This discussion addresses information systems from this broader perspective: its mission, goals and importance in support of the overarching mission, strategy and goals of the firm/organization. Some topics to catalyze the discussion are listed below, but you should not feel constrained to limit yourself to these. You are encouraged to take a very broad and “strategic” perspective of information systems as they relate to the realization of a firm’s/organization’s strategy and goals, and to the support of its day-to-day decision making, execution, etc. Your posts should provide practical examples, scenarios and insights that enable your classmates to gain a deeper and real life appreciation and understanding of the role and importance of information systems, as well as the challenges encountered in effectively and efficiently designing and deploying information systems in the workplace. Strive to support your views/arguments by referencing the readings, multimedia lecture(s), and/or other relevant cited materials. Post analyses for at least twoof the topics shown below and respond to at least two of their fellow students’ posts. Post your Conference Activity inputs as early as possible to allow for maximum interaction with others’ posts; deadline for all posts is midnight on the assignment due date.

• Discuss the overarching purpose and mission of information systems at your organization. Does your organization support the “factory IT” approach to information technology or the “enabling IT” approach? Why?
• In prior weeks we have discussed the relevance and applications of information systems in managing a company’s projects and operations. Discuss one other important company function that requires effective information systems. Describe the characteristics of an information system that are most important to accomplishing this function within your organization or one with which you are familiar.
• How does your organization deal with new technologies, specifically those such as web 2.0 (e.g., wikis, social networks, blogs, twitter) and BYOD (tablets and smartphones)? If you were the CIO, how would you handle such a situation?
• What use, if any, is your organization making of business or predictive analytics? If so, how? If not, why not?
• How does your organization deal with potentially “disruptive” information technologies? What process, if any, do you have for examining the possible impact of such technologies?
• For your responses please use that you work for Convergint Technologies. www.convergint.com