CSIS 100 - Discussion Board Topic 3: Information Systems—In
CSIS 100 - Discussion Board Topic #3: Information Systems—Information Technology
Describe how your understanding of Information Systems and Information Technology has changed over the past seven weeks of the course, and explain why. Support your comments with references. Your main post should be at least 300 words, and responses to two classmates should each be 100 words, offering meaningful discussions beyond generic comments.
Paper For Above instruction
Over the past seven weeks of the CSIS 100 course, my understanding of Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT) has significantly evolved. Initially, I perceived IS primarily as the computer systems and software used in organizations, and IT as the hardware and technical infrastructure supporting these systems. However, after engaging with various course materials, discussions, and case studies, my perspective has broadened considerably.
Firstly, I now view Information Systems not merely as technological tools but as integral parts of organizational strategy and decision-making processes. IS encompass a convergence of technology, people, processes, and data that work together to support business operations and create competitive advantages. This holistic view emphasizes that effective management of IS involves understanding the interplay between these components (Laudon & Laudon, 2020). For example, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems exemplify how integrated information systems streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
Secondly, I recognize that Information Technology extends beyond hardware and software to include emerging digital innovations such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics. The course illuminated how these technological advancements are transforming industries by enabling real-time data analysis, automation, and global connectivity. For instance, cloud computing allows organizations to scale their infrastructure flexibly, reducing costs and increasing efficiency (Marston et al., 2011). AI-driven systems are now automating complex tasks, from customer service to predictive analytics, which were unimaginable a decade ago.
Furthermore, I have come to appreciate the strategic importance of aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals. This involves assessing technological investments not only based on their immediate benefits but also their long-term impact on business innovation and growth (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). Digital transformation efforts are pivotal in maintaining competitive advantage in today's rapidly changing global markets.
In conclusion, my initial simplistic view of IS and IT as primarily technical entities has transformed into a recognition of their strategic, organizational, and innovative significance. This expanded understanding underscores the importance of integrating technology thoughtfully to achieve business success in the digital age.
References
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W.W. Norton & Company.
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (16th ed.). Pearson.
Marston, S., Li, Z., Bandyopadhyay, S., Zhang, J., & Ghalsasi, A. (2011). Cloud computing—The business perspective. Decision Support Systems, 51(1), 176-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2010.12.006