Information Systems

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (Insert Name) (Institutional Affiliation) Question 3: Reflect on the power/knowledge interplay that Information Technology opens up and then critically analyze how this is manifested in IT-led organizational initiatives. To develop your essay please select as a case two (?) examples that have been covered in the lectures (e.g. learning process, BPR & ERP, public sector information systems, knowledge management systems etc). Introduction The use of information technology is both powerful and at the same time a rich source of knowledge. The employment of information technology can be in learning environments and in business and work related fields. Information technology can therefore be used support existing power structures and mould new ones at the same time. This essay examines how information technology is used to access knowledge and expertise and how it is used in various organizations as a powerful tool in the running of these institutions. This paper will examine these concepts focusing on BPR & ERP, and knowledge management systems (Jagdish, 1994, p.4) Power/knowledge interplay that information technology opens up Information technology offers various powerful tools that can be used in various organizations at different levels. These tools are important in managing time, resources, accuracy, competency, and reliability. The powerful features of information technology have be generally categorized as either database or web based in this essay. Database tools The information of a given organization can be organized so as to make it easy to access, analyze, manage and update. These databases are organized by fields, records and files. The database is developed by a database management system which is a collection of programs that enables one to enter, organize, and select data in a database. The databases offer the user with the benefit of security as well. The database can be designed so as to protect the security and the integrity of the information (Gunson & Jean-Paul, 2001, 12). In addition, this tool is important in enabling the sharing data that would otherwise be cumbersome in traditional methods. The speed and accuracy of accessing data is also enhanced to a greater degree. These databases also offer the user with the ability to generate reports as regards to the available data. For instance, this can be customer related reports in a business firm. These are therefore important in making decisions and planning on future projects of the organization. The ability of these databases running a large number of files also helps in cost reduction and hence suitable strategies in cost cutting. These database tools are important in enabling data portability with ease. The information stored and retrieved through these databases is also reliable since it does not suffer the effect of manipulation (Jeffrey & Kathyrn, 2003). This is an important aspect in various organizations that have sensitive and vital data that is used in the running of the organization. Another important aspect is the ability to give people with disabilities the power to access and process information. GPS navigation systems have enabled people with visual impairments improve on their mobility and text to speech technology has enabled the...