Discussion: This Week We Focus On Globalization Concepts ✓ Solved

Discussion: This week we focus on globalization concepts

This week we focus on globalization concepts. Please explain the concept of globalization and the role information technology has in the global market.

Short answer questions:

• What does the term globalization mean?
• How does Friedman define the three eras of globalization?
• Which technologies have had the biggest effect on globalization?
• What are some of the advantages brought about by globalization?
• What are the challenges of globalization?
• What perspective does Ghemawat provide regarding globalization in his book World 3.0?
• What does the term digital divide mean?
• What are Jakob Nielsen’s three stages of the digital divide?
• What was one of the key points of The Rise of the Network Society?
• Which country has the highest average Internet speed? How does your country compare?
• What does the term information systems ethics mean?
• What is a code of ethics?
• What is one advantage and one disadvantage of a code of ethics?
• What does the term intellectual property mean? Give an example.
• What is fair use?
• What protections are provided by a patent? How do you obtain one?
• What does a trademark protect? How do you obtain one?
• What does the term personally identifiable information mean?
• What protections are provided by HIPAA, COPPA, and FERPA?
• How would you explain the concept of NORA?
• What is GDPR and what was the motivation behind this regulation?

Exercise:

1. Compare the concept of Friedman’s “Globalization 3.0” with Nielsen empowerment stage of the digital divide.
2. Provide one example of how information technology has created an ethical dilemma that would not have existed before the advent of I.T.

Chapter 9 – Review the section on Establishing a Security Culture. Review the methods to reduce the chances of a cyber threat noted in the textbook. Research other peer-reviewed sources and note additional methods to reduce cyber-attacks within an organization.

Chapter 10 – Review the section on the IT leader in the digital transformation era. Note how IT professionals and especially leaders must transform their thinking to adapt to the constantly changing organizational climate. What are some methods or resources leaders can utilize to enhance their change attitude?

Paper For Above Instructions

Globalization, as a multifaceted phenomenon, relates to the interdependence and interaction among nations due to trade, communication, and environmental exchange, ultimately resulting in an increasingly integrated global economy. Information technology plays a pivotal role in this integration by facilitating the flow of information, allowing businesses to operate across borders, and permitting real-time communication that fuels various economic activities (Friedman, 2007). Furthermore, the technological advancements in digital communication, such as the Internet and mobile technology, have significantly accelerated globalization, making businesses accessible to broader markets.

To further explore the meaning of globalization, it is crucial to understand Friedman's three eras of globalization. The first era, Globalization 1.0, lasted from 1492 to 1800, characterized by countries expanding through trade and exploration (Friedman, 2007). Globalization 2.0, from 1800 to 2000, saw the rise of multinational companies and a focus on improving transportation and communication technologies. Finally, Globalization 3.0, which began around 2000, emphasizes the role of individuals and small groups empowered by technology to participate in the global economy.

Technologies that have had the biggest impact on globalization include the Internet, mobile communications, cloud computing, and social media. The Internet has enabled the immediate exchange of information globally, while mobile technologies have made it possible for individuals to connect regardless of location, allowing businesses to access and cater to global markets effectively (Castells, 2010). Additionally, cloud computing facilitates the sharing of resources and services across the world, contributing to the globalization of businesses.

Globalization brings numerous advantages, such as economic growth, increased access to products and services, and a broader cultural exchange. It allows countries to specialize in what they do best, leading to efficiency and innovation (Rodrik, 2011). However, challenges also accompany globalization. These include job displacement, cultural homogenization, and the widening gap between developed and developing nations (Stiglitz, 2002). Ghemawat (2011) provides an interesting perspective on globalization in his book "World 3.0," suggesting that while globalization drives economic prosperity, it is essential to understand how local contexts influence global business strategies.

The digital divide is defined as the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. Nielsen identifies three stages of the digital divide: the first stage is access, the second is skill, and the third is empowerment, emphasizing that merely having access to technology is not enough if individuals lack the skills to use it meaningfully (Nielsen, 2012). The "Rise of the Network Society" by Manuel Castells highlights the transformative power of the Internet and its role in shaping society, emphasizing the need for individuals and organizations to adapt to the networked environment to thrive.

As for the country with the highest average Internet speed, as of my last knowledge update, Singapore held that title, consistently ranking at the top in speed tests (Speedtest Global Index, 2023). Comparing this to other nations, such as the United States, highlights disparities in Internet infrastructure and its implications for globalization and economic competitiveness.

Ethical considerations in information systems are essential, with a code of ethics providing a framework for conduct within organizations. Having a code of ethics is advantageous as it fosters trust and sets clear behavioral expectations; however, it can also restrict flexibility and complicate decision-making processes (Wallace & Geringer, 2020). Intellectual property refers to legal rights protecting creations of the mind, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, while patents grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a specified period, protecting against unauthorized use (Merges, 2011).

Obtaining a trademark involves registering the mark with the relevant authority to protect brand identity. Personally identifiable information (PII) refers to any data that could potentially identify a specific individual, making it crucial to protect this information through regulations like HIPAA, COPPA, and FERPA. These laws provide frameworks to safeguard sensitive data across various sectors, ensuring privacy rights are upheld.

NORA (Non-Obvious Relationship Awareness) involves the collection and analysis of data to identify potential relationships between entities that may not be immediately apparent. Lastly, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was established to enhance data protection and privacy for individuals within the European Union, addressing concerns related to personal data exploitation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).

In the practical aspect of this discussion, selecting a global organization such as Starbucks, known for its operational excellence across multiple countries, can provide valuable insights. Starbucks sells premium coffee and operates in various international markets, differentiating itself by offering a unique customer experience, high-quality products, and ethical sourcing practices. The company utilizes diverse resources, including supply chain management, branding, and employee training, to succeed in the competitive market (Schultz & Gordon, 2011).

Starbucks’ commitment to operational excellence is reflected in its continual improvement efforts, including the use of technology to enhance customer experience and efficiencies within its operations. For example, the implementation of mobile ordering and payment options has streamlined the customer experience while also adapting to changing consumer preferences.

References

• Castells, M. (2010). The Rise of the Network Society. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Friedman, T. L. (2007). The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Ghemawat, P. (2011). World 3.0: Global Prosperity and How to Achieve It. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Merges, R. P. (2011). Patent Law and Policy: Cases and Materials. LexisNexis.
• Nielsen, J. (2012). The Digital Divide: Finding Common Ground. Nielsen Norman Group.
• Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (GDPR).
• Rodrik, D. (2011). The Globalization Paradox: Why Global Markets, States, and Democracy Can't Coexist. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Schultz, H., & Gordon, D. J. (2011). Onward: How Starbucks Fought For Its Life Without Losing Its Soul. Rodale Books.
• Speedtest Global Index. (2023). Index by Country.
• Wallace, R. P., & Geringer, J. M. (2020). Ethics in Information Technology. Cengage Learning.