how distinct business models leverage information technology to achieve strategic objectives. Walmart's focus on operational efficiency through supply chain systems contrasts with Amazon's emphasis on innovation and customer experience driven by AI and cloud services. Both strategies highlight the transformative power of IT in modern retail, where technological expertise and infrastructure are crucial for competitive advantage.

References

  • Huang, M.-H., Lee, Y.-H., & Lin, T.-W. (2018). Strategic innovation and digital transformation at Amazon. Journal of Business Research, 94, 328–336.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2016). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (14th ed.). Pearson.

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