Example Of Research Paper On Praxis Paper

Information Technology (IT) over the recent past has played a great role and revolutionized many sectors and spheres of life. These age and times has been described as the IT era, whereby it has been asserted and proved that in deed embracing technology in facilitating production has not only improved the efficiency of production but also the effectiveness. Businesses too have not been left behind in the information technology concepts in relation to production, whether an entity is involved in producing goods or services. The essence and purposes of embracing technology is to increase the speed, accuracy, and storage of data so that easy access and satisfaction of customers needs and requirements can be realized, and hence keep the business enterprises above the rest in competitive market that business and other organizations currently witness. For the purpose of conforming to the requirement of this research, it was imperative to visit an entity or describe an organization if lucky to be in one that embraces use of Management Information Systems (MIS) as well as having an interview with a few critical staff within the organization, that are involved in decision making. Wal-Mart Company is a worldwide known retailshop that commands a biggest part of the market, and has existed for a long time in the business (Soderquist, 2008). Wal-Mart stores operate various retail stores in different formats around the world. Wal- Mart operates in three business segments that are Wal-Mart United States (US) segment, Wal-mart International segment and the Sam’s club segment. As A big retail business that commands a larger market share, the management of the enterprise has been involved with a number of measures that have kept them at top in the business, and has also embraced the use of MIS to help them manage many branches, and serve as well as meet the requirements of their clients. Founded in the 1962 in the US, the discount store has grown tremendously over the period to reach at its current status. Therefore, it has vast experience that it has acquired over the years and due to its many branches and stores, it provides an excellent platform that utilizes and embraces information technology in running its business affairs. Wal-Mart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and has over two million employees worldwide. The business enterprise has recorded great profits even during hard times that most businesses and enterprises have recorded loses, and this finding has raised a lot of curiosity and inquiries as to the main reason why the discount store has succeeded where many have struggled. One of the main reasons stated for its success it the continuous use of MIS’s in their operations, and it seems this has played a great part to propel the organization to success (Soderquist, 2005). I was Lucky enough to get an interview with two of the management staff at one of their stores in Northern New Jersey, whereby we discussed how the organizations has embraced the use of MIS in their business, and what roles and benefits have accrued as a result of using the stated method. The two were Ms. Shaquilla Louis and Ms. Bianca Micale who are managers at the New Jersey store. The New Jersey store is among the most active stores that the management of the business has given a lot of concern and interest, not only because of the higher profit that the store realizes but also the increased number of clients that visit the store. In any business, attracting new clients as well as retaining older customers is a key indicator of potential success of a business. Ms. Micale agreed to conduct an interview with me on Saturday morning whilst Ms. Shaquilla scheduled one on Monday morning. The two interviews were to be conducted for one and a half hours each, and the focus was mainly to discuss how the store and business in general have embraced and used Management Information Systems in doing their work, as well as the benefits and drawbacks realized if any in using the said method. It is imperative to note that in such kind of business MIS has helped the business to grow tremendously because of the efficiency and effectiveness it brings, not only in customer service but also in accountability and stock taking. Therefore, in this business and organization, it is evident from the interview and observation that information technology has been part and parcel of Wal Mart, and has contributed to its success in a big way.
Wal-Mart over the years that it has embraced use of MIS in its operations, and with the increased use of E- shopping and online shopping, it has established a data base concerning its clients. Sensitive and confidential information concerning the clients and business in general have been kept and secured. The organization realizes the importance of such data and information especially with the present times where by internet fraud has been on the increase targeting such potential clients. Embracing the use of MIS software’s that help create a secure, safe and sound system that will serve its intended purpose to protect the client’s information as well as intellectual property rights that touches on certain type of products (Schniederjans, Schniederjans, & Schniederjans, 2007). Over the recent times, there has been observed increase in breaching of intellectual property rights where by people, who in most of the times are the original creators and inventors of certain issues, making them have the rights over them, have been denied and robbed such privileges. Piracy for instance has been among the major ways by which such kind of people have been denied their rights. Most of the times their works have been produced without authority and consent from them breaching the intellectual property rights. Wal-Mart has recognized this important concern and as a result has embraced between and among their employee’s ethical standards and code of conduct that allows them to treat private and confidential information with care of the utmost and highest order possible. Access to information about their clients as well as employees is only limited to a few number of people who have been vetted as well, and this it is asserted has contributed in one way or the other to the success that the organization has realized over the recent years (Gottschalk, 2007). The organization also deals with only certified and authentic goods that do not breach any property right whatsoever. Data and information of institutions that verify and ascertain suspicious issue or concerns touching on intellectual property rights is also available with the organization.
In knowledge management system of Wal-Mart, knowledge touching on improving performance of the organization, innovation and invention, competitive advantage, integration and continuous improvement of the organization as well as sharing of lessons learnt in the course of running the business and decisions made concerning a certain issue are among the information encoded on the knowledge management system of the organization. It is recommended that knowledge management programs within an organization need to be designed to achieve and realize certain purpose and to be action-oriented (Cullen, 2007). Organizations should make best use of knowledge that will lead them to realize their desired goals and objectives. The knowledge has to be captured, developed and shared effectively so that it can turn and change businesses and organizations to the better.
There are several issues related to knowledge management and sharing that Wal-Mart business realizes that touch on products, services and sales. It is asserted that the idea of knowledge management system is to enable employees have ready access to relevant documents within the organization that will help them perform their duties and responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Information on products, sales and services provided by Wal-Mart can be linked to information found on open source software. The word “open” is meant to clarify access of such information, and therefore employees of an organization can reach and use such information with ease without any restriction so long as their actions are designed and meant to enhance the business realize its goals and objectives (Gottschalk, 2007 ). Open standards and open knowledge licenses, initiatives and policies are related and common terms used for the stated purpose and objective. In some instances open protocol is the term that has been related to knowledge sharing and management.
Database management and knowledge management have had a positive effect on business especially in relation to objectives that the business intends to realize. It has resulted to easier access to knowledge that has helped the current teams to address certain issues that might have been realized in the past with a lot of ease and speed. Reduction of time and resources that could have been used in outsourcing for certain information to address concerns in the present set up can be used and diversified in other areas, and help the organization grow and stabilize faster in the competitive business environment (Parker, 2009 ). It has also enabled organization to analyze and gauge themselves against desired goals and objectives, and also to realize if the organization is in track to meet its objectives. Organizations that have had and kept a good data base and knowledge management more often have excelled in the business world. With efficiency and effectiveness improved as result of data and knowledge management, realizing business objectives becomes easier.
In managing its own internal operations, Wal-Mart has focused on supply chain management to cut on costs. With higher levels of competition within the market, businesses are forced to reduce and cut the chain, and to ensure that their products have a competitive pricing level while maintaining consumer appeal at the same time. This is exactly what Wal-Mart has done, and therefore it has allowed its management to focus on firm’s daily operation. Based on various facts and figures, MIS monitors the developments of the business and states the solutions to be implemented to address problems and challenges realized, that can hinder and interfere with the business from realizing its goals and objectives. Scholars in business management have noted that information systems is intended to help businesses use central competencies, synergies and network based strategies to make them realize competitive advantage over their rivals (Gottschalk, 2007). In doing this, businesses have to assess the challenges placed by strategic information systems and administration remedies. Wal-Mart has a well built e- commerce system and strategy that has enabled it grow and expand to reach to many clients both within the areas that it has stores and those that it has not. Other on line retailers has e-commerce, and therefore, this has raised and increased competition within related businesses. Wal- Mart has maintained its online dominance whereby it has designed systems that has enabled e-commerce to become easy to use and has assured the clients of their safety and security concerning their personal and private data and information. It has also allowed clients to pay and transact using a variety of payments options and this has given them comfort and reliability in terms of doing the transactions. E-Commerce enables clients to compare prices between and among various online retail firms, and this has had an added advantage to Wal-Mart because it is noted to be offering affordable prices, and this therefore has attracted many clients to do business with them. Consistent research has also enabled the business to determine the shifts in customers’ requirements and consumptions, and this has made the business to remain competitive and maintain its competitive advantage in the fast moving constantly changing market place. In implementing its e-commerce strategy, that has enabled it continue making profit, it has adopted a singular information vision that has defined goals and guides for the business organization. The purpose has been to bring change and be networked to the outside world especially clients that will generate sales efforts (Schniederjans, & Cao, 2012). E-commerce also requires one to remain at the forefront in technology releases and this Wal-Mart has done it whereby they use the most current technology that facilitates e- commerce. Security has been a greatest concern and what the organization has focused greatly on to promote e-commerce. Minimum standards have been set and are adhered to by all the organization concerning how e-commerce of Wal-Mart is conducted, and any suspicion or detection of any possible fraud or wrong doing is reported immediately. It is cautioned out that while embracing information system that will support e-commerce, systems that support productivity and quality should be purchased to avoid misuse and loss. Facilitating the flow of communication within and without the organization should be the most important goal since it brings collaboration and flexibility. Information system it is further stated has to allow and facilitate the quantification of opportunities presented, and therefore has to enable the organization to measure and analyze not only the performance of an individual but also those of departments and divisions within the organizations (Parker,2009).
Management information system it is asserted include more than software and hardware, but also includes people (Schniederjans, Schniederjans, & Schniederjans, 2007). Knowledge management and e-commerce are two critical areas that have encouraged the use of MIS’s not only in the business world but also other areas. Knowledge management in business context has enabled organizations capture, develop and share information and knowledge between and among themselves. This kind of knowledge is meant to improve the performance of the organization towards realization of goals and objectives. Knowledge management and sharing is described by some as part of the strategic management required in organizations that has enabled people within the organization to learn from previous experience and research concerning issues that not only face the organization at present times but also in future. Systems and software’s that enhance knowledge management and sharing, such as knowledge repositories and experts systems have been formulated due to the increased relevance that has been noted results from knowledge management (Cullen, 2007). For successful knowledge creation, it is important to understand people and their cultural norms which influence their behaviors. Incentives should also be used within organizations to accelerate the learning process and drive cultural change as well. Knowledge management is viewed in terms of people, technology, processes, and structure. Knowledge is intended to support competitive intelligence and organizational memory. It has to optimize information collection, organizational, and retrieval. E-commerce it is noted to be on the increase in the recent times. With increased innovation and invention, it has changed and shaped the way business is conducted. E-commerce includes exchange of data that facilitates financing and paying of business transactions across many parts of the world (Schniederjans, & Cao, 2012). Wal- Mart is among the first business in the discount store industry to launch and use e-commerce in their business. It is pointed out that e-commerce has used mostly the internet to facilitate the transactions, and its quick spread and expansion in use has been attributed to its twenty-four availability that has a global reach, and mostly offers efficient customer service, and Wal-Mart is no exception. Developments of MIS should carter for and take care of the concerns of those offering the business as well as customer’s requirement and demands. MIS’s in the current business contexts have to take consideration required to facilitate effective and efficient E-commerce and knowledge management, and therefore have to be designed in such a way that it will facilitate and make it easy for businesses to realize their goals and objectives.
In conclusion, MIS’s have proved to be critical in the success of a business. Use of MIS’s correctly will give an organization the competitive advantage required to propel it to great heights and success. However, the choice of the of the MIS to be used has to done with a lot of care and expertise so that it can help businesses and organizations realize desired goals and objectives not only in the present times, but also in the future. Strategies have to be developed that will enhance management of knowledge and e-commerce since it is proved that the two attributes are crucial in the success of businesses and organizations. Businesses have to be on the look for modern technologies and innovations on MIS’s that will help them realize their objectives with ease, and meet their client’s requirements. References
Cullen, A. J. (2007). A model of B2B e-commerce, based on connectivity and purpose. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 27(2)..
Gottschalk, P. (2007). Knowledge management systems: Value shop creation. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Pub.
Parker, C. S. (2009). Management information systems: Strategy and action. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Schniederjans, M. J., & Cao, Q. (2012). e-Commerce operations management. Singapore: World Scientific.
Schniederjans, M. J., Schniederjans, A. M., & Schniederjans, D. G. (2007). Outsourcing management information systems. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Pub.
Soderquist, D. (2008). The Wal-Mart way: The inside story of the success of the world's largest company. Nashville: T. Nelson.