Reference no: EM133575457

Business Information Systems

Learning outcome 1: Adapt information systems to strategically achieve organisational goals and be able to design, develop and manage IT systems implementation to achieve Business IT Alignment.

Learning outcome 2: Develop an IT Plan that designs, implements and manages the technology supporting these information systems including computing devices, storage and processing (both systems processing and application processing).

Learning outcome 3: Identify, synthesize and model individual functions of a database system to be used for organization data management and decision making.

Learning outcome 4: Apply appropriate eCommerce or mCommerce business operations and activities that contribute to effective business productivity.

Learning outcome 5: Appraise an organization's competitive position by applying standards approaches and analyse activities/issues in recruitment, employment relations and performance management and explore emerging business trends through study of published research work.

Instruction

In this assignment, a scenario is presented in the form of a description of a company. Based on your understanding on the scenario, you are asked to write a report answering the questions at the end of this assignment.

Case Study
MedAids Inc. is a renowned global pharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the healthcare industry through its advanced products and solutions. The company's unwavering commitment to research and development (R&D), manufacturing excellence, and a robust distribution network has established MedAids as a trusted provider of innovative medical solutions. This comprehensive description provides valuable insights into MedAids' operational strategies, the challenges it encounters in managing its information systems (IS), and the approaches it employs to overcome these obstacles.

Business Operations: MedAids Inc. operates at the convergence of scientific innovation and healthcare delivery, with a focus on the following core areas:

Research and Development (R&D): At the heart of MedAids' innovative product portfolio lies its profound emphasis on R&D. The company makes substantial investments in cutting-edge laboratories and fosters collaborations with leading research institutions, universities, and medical professionals. These partnerships facilitate the development of groundbreaking therapies, novel drug formulations, and advancements in medical science. MedAids consistently engages in ongoing research to address unmet medical needs and enhance patient outcomes across diverse therapeutic domains.

Manufacturing Excellence: MedAids' commitment to manufacturing excellence ensures the production of high-quality, safe, and effective healthcare products. The company operates state- of-the-art manufacturing facilities that adhere to stringent quality standards and regulatory guidelines. By emphasizing automation, rigorous quality control measures, and continuous improvement, MedAids ensures that its products are manufactured in controlled and compliant environments. The company's manufacturing processes encompass the production of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other healthcare-related products.

Global Distribution Network: To ensure widespread availability of its products, MedAids has established a robust global distribution network. The company collaborates with dependable logistics partners and strategically locates distribution centers to effectively reach healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients across the globe. Through efficient supply chain management practices, MedAids strives to deliver its products in a timely manner, enabling healthcare professionals to effectively cater to their patients' needs.

IS Challenges: While excelling in its core operations, MedAids faces several challenges in managing its information systems. These challenges include:

Legacy Systems and Integration: Over time, MedAids has accumulated a complex assortment of legacy systems lacking integration capabilities. These disparate systems impede the seamless flow of data and hinder real-time visibility across departments. Consequently, MedAids recognizes the need to modernize its IT infrastructure and integrate these systems into a unified platform. This integration endeavor aims to optimize operations and facilitate data-driven decision-making by providing comprehensive insights and a cohesive organizational overview.

Data Management and Analytics: The absence of a centralized data management system poses challenges in obtaining comprehensive and timely insights. MedAids acknowledges the significance of robust data analytics in enhancing decision-making, driving operational efficiencies, and identifying trends and patterns in healthcare outcomes. The implementation of advanced data management solutions becomes crucial for MedAids to leverage the power of data and gain actionable insights. Such insights, in turn, contribute to strategic planning and improved patient care.

Manual Processes and Paper-based Systems: MedAids continues to rely on manual processes and paper-based systems for critical operations, including data entry, document management, and inventory tracking. This reliance on manual methods introduces risks such as errors, delays, and inefficiencies. Recognizing the need to enhance operational efficiency, minimize human errors, and streamline processes, MedAids aims to automate these manual tasks. The company plans to leverage digital tools and technologies to optimize workflows and enhance overall productivity. Data Security and Compliance: Given the vast amount of sensitive data MedAids handles, safeguarding confidential patient information, trade secrets, and proprietary research data is of utmost importance. MedAids acknowledges the criticality of robust data security measures to mitigate risks associated with potential breaches, unauthorized access, and data loss

Considering the above description of MedAid, write a report by answering the following questions. It is recommended that up to 1 hour should be spent on each question.

Question 1. Analyse how MedAids Inc. may identify the value that it obtains from its current portfolio and evaluate the techniques that may be used in assessing future IS investments.

Question 2. In many parts of the company, it is clear that MedAids do not have a coherent IS strategy. Analyse how it may construct an IS strategy that is supportive of its business strategy and the benefits that it would derive from this.

Question 3. Analyse the strategic potential for greater investment in information systems and technology at MedAids both from a divisional and company-wide perspective. Could business process re-engineering be a useful tool in maximising the potential of IS and IT within the company? Explain and justify your answers.