Introduction
Computer-based information systems are designed and maintained using these information systems (Jeffrey et al, 2005). The systems comprise application software’s which is used to support business and organization processes. The most used types of information systems are information technologies because they are responsible for assisting human beings to perform most jobs which human brains cannot accommodate. Information technologies if used properly can be very helpful to an organization and also can become a malleable resource to the management and the executive. Due to the importance of information systems and technologies, many companies and organizations have produced a chief information officer’s position and other positions such as operating officer and technical officer. The organizations also employ the services of a system analyst whose duties are to analyze the system’s specifications to come up with the final design (Jeffrey et al, 2005). To produce a good quality system the organization must be driven by methodologies such as waterfall, tools such as rapid prototyping, and techniques.
This paper will discuss the various challenges managers and other entrepreneurs face in implementing information systems in their organizations. Although information systems are very vital in the running of the business, many entrepreneurs face difficulties while implementing them; this is due to the lack of technical expertise or other reasons that will be discussed in the paper.
Discussion
Significant systems challenges
Organizations face challenges in implementing information systems because these systems require re-engineering of the business to suit the requirements of the systems. This process of re-engineering the business may make the organization lose its customers thus giving competitors an advantage. Some entrepreneurs view these requirements of the ERP as dictatorial and they usually shy away from implementing the information systems in their organization.
Information systems are very expensive and they require many resources thus becoming too expensive to many organizations. By putting up such systems in companies, managers are supposed to forego other important projects that are of more importance to the company (Fowler, 2006). Organizations also face another challenge in servicing these systems due to their expensive software. Information systems require additional staff for them to work more efficiently, which means additional costs to the organization. Putting up these systems requires highly qualified people, and the organization is supposed to hire them to install these applications. This process of hiring these professionals means additional cost to the organization thus making the process expensive.
Another challenge faced by organizations in implementing information systems is the need for high accuracy for them to work effectively and efficiently. These systems usually reduce in performance if a simple error occurs in the system thus lowering the standards of a company and giving a negative result. The lowering of company standards leads to losses and a company might go out of the market. Such errors in the systems usually occur due to malicious damage such as a virus which slows the system and reduces the output and functionality of some applications (Jeffrey et al, 2005).
Most organizations when designing their systems use a system development life cycle (SDLC) which requires that the system analyst must have the results of the initial stages before proceeding to the next stage. This means that there is little involvement of users who will finally use the system thus making it difficult for them to follow the procedures (Jeffrey et al, 2005).
Information systems lead to the opening of information boundaries in organizations thus causing problems within the company or organization. Through these systems, all employees can send and receive data from within and outside the company thus posing as a threat to the company’s accountability and integrity. The kind of information which flows through these information systems is not monitored and can easily harm the organization if they fall into the hands of an enemy (Jeffrey et al, 2005). The information systems also transfer data to other businesses which might put the organization at risk of exposing its businesses secrets which are very vital. Such challenges usually force many entrepreneurs to shun these new technologies and prefer other methods of storing confidential data.
Problem Statement
Many organizations face the challenge of maintaining information systems. This challenge is brought about by the significant and continuous developments of technological systems. Maintenance of information systems means that the information systems which have been installed in the organization should be repaired and updated to be of importance to the company in the running of the businesses of the day.
This research is important to the business fraternity because it will help many entrepreneurs to understand information systems and be able to solve this critical issue. The project will come up with significant solutions to the problem hence making it valuable and important to many organizations. This project aims to be able to come up with cost-effective solutions for maintaining information systems in organizations. Therefore, it is important to marshal all resources that are available to see this project through. The success of the project will provide an amicable solution to the business people since they will no longer worry about the new technological advances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, information systems are very important to the management of every organization and they should be embraced. Information systems help in internal reporting in an organization thus enabling information to flow faster (Jeffrey et al, 2005). Though the systems are important, they usually change the way employees work, and therefore employers need to train their employees on the use of such technology. It is also recommended that organizations should hire qualified technicians to install these applications because they are very complex for normal skilled people. By hiring such staff one would be cutting costs and saving time. Information systems are being reviewed every day and entrepreneurs need to stay updated with the current situation.
Reference
Jeffrey, A., Joey F., & Valacich, S. (2005). Modern Systems Analysis and Design Fourth Edition: London.p.5-35 (01).