Question # 4:

1. Describe or define KBS. 2. Distinguish KBS from MIS. 3. Illustrate (give examples) how KBS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance. Cite your reference.
knowledge-based system as a computer system that is programmed to imitate human problem-solving by means of artificial intelligence and reference to a database of knowledge on a particular subject. KBS focuses on systems that use knowledge-based techniques to support human decision-making, learning and action. Such systems are capable of cooperating with human users and so the quality of support given and the manner of its presentation are important issues. The emphasis of the journal is on the practical significance of such systems in modern computer development and usage. While Management Information Systems (MIS) is the term given to the discipline focused on the integration of computer systems with the aims and objectives on an organization.

As well as being concerned with the implementation of knowledge-based systems, the journal covers the design process, the matching of requirements and needs to delivered systems and the organizational implications of introducing such technology into the workplace and public life, expert systems, application of knowledge-based methods, integration with conventional technologies, software tools for KBS construction, decision-support mechanisms, user interactions, organisational issues, knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, languages and programming environments, knowledge-based implementation techniques and system architectures. Also included are publication reviews.


Posted by: Nemarie Gandas

reference: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge-based_systems - 21k
elsevier.com http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIS

Question # 3:

1. Describe or define VO.
2. Distinguish VO from MIS.
3. Illustrate (give examples) how VO can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.

Virtual office is a term for shared office services, which normally includes business address, mail & courier services, phone services, fax services, answering services, web-hosting services, and meeting & conference facilities.^[1]

Certain providers of virtual office services will provide other in-house or outsourced services such as corporate secretarial services, accounting services, or legal services. Professional firms such as law firmsaccounting firms often provide registered address services as part of their service offerings. and

A virtual office is a set of interconnected tools that centralize organizational, communication and collaboration data, accessible through different channels at any time. These tools include a calendar, an address book, email, documents storage and exchange, discussion forums, to-do list, etc. WhileManagement Information Systems (MIS) is the term given to the discipline focused on the integration of computer systems with the aims and objectives on an organization.

Virtual office solutions from Cisco provide a comprehensive set of products, technologies, and services. Cisco Virtual Office gives employees greater flexibility while enhancing productivity and reducing costs.



reference:

Wikepedia.com
http://www.bestpricecomputers.co.uk/glossary/management-information-system.htm
http://www.contactoffice.com/virtual-office/en/solutions/virtual-office.jsp
http://www.cisco.com

Final Question # 2

1. Describe or define DSS.
2. Distinguish DSS from MIS.
3. Illustrate (give examples) how DSS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.

Cite your reference.

Decision Support Systems – DSS

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a specific class of computerized information system that supports business and organizational decision-making activities. A properly designed DSS is an interactive software-based system intended to help decision makers compile useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.

is a subset of the overall internal controls of a business covering the application of people, documents, technologies, and procedures by management accountants to solving business problems such as costing a product, service or a business-wide strategy. Management Information Systems are distinct from regular information systems in that they are used to analyze other information systems applied in operational activities in the organization.

Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the group of information management methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making, e.g. Decision Support System, Expert systems, and Executive information systems. MIS and DSS can help track customers and DSS can make it easier to serve a specialized customer group with special services.

DSS...

• Accessing all of current information assets, including legacy and relational data sources, cubes, data warehouses, and data marts
• Comparative sales figures between one week and the next
• Projected revenue figures based on new product sales assumptions
• The consequences of different decision alternatives, given past experience in a context that is described

DSS can help managers reduce the cost of rivalry actions by targeting expenditures and in some cases DSS may reduce the need for competitive actions and reactions.

A specific DSS can help differentiate a product or improve service and hence reduce the threat from substitute products.

DSS can potentially help a firm create a cost advantage. DSS can provide many benefits including improving personal efficiency and reducing staff needs, expediting problem solving and increasing organizational control.

DSS can create a major cost advantage by increasing efficiency or eliminating value chain activities.

DSS can be used to help a company better focus on a specific customer segment and hence gain an advantage in meeting that segment’s needs.


Posted by:
Nemarie Gandas


References:
DSSResources.com
InformationBuilders.com
Wikepedia.org