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3 pages/β‰ˆ825 words
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APA
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Technology
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Essay
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English (U.S.)
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Topic:

Foundations of Management Information Systems

Essay Instructions:

Module 2 - Case
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Assignment Overview
Today’s computers are built in a variety of shapes, sizes, and computer capabilities. The continuous push for hardware and software inventions are changing the user preferences and driving the development of new computer models, hand held devices, personal assistants, etc. Laudon and Laudon’s (2012) learning tracks illustrate the evolution of computers, the inner works of a computer, and the technology drivers that are part of a lifecycle of emerging computer technologies.
Additionally, Gallaugher’s (2011) chapter 5 gives a perspective on technology advances, limitations, and the magnitude of environmental issues caused by rapidly obsolete, faster, and cheaper computing.
Required Reading
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 1: How computer hardware and software works. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT1_How_Computer_Hardware_and_Software_Work.pdf
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 5: The evolution of IT infrastructure. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT5_Evolution_of_IT_Infrastructure.pdf
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 6: Technology drivers of IT infrastructure evolution. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT6_Technology_Drivers_of_IT_Infrastructure_Evolution.pdf
Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. FlatWorld Knowledge. Gallaugher Chapter 5 - E-textbook
Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. Gallaugher - Chapter 5 PPT [PowerPoint slides].
Case Assignment
Based on the course materials presented, write a paper answering the following questions.
What has been the impact of faster and cheaper computers for personal and company use? What technological advances and benefits are driving the expansion in the use of personal computers? What are the limitations of faster and cheaper computers?
If you cannot think of a strategy for answering this question, you may want to consider weaving all or some of the Case Learning Outcomes into your response by addressing the following:
What are the main components of personal computers used in an office environment?
How has the cost of computers used in an office changed over the past 30 – 40 years? Which main component of the computer is driving this change?
What has been the result of this cost change in the last 20 years?
What limits the price from changing drastically in the future?
What is e-waste and why is it a problem?
What new technology or change in IT concepts is evolving to reduce e-waste?
Assignment Expectations
Your paper should be short (3-4 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner.
You are expected to:
Begin this paper by stating your position on these questions clearly and concisely
Cite appropriate sources and answer questions directly. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Then present the best evidence you can, again citing three appropriate outside sources.
You will be particularly assessed on:
Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
Your informed commentary and analysis -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see optional readings for Module 1) for the proper formats

Essay Sample Content Preview:

ITM306 Foundations of Management Information Systems Module 2-Case Computer Hardware
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
In an office environment, computers are the basic tools used for business operations in an organization. Apart from ensuring the efficiency of office operations and transactions, computers are also considered to be assets to the organization. Computers in such an environment are put together as independent systems then interconnected to form a network. The basic computer system is made of hardware and software. Hardware components of a computer system are visible and tangible. There are six main components that form a computer system. The central processing unit, input and output devices, primary and secondary storage devices and communication devices are needed in order to have a complete computer system. The central processing unit is the most important component (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). All instructions from the input and output devices, data to and from storage devices and communication tasks are manipulated and controlled through the central processing unit.
Over the years, computer systems have undergone major changes in terms of size, shape, speed and price. Over the past three to four decades, the price of computers has changed significantly. Computers were quite expensive over the past years and most organizations did not have the financial capability to afford and implement the use of computer systems. Information technology infrastructure over the past four decades has reduced in price due to what is referred to as evolution of computer systems. The evolution of computer systems is normally categorized into five main stages that occurred in phases between today and the previous four decades. Although the end of a stage in the evolution of these systems does not make it obsolete, the use of a new system marks a new era in the evolution process (Patterson, 2013).
The purposes of computer systems have changed over the years. The first generation of computers were built mainly for accounting purposes. General purpose computers have been in production in different sizes and shapes till today. Personal computers and servers continue to change especially with the evolution of internet related computing. Since all calculations and computer operations are manipulated by the processor, changes in this component directly affect the price of computers. Over the years, computer prices have been determined by the power and ability of the processor to carry out complex tasks. The change in costs of computer production and price over the years has resulted to the availability of a wide range of computers in different shapes and sizes (Gallaugher, 2012).
According to Moore’s law, drastic changes of price are influenced by the changes in the microprocessor. Moore stated that as the components and the power of microprocessors increased, the price of computers would increase in double every two years. However, this is not the case as seen in the present. Instead, the price of computers seems to be reducing as computing power of microprocessors increases....
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