For the purposes of this paper, the subject of information systems will be discussed. In order to provide an organization, person or larger society with some form of data, informational systems are widely used. Discussing the existing literature on the subject, a paper examining corporate informational systems, as well as a work concerning the implications of information systems during the times of a pandemic. This work itself will focus on analysing and breaking down the information presented in the chosen articles, for the purposes of promoting better understanding of the subjects covered.
First, the research paper about the impact information systems play during pandemics can be covered. The authors use COVID-19 as a jumping off point and as a prominent example towards their main arguments. The first point highlighted in the work is the importance of technology and information during the pandemic. Authors consider information systems to operate as a vital tool to navigate a complex social environment. Organizing the existing systems for crisis response, recording data and helping people organize the workplace in place of newly established restrictions (Ågerfalk et al., 2020). In addition, it is noted that information provided through information systems during the pandemic serves multiple purposes for different institutions. The need to provide relevant and accurate data for various purposes is reflected in the design of pandemic-time information systems, and the amounts of data coming in need of analysis increased drastically compared to the past (Ågerfalk et al., 2020). The paper did not have a defined methodology, as it was more focused on discussion than empirical research or comparison. In the need to act and think fast, the value of well-organized data becomes much larger. Authors propose that there are certain hard-to-quantify qualities for an information system that make it successful. The topics discussed within the piece can be important in future discussions regarding the growth and development of information systems. With the effects of the recent pandemic on all areas of human life, it is necessary to consider how information systems are able to counteract unprecedented situations in the future. In addition, this process proves effective in making information systems easier to use, more adaptable, efficient and widely applicable.
The next paper discusses the ability of information systems to be strategically aligned with business goals. Strategical alignment is a term used to evaluate whether a part of a business is suitable to promote the goals of an organization in its present form. Information systems present large value to firms. Additionally, they can be seen as one of the bigger determinant of an efficient work process, allowing companies to enhance their profitability and success. The writers used a particular methodology in order to achieve their conclusions. Quantitative research was conducted, using 160 business managers within Tunisia (Chtourou Ben Amar & Ben Romdhane, 2019). Survey method was used to document the experiences and responses of managers, regarding their company’s organizational culture. According to the author’s findings, companies are able to improve the alignment of their information systems by using different types of approaches. First, organizational culture plays a large role in the process. The establishing of a positive work environment likely contributes towards IS’s strategic alignment (Chtourou Ben Amar & Ben Romdhane, 2019). In addition, certain types of organizational cultures are better suited towards improving information systems. Flexible types of organizations are able to best suit information systems to their needs, or shape them in a way that makes them goal-oriented (Chtourou Ben Amar & Ben Romdhane, 2019). Therefore, in order to utilize IS wisely, it is necessary for organizations to develop their corporate culture in a way that incorporates them. As a result of this discussion, it is possible to see information systems as complicated mechanisms created to accomplish a multitude of goals. While their use can be especially conductive towards obtaining the necessary data, it can also be used ineffectively or not fully aligned with the goals of an entity that uses them. In such a case, it is necessary to change the organization’s approach to better suit using information systems.
Throughout this review, papers concerning the topic of information systems were discussed. While the topics covered by the two sets of authors were different, they can both be analyzed to reach overarching conclusions about information system use. First, it is notable that IS’s are an integral part of social, economic and political spheres. Their influence extends beyond profit making and forecasting into all areas of decision-making. In times of crisis, information systems are efficiently applied in order to help connect various parts of society and provide relevant information. This process keeps a steady inflow of various types of data, which can then be sorted and used appropriately. Furthermore, the review highlights some of the difficulties in applying information systems. The heightened need for their use, a lack of skill on the part of users, improper strategic alignment – are all among chief causes for ineffective information system use. It is necessary to further discuss the application of information systems in various parts of society, in order to enhance their current state and make operations more efficient.
References
Ågerfalk, P. J., Conboy, K., & Myers, M. D. (2020). Information systems in the age of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. European Journal of Information Systems, 29(3), 203-207. Web.
Chtourou Ben Amar, N., & Ben Romdhane, R. (2019). Organizational culture and information systems strategic alignment. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 33(1), 95-119. Web.