question 2

TOPIC: THE DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS)





Question # 3:


1. Describe or define DSS


2. Distinguish DSS from MIS.


3. Illustrate (give examples) how DSS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.





Cite your reference. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_support_system

1. Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a specific class of computerized information system that supports business and organizational decision-making activities. A properly-designed DSS is an interactive software-based system intended to help decision makers compile useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.

2. Decision Support Systems is likely the same with the Management Information System because these are all tools in supports of making organizational decision-making activities.But unlike Management Info System, the Decision Support Systems are interactive software-based system where in decision makers compile useful information from raw data.

3. DSS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance through the followings factors that will associates company's benefits:

1.Improves personal efficiency
2.Expedites problem solving
3.Facilitates interpersonal communication
4.Promotes learning or training
5.Increases organizational control
6.Generates new evidence in support of a decision
7.Creates a competitive advantage over competition
8.Encourages exploration and discovery on the part of the decision maker
9.Reveals new approaches to thinking about the problem space

Final's Question 1

Research one company from the Internet and describe their MIS strategic plan in 1-2 paragraphs. Discuss too the impact of this strategic plan on the company's management, competitors, customers and the company as a whole.

Evaluate how can this strategic plan be applied to any local company in the Philippines. Discuss too the possible effect on the company.

Include your reference.


Nike and Lockheed Martin Reach Innovative Outsourcing Agreement For Information Management Services

BEAVERTON, Ore., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In a unique corporate
partnership designed to capitalize on the strengths of each company, Nike and
Lockheed Martin Integrated Business Solutions Company (IBS) today jointly
announced an agreement in principle for outsourcing Nike's internal Corporate
Information Technology (CIT) services. Financial terms of the agreement were
not announced. The completion of the agreement and transition of employees to
Lockheed Martin is expected to be successfull.

In addition to bringing new information technology disciplines and
methodologies to Nike's operations, Lockheed Martin has agreed to establish a
local service center in the Portland metropolitan area and transition
approximately 180 Nike employees to IBS. There is expected to be no net loss
of employment for the affected Nike IT employees.

"This new agreement will allow Nike to concentrate its resources on its
core athletic businesses while simultaneously retaining the knowledge base of
many Nike IT professionals," said Ken Harris, Nike's chief information
officer. "Outsourcing this function is consistent with Nike's long-term
strategic plan to enhance our competitiveness through ever greater focus on
product superiority and customer service. We will continue to have world-class
information systems by taking advantage of Lockheed Martin's core competency
in advanced information technology."

Gary Mann, president of Lockheed Martin IBS commented "We will leverage
our heritage of providing leading-edge information technology solutions to
enable Nike to continue its proud heritage of supplying championship athletic
products in every market in the world. We are thrilled to be a part of the
Nike family."

Lockheed Martin's Information Services Sector, of which IBS is a part, is
a $5.2 billion provider of information & technology systems and services.
Arthur E. Johnson, president and COO of the Sector, remarked that "A key
component of Lockheed Martin's growth strategy is to take advantage of the
rapidly growing market for commercial information technology services. This
partnership with a global world class client like Nike does exactly that, and
we are firmly committed to ensuring its success."

In mid-1998, Nike issued a Request for Proposals seeking qualified bidders
to explore the concept of outsourcing to a compatible outside vendor.
Subsequent to a thorough review of proposals from multiple vendors, "Lockheed
Martin was selected because of their compatibility with our corporate culture,
commitment to a local presence and expertise in information technology
services," said Harris.

About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports and fitness company with worldwide
sales totaling $9.3 billion in 1998.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a highly
diversified global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, and integration of advanced-technology systems,
products, and services. The Corporation's core businesses span space and
telecommunications, electronics, information and services, aeronautics,
energy, and systems integration. Employing more than 170,000 people
worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 1998 sales surpassing $26 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Corporation

Comments:

NIKE MIS Strategic Plan:

As part of management stategic planned, Nike Company's has ventured into a partnership with Lockheed Martin Integrated Business Solutions Company for outsourcing Nike's Internal Corporate Information Technology(CIT) services.

This innovative decision done by NIKE management is actually part of thier Long-term Strategic Plan to enhance thier competitiveness through a greater focus on product superiority and customer service with the used of advance information systems designed by Lockheed Martin's. By providing leading-edge technology solutions which enable NIKE to continue thier pride heritage of supplying championship athletic products in every market in the world.

For Nike: venturing into a an agreement with Lockheed Martin, this will allow NIKE company to concentrates its resources on its core athletic businesses while simultaneously retaining the knowlege base of many NIKE IT professionals.

With this kind of strategic plan made by NIKE's company create a dramatic competitiveness success on the company's and the management. And this strategic planned may be also applied to some big corporations here in the philippines wherein they can afford to have a partnership in some reputable (IBS) Integrated Business Solutions companies wherein they can outsource your company's internal Corporate Information Technology (CIT) services and I guess this strategic plan creates a long-term effect as far as the competitions are concerned.Being upgraded will make you competitive not only locally but also globally .

question 3

For those who are working, interview your IT in-charge and ask him/her to describe the computer database systems used in the company. Write your answer in 1-2 paragraphs.
Further, ask also the benefits and/or disadvantages derived from these database systems.

For those who are not working, research one company in the net who is using computerized database systems. Describe the use and/or nature of these systems and describe too the benefits/disadvantages from these systems. Include your reference.

• i have got a chance to worked in philippines long distance telephone (pldt) for quite sometime now as an apprentice.and i observed they got an effective computer database systems that has been generated nationwide, which mean they are onlined nationwide and you can transact business or ask inquiry wherever in the philippines.

example:

the disconnection system:

wherein the system will automatically disconnected your telephone line if you cannot pay your account on the due date. rigth away a day after the due date you will no longer have an access to your telephone line unless you pay it. and thats how faster their computer system works.

billing and paying system:

since they are online nationwide you can pay your bill anywhere in the philippines even your line is here in gensan. and you can also ask for your account anywhere in the philippines through the used of your telephone number..

but then there are also disadvantages of having this computer system: one instances, is that if they where offline no business will happen..because you cannot work to your computer because all data's needed are supplied in the database.another thing is that theres is no other supporting documents has been kept on the hard files.

question 2

Research 1 company and describe how they protect their company from internet risks.

Also, research for possible risks or dangers and/or impacts of internet - related crimes to a company.

one example of a company having had protected thier company from internet risks is the HONGKONG SHANGHAI BANKS CORPORATION (HSBC). wherein the company is providing password before you can surf to thier web., and you must have to register first including disclosed personal profiles to be make sure that all users are completely monitored.

one possible risks or dangers of internet is that it can be hacked your company, conpany's sectrecy policies could possibly disclose to the public..and it somehow it will be caused to moral damages and even bankrupcy....

midterm QUESTION 1

Research 1 company that makes use of E-commerce. Describe the nature of this company in 1-2 paragraphs.

Identify then, how does this company use e-commerce to achieve strategic advantage. Describe the benefits derived from this strategy.

Nike was first developed in Oregon by Phil Knight in the 1960s and founded in 1972. Nike is a major manufacturer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment. Nike markets its products under its own brand name as well as Air Jordan, Nike Golf, Team Starter, and under brands from wholly owned subsidiaries including Bauer, Cole Haan, Converse, and Hurley International. Nike's advertisement campaigns often incorporate new sporting ideology, which often involve sponsored athletes like Tiger Woods, Ronaldinho, and Michael Jordan. Nike is also well known for its strong sponsorship agreements with athletes, leagues and federations, as well many of the world?s soccer clubs. Of course, Nike is in a very competitive industry and must fight to keep a competitive advantage. Furthermore, Nike must also deal with ethical issues that arise from sweat shops that are located in third world countries. Nike's biggest competitors in the sporting world are Adidas,......

NIKE e-COMMERCE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

USA : New appointment to elevate Nike’s e-commerce strategyOctober 26, 2006
Signaling an elevated commitment to e-commerce as part of the company's global growth strategies, Nike Inc announced that industry veteran Chris Shimojima is joining the company in the newly created position of Vice President, Global E-Commerce, reporting to company President and CEO Mark Parker. Shimojima will be responsible for driving an integrated global e-commerce strategy for the Nike brand and Nike, Inc. subsidiaries,including Converse and Cole Haan.Shimojima joins the company from Sears, where he most recently was Vice President and General Manager of Sears/Kmart Customer Direct. Prior to joining Sears in 2002, Shimojima held a number of senior marketing positions for companies such as Prudential Financial, Kozmo.com, AT&T Consumer Communication Services and Pepsi-Cola. At Sears, Shimojima led strong revenue and profit growth in the company's direct businesses."Chris is an experienced general manager who understands how to build strong consumer relationships," Parker said. "Our e-commerce sites represent an incredible opportunity, a way to build deeper consumer connections and support the overall growth of Nike and our Nike Inc brand portfolio. Chris will accelerate our efforts to create an integrated global e-commerce strategy across our portfolio and deliver consistent and compelling brand experiences for consumers."Nike has been a leader in creating unique personalized shopping experiences for consumers through innovative sites such asNike iD, which gives consumers the opportunity to design their own Nike product. Nike also recently relaunched its global nikestore.com e-commerce site with new leading-edge technology.

The changes -- designed to introduce deeper product storytelling, faster functionality, and enhanced customer service -- encompass the first major renovation of Nike's online store since its launch in 1999. The result is a new, more dynamic online shopping experience, in which the common conventions of e-commerce are adapted to the unique character of the Nike brand. The site offers more than 30,000 products.In his new role, Shimojima will work closely with Nike's global retail team, led by Vice President Elliott Hill, to create an integrated and consistent experience across all Nike direct retail channels. Nike's direct retail includes Niketown, NikeWomen and Nike Factory Stores worldwide.

Nike Inc

BENEFITS:

a. enhance customer service globally

b. deeper product storytelling

c. faster functionality

d. improved deeper consumer connection

activity 6

Research one multinational corporation like Procter and Gamble, Unilever, IBM, Microsoft, Honda and etc. Identify and describe how their subsidiaries are managed and how technology has assisted them in their corporate and/or local operations. Further, identify one Philippine company that has gone worldwide (eg. Jollibee and BENCH) and describe their strategies. Evaluate the strategies of foreign companies with that of Philippine corporations.


Nike was found by Bill Bowerman, the legendary University of Oregon track & field coach together with Phil Knight, a University of Oregon business student and middle-distance runner under Bowerman. At the beginning Nike was found in January 1964 with the name of Blue Ribbon Sport (BRS). The first-year sales totaled was $ 8.000. In 1972, Nike was introduced by BRS as the new brand of athletic footwear, the name was for the Greek winged goddess of victory. The Nike?s mission is ?To bring Inspirations and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete?. The asterisk quote is taken from Bill Bowerman which was the legendary track and field coach for the University of Oregon and the co-founder of Nike. For Nike?s corporate responsibilities mission are; ? We must help the company achieve profitable and sustainable growth.? We must protect and enhance the brand and company. Nike employers approximately 25,000 people on......

Nike, Inc as the multinational company to study. Nike's international activities and how they managed to become today's world's leading supplier of athletic shoes, apparel and sports equipment. We will see how this company managed to expand internationally and control the sportswear arena completely by utilizing marketing strategy centering around brand image which is attained by distinctive logo and the advertising slogan: Just Do It? and the company promotes its product by sponsorship agreements with celebrity athletes, professional teams and college athletic teams. However, Nike's marketing mix contains many elements besides promotions. These are summarized as: Product, Place, and Promotion/Sponsorship. Now let?s see how this company finished FY 07 with a $16.326 billion in revenues and over 30,200 employees......

Activity 5

AS A FUTURE MANAGER, WHAT IS YOUR COMPUTER ETHICS PROGRAM? JUSTIFY EACH ACTIVITY.

As a future manager, i would create a Computer Ethics Program that every people in my department has the right to privacy..

For Example:

a. they should create thier own computer password - every people in the department has their own password, in the sense that no one has the right to access his files in the computer.

b. only IT could open his account - in the absence of the user only IT could open his account when there's an urgent need arises, but with the consent of the manager.

c. however at any times the manager will have the complete access on the computer accounts of his employees for security purposes.