The term E-business (electronic business) is similar to terms like e-mail, e-commerce, helping not only in buying, selling but also in servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. Today, major corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the internet and its new culture and capabilities. Companies are using web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. Exploiting the convenience, availability, and world-wide reach of the Internet, many companies, have discovered how to use the Internet in a better way. After the first wave of e-business, ‘bricks and clicks’ businesses — those with both a traditional and e-commerce approach — find that, while they already have sound financial resources, they, too, must find the right e-business model(s) for generating profitable revenue streams from the Internet. In terms of operationalising the e-business strategy a variety of e-business models are now Continue reading
Information Systems Basics
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Concept of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Traditionally, the transfer of data from one company to another has been by paper documents. This is known as a paper-based system. These documents have to be manually forwarded and entered to the destination computer. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic exchange of standard business information, in standard formats, between computers. EDI eliminates the need for a paper-based system by providing an electronic link between companies. This reduces data entry tasks and improves business cycle times. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic transfer of structured business documents in an organization internally among groups of departments or externally with its suppliers, customers and subsidiaries. The documents likely to be used in EDI are invoices, purchase orders, shipping requests, acknowledgements and payments. EDI Continue reading
Computer System – Concepts and Components
The Computer System Concept A computer is more than a high-powered collection of electronic devices performing a variety of information processing chores. A computer is a system, an interrelated combination of components that performs the basic system functions of input, processing, output, storage, and control, thus providing end users with a powerful information processing tool. Understanding the computer as a computer system is vital to the effective use and management of computers. A computer is system of hardware devices organized according to the following system functions. Input. The input devices of a computer system include keyboards, touch screens, pens, electronic mice, optical scanners, and so on. Processing. The central processing unit(CPU) is the main processing component of a computer system. (In microcomputers, it is the main microprocessor.) In particular, the electronic circuits of the arithmetic-logic unit one of the CPU’s major components, perform the arithmetic and logic functions required in Continue reading
E-Commerce – Definition, History and Types
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the term used for any type of business or commercial transaction that involves the transfer of products, services and information over electronic systems such as the internet and other computer networks. The trader and customer are not face to face at any point during these transactions, the business being conducted remotely, regardless of location. E-commerce covers a range of different types of businesses, from consumer based retail sites, through auction or music sites, to business exchanges trading goods and services between corporations. It is currently one of the most important aspects of the Internet to emerge. Almost all big retailers have electronic commerce presence on the World Wide Web. E-Commerce includes transactions within a global Information Economy such as electronic trading of goods and services, online delivery of digital content, electronic funds transfer, electronic share trading, electronic bills of lading, commercial auctions, collaborative designs, engineering and Continue reading
Role and Impact of Management Information Systems (MIS) in an Organization
Management information system (MIS) provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively. Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing the organizations. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems because they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities. Role of Management Information Systems in an Organization The role of the MIS in an organization can be compared to the role of heart in the body. The information is the blood and MIS is the heart. In the body the heart plays the role of supplying pure blood to all the elements of the body including the brain. The heart works faster and supplies more blood when needed. It regulates and controls the incoming impure blood, processes it and sends it to the destination in the quantity needed. It fulfills the needs of blood supply to human body in normal course Continue reading
A Phased Approach to Software Development
A software comprises of programs and associated data and documentation. Each of these items is a part of software development process. Software development process is a structure imposed on the development of a software product. The process includes the phased approach to software development, software development models, the software development processes and the software project management processes.The main problems for software development currently are: high cost, low quality and frequent changes causing change and rework. Software has become a limiting factor in the evolution of computer-based systems. The intent of software development is to produce a framework for building higher quality software. In order to achieve successful and quality software certain methods and criteria need to be followed. These methods and criteria are classified as the software development processes. There are several models for such processes, each describing approaches to a variety of tasks or activities that take place during Continue reading