EIS Component 2_ People in Enterprise Information Systems _ SCRIPT _ V1.docx

EIS Component 2: People in Enterprise Information Systems ========================================================= \>\> Introduction ----------------- This video focuses on the SECOND of the five components of an Enterprise Information System: People. Just as we saw with Processes, Rules and Pro...

EIS Component 2: People in Enterprise Information Systems ========================================================= \>\> Introduction ----------------- This video focuses on the SECOND of the five components of an Enterprise Information System: People. Just as we saw with Processes, Rules and Protocols in a previous video, organizations often define the scope of \"People\" in their EIS differently. This scope can range from a very NARROW focus to a much BROADER perspective, depending on the organization\'s size, industry, and philosophical approach. \>\> The Narrowest View ----------------------- At its narrowest, the \"People\" component includes only those internal jobs DIRECTLY connected to the IT element of the Enterprise Information Sydtem. These are the \"Must Haves\" for any EIS, and might include: 1. **Chief Information Officer (CIO):** The CIO is responsible for making sure that an organization's IT strategy supports the OVERALL business goals. Ultimately, the CIO is the person that is responsible for IT operations in the organization. 2. **Network Administrator:** The Network Administrator role involves managing the organization\'s computer networks, and making sure they connect with each other, perform accordingly, and are seCURE. 3. **Database Administrator (DBA):** DBAs design, implement, and maintain the company\'s databases. 4. **Information Security Analyst:** An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization\'s digital assets from cyber threats, and making sure that an EIS complies with all security protocols. 5. **Data Privacy Officer:** With increasing regulation around data protection, a Data Privacy Officer ensures that the organization complies with laws like the EU General Data Protection Regulation. 6. **Systems Analyst**: A Systems Analyst is a kind of 'translator' between a company's business needs and its technical solutions. The Systems Analyst starts by analyzing an organization's business goals and its processes. Based on these insights, they then design blueprints for the type of information systems that will make it easier to reach these goals. 7. **Software Developer/Programmer:** Developers write the code that powers the organization\'s applications and systems, turning parts of the designs that System Analysts have created into functional software. These roles form the core of the IT team, directly responsible for managing and maintaining the EIS. In addition roles like IT Project Managers, Quality Assurance Specialists, and User Experience (UX) Designers play crucial roles in an EIS. However, limiting the scope to just these roles would be a VERY narrow view of the \'People\' component. You'll find that most organizations adopt a broader perspective, including all their EMPLOYEES under the \"People\" component of their EIS. This approach recognizes that nearly every employee interacts with the information system in some capacity. For example: - Marketing teams use customer relationship management (CRM) systems - Finance departments rely on enterprise resource planning (ERP) software - Human resources utilize applicant tracking and employee management systems - Operations teams interact with supply chain management tools By including all employees in the \'People\' component, organizations acknowledge the interconnected nature of modern business processes. But the most comprehensive perspective extends BEYOND employees to include all EXTERNAL users of the organization\'s EIS, for instance: - CUSTOMERS interact with e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and customer service portals - SUPPLIERS might have access to inventory management systems for just-in-time restocking - REGULATORY bodies and external AUDITORS may have direct access to compliance reporting systems - INVESTORS and FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS might use dedicated portals to access real-time financial data This broad view acknowledges that an organization\'s EIS is part of a larger ecosystem, with various stakeholders contributing to and benefiting from the system. \>\> The Importance of Users ---------------------------- Naturally, the most critical group in any EIS is that of the users. Whether they\'re employees, customers, or external stakeholders, the success of an information system ultimately depends on its users\' ability to interact effectively with it. This is why roles like Help Desk Analysts and Technical Support Specialists are so crucial---they ensure that all users can effectively utilize the EIS, troubleshooting issues and providing training where necessary. A system that users find difficult or confusing is unlikely to succeed, no matter how technologically advanced it might be. This underscores the importance of user-centered design in EIS development and the need for ongoing training and support.