Information Systems and Software Applications

Information Systems and Software Applications

William Gee

University of Phoenix

Information Systems and Software Applications

In researching software applications and information systems available for the various organizational departments within today’s companies, it is no wonder when speaking of the current generation the MIT Technology Review refers it as ‘Homo conexus.’ It goes on to state: “Information technologies are embedded so deeply in your lives that your daily routines would be almost unrecognizable to a college student just 20 years ago” (R. K. Rainer and E. Turban, 2008, p. 5). When considering three software programs used at Greater Life Baptist Church (GLBC), a case could be made that today’s business operations would be a wonder to those who operated them 20 years ago. To better appreciate this, let consider three programs utilized at Greater Life Baptist Church: Quick Books Nonprofit Edition, Servant Keeper, and Vista Print. Before we consider these programs, a quick review of GLBC’s decision-making process is in order.

In 1995, GLBC was experiencing moderate growth. At the same time, the complexities associated with its finances, membership tracking, and event planning had become more demanding. Change was needed and GLBC’s Trustee Board (its governing body) needed “to get the right information to the right people at the right time in the right amount and in the right format” (R. K. Rainer and E. Turban, 2008, p. 6). Priority number one was to make a decision regarding its accounting method. Because of GLBC’s nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizational status under IRS code, the church chose the QuickBooks Nonprofit Edition.

According to QuickBooks (2010), “Nonprofit accounting software from QuickBooks offers 501(c)(3) organizations an array of tracking and reporting tools specifically tailored to the demands of organizations like yours” (Fund Accounting Software Tailored to Your Donation, Tracking and Reporting Needs,...