2. ‘Information Systems have revolutionised the way we work.’ Critically discuss this statement using two concepts from the module.
The way we work and operate is forever innovating and changing, shaping the way we use and employ resources. Information systems are a key aspect influencing this shift. Coinciding with this we see (Buhalis, 1997, p71) suggest that “Information technologies have revolutionised the management of contemporary organisations and introduced a paradigm shift in the way businesses operate”. I will be implementing the ways and methods in which information systems have impacted and influenced the revolution of how we work. This will be outlined via the positives of revolutionising systems, such as broader opportunities within markets. Along with potential negative impacts including, a reducing need for work force and further retraining required. Corresponding with this I will be apply two key conceptual theories, which relate significantly towards the diverse revolutionising process relating to both past and contemporary information system alterations. My first concept orientates around Taylorism and Fordism’s view towards scientific management in the work place. Which gives us an in depth perspective towards older methods of innovation to the way we work. The second concept I will analyse is virtual/network organisations, this gives us insight towards more contemporary shifts in work via information systems. I aim not only to examine the ways in which information systems have revolutionised the way we work, but also the reasons as to why we change and in some cases why we decide not to change.
There are varying reasons for the constant transition of the ways in which we work, ranging from political factors such as communist working enforcements to technological reasons such as development of computer software. However they all implement the same affair, revolutionising how we work. The way we work has undoubtedly become more efficient, reliable and resourceful over time. I would argue information systems are at the heart of this, as they enable us to gain vital advances which assign us the key features for each specific job sector. This increases the rate of specialisation in businesses and further sections each area into specific industries; this helps the general business ploy to work. Furthermore information systems are disputably the empathy and foundation needed for the recent flurry of new organisations to be formed such as the network/virtual organisations, which would not have been able to develop beforehand. This is reinforced via (Zammuto et al., 2007, p749) study where it is suggested that the relationship between information technology and organisations is always evolving, which provides potential new forms of organisations to be created. This revelation exemplifies how our working methods have in some areas revolutionised at such a staggering rate that new types of organisations are now on the increase. More relatively this is implanted not only in the industry itself but also in each individual firm, for example contemporary firms now require all employees to be computer literate with technological know-how. Relating to this vast shift we now also see partnerships in industries being fashioned to help mitigate against future changes. This is heavily related to (Berger, R. et al, 2009, p16) ideas that the pressures surrounding rapidly changing technologies stimulate the formation of partnerships, which will help surmount future changes and help engage in new market opportunities.
The positives towards the way we work, in regards to information systems are indisputable. To many they may appear to be a relatively recent agenda, however this shift has been occurring for a considerable amount of time. Frederick Taylor the preliminary father of scientific management is a key figure towards older revolutions in the way we work. His theory