Company Background and Information Systems:

1. Company Selection: Choose a company you are familiar with or research one that interests you.
2. Company Introduction: Briefly describe the company’s name, its primary industry, and its major products or services.
3. Production and Distribution: Explain how the company produces and distributes its products or services. Mention key processes, stakeholders, and geographical spread (if relevant).
4. Importance of Information Systems: Discuss why information systems are crucial for the company’s operations. Provide specific examples of how they support decision-making and various business functions.
5. Existing Systems: Identify and describe the major information systems currently used by the company for areas like sales, marketing, finance, production, etc. Include details about their functionalities and limitations.

Information Technology Recommendation:

1. Needs Assessment:
   • Decision-Making: Identify the types of decisions users need to make using the system (e.g., inventory management, customer service, marketing campaigns).
   • Information Groups: Describe the different levels of user groups (e.g., executives, managers, operational staff) and their specific information needs.
   • Automation: Explain how automation can benefit the company (e.g., streamlining processes, reducing errors, improving efficiency).
2. Proposed System: Briefly describe the type of information system you recommend (e.g., Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management). Justify your recommendation based on identified needs and potential benefits.
3. System Features: Describe specific features your recommended system should offer, including:
   • Data: Types of data the system should store and manage (e.g., customer data, financial records, production data).
   • Database: Explain the type of database needed (relational, NoSQL, etc.) based on data characteristics and access requirements.
   • Networking: Discuss the required network infrastructure (local, cloud-based, hybrid) and how it will support user access and communication.
   • Centralization vs. Decentralization: Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of centralizing or decentralizing data and system access.
   • End-User Computing: Describe the type of user interface and accessibility features needed for different user groups.
   • Development vs. Acquisition: Consider whether to develop the system from scratch or acquire existing software, explaining your reasoning.

Examples:

• You could choose a retail company and analyze its supply chain management system, recommending improvements based on automation and real-time data exchange.
• For a healthcare organization, you could focus on its patient record system, suggesting features to enhance patient engagement and data security.
• If you select a financial services company, you could propose a trading platform upgrade with advanced analytics and risk management capabilities.

Remember:

• Conduct thorough research on the chosen company and its existing systems.
• Cite your sources and provide relevant examples throughout the report.
• Tailor the report to the specific industry, company size, and unique challenges.
• Maintain a professional and objective tone while supporting your recommendations with sound rationale.

Social, Political, and Diversity Impacts:

• Research and discuss any potential social or political issues surrounding the company’s chosen technology. For example, consider privacy concerns, data ownership, or potential biases in algorithms.
• Analyze how diversity and inclusion can be reflected in the development and management of the proposed system. This could involve accessible interfaces, culturally sensitive designs, or workforce diversity considerations.