mis11e_ch03_chs.ppt

* Ask students to consider the results of an information system implemented without properly considering each of the above factors. For example, an information system designed without an understanding of the company’s culture and politics is likely to be unpopular, perhaps forcing employees to drastically deviate from their previous routines. * Porter’s competitive forces model is intended to explain why some firms “do better” than others. Do students believe that this model captures this idea effectively? Which factor is most important to a firm’s success? You can make a list of five well-known firms on the blackboard or screen and ask students for each firm which do they think are the most important competitive forces. * Notice that in the graphic, competitors are represented differently than the other four competitive forces influencing a firm. Why do students think this is the case? One answer might be that competitors are firms themselves and are under similar pressures to the firms they influence. * Here you can make a list of five well-known firms and then analyze with students the major thrust of their strategy. Wal-Mart is a good example to start with because of its emphasis on low-cost leadership. * Do students believe it is possible both to design information systems that focus both on low-cost leadership and product differentiation? Some may say it is with sufficient planning and innovation; perhaps a new product is even cheaper to produce than older ones. Some may say that the investment in innovation required for product differentiation precludes that firm from maintaining low-cost leadership. * You could ask students to provide other examples from their own experience of companies that exemplify strong focus on market niche as well as excellent customer and supplier intimacy. * Do students believe it is easier or harder to gain a competitive advantage via the Internet as opposed to more traditional means? Table 3-5 describes the impact of the Intern