Chapter 8 Study Review Question

Unit 7 Assignment 1- Chapter 8 Review

Management Information Systems

Unit 7 Assignment 1

1). How do enterprise systems help businesses achieve operational excellence? Enterprise

software is based on a suite of integrated software modules and a common central database. The

database collects data from and feeds the data into numerous applications that can support nearly

all of an organization’s internal business activities. When new information is entered by one

process, the information is made available immediately to other business processes.

Enterprise systems support organizational centralization by enforcing uniform data stan-

dards and business processes throughout the company and a single unified technology plat-

form. The firmwide data generated by enterprise systems helps managers evaluate organiza-

tional performance.

2). How do supply chain management systems coordinate planning, production, and

logistics with suppliers? Supply chain management systems automate the flow of

information among members of the supply chain so they can use it to make better decisions

about when and how much to purchase, produce, or ship. More accurate information from

supply chain management systems reduces uncertainty and the impact of the bullwhip

effect.

Supply chain management software includes software for supply chain planning and

for supply chain execution. Internet technology facilitates the management of global

supply chains by providing the connectivity for organizations in different countries to

share supply chain information. Improved communication among supply chain members

also facilitates efficient customer response and movement toward a demand-driven model.

3). How do customer relationship management systems help firms achieve customer

intimacy? Customer relationship management (CRM) systems integrate and automate

customer-facing processes in sales, marketing, and customer service, providing an enter-

prise-wide view of...