Safety Studies.
2. What operating system do you have on your computer?
MAC OS X
3. Do you have a right to upgrade the software on your computer?
Yes.
4. What Internet and computer related courses have you already taken and what are your usual activities on the Internet (Facebook, email, chats, etc.)?
This is my first computer related course. I use the internet for email, web browsing, and social networking.
5. Have you taken online courses before?
No.
6. Do you have MS Office on your computer? If yes, which version?
Yes. 2004.
7. Add anything you want about your computer-related interests, skills, job projects, etc. that might help the instructor and students understand your computer/Internet skills and interests better.
I enjoy looking for music online!
- Do you work anywhere now (where if yes, and what do you do there)?
- Your desirable occupation
- When do you graduate?
- What benefits do you see for yourself in a distance learning format?
- What are your hobbies or what do you like to do outside of school and work activities?
Information Systems are integral for organizations in order to sustain in our current market. Take for instance an automobile company, such as Ford. Ford is a large global organization that likely employs knowledge management and special purpose information systems, management information and decision support systems, enterprise systems, and specialized system in order to perform tasks and increase the value of their vehicles and services. Value can be added to all areas of the value chain from raw materials to costumer service. The scenario below provides examples of how a car company, such as Ford, can add value to its product and services at all level of manufacturing.
Value chain:
Upstream management:
Raw materials:
Compare costs of raw materials from different vendors in order to cut the cost of inputs.
Use lighter petroleum based raw materials, in favor of steel, making a lighter car to add value to the product. Create a strategic alliance with raw material supplier to gain a competitive advantage over other automobile companies. Contract with supplier for fixed prices to contain costs. Add value through quality of raw materials; Maintain database rating the quality of raw materials and impact upon final product. Produce a report showing the inventory that should be order through a management information system (MIS).
Inbound logistics:
Cut costs by comparing fuel/ gasoline costs of filing stations Consider establishing strategic partnerships with trusted and affordable gas companies. Tag more expensive car parts using radio-frequency technology and track parts to prevent loss of resources.
Higher outside shipping company, such as FedEx, to ship parts; Cut resource costs by relying on the expertise of an established and reputable shipping company.
Warehouse & storage:
Store raw materials in a unit adjacent to production site in order to save on shipment costs of raw materials from warehouse to production site. Compare prices of rent and reduce input costs, by storing raw materials in a low rent area and low rent warehouse. Link warehouse and production site through satellite communications or using the World Wide Web so that production can request and receive needed raw materials efficiently.
Production:
Use advanced computerized systems to produce high quality vehicles at low cost. Higher experts in vehicle construction to create a competitive advantage. Use a TPS for payroll of car manufacturers. Use artificial intelligence to allow machines to take over areas of car construction.
Downstream Management:
Finished Product storage:
Link database between production sites and finished product storage sites, so that vehicles are correct to storage areas with allowable room. Store finished products within production sites to save the cost of shipment from production sites to dealerships. Establish communication between storage warehouse and outbound shippers, such that warehouse workers will prepare the proper vehicles for shipment in a timely mater.
Outbound logistics:
Track cars as they move from storage to dealership. Create strategic alliance with shipping company and allow them to ship vehicles to dealerships. Use a distribution planning system to ship vehicles to areas in which they will sell best.
Marketing & sales:
Store, organize and analyze data electronically to show sales trends. For instance, analyze which models are selling most in certain areas. Ship vehicles to dealerships and aim marketing campaigns accordingly. Create a competitive advantage through cost leadership. Ford can gain an advantage over other car companies by selling their vehicles at the lowest possible prices. Use satellite communications to link local retailers through a central computer and enable salesmen to directly communicate regarding available inventory and in stores sale promotion. Based upon sales trends, forecast which vehicles will sell best and order raw materials, and direct production goals accordingly.
Costumer service:
Costumer Relationship Management (CRM) program to: maintain a database of consumers and contact them via phone/mail to conduct costumer satisfaction surveys. Send costumers and consumers promotional information through traditional mail and email. Inform them of new products and services available (differentiation) either for previous purchases or future purchases. For instance, inform costumers of new safety features, such as non-slip tires. Allow costumers to complete forms, including their contact information, upon entrance to dealership or acquire consumer information upon purchase. Add costumer service link to Ford website. Allow costumers to look up important information on their vehicle, such as warranty information.
