DISCUSSION QUESTION ONE: Candidates for Time-based outsourcing
The readings and notes zeroed in on call center outsourcing as an example of time-based outsourcing:
1. Identify another area within an organization that would be a candidate for time-based outsourcing.
2. List three reasons why it could logically be considered for outsourcing?
3. What pitfalls might there be in outsourcing this area? List at least three possible problems with outsourcing the activity. Support your response with information from a valid reference source. [200 words]
DISCUSSION QUESTION TWO: Technological Infrastructure.
1. Search the literature for an article addressing changes in IS/IT technology over recent years. Select one technology for your focus and describe briefly the changes that have occurred and the general impact of those changes.
2. Discuss possible implications of the technological changes for those who use the technology in organizational settings.
3. What effect will the changes have on operations in those organizations? Give one example.
DISCUSSION QUESTION THREE
For our conference this week, what value do you see well-managed planning processes providing with respect to the information technology infrastructure of an organization? For example, how can proactive managers leverage database and collaborative systems to improve decision making and organizational performance? [150 words]
DISCUSSION QUESTION FOUR
Should a firm today work to stay at the forefront of information systems or should it let other firms go first and then learn from their mistakes? When is each approach most appropriate? Why? Additionally, is there a growing role for incorporating information systems into all business functions? [150 words]
DISCUSSION QUESTION SIX: RESEARCH REPORT TOPIC SELECTION
In your selection statement include at least the following items.
1. Identify your topic, and state how it relates to sourcing of IT/IS services.
2. State a specific, concrete research question. The question should be stated as a real question that will guide your review of the literature about your topic.
3. List at least three reference source. The reference source should be from within the past five years, and from a credible source (academic journal or respected trade publication. NOT from a blog, news media, commercial magazine, or web site.) [140 words]
SAMPLE RESEARCH TOPIC SELECTION
Topic of Choice
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system) - the current state of the art, and outlook.
Selection Statement
This topic explores the benefits and challenges of using ERP in an organization while discussing its current relevancy to include the future potential, technological evolution and process compatibility. Enterprises have the option to use legacy systems that may pose concern for future business initiatives or can choose to explore upgrading/sourcing a system that compliments and/or enhances business processes.
Research Statement
What benefits and value does ERP offer to an enterprise and can this system advance parallel to the pace of other technologies to remain relevant?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
References
Andriole, S. (2017). The death of big software: We are past the tipping point in the transition away from 20th-century big software architectures. Communications of the ACM, 60(12), 29-32.
Ghahremani, Y. (2018). Cloud ERP: The time has come: Low up-front costs, hands-off maintenance, and automatic updates make cloud systems deserving of a serious look. CFO, 34(6), 35.
Sprague, C. (2017). Enterprise resource planning. Salem Press Encyclopedia.