Chapter 2 - Global E-business and Collaboration

1.  Business processes and how they relate to information systems.

A business process is a logically related set of activities that defines how specific business tasks are performed, and it represents a unique way in which an organization coordinates work, information and knowledge.  It is crucial that managers pay attention to business processes because it determines how business should be carried out.  Every major business function has a process that belongs to it and many of these processes are cross functional.

2.  Systems serve the different management groups in a business.

Transaction processing systems are referred to as TPS and they help operational management process payroll and orders as well as track the daily routines necessary to conduct business.  Management information systems (MIS) produce reports to help serve middle management functions by condensing TPS.  Decision support systems (DSS) support the unique and ever-changing decision making needs of businesses.  Each of these systems provides business intelligence that helps managers and enterprise employees make informed decisions.

3. Systems that link the enterprise improve organizational performance.

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems coordinate the business processes surrounding a firm's customers.  The knowledge management systems enable firms to enhance the creation, sharing and distribution of knowledge.

4.  Systems for collaboration and teamwork are important.

Collaboration and teamwork has become an integral part of the business world because of globalization, the decentralization of decision making and growth in jobs where job interaction is the primary value adding activity.  Collaboration tools include email, instant messaging, wikis, videoconferencing systems, virtual worlds, social networking, cell phones and internet collaboration platforms like Google Apps/Sites, Microsoft SharePoint and Lotus Notes.

5.  The role information systems play in business.

Typically the information systems department is business unit that is responsible for information technology services.  It maintains the hardware, software, data storage and networks that comprise a company's IT infrastructure.  The information systems department includes specialists, such as programmers, system's analysts, project leaders and information systems managers.