Page 225 - Business Principles and Management

project:
MY BUSINESS , INC.

COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
As the owner of a new business, you will spend a great deal of time deal-
ing with information. Poorly organized business records would make it
hard for you to find and use the information you need. Use the following
activities to review information management systems for small businesses
and make decisions about how technology will benefit your business.

DATA COLLECTION
1. Interview the owner of a small business. Discuss the type of infor-
mation management system used in that business. Identify (a) the
type of records and information maintained, (b) whether or not the
system is computer based, (c) who is responsible for information
management, and (d) how the system could be improved.
2. Visit a computer systems retailer and discuss the hardware and soft-
ware the retailer recommends for new small businesses. Collect
information on system prices, capabilities, and ease of operation.
3. Visit an office furniture company in person or online and investigate
ways to create an ergonomically healthy work environment for your
employees.
4. Use the Internet to identify companies that offer information man-
agement services for businesses. Go to the companies’ Web sites to
determine the types of services offered and prices charged for those
services.

ANALYSIS
1. Create a list of the types of information that your business will need.
Identify the hardware and software that you will need to turn data
into information useful to management. Describe the types of skills
you or your employees will need to use and maintain both the hard-
ware and the software that your company will be using.
2. The Internet can be a very valuable tool for small businesses. Identify
and describe five specific types of information, accessible through the
Internet, that can help you develop and manage your business. Then
use an Internet search engine to identify one or more sites that supply
each type of information you listed. Bookmark each location (use a
storage device to store your bookmarks) so you can easily revisit
the sites.
3. List three ways that e-commerce might have a negative effect on your
business and three ways that you might use e-commerce to improve
your new business.

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