Research An Organization: Choose A Publicly Held Corporation
Research an Organization Choose a publicly held corporation from an industry with which you are familiar
Conduct research on the organization using the internet, the CSU-Global Library, and other credible sources. Your analysis of that organization needs to include the following: Analyze how people, information, and information technology help the company remain competitive in their industry.
Analyze Porter’s Five Forces Model in relation to competition within the industry of that corporation. Evaluate how supply chain management systems, enterprise resource planning systems, and customer relationship management systems are currently used, or could be used, within the organization. Evaluate how a database management system and a data warehouse are currently used, or could be used, within the organization. Analyze how the five agent-based technologies are currently used, or could be used, within the organization. Evaluate which of the nine major e-commerce business models are currently used, or could be used, within the organization, and synthesize how these could work together to create value within the organization.
Analyze how the organization could benefit from using the systems development life cycle (SDLC), and what type of projects within the organization could benefit from this process. Evaluate the phases of business continuity planning as they relate to the organization. Analyze how the organization could use emerging trends such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cell phones, and RFID to remain competitive in the future. Evaluate measures that the organization takes, or could take, to ensure information is protected and free from security vulnerabilities. Your paper should be 7 to 10 pages in length and encompass your knowledge from all modules of the course.
Support your argument with at least five credible, outside sources. Remember to use proper citations and references.
Paper For Above instruction
In the highly competitive landscape of modern business, technological innovation plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing organizational competitiveness. An in-depth exploration of a publicly traded corporation provides insights into how people, information, and information systems synergistically contribute to sustaining a competitive advantage. For this analysis, I have chosen Amazon.com Inc., a leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, which exemplifies the integration of advanced information systems and strategic operational practices to sustain its industry dominance.
Role of People, Information, and Technology in Industry Competitiveness
Amazon’s success is fundamentally rooted in its strategic use of human capital, information, and technology. Employees drive innovation, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency. Extensive training programs empower staff to leverage information systems effectively. The company’s vast data repositories enable targeted marketing and personalized shopping experiences, fostering customer loyalty.
Information technology underpins Amazon’s operational backbone. Its sophisticated logistics management, automated fulfillment centers, and real-time tracking systems ensure rapid delivery and inventory accuracy. Amazon’s investment in cloud technology through Amazon Web Services (AWS) illustrates how cutting-edge IT sustains operational scalability and flexibility, enabling the company to adapt rapidly to market changes.
Porter’s Five Forces Model Analysis
Applying Porter’s Five Forces model provides a framework for understanding industry competitiveness. First, the threat of new entrants in e-commerce remains moderate due to high capital requirements and established brand loyalty. Second, bargaining power of suppliers is balanced; Amazon’s size affords negotiation leverage, yet reliance on third-party sellers introduces volatility.
Third, buyer bargaining power is high, as consumers can readily compare prices and switch brands. Amazon counters this through personalized services and a vast product assortment. Fourth, the threat of substitutes is significant, with traditional retail and emerging online competitors. Fifth, industry rivalry is intense, characterized by price wars, innovation, and expanding product offerings. Amazon’s continuous technological innovation and customer-centric approach help mitigate competitive pressures.
Enterprise Systems and Data Management
Amazon extensively utilizes Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems to streamline procurement, inventory management, and delivery logistics. Its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integrate financials, procurement, and inventory data, ensuring real-time operational visibility. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems enable personalized marketing, customer service, and loyalty programs.
In terms of data management, Amazon employs sophisticated database management systems to handle vast amounts of transactional and customer data. Its data warehouse consolidates diverse data sources, enabling advanced analytics for demand forecasting and personalization. These systems facilitate data-driven decisions crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
Agent-Based Technologies and E-Commerce Business Models
Amazon’s deployment of agent-based technologies, such as autonomous robots within fulfillment centers, exemplifies automation enhancing operational efficiency. These agents coordinate to optimize inventory handling and order fulfillment, reducing errors and costs.
Regarding e-commerce models, Amazon predominantly operates under the B2C (business-to-consumer) model but also incorporates B2B and C2C elements through its marketplace platform. The synergy of these models creates a comprehensive ecosystem, adding value through diverse revenue streams and expanded market reach.
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Business Continuity
Implementing the SDLC enables Amazon to methodically develop, implement, and maintain complex information systems. For example, new features on the website or enhancements in delivery logistics benefit from structured SDLC phases—planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance—ensuring quality and risk mitigation.
Business continuity planning (BCP) is vital for Amazon, particularly given its reliance on data centers and cloud services. Strategies include data redundancy, disaster recovery protocols, and cybersecurity measures to ensure service availability and data integrity during disruptions.
Emerging Trends and Future Competitiveness
Emerging trends such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile devices, and RFID technology remain integral to Amazon’s future strategic initiatives. RFID tags onboard shipments help synchronize inventory across warehouses and delivery trucks. Mobile technologies provide seamless customer experiences and enable shopping from anywhere. Bluetooth-enabled devices assist in inventory tracking and personalized marketing experiences.
Additionally, leveraging 5G technology and IoT devices could transform supply chain responsiveness and real-time tracking, further enhancing Amazon’s agility and customer service excellence.
Security Measures and Data Protection
Amazon employs advanced security protocols, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, to safeguard customer and corporate data. Regular security audits and compliance with international standards like GDPR and ISO 27001 help identify vulnerabilities and prevent breaches. Implementing proactive security measures is essential for maintaining customer trust and regulatory compliance in an increasingly cyber-threatened environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amazon’s competitive edge results from its strategic integration of information technology, innovative use of enterprise systems, vigilant security measures, and proactive adoption of emerging trends. Continuous investment in technology and data-driven decision-making ensures its position as an industry leader, demonstrating how organizations can leverage technological resources to sustain long-term success in the digital age.
References
- Chaffey, D. (2018). Digital Business and E-Commerce Management. Pearson Education.
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (16th ed.). Pearson.
- Porter, M. E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78-93.
- Rowley, J. (2017). Information systems and organizational performance. Journal of Management Information Systems, 33(4), 975-1000.
- Sidorova, A., & Brohman, M. K. (2021). The evolution of enterprise resource planning: Past, present, and future. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 34(3), 633-661.
- Singh, A., & Hess, T. (2017). How chief digital officers promote the digital transformation of their companies. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16(2), 123-139.
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- Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT Governance: How Top Performers Manage IT Decision Rights for Superior Results. Harvard Business School Press.
- Yoo, Y., Boland, R. J., Lyytinen, K., & Majchrzak, A. (2012). Organizing for innovation in the age of crowdsourcing. MIS Quarterly, 36(4), 1-16.