Global Information Systems

Flashcards about Global Information Systems, covering reasons for globalization, system components, organizational structures, and obstacles to implementation.

What are some reasons for globalization and using global information systems?

E-business and Internet growth, increased customer demand, expansion of global markets.

What are the requirements and components of global information systems?

Global database, information-sharing technologies, communication networks.

What are the four types of organizational structures used with global information systems?

Multinational, global, international, and transnational.

What are five obstacles to using global information systems?

Lack of standardization, cultural differences, diverse regulatory practices, poor telecommunication infrastructures, lack of skilled analysts and programmers.

What factors contribute to the development of global information systems?

Understanding customs, laws, technological issues, and local business needs.

How does e-business act as a driving force for global information systems?

Revenue-generating transactions, flexibility of networks, new commercial opportunities, easier cooperation and information sharing.

What is localization of a website?

Creating separate websites for each country in which the company does business.

How do mobile apps play a role in globalization?

Offering basic social services, commerce opportunities, and bringing more people online.

What is a Global Information System (GIS)?

An information system that works across national borders, facilitating communication between headquarters and subsidiaries.

Along which two dimensions are Global Information Systems defined?

Control (managerial power) and Coordination (interaction among different parts of organization).

What are some challenges in designing and implementing a global database?

Currency conversion, information-sharing technologies.

What are the responsibilities of information system managers in a global context?

Determine communication media, choose transmission technology, consider company objectives for network architecture.

What is Transborder Data Flow (TDF)?

Restrictions on what type of data can be captured and transmitted in foreign countries.

What is a Multinational Corporation (MNC)?

An organization with assets and operations in at least one country other than its home country.

What are GIS classifications based on support?

Operational, tactical, and strategic support.

What are some issues to address before implementing a GIS?

Identify business opportunities, justify investment, screen personnel, coordinate migration.

What are the main characteristics of a Multinational structure?

Decentralized production, sales, and marketing; financial management is the parent company’s responsibility.

What are the main characteristics of a Global structure?

Highly centralized information systems; subsidiaries have little autonomy.

What are the main characteristics of an International structure?

Subsidiaries depend on headquarters for process and production decisions; information systems personnel are regularly exchanged among locations.

What are the main characteristics of a Transnational structure?

Parent company and subsidiaries work together; regional divisions share authority and responsibility.

How do Global Information Systems support offshore outsourcing?

By providing a global network for coordinating development activities.

What are some criteria used to rate countries for offshore outsourcing?

Language proficiency, local government support, potential labor pool, existing infrastructure, quality of educational system.

What are some factors that can hinder the success of Global Information Systems?

Lack of standardization, cultural differences, diverse regulatory practices, poor telecommunication infrastructures.

What is the impact of cultural differences on using GISs?

Differences in values, attitudes, and behaviors play an essential role and may require changes to website content.

How do diverse regulatory practices affect Global Information Systems?

They apply to policies on business practices and technological use, including jurisdiction issues and intellectual property laws.

How do poor telecommunication infrastructures affect Global Information Systems?

Implementation can be expensive and cumbersome due to different service offerings, price schedules, and policies.