For The Final Project, You Are Asked To Write An Eight To Te

For The Final Project You Are Asked To Write An Eight To Ten Page Res

For the Final Project, you are asked to write an eight-to ten-page research report (typed, double-spaced) in which you describe a company of your choice, the nature of its business, a specific product or service, and how that product or service is produced and distributed by the company. Then, recommend the information technology system you think should be in place and why. Address the following questions in narrative form (according to APA style). Be sure to provide examples and supporting rationale throughout the paper.

Company Background and Information Systems

What is the name, nature of business, and specific products or services of your chosen organization? How are the products or services produced and distributed by the company?

Why are information systems essential in managing the organization’s business? Describe the existing information systems supporting the major business functions of the organization (e.g., sales and marketing, manufacturing and production, accounting, human resources, etc.)

Information Technology Recommendation

What is your recommendation for the information technology systems you think should be in place and why? Your recommendation should include the following:

• Information needs: What types of decisions do users need to make by accessing the information systems?
• What are the different levels of information groups?
• Need for system automation
• Benefits of the proposed system (savings, quality improvements, faster processing, etc.)
• Types of database data elements (data, images, photographs, sound, video, etc.)
• Networking and interactive processing
• Centralization versus decentralization
• End-user computing needs
• Your recommendation to develop or acquire the system software

Potential Security Threats

Describe the various threats and security threats to the proposed information system. What security controls are required to address the threats?

Social, Political, and Diversity Impacts

Summarize the social and political issues raised by the proposed information system. Discuss the impact of diversity to the development and management of the proposed information system.

Paper For Above instruction

In this research paper, I will explore the case of Amazon.com, a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, to analyze how its information systems support its vast operations, and I will recommend an optimal information technology system to enhance its efficiency, security, and diversity management. Amazon’s core business involves the retail sale of a wide range of products, from electronics to apparel, as well as providing cloud services through Amazon Web Services (AWS). Its production and distribution network rely heavily on integrated information systems that facilitate inventory management, logistics, customer relationship management, and data analytics, making Amazon a quintessential example of a digitally-driven organization.

Company Background and Existing Information Systems

Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon initially started as an online bookstore but rapidly diversified into multiple product categories, becoming the world's largest online retailer. Its business model depends on advanced information systems that integrate supply chain management, customer data, order processing, and real-time logistics tracking. Amazon’s internal systems include the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, warehouse management systems (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and sophisticated data analytics platforms. These systems enable Amazon to streamline operations, personalize customer experience, and optimize inventory levels across its distribution centers located globally (Stone, 2013; Chopra & Meindl, 2016).

Importance of Information Systems in Amazon’s Business

Information systems are vital for Amazon’s success because they enable rapid decision-making, automate routine tasks, and provide reliable data for strategic planning. For example, the company’s recommendation engine relies on machine learning algorithms analyzing customer behavior data to suggest products, thereby increasing sales and customer satisfaction (Linden et al., 2013). Amazon’s inventory management system tracks stock levels in real-time, allowing the company to reduce waste and avoid stockouts. The use of cloud computing through AWS exemplifies how scalable information systems support infrastructure demands while maintaining security and availability (Mell & Grance, 2011).

Recommendations for Future Information Technology Systems

To enhance Amazon’s operational capacity, I recommend implementing a unified, AI-powered decision support system (DSS) that integrates data from all business units. This system would offer different decision levels: operational (inventory restocking), tactical (marketing promotions), and strategic (market expansion). Automating routine decisions through AI reduces human error and increases speed. The system should handle diverse data types, including transactional data, multimedia content (such as product images and videos), and real-time sensor data from warehouses.

Networking infrastructure must ensure robust, high-speed connectivity that supports cloud integration and real-time data sharing. A decentralized approach for regional warehouses could enhance responsiveness while maintaining centralized data repositories for analytics. End-users will require dashboards tailored for managers, data analysts, and frontline employees with varying degrees of system access and control.

Developing or acquiring advanced system software with cloud-native architecture, leveraging APIs, and supporting mobile and IoT devices will foster flexibility. Security is paramount; thus, deploying multi-layered security controls such as encryption, intrusion detection systems, and user authentication protocols aligns with best practices (NIST, 2021).

Potential Security Threats and Controls

The expanded use of interconnected systems exposes Amazon to threats including data breaches, malware attacks, insider threats, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Implementing multi-factor authentication, rigorous access controls, regular security audits, and real-time threat monitoring can mitigate these risks (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, 2022). Data encryption at rest and in transit ensures data confidentiality. Incident response plans and employee awareness training are critical for maintaining a resilient security posture.

Social, Political, and Diversity Considerations

The deployment of advanced information systems raises social and political issues, such as privacy concerns over data collection, implications of automation on employment, and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions. Amazon must navigate diverse legal frameworks, including GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California, ensuring transparency and consumer rights are protected (Kuner et al., 2017). Diversity influences system development; inclusive design that accommodates users of varying backgrounds, abilities, and languages promotes equity and broadens system usability. Addressing these factors not only enhances product acceptance but also aligns with corporate social responsibility principles (Shen, 2019).

Conclusion

In summary, Amazon’s sophisticated information systems underpin its expansive operations and competitive advantage. To further optimize these systems, implementing an integrated, AI-driven decision support system with robust security controls is essential. Attention to social, political, and diversity issues will ensure responsible management and sustainable growth. As technology evolves, continuous adaptation will be necessary to meet emerging challenges and opportunities effectively.

References

• Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
• Kuner, C., Cate, F. H., Millard, C., & Svantesson, D. J. (2017). The EU General Data Protection Regulation: A commentary. Oxford University Press.
• Linden, G., Smith, B., & York, J. (2013). Amazon.com recommendations: Item-to-item collaborative filtering. IEEE Internet Computing, 7(1), 76-80.
• Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• NIST. (2021). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• Shen, H. (2019). Diversity and inclusion in information systems: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Information Technology, 34(3), 213-225.
• Stone, B. (2013). The everything store: Jeff Bezos and the age of Amazon. Little, Brown and Company.
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (2022). Cybersecurity best practices for organizations. CISA.gov.