Chapter 4 Assignments
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Information Systems Chapter 4 Assignments
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Chapter 4 Assignments
1.
What do you see as the likely evolution of the Internet in the near future? How do you see
this impact the delivery of public services?
In the dynamic 21st century, the Internet has been undergoing tremendous change. As
technology shifts across different domains, such as medicine as well as psychology, the Internet
remains a sign of such progress. At the heart of this evolution lies Moore's Law, an enduring
principle predicting that microchip transistor counts double every couple of years while the cost
of computing power is halved (Shalf, 2020). This law has been the driving engine behind the
exponential growth of computational capabilities, and its implications for the Internet's future are
profound.
A mere two decades ago, the Internet bore little resemblance to its current form. The
volume of information transmitted and gathered then pales in comparison to the colossal data
flows of today. In a relatively brief span, we have witnessed monumental strides in connectivity
and communication. Looking forward, the Internet's evolution holds the promise of reshaping
our daily lives and revolutionizing the delivery of public services.
One of the most captivating possibilities is attaining widespread wireless Internet access.
With the relentless pace of technological advancement, it is entirely conceivable to envision a
scenario where wireless connectivity blankets the entire globe. This concept is in harmony with
the bold aspirations of visionaries such as Nikola Tesla, who sought to realize a world with
global wireless energy distribution. In the foreseeable future, every inch of our planet could be
equipped with Internet capabilities, irrespective of how remote or isolated a location might be.
Such a global network of wireless Internet connectivity would bring about profound
transformations in the delivery of public services. It would bridge the digital chasm separating
urban and rural areas, ensuring that even the most isolated villages access crucial online
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resources. Education, healthcare, and government services would all experience significant
enhancements through this universal accessibility.
Education stands to undergo one of the most transformative shifts with ubiquitous Internet
access. With connectivity omnipresent, students in underserved regions would access high-
quality educational resources previously beyond their reach. Online educational platforms,
virtual classes, and interactive learning tools would empower learners of all ages to acquire
knowledge and skills, regardless of location. This democratization of education through the
Internet would serve as a profound equalizer, unlocking countless opportunities for personal and
professional growth.
Likewise, healthcare services would experience a revolution through ubiquitous Internet
access. Telemedicine, a growing trend, would become even more accessible and efficient (Bahl
et al., 2020). Remote consultations with healthcare professionals, access to medical records, and
real-time monitoring of vital signs through wearable devices would become standard practice.
Patients in remote or isolated areas would no longer face geographical barriers when seeking
medical advice or treatment, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes and reducing
disparities. Moreover, governments would offer more efficient and transparent services to their
citizens. Online platforms for accessing government information, applying for permits, or paying
taxes would become more user-friendly and widely available. Civic engagement would surge as
citizens from all corners of the world participate in digital democracy, making their voices heard
and holding their governments accountable.
The Internet's evolution would reshape public services and transform the global economy.
E-commerce would continue flourishing, with small businesses in remote areas gaining access to
global markets. Digital currencies and blockchain technology could further reform financial
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systems, enhancing transaction security and efficiency. The gig economy would expand as
remote work and freelancing opportunities proliferate, offering economic prospects to
individuals in regions with limited job opportunities.
The dream of ubiquitous wireless Internet access, once relegated to science fiction, is
becoming increasingly attainable. This development will profoundly impact the delivery of
public services, democratizing education, enhancing healthcare, and improving government
services. As we embark on this journey into a connected world, responsible navigation of the
challenges is paramount to ensure that the Internet remains a force for progress and inclusivity.
2.
What is the difference between sustaining and disruptive technologies? Why is it essential for
managers to know the differences between these two? Can you offer an example of each in the
public sector?
Sustaining as well as disruptive technologies represent two distinctive categories that are
pivotal in shaping the evolution of industries and businesses. Managers must grasp the
distinctions between these technological types as they are a compass for strategic decision-
making, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
Sustaining technologies
are innovations or technological implementations that primarily
focus on maintaining or enhancing an organization's current state of operations (Bag & Pretorius,
2022). They are designed to improve existing products, services, or processes, often to extend the
usefulness or "shelf-life" of these offerings. Sustaining technologies are incremental, building
upon the current technological foundation. They are about refining and optimizing what a
company already has in place. For instance, consider a government agency responsible for
processing and managing citizen data. Implementing a more efficient data encryption algorithm
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to enhance data security without changing the fundamental data management system is an
example of a sustaining technology. It maintains the agency's existing processes and
infrastructure while making incremental improvements. For sustaining technology, a government
can adopt cloud computing. While more disruptive than some innovations, cloud computing
represents a sustaining technology that can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of
government operations.
On the other hand,
disruptive technologies
are demonstrated by their ability to effect
radical change and innovation. These technologies introduce new ways of doing things and often
challenge established norms and market dynamics
(Bedford, 2019).
Disruptive technologies
often give rise to new markets, redefine the essence of value propositions, and address needs that
consumers may not have previously recognized. Such innovations can make current products,
services, or technologies obsolete.
The emergence of blockchain technology is a prime illustration of disruptive technology
within the public sector. Blockchain fundamentally alters the way transactions and data are
recorded and verified. In the context of government, blockchain can create transparent,
immutable, and secure systems for voting, land registries, or public financial transactions. It
disrupts traditional, centralized systems and introduces a new paradigm of trust and
accountability. Expanding upon disruptive technology, let's consider the potential impact of
autonomous vehicles on the public sector. Autonomous vehicles represent a disruptive
technology in transportation. They could revolutionize public transit, decrease traffic congestion,
and advance road safety.
Now, why is it crucial for managers to discern between sustaining and disruptive
technologies? Regarding
Strategic Planning
, managers should make well-versed decisions
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regarding the direction of their organizations. Sustaining technologies may require a focus on
incremental improvements and cost optimization, while disruptive technologies demand
strategies for entering new markets or developing entirely novel products or services. Moreover,
Managers need to allocate resources efficiently. Sustaining technologies often require fewer
resources and can be integrated into existing processes, whereas disruptive technologies may
necessitate substantial investments in research, development, and market entry strategies.
Understanding disruptive technologies allows managers to anticipate changes in the
competitive landscape to enable market positioning. By identifying emerging trends and
technologies, organizations can position themselves as early adopters or innovators, gaining a
competitive edge. Also, Disruptive technologies help in risk management as they come with
intrinsic uncertainty and probability of failure. Managers must assess the risks of adopting
disruptive technologies and have contingency plans. Managers must contemplate the long-term
sustainability of their products or services. Sustaining technologies prolong the relevance of
existing offerings while ignoring disruptive technologies can lead to obsolescence.
3. Use the process visualization theory to discuss the likelihood for two processes of your choice
to be performed digitally.
Process visualization theory provides a valuable framework for evaluating the potential
for digitizing specific processes. Two key processes, employee onboarding, and project
management, can be analyzed through this lens to determine their suitability for digital
transformation.
Employee onboarding
is a multifaceted process involving various stakeholders,
documents, and compliance requirements. Several factors come into play when applying process
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visualization theory to this process. First, the complexity of employee onboarding can be
simplified through visual representations, making it an ideal candidate for digital transition.
Visualizing the process step by step can help new hires and relevant stakeholders navigate the
intricacies of onboarding more effectively.
Furthermore, employee onboarding involves multiple stakeholders, including HR, IT, and
managers, each with specific roles and responsibilities (Varshney, 2022). Digitally visualizing
these roles and their contributions through interactive diagrams and flowcharts can foster better
collaboration and ensure that everyone involved understands their part in the process.
Additionally, managing the documents required in the onboarding process can be streamlined
digitally, reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency.
Compliance is critical to employee onboarding, with legal and regulatory requirements
varying across regions and industries. Digital tools can incorporate real-time compliance checks,
ensuring all necessary steps are followed, and documentation is up to date, thus minimizing
compliance risks. Additionally, digital platforms can offer customizable training modules and
orientation schedules, enhancing the onboarding experience for new employees. Considering
these factors, process visualization theory suggests a high likelihood of employee onboarding
being performed digitally. Digital platforms and tools can provide interactive, step-by-step
guides, central document management, compliance tracking, and customizable training modules,
aligning well with the principles of process visualization and offering efficiency and
effectiveness benefits.
Project management
is another process that can significantly benefit from digital
transformation, mainly when evaluated through process visualization theory. Project
management entails various phases, tasks, and dependencies that demand clear visualization and
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coordination. In project management, visualizing task dependencies and timelines is crucial.
Digital tools can utilize Gantt charts and other visual representations to digitally map out project
schedules, making it easier to identify critical paths and allocate resources effectively. Moreover,
effective project management relies on seamless communication and collaboration among team
members. Digital tools can provide real-time updates, discussion boards, and instant messaging
features to enhance communication, aligning with process visualization theory's emphasis on
clarity and information sharing.
Resource allocation, including human resources and budgets, is central to project success.
Digital platforms can offer interactive dashboards that provide a visual overview of resource
allocation, helping managers make informed decisions. Progress tracking is equally vital in
project management, and digital tools can offer features like progress bars, milestone tracking,
and visual representations of completed tasks, allowing stakeholders to monitor the project's
status at a glance. Finally, assessing potential risks and mitigation strategies is crucial to project
management. Digital platforms can integrate risk assessment models and provide visual risk heat
maps to proactively help teams identify and address potential issues.
When assessed through process visualization theory, it becomes evident that project
management aligns well with the principles of digital transformation. Digital project
management tools visualize project timelines, task dependencies, resource allocation, progress
tracking, and risk assessments, enhancing project coordination and decision-making.
Consequently, digital project management is a practical and efficient choice, strongly supported
by process visualization theory.
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References
Bahl, S., Singh, R. P., Javaid, M., Khan, I. H., Vaishya, R., & Suman, R. (2020). Telemedicine
technologies for confronting COVID-19 pandemic: a review.
Journal of Industrial Integration and
Management
,
5
(04), 547-561.
https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S2424862220300057
Bag, S., & Pretorius, J. H. C. (2022). Relationships between industry 4.0, sustainable manufacturing and
circular economy: proposal of a research framework.
International Journal of Organizational
Analysis
,
30
(4), 864-898. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJOA-04-2020-
2120/full/html
Bedford, Cara. “Disruptive Technology vs Sustaining Technology.” CompuVision, 6 May 2019,
compuvision.biz/connections/disruptive-technology-vs-sustaining-technology/
Shalf, J. (2020). The future of computing beyond Moore’s Law.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society A
,
378
(2166), 20190061.
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsta.2019.0061
Varshney, D. (2022). Understanding virtual employee onboarding (VEO): the new normal and
beyond.
Emirati Journal of Business, Economics and Social Studies
,
1
(1), 58-80.
https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.54878/EJBESS.171
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Discussion
Part 1: Case Study
Do you agree with Peter Drucker's opening quote?
I concur with Peter Drucker's perspective that traditional collegiate education will
eventually give way to online education. This shift is primarily driven by the rapid technological
advancements that have made online coursework a formidable competitor to traditional methods.
The widespread accessibility of the Internet has removed geographical barriers, enabling
individuals to access educational content effortlessly. Moreover, there has been democratization
within higher education due to technology, enabling persons with time constraints and family
responsibilities to acquire undergraduate or graduate degrees. Moreover, numerous people could
attain degrees and bolster their knowledge and skills via flexible online options. One compelling
advantage of online classes is their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional alternatives. Online
education eliminates expenses related to physical classrooms and campuses, such as
transportation and dormitory fees.
Is the Internet a disruptive technology in the education industry in general? And for Ivey's
School of Information Management in particular?
Ivey's School of Information Management has adopted a global expansion strategy,
targeting European, Asian, and South American markets. However, this expansion presents
several challenges, including revenue generation, logistics, and maintaining quality standards at
satellite campuses (Piccoli & Pigni, 2019). The emergence of online learning could disrupt the
school's traditional model, as students worldwide might choose other institutions that offer
distance learning if Ivey does not. On the flip side, embracing online education can also benefit
Ivey's program by eliminating the need to establish physical campuses in distant markets and
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tackling the problems above. By capitalizing on technology and allowing online programs, the
school can tap into a broader international student base, potentially increasing its revenue
significantly. Despite its reputation, quality control remains paramount to ensure that the online
programs maintain their current standards of excellence. However, as seen with Ivy League
schools in the United States, transitioning programs to an online curriculum can yield substantial
benefits and help Ivey gain a larger global education market.
Part 2 Discussion Responses
Student #1:
I appreciate your nuanced perspective on Peter Drucker's quote regarding the future of
universities. Your viewpoint that universities may not disappear entirely but could experience
lower enrollments in traditional programs aligns with the idea that digital disruption will lead to
changes rather than complete extinction. Your experience as a working mother highlights the
importance of online education in accommodating diverse circumstances. The concern about the
quality and credibility of online education is valid and reflects the ongoing debate in the
education sector. The perceived prestige of universities and recognized brands will likely play a
role in students' decisions.
Student #2:
Your analysis of Peter Drucker's quote, considering the rising costs of traditional higher
education and the burden of student loans, provides valuable context. It emphasizes the financial
aspect of the disruption in the education industry. Your viewpoint on the demand for prestigious
schools based on networking and connections is insightful, highlighting that some aspects of
traditional universities are challenging to replicate online. A crucial observation is the
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differentiation between fields where online education is suitable and those that require in-person
experiences. Lastly, your mention of online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy in
comparison to traditional universities adds depth to the discussion.
Student #3:
Your response to Drucker's quote reflects a balanced perspective, acknowledging the
potential impact of digital disruption while considering the value of in-person interactions and
traditional campuses. The emphasis on research and breakthroughs within universities is
essential, suggesting that universities serve purposes beyond teaching. Your recognition of the
convenience of accredited online education for busy individuals resonates with many online
learners' experiences. Moreover, your insights into disruptive innovation in the education
industry and the adaptability of specific programs are thought-provoking, underlining the need
for institutions to harness the opportunities and address challenges posed by digital disruption.
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References
Piccoli, G., & Pigni, F. (2019). Information systems for managers: with cases (4th ed.).
Burlington, VT: Prospect Press.