Self reflection (Craven books) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Self reflection (Craven books) - Essay Example The ability of that system is to operate all computers independently which are associated with software programs and peripheral devices (Reference for Business, n.d.a). The significance of this new computer system lies in the goal of the company to have a competitive advantage. This can be evaluated on how the company applies its Information System Strategy. These are information systems developed to support and meet the company's competitive strategy. The computer systems implemented will create business strategies relevant to all business operations: capture, transmit, store, retrieve, manipulate, and display information for all business processes (Reference for Business, n.d.b). 2. System Implementation The importance of implementing a computer system in a company is to manage efficiently and effectively all business operations and transactions. The system implementation includes hardware and software acquisition; user preparation; hiring and training of personnel; site and docume ntation preparation (Davis & Yen, 1998); installation, testing and start up; and user acceptance (Baldauf & Stair, 2011). 2.1 Acquisition This involves the selection of the hardware, software, materials and equipments used during the implementation (Implementation plan, 2003) and also the names of the suppliers. The cost of acquiring the computer system can either be purchased or leased. If it is purchased, some of the advantages are: free working capital; hedge against hardware obsolescence; allows installation with small capital budget but large recurrent budget; and selling of unwanted equipment is minimized (Bramer, n.d.). If it is purchased the advantages include: ownership and usage of the system without additional cost; and choice of purchasing additional equipments (Bramer, n.d.). However, the downsides of leasing will be: high interest rates, reduced flexibility of disposing obsolete equipments, maximum system usage; and chances of dispossession if it is unpaid (Bramer, n.d .). When purchased, the disadvantages will be high initial capital costs (Bramer, n.d.). 2.2 User Preparation User preparation involves readying the key personnel in the organisation, from top management down to low level management who will be affected in the new system application. It includes marketing, training, documentation and support. The training is the very highlight in the entire process because it can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of both the system and users (Baldauf & Stair, 2011). It also covers the system security features and timeline of the entire process. 2.3 Hiring and Training Of Personnel After the system is purchased or developed, the hiring and training of personnel must also be considered. These personnel must know their role and responsibilities in facilitating effective implementation. When hiring key personnel, their qualifications must consist of outstanding expertise in handling the systems. The objective of this training is to prepare them to manage the whole software applications, thus facilitate the training of the end-users. Adams et al. (2004) recognized the role of consultants as beneficial because they don't just provide experience and expertise but also there would be no conflict of interest involved in making decisions since they're not under the umbrella of the company (cited in Tavassoli & Toland, 2008). 2.4 Site and Documentation Preparation Site