Abstract This paper explains that the goal of applying communication standards at Seneca College is to reduce the writing time required and the misunderstandings in interpreting these messages. The author points out that the skill levels in email use and writing in two surveyed areas are inconsistent across the college despite the need for these skills to be used on a daily basis. The paper recommends that a standards guide be established for all Seneca College communication as well as the development of college-approved communication formats to be used for all inter-office emails and memos. The paper includes charts.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Profile of Target Audience
Methodology
Report: Writing Information and ProcedureEmails and Memos Problem
Needs Assessment
Standard Requirements
Methodology
Evaluation
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Seneca College, as most education institutions, is in a constant state of technology upgrades. These upgrades in terms of software and hardware have not been implemented consistently organization wide as a result of need and the prohibitive cost to undertake such a venture. As a result, there presently are multiple software packages in use many of which are not current. As a result, college employees have varying degrees of knowledge and ability to use the range of existing software. Furthermore, employees have varying levels of expertise in writing."
This paper examines how the tourism industry is turning to technology to build relationships and loyalty with their customers. This paper focuses on three areas: 1) database marketing 2) use of internet and email and 3) emerging trends.
Abstract The report focuses on three items and their impact on the tourism industry. First, how database and loyalty marketing has helped relationship marketing. Second, how Internet and email has affected how customers search for information and purchase. Third, best practices and trends used by companies to gain a competitive advantage in their industry.
From the Paper "Information systems are helping businesses better target their marketing efforts by storing information from customers received from surveys, invoice information, forms and contest giveaways. This allows Managers to execute complex communications programs that reinforce their name and build brand loyalty. Business owners know that to stay in business, some customers have to become repeat and loyal customers. According to an article in Ecom World (Shelton, 1999), customer loyalty is critical for three reasons:
1. Loyal, repeat customers cost less in marketing, support and advertising
2. Positive word-of-mouth from loyal customers brings new customers
3. Customers that have a poor experience will tell others."
Tags: computer, hotel, information, loyalty, management, systems
Abstract This paper analyzes a case study called "The Safety Memo" in which a man tries to report a number of safety problems in a company and is intimidated by a manager who claims that the worker is being disloyal for pointing out these problems. The study suggests ways for the employee to protect himself and the writer notes how wrong it is for the company not to do something about the manager in question. The writer also points out the real threat being posed to the company by the policies the manager is promoting.
From the Paper "The problem at the Cable Company is described in terms of Gordon Baldwin, but the problem is actually that of the Cable Company itself. The company may believe it is saving itself from an expense and that it is protecting itself from the actions of an employee fully aware of the safety issues involved, but in truth the company is setting itself up for major problems in the future, including lawsuits, government action, and labor trouble. This analysis assumes that the behavior of the General Manager, Gil, is known to the company and is part of an effort to discourage dissent and safety complaints from employees. The actions Gordon has taken were understood and encouraged by his immediate superiors, and he has done nothing except send a memo to make management aware of the potential for safety problems for the company."
Abstract This paper attempts to assess the impact information systems have had on managerial processes in business. The paper hypothesizes that interaction through use of information systems alters legal, moral or cultural perceptions, creating an environment where an individual may conduct activity that typically would not be done in a face-to-face meeting. The paper also attempts to demonstrate that some individuals in management use information systems as the sole form of communication with subordinates, resulting in poorer quality products and services. The paper concludes that information systems are excellent complimentary business tools, but cannot replace basic human interaction.
Outline:
Introduction
Hypothesis
Research
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "Information systems have changed the world. From communication to education, information systems have increased the availability of information and the speed of communication forever. Information systems can convey a myriad of messages from simple quick reminders via text messages to the most complex technical messages.
"The effectiveness of messages transmitted via information systems relies on more than just the communication itself. Understanding the meaning behind the communication requires specific efforts from both the sender and recipient of the message. This raises certain important questions and concerns. Is it possible for a sender to convey complete concepts via information system communication without personal contact? Are recipients as receptive to messages transmitted via information systems compared to messages presented in face-to-face meetings?"
Abstract This paper begins by summarizing the article, which attempts to help current and potential business owners, business partners, employees, and customers to be careful in how they use or abuse email. The writer then provides a critique of the article and concludes that the use of a personal anecdote regarding a response from a company to an email he once sent helps the author make the story fit into an interpersonal communication style. The actual article is included in the paper.
From the Paper "McClean shares a personal anecdote about how he once almost made a negative assumption about an entire business entity based solely on a response from that organization to an email he had sent to them. Conveniently, the story in the article has a happy ending because both he and the company rectified the situation by sending apologetic emails to each other. However, McClean does point out that there are those individuals who are out there in cyber land that may not use an apology to "right" a misrepresented or negatively interpreted email situation. Mclean also uses the article to show that business people using email may be limited in how they can interject personal feelings into electronic messages. One solution he proposes is to use "emoticons" to make email messaging more like face to face communication. Overall, the interpersonal communication article is an attempt to project his opinion of how email can be both good and bad for a business's image."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the proposal of a company's finance and accounting department to impose an email storage quota. According to the paper, the proposal was made in an attempt to combat the extra costs of network administrators and backup storage devices. The paper further reports that an email storage quota would also increase the responsibility and awareness level of the employees who would have to manage their computerized communications.
From the Paper "Aside from supporting a more efficient hardware system, an email storage limitation to 100 megabytes also supports a better quality of the Internet connection. The email quota limitation will force employees to reduce the number of emails sent to one email every 6 seconds. Furthermore, an electronic mailing limitation will offer a better control of the spam emails received and will oblige employees to delete them, instead of storing them, as in the case of unlimited emailing facilities. Also regarding the junk mail, a limitation offers the possibility of controlling whether the employees are sending spam mail towards customers, and if so, ending such actions. "
Abstract This paper discusses three cases where a person's procedural rights were violated. In one, an illegal, warrantless search and seizure violating 4th and 14th Amendment rights; in the second an illegal warrant issued on information from an unproved informant violating 4th amendment rights, and in the third, a violation of 5th amendment rights in four cases where suspects were interrogated without being mirandized.
From the Paper "Mapp v Ohio Criminal Procedure Constitution and Society: In this case the police went to Mrs Mapp's residence on a tip that a suspected gambler involved in a bombing was residing there. They did not have a warrant so she refused to let them in ..."
Abstract This paper presents a case study relating to privacy issues in the medical and healthcare field. It aims to design an executive level privacy protection policy and considers both the legal regulations applicable to a company's privacy issues and the company's particular privacy needs. The paper specifically examines the application of the United States Privacy Act and its subsequent revisions and the Healthcare Information Privacy Protection Act (HIPPA).
From the Paper "Clearly, the Privacy Act, originally intended to apply only to government agencies, now applies to such non-governmental entities as the healthcare system and commercial businesses. What can be concluded from this expansion of the Act's jurisdiction is that, because of the Act, individuals now have an expectation of personal privacy. In order to ensure this expectation is met, all customer-related organizations must take steps, per the Privacy Act, to protect an individual's personal privacy. (Douglas-Steward: 2001)."
Tags: medical records, informationprocedure safeguard
Abstract This paper looks at the six major steps in criminal procedure. It then examines evidence and the rules of evidence. Finally it describes the difference between lay witnesses and expert witnesses and what problems with them may be.
From the Paper "There are several steps involved in criminal procedure - the six main ones being the commission of a crime crime detection by the police i e they investigate a complaint and find out that a crime has indeed been committed ..."
This informative paper details the advantages and disadvantages of the personal and informal method of communication, as opposed to the more structured forms which tend to be artificial by comparison.
Abstract This well-researched paper defines and details the differences between the various forms of communication currently being used in business. The writer of this paper maintains that informal communication, also known as face-to-face communication, is a more viable and practical method of disseminating and sharing information. The writer also explores the various media rich, advanced technologies available and goes on to explain why these forms of communications are incapable of delivering information in the manner intended.
Outline
The Rising Importance of Information Technology (IT)
Organization Information Processing
Impact of IT on Information Processing
Informal Communication Process
Early Rational Theories
Media Richness Theory
Alternative Media Choice Theories
Critical Mass Theory
Organization Culture: Social Norms
Background Conditions
The Media Choice
Informal Communication Process in Organization
Bibliography
From the Paper "In the 1990s the business environment is highly turbulent and complex, where competitive pressure is increasing with globalization. Topping this off is the dramatic, pervasive and quickly felt implications of the information revolution. In this climate new paradigms are created and with it new opportunities. To capitalize on these opportunities and to handle the complex environment, an organization requires timely and relevant information more than even before. Information has always been the life blood of the organization; it enables an organization to make sense of the world, to resolve ambiguity and to facilitate decision making and coordination. Information is an important source of competitive advantage."
Tags: media, communication, it, technology, information, applied, practice, business
An analysis of current market and applications for Executive Information Systems software solutions plus details of a small company and how it benefits when implementing such an executive information system.
Abstract The following paper examines how L.L. Bradford and Company, a regional CPA firm, decided to offer its clients full financial services. This paper discusses how such a company that wishes to effectively service their customers and maximize the value of the benefits they can provide, needs to find a software package that can integrate all the existing "legacy systems" on a relational basis, and allow information that previously had been available only to the auditors through their software to become available to all. The writer also examines how L.L. Bradford chose to buy and customize an off-the-shelf Executive Information System called "Goldmine";which allows all departments to have access to the same customer information, allowing for marketing of services, billing, follow-up and other services the company wishes to provide its clients. This paper goes on to prove that the above is a good example of the benefit of Executive Information Systems, as it shows basically what can be done, and how business and communication between business and clients, departments and management, owners and employees can be facilitated to build business and stimulate growth.
From the Paper "Internet technologies and applications have grown more rapidly than anyone could have envisioned, even as recently as five years ago. They have opened up new means and frontiers of communication, collaboration and coordination between customers, businesses and trading partners.Executive Information Systems, also known as Enterprise Software is an explosively-growing $23 billion a year sub-industry of software for companies looking to use technology to improve virtually every key corporate function ? manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, human resources and supply-chain management. Executive Information Systems, or Enterprise Resource Planning software, solutions are software solutions that provide a common, consistent system to capture data organization-wide to integrate information across corporate functions and to provide tools for planning and monitoring the various functions and processes towards a common purpose. To compete effectively, companies are challenged to create new products, maximize efficiencies in service, processing and administration, and increase penetration within existing markets, all the while keeping customers satisfied with high levels of service which may span several time zones. While the profitability of corporations is typically measured in dollars, overall success can be measured in terms of profitability plus the attainment of organizational goals. This success derives from a synergy of inputs, including the work of employees who are dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable, and a management team that understands how to inspire competent and motivated performance through sensitive and responsive management of a continually changing workplace."
This paper examines John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid 's book "The Social Life of Information" which details the impact of technology on the whole on humanity.
Abstract The writer of this paper reviews "The Social Life of Information" written by John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid which focuses on the effects of technology on society. This book was hailed by multiple business and technology magazines as being one of the most important books to be released on the topic of technology and business. "The Social Life of Information" looks at various aspects of the information age, explores how technology is failing society and offers various improvement strategies. The writer contends that this book is not a scientific study, but more of a synthesis of information. This paper ponders the authors' argument that technology will not fundamentally change human society as some have postulated. This paper discusses how unreliable the new advanced information age actually is, while explaining how promises of an easier future have in fact resulted in the exact opposite. This paper also discusses how society responds to technological growth and the fact that, despite all of our hi-tech advancements the situation is still strikingly similar to the way it was 10,000 years ago.
From the Paper "As the popularity of psychics and astrologers can attest, people are very curious about what the future will bring. Instead of being content to take one day at a time, people have a desire to have as much information about the future as possible. This is not a phenomena that is limited to Americans or Westerners, but a global phenomena. People want to know in advance, whether it be to prepare for bad times, look forward to good times, or try to avert bad situations. That some would look at the onslaught of technology over the past few years and pronounce that it will change the world, remake society, alter everything, good and bad about the world that we live in. There is no doubt that technology changes some things about the world. Learning simple math and language changed the world 10,000 years ago. All advances in technology, from the abacus to the silicon chip, have altered the way in which people live. However, this change might not be as extensive as some would claim."
Abstract The writer of this clear and concise paper delves into the various advances made over the years to basic information systems while also detailing their usefulness in both business and personal settings. The writer contends that computer information systems were initially developed to assist in managing and storing valuable data and information in both an organized and accessible form. Earlier computer systems required humans to manually load, enter and run computer programs, this is no longer the case as is explained in this paper. This paper discusses the functions of basic operation systems that each and every computer must contain in order to operate. This paper also delves into computer networking which is defined as a set of computers and connected devices that are linked together by shared communication facilities.
Table of Contents:
Basic Systems Concepts
Operating Systems and Programs
Information Systems Stored Data
Networking Concepts and the Internet
Information Systems and Decision Making
Information Systems and Future Trends
Phases in SDLC
Works Cited
From the Paper "The term network has been defined as a set of computers and connected devices that are linked by communication facilities. Thus a network can be two computers connected by a cable or thousands of computers connected by high-speed data communication links that is spread all over the world. Network gives us two basic advantages: the facility to communicate and the facility to share. A network helps in communication between users in better ways than other media. E-mail, the most well known form of network communication, offers inexpensive, printable communication with the facility of sending, reply, storage, recovery, and addition. Network supports collaboration with its capacity to share. This is the main charm of popular software called groupware that is created in such a way to allow many users to have electronic meetings and work alongside on projects. Internet is a network of computer networks, upon which anybody who has permission to a host computer can circulate their own documents."
Abstract This document provides an information management plan for Acme Home Improvements de Mexico, SA de CV (ACME). The information management plan lays out the overall approach to planning and implementing an information management infrastructure that integrates suppliers, vendors, and internal processes with back office functions. The plan is meant to illustrate the need for data and information transparency, real-time accuracy, and universal platforms.
From the Paper "This brief information management plan is intended to provide the platform necessary for Acme Home Improvements de Mexico, SA de CV (ACME). ACME can utilize some of the reporting and record keeping requirements instituted through Sarbanes-Oxley as a foundation for its information management plan because, as industry analysts have pointed out, linking financial reporting requirements with supply chain data provides a more complete picture of an enterprises transactions (Protiviti, 2003). ACME needs an information management plan to guide its forward strategy and to enable it to avail itself of industry best practices for information management is no longer a value added component but is now a basic core competency of a business enterprise."