Information Technology and the Modern Enterprise Research

In the 1960s, most systems were transaction processing systems (TPS)—record keeping, accounting, and other electronic data processing (EDP), such as payroll. In the 1970s, decision support systems were born to provide ad-hoc managerial support to decision making. In the 1980s, end-user computing became popular with application software packages to support job requirements and user productivity. Executive Information Systems (EIS) were created to give executives more analytical models for decision making. In the 1990s, strategic information systems (SIS) and knowledge-based systems became an integral part to serve managers and consultants with expert advice. Also, an important development was the introduction of the Internet, extranets, and intranets, changing the capabilities of electronic business and commerce. In the 21st century knowledge management systems (KM), business intelligence systems, and social media have been prevalent to increase the customer and business value to an organization. To appreciate information systems' contribution to organizations, the following lecture provides insight into how they are key to business operations.
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J.(2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning track 2: The changing business environment for information technology. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH01_LT2_Changing_Business_Environment_of_IT.pdf
For the Module 1 SLP your assignment is to answer the following questions after you have read all module materials. 
Which organizations do you most admire today? How do these companies use information systems? Do you think technology gives them an advantage over rivals? Why or why not?
To answer the assignment questions above, please consider company types and the following guide to brainstorm the questions with the aim of providing substantive answers.
1.Describe companies that produce physical products such as cars, airplanes, clothing, furniture, etc., vs. companies that solely process information or transactions such as Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, etc. What do you think are the biggest differences between these companies? Discuss why you admire one type or another. 
2.Describe how you think information systems are used in either type of company. Can you think of some common information systems that are necessary to either type, and different information systems that only one type or the other would have?
3.For the type of company that you selected, do you think technology gives them an advantage over rivals? Why or why not?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Answers to the questions and the accompanying explanation must be written in 2–3 pages (excluding cover and reference pages), double-spaced. 
You will be particularly assessed on:
•Precision: You see what the module is all about and structure your paper accordingly. You draw on a range of sources and establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. You carry out the exercise as assigned or carefully explain the limitations that prevented your completing some parts. (Running out of time isn’t generally considered an adequate limitation).
•Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and structure your paper accordingly.
•Critical thinking: The paper incorporates your reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business and illustrates your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the "Required Reading" in the Background material plus other sources you find relevant.
•Breadth and Depth: You provide informed commentary and analysis—simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper. The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning outcomes of the module.
•Overall quality: You apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are familiar with this language and use it appropriately. Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed (refer to Trident University’s Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper) if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.