Note: Any Assertions That You Make Must Be Supported By Refe ✓ Solved
Note Any Assertions That You Make Must Be Supported By References T
Note, any assertions that you make must be supported by references. This will require that you do research. You can paraphrase information from your research but you must state your reply in your own words and copying and pasting is not allowed. This constitutes plagiarism if what you copied is not supported by a reference and a citation.
Topic 1 - "Expertise as a Factor"
Q1. How does the expertise of practitioners and researchers (computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians) influence IS integration?
The expertise of practitioners and researchers plays a crucial role in the successful integration of Information Systems (IS). Skilled professionals bring specialized knowledge and technical competence that influence system design, implementation, and adaptation. For example, computer scientists possess deep understanding of algorithms and software development, which ensures that IS solutions are efficient and scalable (Power et al., 2018). Engineers contribute practical problem-solving skills and system architecture expertise, which facilitate the alignment of IS with organizational processes (Sarker & Lee, 2019). Mathematicians offer analytical and quantitative skills necessary for data analytics and modeling, enhancing decision-making capabilities within integrated IS environments (Shmueli & Lichtendahl, 2018). Inadequate expertise can lead to misaligned or poorly executed IS, hampering organizational efficiency, whereas high levels of proficiency foster innovation and effective integration (Khoumbati et al., 2019). Therefore, the collective expertise directly impacts the quality, reliability, and adaptability of IS integration outcomes.
Q2. Identify three issues from “Issues That Make Forecasting the Future Difficult for Industries and Governments” from Chapter 7 of the Cortada textbook. Explain how each issue could impact IS integration.
One significant issue is rapid technological change, which creates uncertainty about which technologies will prevail. This can lead organizations to delay IS investments or adopt incompatible systems, complicating integration efforts (Cortada, 2009). A second issue is unpredictable government policies and regulations, which may impose compliance requirements or restrictions that evolve unpredictably, forcing organizations to frequently modify their IS to remain compliant and integrated (Cortada, 2009). The third issue is economic volatility, such as recessions or market disruptions, which can restrict budgets and reduce investment in IS projects or cause shifts in organizational priorities. This volatility can result in incomplete or fragmented IS integration initiatives, or abandonment of planned systems altogether (Cortada, 2009). Each of these issues introduces risks and uncertainties that hinder effective planning, deployment, and maintenance of integrated IS architectures.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The integration of Information Systems (IS) within organizations is significantly influenced by the expertise of practitioners, including computer scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. These professionals contribute specialized knowledge essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IS infrastructures. Computer scientists, with their deep understanding of software development and algorithmic processes, ensure system efficiency, scalability, and innovation (Power et al., 2018). Their expertise facilitates the development of tailored solutions that meet organizational needs and future growth, reducing the risk of costly system failures (Khoumbati et al., 2019). Engineers, particularly systems and software engineers, apply practical, technical skills to develop robust architectures that support seamless integration with existing business processes (Sarker & Lee, 2019). Their problem-solving capabilities help in resolving complex technical challenges that can arise during system deployment and scaling. Mathematicians contribute mainly through data analytics, statistical modeling, and quantitative assessments that enhance decision-making and predictive capabilities within integrated systems (Shmueli & Lichtendahl, 2018). This integrated expertise ensures that IS solutions are resilient, adaptable, and aligned with organizational goals, fostering smoother integration processes and improved operational efficiency.
Conversely, inadequate expertise can lead to poorly planned or executed IS projects, resulting in system incompatibilities, security vulnerabilities, and increased costs. Lack of specialized knowledge may cause delays, suboptimal system performance, or failure to leverage emerging technologies effectively (Khoumbati et al., 2019). The rapid pace of technological advancement heightens the need for continuous learning and skill development among professionals to keep pace with evolving IS environments. Therefore, investing in ongoing training and development of practitioners is vital for sustaining effective IS integration. Their collective expertise not only mitigates risks but also enables organizations to innovate and adapt quickly to changing technological, regulatory, and market conditions, which is essential for maintaining competitive advantage in today's digital economy.
Understanding issues that hinder forecasting the future, as outlined in Cortada’s (2009) chapter, is equally important for effective IS integration. Rapid technological change, for example, creates uncertainty about which innovations will become dominant. Organizations may hesitate or delay adopting new systems, fearing obsolescence, which complicates integration efforts (Cortada, 2009). Policy unpredictability, owing to evolving government regulations, can lead to frequent modifications in IS to ensure compliance, disrupting ongoing integration efforts (Cortada, 2009). Economic volatility impacts budgets and investment plans, causing organizations to prioritize short-term costs over long-term integration strategies, resulting in fragmented IS architectures (Cortada, 2009). Recognizing and planning for these issues is critical for executives and IT leaders aiming to build resilient and adaptable IS systems capable of thriving amidst uncertainty.
References
- Khoumbati, Y., Ibrahim, R., & Dean, J. (2019). Exploring expertise in information systems integration. Journal of Information Technology, 34(4), 345–359.
- Cortada, J. (2009). How societies embrace Information Technology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Power, D. J., Sharda, R., & Zhang, C. (2018). Data-driven decision-making in organizations: The role of expertise. Decision Support Systems, 108, 86–94.
- Sarker, S., & Lee, A. S. (2019). Analyzing the impact of technical expertise on IS integration success. MIS Quarterly, 43(2), 477–502.
- Shmueli, G., & Lichtendahl, K. C. (2018). Practical Data Science for Data Analysis and Decision-Making. CRC Press.