Author: Dave

                                                               [Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to compare ethical issues that may or may not exist with using an information system, which is designed to gather strategic information, based upon a competitor’s customer base.  Also included within this document is an assessment of ethics as it pertains to customers whom are individuals as well as businesses.

                                                               [Content]
When using an information system to gather information about a competitor’s customers, it is important to know ethical issues that could be questioned. Many company’s believe it is important to gather information about competitors in order for them to provide a quality product at a competitive price, however there are some activities that should be avoided in order to prevent unethical activities from taking place. Some acceptable types of information being gathered and methods for gathering the information include; asking customer’s about equipment and pricing of competitors, asking employees of other businesses about the company’s practices, searching for information through public resources, reading books or publications about other companies, asking other people about practices that might be useful to the company. Any company has a right to information about competitors as long as they obtain the information through the means that is accessible to the public (onlineethics.org, 2006). Information, which is obtained through covert surveillance, is considered unacceptable as well as any information, which is gained through the influence of personnel holding any confidential information. Any information, which is gained through deception, is illegal and not an acceptable way to gain information about a competitor.

When gaining strategic information about a competitor there are acceptable customers and unacceptable customers from which information can be gained. It is completely acceptable and ethical to gain information from customers of a competitive business as long as the customers are individuals or if the customer is another business then they are not one of the competitors. If information is being gathered from a competitor from a customer who is a business and is in the same type of business, then this is not only unacceptable, but also unethical as well. It is unacceptable to gain information either by the way of first hand or third party about information that is proprietary about a particular business. Any proprietary information, which belongs to a competitor, should never be used to benefit a company. If a company chooses to use proprietary information that belongs to another company it is apparent they do not abide by the code of professional conduct of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals. Using competitive intelligence practices to gain information about competitors is legal and ethical as long as companies use public means of obtaining information.

In the world of competitive intelligence (CI) there are ethical issues that arise from the lack of guidance, however when ethical means are used, using an information system to track information about competitors should be completely accepted. Many companies take business ethics very seriously, however some competitive intelligence practitioners feel that many difficult ethical decisions are currently being left up to them to make the judgment call on and this is due to the current ethical guidance being too vague to be very helpful with making ethical decisions (Sexton, 2007). When accepted methods are used and an information system is maintained to track this information about competitors, there is nothing ethically wrong about that.

In conclusion, there are many ethical issues in which people are faced with on a day to day basis in the business world, however using illegal or deceptive means to gather information about competitors is not only unethical, but should be unacceptable. Using deceptive means to gather information about competitors, dumpster diving, conducting covert surveillance, and even stealing documents are a few examples of unethical means of gathering information. The methods from which competitive intelligence is obtained should be scrutinized and should adhere to a strict code of ethics, however using acceptable means to obtain information and then tracking that information within an information system is completely acceptable and currently utilized.

References
1. (2006, February 16th). Benchmarking and Reverse Engineering (Advice from The Ethics Office at Texas Instruments Corporation) – Online Ethics Home. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from Benchmarking and Reverse Engineering (Advice from The Ethics Office at Texas Instruments Corporation) – Online Ethics Home Web site: http://www.onlineethics.org/CMS/workplace/workcases/ti-ethics/benchmarking.aspx
2. Sexton, Tiina-Liisa (2007, October). http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5393/is_200710/ai_n21298481. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from Questionable intelligence gathering | Intheblack | Find Articles at BNET Web site: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5393/is_200710/ai_n21298481

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to identify and implement problem solving strategies and management decision-making. Also included within this document is the answer to the questions, “What impact would decision-making styles have on the design of information systems that support decision making in international businesses?”

[Content]
There are a few different decision making styles that can aid with the decision making process. The democratic decision making style is where a leader relinquishes control of a decision in order to let members of a group vote. The consensus decision-making style is where the leader gives up total control and lets the group, as a whole, deal with the decision. The collective decision making style is where the leader involves the members of an organization in order to gain a different perspective in order to assist the leader with making the decision. The autocratic decision making style is where the leader maintains total control and ownership of the decision. Different types of leaders may use different types of styles in order to assist them with the decision making process (Leadership Management Development Center, Inc., 1997).

International businesses use information systems differently from more local or regional businesses. Local or regionalized businesses may use information systems to manage such things as people, documents, technologies, and procedures in order to assist with the management of operational activities in an organization. Localized information systems also help with management accountants to solve business problems like the costing of a service or product or even a business-wide strategy. International businesses can use information systems to aid with such things as international research or discovery. International businesses will also use information systems to achieve a competitive advantage by utilizing intelligence gained from the international market to make superb business decisions (goliath.ecnext.com, 2002). Local or regional businesses use information systems differently than international businesses.

Many governments play a major role in how businesses run or operate. Governments have a major impact on businesses by how companies are taxed, by which subsidies are allowed, interest rates, exchange rates, and ever by which partnerships are allowed. Governments also play a major role in how business function or operate by the laws or policies that are created or put in place. Governments have their hands in how business are ran everywhere from needing a business license in order to operate as a business all the way down to ensuring companies meet environmental, cultural, health and safety standards. It is always within a government’s best interest to encourage business. By allowing businesses, this is how many governments are able to fund many programs within the government. Governments influence many business in many different ways from ensuring companies are complying with government policies or laws and in return company’s pay many forms of taxes which the government uses to fund many government programs.

Their government of where the business resides influences international businesses, the government influence may affect how the company’s decision-making process by the type of decision making style that is used and therefore can affect how an information system is designed. A business in China may choose to use more of an autocratic approach to how decisions are made, whereas a company in the United States may choose to use more of a democratic decision making approach. When designing an information system when an autocratic decision making style is being used, there may be more controls or restrictions placed upon users of the information system, ensuring they do not have a free reign of access to information. When a democratic decision making style is being used, users such as managers may have a lot more access to information within that information system in order to ensure they are making the proper decisions.

References
1. (1997). Decision Making Style and its Effect On Morale. Retrieved August 22, 2008, from Decision Making Style and its Effect On Morale Web site: http://www.leadershipmanagement.com/html-files/decision.htm
2. International business and global information management research: toward a cumulative tradition.. Retrieved August 22, 2008, from International business and global information management research: toward a cumulative tradition. Web site: http://www.manta.com/

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to provide a basic knowledge of what types of problems an untrained user may face with trying to develop an information system. Also included within this document is information about different case tools and how these case tools can aid in reducing cycle time and increase quality.

[Content]
Whenever untrained personnel attempt to build an information system, there are always going to be issues, problems, or hiccups that may need to be resolved. The key to any project is planning, without planning anybody, trained or untrained, is setting him or her up for failure. When untrained personnel attempt to build an information system they typically are taking something from how they know how it works in theory, planning how they want the product to act for them, and then attempting to make it operational. A major problem faced by many with developing new information systems are called “software crisis,” this is when developers are backlogged or having a limited supply of developers or funding (jyu.fi). When an untrained person attempts to take on a task that they do not know about, they can quickly get in over their head, which leads to project overruns and wastes precious resources.

CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tools can be used throughout the lifecycle of a software development lifecycle. When trying to develop an information system there may be a need for different types of CASE tools to accommodate the different aspect of the project. CASE tools can be used for instances of the development lifecycle such as: code generating tools, data modeling tools, unified modeling language (UML) tools, refactoring tools, model transformation tools, and even configuration management tools. CASE tools can speed up the process of developing an information system by helping to create, not only documentation, but also code for the project. By using CASE tools throughout the lifecycle of a project, the project is more consistently completed and therefore a better quality product is produced.

Visual Paradigm is a UML modeling tool, which has many key features that can aid with developing an information system. Some of the specific key features of Visual Paradigm (2008, visual-paradigm.com) are: Automatic software updates, Class diagrams supported, Use Case diagrams supported, State diagrams supported, Sequence diagrams supported, Activity diagrams supported, Component diagrams supported, Deployment diagrams supported, Package diagrams supported, Object diagrams supported, Composite structure diagrams supported, Timing diagrams supported, and interaction overview diagrams supported. When a product is as diverse and aids in the development of so many portions to a product the efficiency and quality both increase as well.
There is a whole slue of types of code generator tools available for use of developers. It has been argued that the code generation tools have made programmers much more productive in completing a project. The code generation tools work by using a generic classes, templates, or aspects in order to create source code. Programmers are then able to focus their time on quality checking the product they are creating instead of writing source code for everything.

In conclusion, there is without a question of a doubt that CASE tools in fact do both ensure high quality standards of a product and reduce lifecycle time to create a product. CASE tools are very useful tools to aid with almost every aspect of the lifecycle of a product and these tools definitely speed up the process. CASE tools also ensure high quality products are produced by efficiently standardizing the process of the product lifecycle. The major problem to CASE tools and software crisis are untrained personnel. The bottom line is that you can have the best toolbox in the world, but if you do not know how to use the tools, you are not going to get very far with whatever it is you are trying to fix or build.

References
1. Robredo, Jamie (1989). Some Problems Involved in the Installation of Advanced Information Systems in Developing Countries.. Some Problems Involved in the Installation of Advanced Information Systems in Developing Countries., ED329238, Retrieved August 21, 2008, from http://eric.ed.gov/ (Robredo, 1989)
2. Problems in information system development. Retrieved August 21, 2008, from Problems in information system development Web site: http://users.jyu.fi/~jpt/doc/thesis/ime-1_1.html (jyu.fi)
3. UML CASE Tools – Free for Learning UML, Cost-Effective for Business Solutions. Retrieved 2008, from UML CASE Tools – Free for Learning UML, Cost-Effective for Business Solutions Web site: http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is intended to provide an answer to what ethical may arise based upon an employee devising a way to make their job better, if any at all. Also included within this document is a basic understanding of why it is important to share knowledge and information at the workplace.

[Content]
When working in any type of position it is always a good idea to share information. By sharing information you are making yourself more marketable because you are the person that people will come to for information or on the job type of training. Without sharing information about the type of job you do, you are essentially digging yourself a hole where it may be difficult to get out of. This happens by performing a job that nobody else can do or what nobody else knows about, this means you cannot be replaced, however this means that if you go on vacation and there is a problem with the job, you are going to be the 1st person they call about it too. Also by working a position that nobody else knows or nobody else knows how to do, you are making it difficult for you to be promoted as well. It is always a good idea to share information in order to ensure more people know about your job and share the knowledge so that in the event you want to further your career, the company can easily find a replacement to fulfill the duties that you performed in that position (Lloyd, 2007).

Ethical issues can arise when an employee creates a product, idea, plan, process, or something that makes their job better or easier while they are on company time. Many companies have similar policies, which they make employee’s sign prior to employment. Herbalife’s policy states the following: “If you are an employee, you signed an agreement when you joined the Company, under which you assumed specific obligations relating to intellectual property as well as the treatment of confidential and proprietary information. Among other things in the agreement, you assigned to the Company all of your right, title, and interest in intellectual property you develop when you are employed in certain capacities, such as a managerial, technical, product planning, programming, scientific or other professional capacity (herbalife.com).” For many companies, which make employees sign agreements like this one from Herbalife, it is common that a company can promote this idea, process, or whatever it may be that the employee created and the company can turn a profit and the employee may never see any addition profit.

In conclusion, many companies require you to protect their physical, proprietary, and intellectual assets. If you devise a way to make your job easier while you are at work, technically the company views this as they own it, however if you think of this on your off-duty time then technically you own it. This is an ethical gray area that most employees are unwilling to fight because they do not want to lose their pension and benefits. Even though it is always a good idea to share information both to your company and to other employees, always make sure credit goes to where credit is due and if there is any compensation for the credit, always ensure you get what you are entitled to.

References

1. Lloyd, Joan (2007, July 13th). Helping train replacement logical move – The Business Journal of Milwaukee:. Retrieved August 19, 2008, from Helping train replacement logical move – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Web site:
2. Herbalife – Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Retrieved August 19, 2008, from Herbalife – Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Web site: [URL Removed Broken link]

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is intended to provide an answer to what moral or ethical constraints should be placed upon users of online auctions, if any at all.

[Content]
When the question arises of what types of constraints should be put in place to prevent users of online auctions from putting immoral, unethical, or otherwise offensive items for bid on an online auction, some people may argue that the constraints goes against their 1st amendment rights of freedom of speech (Shouhong Wang and Diana Kao, 2005). Others may argue that when a person creates an account and accepts the agreement, they are knowingly subjecting themselves to anything that they may find offensive, immoral, or unethical. There is without a question of a doubt a need for some sort of constraints put in place, but where is the limit? Who needs to monitor and police the constraints? Who needs to regulate should be sold and what is not to be allowed?

Online auction sites, like Amazon or eBay, have disclaimers, which protects them from current laws. Even though online auction sites have disclaimers to protect them from current laws, the laws are being challenged. The online auction sites reserve the right to modify this disclaimer as the laws change and thus allowing the online sites to protect themselves. Auction sites also reserve the right to disallow anybody whom they feel is not abiding by their rules from using the online auction (Barker).

In conclusion, when the question is asked about who should be monitoring immoral material being placed on online auctions; I think it is the sole responsibility of each and every individual user to decide what should be allowed. If a user finds something so offensive, then it should be up to that person to report it to the online auction for further review, after all, what is immoral to one person might not be the same for another. It should be up to the online auction owners to follow the law and their policies should reflect the law. If a user is not following their policies, the online auction owners should ban the users from using the auction.

References

1. Shouhong Wang, and Diana Kao (2005). A Model for Monitoring and Enforcing Online Auction Ethics. A Model for Monitoring and Enforcing Online Auction Ethics, Retrieved August 14, 2008, from
2. Barker, Alex W. Ethics, E-Commerce, and the Future of the Past. Retrieved August 14, 2008, from Ethics, E-Commerce, and the Future of the Past Web site: [URL Removed Broken link]

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is intended to look at a course registration system within a university and argue which controls should be inputted into that system to ensure the system is not being abused. Also included within this document is an argument for which controls should be put into place to ensure students are able to enroll into courses they request.

[Content]
When using an information system within a university to ensure student enrollment within classes they request there are few security controls that will have to be implemented. Without controls to protect the information system people will most certainly abuse the system. Controls not only assist the students, but they also aid the school in ensure the classrooms are not being overfilled. Controls will also help the school faculty by protecting information that students, whom don’t have a need to know, from viewing. If controls weren’t put into place, students would have access to other students personal information such as social security numbers and addresses, students then would be able to steal their identity and open credit cards and reek all sorts of havoc on each other.

Without an information system having controls in place there would be virtually no security to protect peoples information or the information system itself, however what types of controls should be put in place? When talking about information systems there are different types of controls that happen at different levels, the overall goal is to ensure data confidentiality, data integrity, and data availability. This means users should only have access to information that they are authorized to have access to. Data integrity means that data is secured and not being changed from the time a user inputs the data into the system to the time the data is being accessed. Data availability means that the data is there and ready for when the wants to access it. One form of controls is user-based permissions; this ensures users have access to only the data they are authorized to have access to. Another form of control is file-based permissions; this ensures only authorized personnel can access that specific file. Everything that happens within an information system happens at the system level. The system-level is responsible for auditing everything that happens on that system, but also ensuring everything on that system follows the correct policies and procedures for operation (intosaiitaudit.org, 2004). System-level controls cover everything from proper administration of the system, acceptable use policies of that system, backup procedures of the system, and how data is accessed, stored, or modified on the system. The different types of controls on the information system ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data within an information system (Locicero, 2007).

When a student needs to enroll into a class they should first have to have a username and password to log into the information system with. The information system should be using encryption in order to ensure the data being passed between the users computer and the information system is secured. The information system itself should either be placed on a server or multiple servers to ensure that it has maximum uptime, as well as, being on some sort of uninterruptable power source (UPS) or backup generator. The information system should also have redundant paths to ensure the network access has maximum uptime. The information system’s audit, security, and application logs should be stored on a separate server, which should be secured. Trained personnel who are trained to follow all necessary policies and procedures should complete the basic administration of the system. The information system should have a consistent backup plan, which is tested on a regular basis in the event of a failure. There should also be a disaster recovery plan for the information system, which should be stored in a location that is different from where the information system resides. These sets of controls will ensure students are able to enroll in courses they request, as well as, maintain the information system for everybody to use.

In conclusion, when there are proper policies and procedures that have been implemented for an information system and everybody follows the doctrine this preventative action should greatly reduce the event of improper use of an information system. Proper administration of an information system will greatly mitigate any security issues that may arise. Having backup and disaster recovery procedures will ensure the information system can be recovered in the event of something catastrophic.

References
1. (2004, February). Review of Information System Controls. National Audit Office Form 905, 2.3, Retrieved August 21, 2008, from [URL Removed Broken link]
2. Locicero, Claudio (2007, November 5th). Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability and What it Means to You. Retrieved August 21, 2008, from Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability and What it Means to You Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?Confidentiality,-Integrity,-Availability-and-What-it-Means-to-You&id=817559

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to provide an increased or basic knowledge of how a university with all aspects of their university connected via the local area network (LAN) would change the educational process. Also included in this document are some examples of how a student can access the school’s information system and what advantages or disadvantages that has on the student’s ability to learn.

[Content]
A college university with local area network connectivity provided to all areas of the school’s campus greatly increases the student’s ability to learn. By students having access to the school’s information system, they have the ability to know exactly where their standing is with the university. They are also able to take care of any necessary admissions or payment issues they may have with the school to ensure their enrollment. By having online access from anywhere on the school’s campus they have the ability to complete any necessary research for projects they may be working on. Students also have the ability to maintain a two-way form of communication with their instructors at any time.

When a university provides LAN access to a student from anywhere on the school’s campus a student has the ability to take full advantage of the LAN for both learning purposes, but also morale, welfare, and recreation purposes. When a student has downtime or time away from classes and studying a student can stay in touch with family and friends via chat or video applications like Yahoo Instant Messenger, Microsoft Instant Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, etc. When a student feels confident everything is fine at home, then they completely have the ability to focus their efforts on studying and their minds won’t be worrying about how family or friends are doing at home. Students can take advantage of online blogging, community sites like MySpace or Friendster, or even the school’s different club websites. By doing this they have the ability of meeting new friends and have the comfort of fitting in with other students.

Today’s classrooms have the ability to maintain a multi-dimensional classroom environment for students by allowing students to maintain communication with their instructor from anywhere on campus. Much like in the workplace it is important for a student to know what their instructor expects of them and from the work the student completes. A good way to know exactly what is expected from by an instructor or for an assignment, it is important to maintain full contact with the school’s faculty. Students can use the university’s LAN to stay in touch with the instructor, which could be a problem making an appointment to see a particular instructor only during office hours. The ability to contact the instructor at anytime from anywhere on campus provides the means for a student to not only maintain a lasting bond with the instructor, but also give the student the opportunity to address any issues they may have with the course or understanding of the course material (tltgroup.org). When an instructor chooses to maintain communication with their student, they have the ability to encourage the student to perform their best. University’s LAN’s provide the means for students to stay in contact with their instructors which will benefit them now and for years to come.

Library’s and computer labs help students to have information and knowledge at their fingertips. School library’s can be limited at the selection of material they may have and computer labs can become congested or too busy for everyone to have full access anytime they need. Using the school’s LAN provides a cost effective way for both the school and the student to have full access to both a computer system and any reference material the student may need. Information is always changing or being updated, schools may have magazines and journals which can become dated, by having online access to magazines or journal subscriptions the university can provide a wider variety of material for a student.

Although a school’s LAN can provide many advantages, there are still instructors who are not very computer savvy, for these instructors the school’s classroom can still be the primary means for shaping young minds. Not everybody is in tuned with technology and they may still want face-to-face interaction with students. For these less technologically savvy instructors, they can still provide minimal communication during non-office hours by checking e-mail or even holding specific chat times, but the rest of the time the instructor may prefer addressing any of the students concerns during normal hours.

In conclusion, when a university provides a LAN in which can be accessed from anywhere, this provides another dimension to how students can maintain full interaction with the university and their instructors. The benefits to the school’s LAN are not isolated to just benefitting students, instructors will greatly benefit as well. When a school provides a positive environment for both students and instructors the school becomes a much more efficient place to learn.

References

1. Faculty-Student Contact: 7 Principles Collection of TLT Ideas. Retrieved August 7, 2008, from Faculty-Student Contact: 7 Principles Collection of TLT Ideas Web site: [URL Removed Broken link]
2. Robert Michaelson, and Jeffrey Garrett (2005). Library Briefings: Advantages of online-only Fall 2005. Retrieved August 9, 2008, from Library Briefings: Advantages of online-only Fall 2005 Web site: [URL Removed Broken link]

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[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to provide an increased or basic knowledge of how automating the business by using computers and applications has advantages and disadvantages. Also included within this document is a plan to estimate the return on investment for automating the business, as well as, a determination of automating the business will allow employees to be more productive. Finally estimation will be made to the benefits of automating the business versus the investment cost.

[Content]
Business automations help make a business run more efficiently, effectively, easily, and prevents duplication of efforts. Prior to automation, if a CEO wanted to write a memorandum and get it out to all of the employees they would have to type the memorandum, print as many copies as there are employees and then either route the document or physically go an give it to each individual. With automation they can simply type the memorandum into an e-mail and send it to everybody and ensure everybody has received it within seconds. This not only is faster and more efficient, but it is also paperless, which is good for the environment as well. Automation helps the company run smoother and effectively by giving everyone within an organization access to information within seconds, which used to take minutes, hours, or even days previously. Not only can people have access to information within seconds, but also security can be put into place that ensures only authorized personnel have access to the data when they need it (nist.gov, 2008). Business automation helps a business run more efficient in order to provide a better product or service.

Continuously improving products and services are necessary for any business to grow and in order to improve products or services there are many tasks that need to happen in between such as: update mailing lists, process orders, administrative paperwork, etc (Lopez, 2005). When a business is trying to determine weather they should consider the total amount of time it takes an employee to manually perform the tasks that want to be automated. Once that number has been counted, the next step is to consider the total cost of automating the business. Once those two numbers have been calculated the total return on investment can then be determined. For example: if it takes 1 employee 8 hours a day of performing tasks manually at $20/hour then the total cost is $80 a day to perform the business tasks manually. Next if the total cost of 10 computers is $20000 plus another $10000 for network equipment then we know the total cost is $30,000 for all necessary computers and networking equipment. Although it may look cheaper to perform the tasks manually we calculated for just one day. The total cost for an entire year is $29,200. It is clear that within a little over 1 year the automation equipment will have completely paid for itself. The total return on investment is definitely worth the initial cost of purchasing the equipment.

References

1. (2008, May 7th). NIST.gov – Computer Security Division – Computer Security Resource Center. Retrieved August 10, 2008, from NIST.gov – Computer Security Division – Computer Security Resource Center Web site: http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/sbc/
2. Lopez, Marcos (2005, December 5th). Why Automating your Business could be very Profitable. Retrieved August 9, 2008, from Why Automating your Business could be very Profitable Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Automating-your-Business-could-be-very-Profitable&id=108011

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