Information Systems
This textbook explores the fundamental concepts of information systems, demonstrating their structure, purpose, and importance in the modern business landscape, offering expert guidance on the topic, and giving real-world context to tie in with specific learning objectives.
Can Information Systems Bring Competitive Advantage?
It
has always been the assumption
that the implementation of information systems will bring a business competitive advantage. If installing one computer to manage inventory
can make a company more efficient, then it can be expected that installing several
computers can improve business processes and efficiency.
In 2003, Nicholas Carr wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review that questioned this assumption. Entitled "IT Doesn't Matter,". Carr was concerned that information technology had become just a commodity. Instead of viewing technology as an investment that will make a company stand out, Carr said technology would become as a common as electricity - something to be managed to reduce costs, ensure that it is always running, and be as risk-free as possible.
The article was both hailed and scorned. Can IT bring a competitive advantage to an organization? It sure did for Walmart.