Work systems framework - information system, Computer Engineering

Assignment Help:

The Work Systems Framework - Information System

Adler writing in 1992 used the phrase 'stumbling backwards into the future' to describe the neglect organisations at that time were displaying towards the incorporation of technology into their operations highlighting the problem as lack of consideration for the complexities of the three-way interaction between technology, people and the wider organisation. Bringing this idea up to date and to help us build information systems effectively into our business a model is required that involves all aspects of the organisation in the process of analysis of the work that goes on in our operations.

The diagram overleaf illustrates one model that can be used to aid in our analysis that takes into consideration all elements involved in doing the work.

A work system is a system in which humans and/or machines perform a business process using information, technology and other resources to produce products and services for internal or external customers.

To use this tool effectively first we need to define the unit that is the work system we are analysing. The work system is usually more that just one process. It may be a set of complementary processes that exist within the overall operation that work towards a common goal.

It may also extend beyond traditional boundaries of the operations function because it includes the customers and other organisational elements. Therefore the work system maybe smaller than the organisation but is (usually) larger than a single process. The work system encourages us to look beyond organisational or functional boundaries and consider all value-adding elements simultaneously and equally. However, while saying this, the operational process should always remain at the core of the work system.

The elements of the work system are:

  • Customers - people who use and receive direct benefits from the products and services produced by the work system. Customers maybe external to the organisation or internal to the organisation.
  • Products and services - the combination of tangible and intangible things that the work system outputs for the consumption of its customers.
  • Business process - a set of correctly sequenced work steps or activities.
  • Participants - people that perform tasks within the system.
  • Information - that is used by the participants to complete their tasks.
  • Technology - hardware, software or any other tools and equipment used by the participants to complete their work.
  • Context - the organisational, competitive, technical and regulatory realm.
  • Infrastructure - the shared human and technical resource that the work system relies on even although these resources exist out with the system itself. This includes support staff such as training and maintenance.

1225_Work Systems Framework - Information System.png

This framework is useful to operations managers when considering IS implementation because it helps define the relationship between the overall work system including customers, employees, etc. and the IS used to support it. Considering all of these work system elements in tandem will avoid the optimisation of one element at the detriment of another eg the implementation of a fully-integrated, hi-tech IS at the expense of flexibility and use-ability.

Each element of the work system has a guiding principle that should be considered when designing the work system to ensure this element is optimised:

  • Please the customer with the correct products and services.
  • Ensure the business process performs efficiently.
  • The participants should be served by the work system.
  • The information should add value.
  • The technology used should consume minimum effort.
  • The infrastructure should be deployed as a genuine resource.
  • The context should minimise conflict and risk.

Related Discussions:- Work systems framework - information system

Make your simulation run faster, Ameliorating the mechanical delays of seek...

Ameliorating the mechanical delays of seeks and rottion are usually regardeed as major aspects of device drivers for disks. The simplest way for a disk device driver to service dis

In how many ways the data can be passed to functions, Object Oriented Progr...

Object Oriented Programming 1. Describe that in how many ways the Data can be passed to functions? Explain with the help of one example. 2. Describe how you create class a

Strategy used for the project design, This project is divided to two parts ...

This project is divided to two parts (hardware and software) each with is subtask and consideration was given in all areas in order to meet the target specification. Solutions are

Er diagrams, how can I draw er diagram for sell & storage section of a drug...

how can I draw er diagram for sell & storage section of a drugstore?

Explain crossbar exchange with all call processing steps, Explain crossbar ...

Explain crossbar exchange, with all call processing steps and diagrams. The fundamental idea of crossbar switching is to give a matrix of n x m sets of contacts with only n + m

What is looping, What is looping Loop is a control structure used to do...

What is looping Loop is a control structure used to do repetitive operation. Some programs include repeating a set of instruction either a particular number of times or until a

Explain traditional computer clusters, Q. Explain traditional computer clus...

Q. Explain traditional computer clusters? Grid computing employs resources of a lot of separate computers linked by a network (generally internet) to resolve large-scale comput

Estimate the size of the state space, 1. The missionaries and cannibals pro...

1. The missionaries and cannibals problem. Three missionaries and three cannibals are on the left river bank, with a boat that can hold one or two people. If on either side of the

Detail explanation of cryptographic modules, Detail explanation of Cryptogr...

Detail explanation of Cryptographic modules Physical security of the cryptographic modules is also built in order to provide total security of the whole system and protect from

What is shadow mask, Q. What is Shadow Mask? Shadow Mask is a metal she...

Q. What is Shadow Mask? Shadow Mask is a metal sheet that has fine perforations (holes) in it and is situated a short distance before phosphor coated screen. The Phosphor dots

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd