Components of Commercial Value Chain
Introduction The concept of the value chain was introduced by Michael Porter. The concept helps categories’ activities undertaken by enterprise to deliver a successful product to a customer. The concept since its introduction in 1980s has become a forefront in developing strategies around customer delight and commercial success. The value chain is series of activities…
Communication Systems and Groupware – Information System Concepts that Apply in All Functional Areas of Business
Introduction Information systems can be defined as set of co-ordinated network of components, which act together towards producing, distributing and or processing information. Information systems in conjunction with information technology have various applications in today’s business environment. Communication System The process of transmitting information from one place to another is called communication. The transfer of…
The Changing Face of Business Environment
Introduction The last decade has shown rapid development in the information technology and its application. This has helped changed the way we look at the world as well as the way business is conducted. Both business and trade have gained under the wave of information technology with improvement in efficiency, productivity and bottom line. Productivity…
In the digital age, information technology plays an important role in the success of an organization. Technology provides edge in this globalized world. Companies are facing competition not only from local companies but from international companies as well.
In such a scenario, it is important that company invest in technology which is aligned with overall strategy of the company. This calls for Mb>technology strategy formulation.
Technology strategy formulation talks about alignment between technology strategy and the overall strategy of the organization. Here the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) comes into prominence.
The CIO should have short term as well as long term vision of technology advancement. CIO should bridge implication of technology advancement and organization strategy. A clear communication of technology impact on organization needs to reach executive leadership.
This alignment between CIO and CEO revolves around issues like:
CIO faces challenge to provide technology value adds for organization in achieving its objective.
Corporate planning plays an important role in alignment of technology with organization strategy. In a perfect scenario CIO and CEO will have a same planning horizon. However, it is observed that the CEO and CIO do not share same vision, from planning to execution.
This introduces the concept of planning lead time. In some organization, strategy execution does not match to technology planning horizon and execution. By the time technology strategy is executed, more advancement is observed in that system, thus competitive edge is lost.
In the above scenario, companies become reactive rather than pro-active. Companies need to adjust with challenges posed by market leaders and trend setters. A strong CIO-CEO relationship ensure organization develop understanding of technological challenges and its impact on overall organization.
Organization needs to ensure that their structure is agile and flexible as to accommodate changes in the technology. They should be efficient and effective enough to deal demands of the market change.
Organization needs to develop and maintain technology systems, which are flexible and adaptive. There are three types of technology infrastructure available with companies’ ERP, data warehousing and knowledge management.
All three dimensions ERP, Data Warehousing and Knowledge Management provide cutting edge to the organization.
Organization invests in technology looking at its present needs; future requirements and its capability to provide a competitive edge. Systems can be classified into three categories depending upon technology timeline, new systems, matured systems and declining systems.
New systems have latest technology and provide a competitive edge. As time progresses system and technology are adopted by more companies, thus losing competitive edge. Finally, systems and technology reach the obsolete stage where its usage has declined and is to be phased out.
Executive leadership of organizations is responsible to manage new systems range as to enjoy competitive edge. However, this requires substantial investment and clear vision of future technology state. Therefore, organization has to walk a tight rope in investment in new technology and phasing out the obsolete.
Article Written by
Himanshu Juneja, the founder of Management Study Guide (MSG), is a commerce graduate from Delhi University and an MBA holder from the esteemed Institute of Management Technology (IMT). He has always been someone deeply rooted in academic excellence and driven by a relentless desire to create value. Recently, he was honored with the “Most Aspiring Entrepreneur and Management Coach of 2025 (Blindwink Awards 2025)” award, a testament to his hard work, vision, and the value MSG continues to deliver to the global community.
Article Written by
Himanshu Juneja, the founder of Management Study Guide (MSG), is a commerce graduate from Delhi University and an MBA holder from the esteemed Institute of Management Technology (IMT). He has always been someone deeply rooted in academic excellence and driven by a relentless desire to create value. Recently, he was honored with the “Most Aspiring Entrepreneur and Management Coach of 2025 (Blindwink Awards 2025)” award, a testament to his hard work, vision, and the value MSG continues to deliver to the global community.
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Communication Systems and Groupware – Information System Concepts that Apply in All Functional Areas of Business
April 3, 2025
