Management Information Systems
Green Information Technology or Green IT refers to the use of environmentally sustainable computing. It aims at minimizing the negative effects of Information Technology practices on the ecosystem. This is achieved through designing, fabricating, operating and disposing computers as well as other computer related items in a way that is friendly to the environment. The reasons behind green information technology procedures include but not limited to reduction of the consumption of dangerous materials, increasing energy efficiency during the IT products’ lifespan and promoting the recyclability of unused as well as obsolete IT products. The concept of green Information Technology began twenty-five years ago when the United States Environmental Protection Agency started Energy Star. This is a voluntary labeling plan that helps companies save money and lessen greenhouse gas releases by using products with higher energy efficiency. Other features of green Information Technology include the restructuring of data hubs and growing the acceptance of cloud computing, virtualization as well as green networking methods (“Education Cause” par. 5).
Management information System (MIS) plays a significant role in Green IT. For instance, MIS helps in raising awareness of and regulating energy use in a number of areas including smart cities, traffic control and so on. It also helps in supporting awareness and regulation of energy efficiency in areas like buildings, water consumption, and electricity grids among others. MIS, therefore, helps in understanding and growing the green domain. Furthermore, Management Information System plays a vital role in defining the applicable concepts and the connection between them, managing and examining data, availing services and necessary infrastructure as well as focus on quality of service. Management Information System also helps in the management of information to back decisions related to the best energy-efficient infrastructure. Given that the primary emphasis of service centers design is the IT infrastructure together with its lifecycle, MIS is therefore vital in the process (“Education Cause” par.12).
Accessibility
Accessibility encompasses two primary issues: access of electronic information by users with disabilities and the manner in which web designers and developers make it possible for web pages to operate with assistive devices that are vital to users with disabilities. For the individuals with disabilities, the problem is to find tools that offer the most appropriate access to electronic information, including the web-based content. For designers and developers of the web content, the problem is to do away with the obstacles that inhibit accessibility tools from working effectively. In a number of cases, these challenges are fairly simple to overcome. However, at times the solutions call for extra thinking and effort (“CNIB” par.10).
Accessibility should not be confused with usability. Usability refers to the degree to which a service or product can be used by identified users to accomplish specific objectives with efficacy, efficiency and gratification in a given perspective of use. Accessibility and universal design are strongly related. Universal design involves the creation of products that are usable by users with the broadest possible variety of abilities, operating within the broadest possible range of circumstances. It is all about making products and services accessible to people with different abilities (“CNIB” par. 10).
MIS helps in the design and development of assistive technology as well as adaptive technology which in turn helps in enhancing accessibility. Assistive technology includes the creation of devices that helps a user in completing a user in accomplishing a task that would otherwise be unworkable. Examples include software programs such as screen readers, listening devices, special traffic lights for color blind users and so on. Adaptive technology refers to the modification of existing devices, procedures, or the creation of new applications for existing devices to make it possible for people with disabilities to complete tasks. This is made possible by MIS (“CNIB” par. 13).
Health Problems Related to Computer Uses
Technology has actually become an intimate part of our lives and a vital tool in every single field. However, with the increased use of computers, the numbers of health issues that come along with computer use are also growing at a speedy pace. If a person uses a computer for limited hours, s/he may not experience health problems. Nevertheless, if the person spends four or more hours daily in front of a computer, s/he may experience a number of health issues. First, the person may experience musculoskeletal problems. These includes but not limited to soreness of the muscles and muscle fatigue. Others include, chest pain, numbness in hands, legs and shoulder and so on. These health problems normally occur due to unhealthy posture when using a computer. This may be because one is using an uncomfortable chair or a workstation that does not support correct posture (“VIC” par. 10).
Second, computer users may suffer vision problems. Bright light and glaring on flickering images can strain the user’s eyes. Continuous focus on the screen without blinking can lead to eye problems. A user may also develop computer syndrome. Third, one may suffer from headache. Due to the repetitive muscle tension and pain at the base of the skull, a computer user may regularly experience headache. Continued computer use can negatively affect eye power and this may lead to severe headaches. MIS role in solving health problems that comes along with computer use includes: creating awareness among users on the healthy measures that one needs to take, analysis of systems to ensure that they meet the standards specified for healthy computer use, creating awareness on the importance of limited use of computers, creation of applications that alerts users when they exceed the recommended hours for computer use and so on (“VIC” par. 15).
Works Cited
CNIB. “Accessibility.” Cnib, CNIB Services. January 24, 20116. Web. January 27, 2017
Education Cause. “Things to know about Green IT.” Educause. Education Cause. March 28,.
2014. Web. January 27, 2017
VIC. “Computer-related injuries.” Vic. VIC Health. June 24, 2014. Web. January 27, 2017.
