AIS Development Strategies
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Questions and Answers

What is one advantage of obtaining information systems (IS) in-house?

  • Lower initial costs
  • Flexibility to customize software (correct)
  • Less reliance on internal staff
  • Immediate market availability

What does the process of weighted scoring help with during vendor selection?

  • Prioritizing vendor criteria objectively (correct)
  • Developing a more comprehensive RFP
  • Simplifying financial analysis
  • Accelerating the decision-making process

Which of the following is a common risk associated with in-house IS development?

  • Higher quality assurance
  • Enhanced user collaboration
  • Insufficient planning (correct)
  • Hastened software deployment

Which of the following is a potential drawback of outsourcing the development of information systems?

<p>Lack of qualified staff (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method mentioned for evaluating vendors during the purchase process?

<p>Performance benchmarking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key element that companies should consider when outsourcing IS development?

<p>Following a similar selection process as in-house (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who typically helps contribute to in-house software development according to the content?

<p>End users and accountants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant complexity that can arise when developing in-house information systems?

<p>Difficulty in defining requirements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge companies face when developing an AIS internally?

<p>Projects can be backlogged for years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a step in the purchasing process for an information system?

<p>Inviting top vendors for system demonstrations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using canned software?

<p>It often does not meet all user requirements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one common reason organizations choose to outsource their information systems?

<p>To access expertise and resources not available internally (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step before selecting a vendor for an information system?

<p>Conducting a request for proposal (RFP) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can changes to an AIS be difficult once specifications are written?

<p>Requirements are rigid after documentation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'inhouse' refer to in the context of obtaining information systems?

<p>Developing systems using internal resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to the failure of a newly designed system meeting user needs?

<p>Inadequate specification of user needs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential benefit of outsourcing information systems?

<p>Greater access to diverse technological resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential downside of using vendor-supplied canned software?

<p>Need for upgrades to newer versions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary benefits of obtaining IS through in-house development?

<p>Improved user requirement satisfaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a risk of in-house IS development?

<p>Duplication due to lack of central governance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does outsourcing provide to companies?

<p>Ability to concentrate on core competencies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage associated with outsourcing?

<p>Reduced flexibility and control (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of candidates are most suitable for outsourcing?

<p>Non-core operational maintenance tasks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential negative outcome can result from outsourcing?

<p>Locked-in system issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can outsourcing affect a company's competitive advantage?

<p>It can lead to a reduced competitive advantage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recent trend regarding outsourcing mentioned in the content?

<p>All operational functions, regardless of core, are increasingly outsourced (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Obtaining Information Systems

Acquiring a computer system for business functions, involving buying, building in-house, or outsourcing.

Purchasing an IS

Selecting and buying application software, vendor services, and hardware from an external provider.

In-house development

Building an information system software internally within the organization.

Outsourcing

Hiring an external company to manage and provide information system services or software.

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Canned Software

Pre-packaged software applications available commercially.

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Request for Proposal (RFP)

A formal document outlining specific needs, used to invite vendors to submit proposals.

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Vendor Selection

Choosing a vendor based on criteria like cost, features, and reputation.

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Software Upgrade Challenges

Difficulties in updating pre-built software, including incompatibility and loss of control.

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Internal Development Difficulties

Potential issues that can arise when creating systems in-house: Backlogs, inadequate specifications, slow process, obsolescence.

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User Needs Specification

Gathering requirements that will help create an effective information system that meets user objectives.

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Vendor Selection Process

A systematic method for choosing a vendor for IT systems, including evaluating proposals, eliminating unsuitable vendors, and selecting the best fit.

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In-house IS development Risks

Potential issues with in-house software development, including significant time investment, system complexity, poor requirements definition, and communication problems.

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End-user Computing (EUC)

A technique where end-users contribute to software development, either entirely or as part of a project.

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RFP/RFI

Formal requests for proposals (RFP) or information (RFI) used in vendor selection to identify and compare potential vendors.

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Weighted Scoring

A vendor selection method that assigns different weights to importance factors, which helps weigh the strengths.

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Benchmarking

Evaluating vendor performance and capabilities against industry standards or similar systems.

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Outsourcing IS - Benefits

Allows companies to focus on core competencies; optimizes asset utilization; gain better expertise/technology; lower costs by standardization; and less development time.

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Outsourcing IS - Disadvantages

Inflexibility, loss of control, reduced competitive advantage, locked-in systems, unfulfilled goals, poor service, and increased risk.

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In-house IS Benefits

Meeting user requirements properly, freeing IS staff, good change management.

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In-house IS Risks

Inefficient architecture, inadequate testing, and duplication due to lack of central governance.

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Outsourcing Candidates

Non-critical systems, non-core tasks, operational maintenance, and recent trends of outsourcing entire IT work.

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In-house IS

Obtaining Information Systems (IS) by maintaining the system within the company.

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Purchase IS

Acquiring Information Systems (IS) solutions through third-party vendors.

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Study Notes

AIS Development Strategies

  • Organizations acquire application software, vendor services, and hardware in various ways.
  • Information system departments develop custom software.
  • End-users develop, control, and use computer-based information systems.
  • Organizations outsource their information systems to evaluate benefits and risks.

Introduction

  • Companies face difficulties in developing AIS internally, including resource backlogs, slow processes, unmet user needs, and difficulty adjusting to changes after specifications are set.

Obtaining an Information System (IS)

  • Three ways to obtain IS: Purchase, In-house development, Outsourcing.

Purchase

  • How to Purchase:
    • Select vendors (referrals, trade shows).
    • Request for proposal (RFP) to meet needs.
    • Evaluate proposals and vendor demonstrations to fit needs and criterion.
  • Canned Software Considerations:
    • Canned software often pre-built systems sold on the open market to users with similar needs.
    • Difficulties can include difficulty in meeting specific needs, frequent upgrades needed, and loss of control due to vendor dependency.
    • Personal experience with specific canned software mentioned (UBS, Mr. Accounting, Coda Financials, MySoft, MYOB, QuickBooks).

In-House Development

  • How to Obtain an In-House System:
    • Internal IT or IS departments handle entire development.
    • End-users can also develop systems. (EUC)
  • Advantages:
    • Increased control, customization potential
  • Disadvantages:
    • Significant time and resources required, potential difficulties in meeting specific needs, coordination issues, and risk for poor planning.

Outsourcing

  • Outsourcing Candidates:
    • Non-critical systems, non-core processes
    • Non-intellectual property-related tasks
    • Operational maintenance
    • Recent Trends: Entire work or core functions are often outsourced.
  • Advantages:
    • Focus on core competencies, reduced time, cost efficiency.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Loss of control, security risks, potential difficulty in coordination, and inflexibility.

Class Activity Questions

  • What is an accountant's role in the computer acquisition process? An accounting professional's involvement includes analyzing financial implications, return on investment, and software costs.
  • What are the benefits of analyzing the operating environment before selecting the software? Proper analysis identifies necessary and sufficient software features to meet user and technical requirements.
  • What are the primary components of an RFP? RFP typically addresses detailed requirements for the system, including hardware-software needs, pricing details, and testing protocols.
  • Explain End-User-Developed Software. End-user developed software, or EUC, involves end-users designing and implementing portions of the information system.
  • What are the benefits of outsourcing? Outsourcing has potential benefits like cost savings, efficiency improvements, and access to specialized expertise.

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Description

Explore the various strategies organizations utilize when developing or acquiring Accounting Information Systems (AIS). This quiz covers methods like purchasing, in-house development, and outsourcing, along with the difficulties faced in internal development. Test your understanding of these strategies and their applicability in real-world scenarios.

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