Cloud Computing Dissertation Research Proposal - 3025 Words

Cloud Computing Dissertation Research Proposal (Research Proposal Sample) Content: Dissertation Research ProposalFor aMBA in I.T ManagementStudent nameInstitutionDateProposed TitleCloud Computing: Managing the Security Risks in Small and Medium Enterprises in the United Arab EmiratesSummaryCloud computing, in its present form, is a fairly new and evolving paradigm showing huge potential to grow in information technology industry. This is mainly due to the sheer attractiveness of providing very expensive server computing technology to smaller businesses that find it completely impractical to invest in this type of infrastructure when their needs are, for the most part, sporadic with usage requirements that are difficult to forecast. It is also useful for the larger companies that have their own servers for day to day operations, but require increased computing power for relatively short periods of time in their business cycles (Chee Franklin, 2010). The ability to pay for the services as required without the costly infrastructure expenses is a good business model.The relative newness of this type of service, while highly beneficial, has the potential for huge risks for the customers including security risks. This paradigm is a network in which the primary users have minimal control of the structure, shared users, and overall security, particularly in relation to data that is processed or stored in the external servers.This mixed method study will discover and examine the issues that arise from the risks identified and discussed in the literature, particularly in relation to security for the small and medium business owners in the United Arab Emirates who access cloud computing technology to support their internet-based businesses. Data will be collected, from a convenience sample of information technology mangers in small and medium enterprises that conduct some or all of their business using the internet in the United Arab Emirates, using an on-line survey instrument that will be designed to collect both quantitative and qual itative data about their cloud computing experiences and issues.The risks will always exist, but this researcher intends to discern which risks are the most problematic for end users in this country. The researcher will determine what mitigations are already being employed by information technology professionals that are supporting these internet-based businesses and how effective they are in minimizing security issues. And finally, the researcher will determine what issues persist and the types and levels of risk these issues bring to business owners and operators in the United Arab Emirates. Discovering the nature and severity of these risks will enable the information technology industry, the support organizations for small and medium enterprises, and perhaps even government to develop technology or policy to secure the cloud for end users in this country.The potential for business growth will only increase as more small and medium enterprises access cloud-computing services and technology and this research will contribute to the ability of small and medium enterprises in the United Arab Emirates to minimize their risks associated with conducting business using this type of technology.Literature ReviewCloud Computing: A DefinitionThe services offered by providers that deliver either hardware or software over the internet are referred to as cloud computing (Armbrust et al., 2010). Cloud computing provides business access to off-site resources that are efficient and agile (what is needed, when it is needed). Marstona et al. (2011) define cloud computing as:An information technology service model where computing services (both hardware and software) are delivered on-demand to customers over a network in a self-service fashion, independent of device and location. The resources required to provide the requisite quality-of-service levels are shared, dynamically scalable, rapidly provisioned, virtualized and released with minimal service provider interaction. User s pay for the service as an operating expense without incurring any significant initial capital expenditure, with the cloud services employing a metering system that divides the computing resource in appropriate blocks.Mell Gance (2011) of National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States drafted a lengthy definition of cloud computing, including this first line: Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Deployment ModelsOgigău-NeamÃ…Â £iu (2012) describes four deployment models for cloud computing. The private cloud is infrastructure designed and operated for only one business user. It can be hosted externally and managed by a third party, but in effect is a company's p rivate server. This model does not have any of the benefits outlined in the next section. The public cloud is infrastructure made available to subscribers or pay-per-use customers by a third party cloud service provider. The community cloud is infrastructure purchased and managed by a consortium of users. It is similar to the private cloud, but the costs are shared by all the members of the consortium. The hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more of the other models and users have both on-site and off-site infrastructure to support their computing requirements. Advantages of Cloud ComputingArmbrust et al. (2010) explain how a 'pay as you go' utilization of accessing an external server for utility computing makes more economic sense than tying up capital resources in a server that will be under-utilized much of the time. Cloud computing now permits a business to purchase server hours on demand and as needed, such as for peak load times or when the organization needs additio nal server time to perform batch analytics. Additionally, when a business is unable to determine how much server time/capacity they may require (e.g., during a new Web startup), cloud computing does not require up-front commitments and will support spikes and the business will not be penalized (at least not from the public cloud) when there is a reduction in demand. Marstona et al. (2011) reported that six corporate data centres who participated in a survey conducted by Gartner Research showed they were using only 10-30% of their available computing power. The businesses were responsible for 100% of the maintenance and service costs, however and this has been shown to be up to two-thirds of an 'average corporate IT staffing budget.' The cloud permits smaller businesses to benefit from "computational exercises [that] typically involve large amounts of computing power for relatively short amounts of time" without having to invest in high-cost server resources. In fact purchasing cloud computing services can provide a business "immediate access to hardware resources with no upfront capital investment" as well as to innovative applications (Antonopoulos Gillam, 2010).The opportunity for cost reduction while still enjoying optimal, efficient, and fully scalable computing resources that can be provisioned immediately and on demand, implemented according to business needs, decommissioned when no longer required, scaled up when business requirements peak, and scaled down when requirements wane is very attractive indeed. However, this burgeoning newer method of sharing technological resources had brought a plethora of privacy, security, reliability, access, and regulation issues (Rittinghouse Ransome, 2010). Security Issues in the CloudWhile the benefits of cloud computing delivering business-supporting technology are vast, there are a number of issues and security challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed. Marstona et al. (2011) insist there is an "urgent need for understanding the business related issues surrounding cloud computing."The Cloud Security Alliance (2013) and Samson (2013) identify and discuss nine top threats to security as a result of cloud security The 'Top Threats Working Group' conducted a survey of industry experts and compiled a list of nine critical threats to cloud security (ranked in order of severity):1. Data Breaches2. Data Loss3. Account Hijacking4. Insecure APIs5. Denial of Service6. Malicious Insiders7. Abuse of Cloud Services8. Insufficient Due Diligence9. Shared Technology Issues ObjectiveThis project seeks to discover the experience of managers providing information technology services to small and medium enterprises that serve their customers using the internet. Specifically, this research will gather feedback from information technology managers on their utilization of cloud computing services, the specific issues they have encountered, the mitigation activity resulting from encountered issu es, the efforts they have undertaken to ensure security of their cloud enabled business interests and data storage, and their perceptions on the value of cloud computing to their respective businesses. Project OutcomesThe purpose of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the current state of cloud computing in the United Arab Emirates. The researcher will gather quantitative and qualitative data from identified stakeholders in order to determine the specific risk factors, and associated mitigation in relation to security, associated with utilizing cloud computing technology and services to support internet-based businesses in this country in 2013. By examining the experiences of businesses currently engaged in this practice, this study hopes to discover commonalities in the issues experienced by the selected stakeholders. The resu...

Research Article Critique - 2605 Words

The objective of this assignment is to critique the research article titled ‘Staff-student relationships and their impact on nursing students’ belongingness and learning’. Polit and Beck (2008) highlighted that there is expectancy on nurses to conduct research in order to base their practice on evidence which has emerged from research. Nurses are expected to use their research findings to make informed decisions and actions with patients. The ultimate goal of research is to develop and expand ones knowledge in any field. The development and use of knowledge is essential in improvement in patient care. Research enables the nurse to explain phenomena and the characteristics of certain situations that need to be considered when planning†¦show more content†¦Cronin et al. (2007) explained a literature review as being a summary of research that has been carried out on the proposed research topic. The aim of the literature review is to provide a rationale for a new research topic to be undertaken. A good literature review will have a selection of information from varied sources. In this article the literature review is under the heading of background this may be a cause of confusion for some readers and could perhaps be more suited to its own heading. However, the literature review in this article clearly summarises the research that has been conducted into the topic of interest. The fact that the need to belong and accepted is a fundamental need is highlighted. Furthermore the effects of being depraved of this need are also brought to the forefront. In addition to this further studies have been conducted into the depravation of social relationships and its link with higher levels of somatic and psychosomatic illness. The author highlighted that studies have shown that in nursing literature it is assumed that a sense of belonging is an important factor for experiencing a positive placement although the author further addresses that few researchers have explored the exact meaning of belongingness.Show MoreRelatedCritique Of A Research Article1750 Words   |  7 PagesCritique of a research article This paper is a critique of Alison Fuller and Lorna Unwin’s research article ‘Knowledge Workers’ as the New Apprentices: The Influence of Organisational Autonomy, Goals and Values on the Nurturing of Expertise’ Vocations and Learning’. Professor Alison Fuller, formerly of the University of Southampton, has been Chair in Vocational Education and Work at the Institute Of Education (IOE) since September 2013 while Lorna Unwin is Chair in Vocational Education at the IOERead MoreCritique of a Research Article3113 Words   |  13 Pagesteams. 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The Abolition Movement Of The 1800s - 1547 Words

The Abolition Movement in the 1800s was a controversial time for America. There were many who fought for the right to keep slaves, but there were also many who fought for the freedom of slaves. People like Fredrick Douglass Anthony Burns, and works such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin gave a sense of liberty to the people who did not understand how little they had, and how restricted they were. Many factors had key roles within this movement, each becoming important, and crucial to the abolishment of slavery. The American Anti-Slavery Society played key roles in the abolition of slavery. The Anti-Slavery Society is what began the abolitionist movement. It was founded in Philadelphia by William Lloyd Garrison, Arthur and Lewis Tappan, and a few others. This ensemble issued the Declaration of the Anti-Slavery Convention; the Declaration of the Anti-Slavery Convention announced the reasons for formation of the society and establishing its goals. Annually, they distributed the Anti-Sl avery Almanac; â€Å"an almanac containing poems, drawings, essays, and other abolitionist material.† This almanac would show whoever saw it the true horrors of slavery. It would show the living conditions and strenuous labor that these people had to go through daily, in hopes to open the eyes of those who did not realize how inhumanly these people were treated. Fredrick Douglass is a very important man with the concept of the abolition of slavery. He, himself was a slave who escape confinement inShow MoreRelatedThe Women s Rights Movement886 Words   |  4 Pagesbe the first person to stand up for their cause. Each leader represents every individual in their movement and they have to be willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of their movement. 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All of these reforms put an emphasis on improving the moral compass of the nation. all of the issues were integrated with religion, since it was a religious movement. in the later 1820’s reforms created the Temperance movement, which was a reform against alcohol. Puritans believed that alcohol was completely wrong. In 1873 eight women marched to hissboro Ohio

Analysis of the Post Development- Free-Samples- Myassignmenthelp

Question: critically evaluate the Post-Development critique of Development. Answer: Introduction Development is widely seen as an improvement of a countrys economy as well as the social conditions. However, the concept of development has been debated and raised a lot of concerns as well as attracting a lot of scholars to research on the sole purpose of development. Many value judgments have been drawn in a bid to understand what constitutes development and what does not. However, it is important to note that the main aim of development is to create conditions that lead to the realization of the potentials of personalities (Crain, 2015). Therefore, the understanding of post development theory is very important in understanding the modern perspective of development and what ideologies are behind the concept of development. Is the modern world still holding to the traditional approach to development or are we experiencing a new era of post development? If then why do we have to criticize the post development theory or why does the theory hold much significance to some countries? Do es the scope of post development help achieve the goals of development or does it negate the whole idea of development? This study, therefore, seeks to provide a critical analysis of the post development ideologies or critique of development through an understanding of different scholars of the subject. The understanding of post development is developed from the theory of post development. The theory or the theorists of post development hold to the opinion or ideology that the practice of development in any nation or country is entirely a reflection of the Western- Northern hegemony and is imposed on other developing nations. Therefore they have declared development as bankrupt and absolute and initiated a call for other development alternatives (Peet Hartwick, 2015). Such a concept has however come under great scrutiny from mainstream policy makers as well as from academics. Many criticisms have been raised over the subject of development based on the ideologies of the postmodern development and from a different perspective, the critics may be right as the theorists argue that the world might be experiencing or witnessing the last rites of development (Moore Schmitz, 2016). But how true are these findings or conclusion are to other scholars of different opinion has been the big q uestion as in over two decades the tenets of development discourse created since colonial and post-colonial era have continued to trouble the minds of many policy makers as well as business or economic analysts. Many theorists, however, propose the use of history as a methodology for studying and helping people understand development than the prevailing notion of constructing development theories in a bid to understand and explain history as well as providing development models for the future. Nick Cullather argues that history of development has been used as a methodology of studying modernization in which the real case should be using modernization to study history (Jackson Srensen, 2015). Post development holds the critique that the modern development theory is just a creation of academic, political as well as economic ideologies. And argue that this context of development is policy oriented and problem oriented and therefore it is believed to be it's only effective to a particular social concern. The development theory is however believed to assume the framework that is already established by either a government or a certain political culture for it to be implemented (Kapoor, 2014). This has brought the argument that the post development process was socially constructed and historically believed to reflect the development pattern of Western Hegemony. This idea has brought a lot of criticisms of the development framework since the post development theorists believed development as an ideology as well as a social vision based on ideas of modernization which are believed to hold a western economic structure and society and imposed to other nations to follow and emulate. Such an understanding brought a conflict in terms of development disclosure which was argued to reflect the unequal relations between the West and the rest of the world (Gupta et al. 2015). The main arguments from different scholars were the perception or understanding of development as a scope that covered or br ought about the western knowledge of development, its approach towards development, the conception of what development entails as well as the perceptions of development progress (Ziai, 2015). The post development theorists argued that these were all directed to the course of the rest of the world and therefore the continued belief that development had no goal or was obsolete to the developing countries as was meant to continue African domination as dependents over the developed nations. The argument of some of the scholars of the post development theory such as Arturo Escobar, Gustavo Estera, and Gilbert List among others argued that post development was unjust, never worked and even at this point they still point out that it has theory has failed. Their argument was that the ideas of development stands like a ruin in the intellectual landscape and also argue that it is meant to dismantle the mental structure (Asongu, 2016). This structure was meant to bring a concept of the hierarchy of developed and underdeveloped nations. In this case, the developed nations were seen as more advanced while the underdeveloped nations were seen as inferior in need of help from developed nations and always desire to be like the developed nations. The post development theorist criticized the model of development to be ethnocentric and Universalist based on the western model of industrialization is has been found to be unsuitable in a world of limited resources (Radcliffe, 2015). It w as then found to be ineffective due to the argument that the development model was ignorant of the local culture as well as the historical contexts of the people to which they are applied. Therefore the post development theorist based on these developmental concerns promoted the development of pluralism in the ideas about development. Therefore having looked at the post development theory and the ideas brought about by different theorists it is evident that their main critique for development was the fact that development was imposed upon the developing world by the West. However, their critic is found to be unrealistic as their main argument was based on the ideology that development was imposed on the developing nations yet in more realistic terms development should be said to have risen from the developed nations (Childs Williams, 2014). Wirth such an understanding it would be easy for nations to support development initiatives since the developing nations can only adopt the development frameworks that work for them other than having the feeling that development is been imposed on the developing nations. Ray Kiel argues that development should be understood in terms of the choices made by the different nations (Andrews Bawa, 2014). Post development theorists idea that a rejection of all development by a nation translates to a rejection of the possibility for material advancement and transformation was objected and found to be overstated as it ignored the many transformations in life opportunities that are evident in many parts of the developing nations. Development can still be achieved without adopting certain strategies of development as it is entirely dependent on the development choices made by different economies of different nations (Leigh Blakely, 2016). Development can be viewed by both short term developmental goals as well as the long term goals and therefore a nation does not have to adopt or implement certain or all development ideas brought forth from different economies. And therefore there is a possibility of attaining development goals without the adoption of all development ideologies or frameworks. The post development theorists have also failed to notice the heterogeneity within the development discourse which is categorized or has been categorized under western hegemony. It is, however, realistic to say that development may have risen from the westerns but only some limited concepts of might have originated from them (Escobar, 2015). Failure to promote development with the view of western hegemony is an act of ignorance as development is a wide concept that can only be understood from a different school of thoughts. There isnt any sufficient school of thought that can be said to be sufficient to explain the concept of development. Cultural relativism was also a major critic of development under post development. However, it is important to understand that the idea of a society or national cultural beliefs and practices can only be judged only by those who practice them. Cultural relativism refers to the fact that values, ideas, norms, and behaviors differ from culture to culture and place to place (Pye Verba, 2015). However this may be true, it is still critical to understand that the heterogeneity of development cuts across the bridges of cultural relativism as the basic goal or objective of development is to make or create the conditions that lead to a realization of the potential of personalities in different societies and therefore it only calls for mechanisms of involving or initiating people centered development initiatives. Post development has also been criticized to represent extreme relativism instead of extreme universalism which may bring dangerous development consequences. The post development has also been criticized for perpetuating a neo liberal who rejected the top- down and centralized approach to development and have been found to be in support or promoting development through local means. However the post modernization development theory holds to the idea that the first world needs the third worlds and vice versa which is a central opinion to that held by the neo- liberal assumptions that the world is an equal playing field and therefore each nation has a capacity to compete equally with other nations (Park, 2014). It is important to note that for development to be achieved nations have to depend on each other as there is no single country that is self-sufficient. It can only have a competitive advantage over the others but does not mean that it is not dependent on the other. The notion that was brought about by this argument was that the local nations were responsible for their own predicament which is very unrealistic. Lastly, post development critic of development did unintentionally agree with the neo- liberalist ideology of development that favors decentralized development projects and ignores the possibility of assisting impoverished development demographics instead the post development theorists made a fallacious assumption that such demographics must succeed on their own initiative. Therefore post development is seen to empower the anti-modern fundamentalist and traditionalist who are considered to hold non-progressive and oppressive values. Such ideologies of non-progressiveness and oppressive values cannot support the ideologies of development in any society since development itself is progressive and its always realizable over a period of time (Leigh Blakely, (2016). The development aims to assist the impoverished demographic in any nations to grow but not to leave them to succeed in their own initiative as this may not be possible due to other factors including insufficient resource endo wment capacity of the nations. The call for alternatives therefore by the post development theorist is therefore unrealistic as post modernization development incorporates the ideas of post development and also provides a framework for adoption of new development strategies and initiatives. Conclusion It is important to have the understanding of the post development concepts or ideologies of development as well as the post modernization ideas of development and get to understand or evaluate the usefulness of both concepts. A critical analysis, therefore, helps to appreciate each school of thought as well as advocate for alternatives if a gap is established in any of the past scholarly developments. This study has, therefore, helped us to understand that the post development ideologies of development have only been built up under the misconception that development was a western hegemony and was meant to make the developing nations continue being dependent on the developed nations. However, it is good to understand the heterogeneity nature of development and that its a wide discipline that cannot be explained by a particular school of thought or a single theory cannot be sufficient enough to determine the course of development and that is why positive critique is very important. References Andrews, N., Bawa, S. (2014). A post-development hoax?(Re)-examining the past, present and future of development studies. Third World Quarterly, 35(6), 922-938. Asongu, S. (2016).Reinventing foreign aid for inclusive and sustainable development: Kuznets, Piketty and the great policy reversal. Journal of Economic Surveys, 30(4), 736-755. Childs, P., Williams, P. (2014).Introduction to post-colonial theory.Routledge. Crain, W. (2015). Theories of development: Concepts and applications. Psychology Press. Escobar, A. (2015). Degrowth, postdevelopment, and transitions: A preliminary conversation. Sustainability Science, 10(3), 451-462. Gupta, J., Pouw, N. R., Ros-Tonen, M. A. (2015).Towards an elaborated theory of inclusive development. The European Journal of Development Research, 27(4), 541-559. Jackson, R., Srensen, G. (2015). Introduction to international relations: theories and approaches. Oxford university press. Kapoor, I. (2014). Psychoanalysis and development: Contributions, examples, limits. Third World Quarterly, 35(7), 1120-1143. Leigh, N. G., Blakely, E. J. (2016).Planning local economic development: Theory and practice.Sage Publications. Leigh, N. G., Blakely, E. J. (2016).Planning local economic development: Theory and practice.Sage Publications. Moore, D. B., Schmitz, G. J. (Eds.). (2016). Debating development discourse: Institutional and popular perspectives. Springer. Park, S. (2014). Cultural relativism and the theory of relativity. Peet, R., Hartwick, E. (2015). Theories of development: Contentions, arguments, alternatives. Guilford Publications. Pye, L. W., Verba, S. (2015). Political culture and political development.Princeton University Press. Radcliffe, S. A. (2015). Development alternatives. Development and Change, 46(4), 855-874. Ziai, A. (2015). Post?Development: Premature Burials and Haunting Ghosts. Development and Change, 46(4), 833-854.

Nationalism in Music free essay sample

Nationalistic music Is often characterized by pieces having elements of folksongs, folk dances, and folk rhythms. Or subjects for operas and symphonic poems which reflect the national life or history (The Oxford Dictionary of Music 2013). Nationalism in music should inspire people to celebrate the glorious history, cultural characteristics, and cherished values and virtues of their own nations (G. Hubert 2012, p. L). However, Definitions of nationalism depend, of course, on definitions of the nation.It is not likely that consensus will ever be reached on the precise meaning, since different definitions serve different Interests (Tarsuss 2013). Composers such as Jean Sublime, Antonio Dobra, and Vaughan Williams are examples of nationalistic composers (The Oxford Dictionary of Music 2013). As stated above, definitions of nationalism can vary to serve different interests. The sources often use different definitions from other sources. For example, Grove Online states that the most commonly accepted definition (Tarsuss 2013) is from the Harvard Dictionary ofMusic, where the movement Is characterized as a reaction against the supremacy of German music (1 9691. We will write a custom essay sample on Nationalism in Music or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page While researchers may argue on the precise definition of nationalism, they also discuss the Impacts of the composers and their pieces In their countries. Academic sites such as Grove Online and Oxford have an objective view on composers, their music and nationalism; Grove goes into great detail on many composers. Other sources, such as David G.Hubert and Alexandra Cert. -Wells Patriotism and Nationalism in Music Education claim that nationalism is generally received as a negative phenomenon, and can be reduced to attainment of mere utilitarian goals, neglecting aesthetic values (2012, p. 2). Other sources, like foolhardinesss from listserv. Com, or sites like Talkback (20131 simply state who they think are the top composers who embody nationalism (2010). The sources vary from simple definitions to deep analysis, those who believe it has had a negative impact and those who believe it is a cause for celebration.

Business Information Systems Essays

Business Information Systems Essays Business Information Systems Essay Business Information Systems Essay An evaluation of Apple Inc’s use of information systems through its website apple. com/ Introduction In the highly competitive world of business the ability to understand and make use of information systems can provide substantial benefits to an organization. The diversification of consumer taste and competition has put pressure on organizations to focus on customer involvement and business information systems have proven to be a versatile and useful tool in order to achieve this. Strategic information systems have the potential to allow an organization to gain a competitive advantage by accessing new markets and providing a more efficient and faster form of communication between managers. By improving communication within the organization, strategic information systems have the potential to reduce the cost of advertising, delivery, design and manufacturing. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate the use of information systems in consideration of Apple Incorporated’s website. About Apple Inc. Founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company was incorporated on January 3, 1977, under the company name Apple Computers. Initially the multinational company predominantly dealt as a manufacturer of personal computers, however in 2001 following the successful release of the iPod, the company established itself as a credible competitor within the consumer electronics industry. By 2010 Apple Inc had surpassed Microsoft in terms of market capitalization to become the largest technology company in the world. Apple Inc now provides 13 core products, including desktop computers, laptop computers, a tablet computer, a mobile phone range, a range of portable media players and a home media player. In addition, the company also provides accessories for all of its core products, as well as server and networking solutions. Furthermore Apple Inc provides both tangible products, as listed above, and intangible digital media through its software ‘iTunes’ and more recently via the newly launched ‘App Store’. Over 10 billion songs and applications have been downloaded via Apples software based digital media outlet and within the first quarter of 2010 Apple had sold 3. 36 million Macintosh computers, 8. 7 million iPhones and 21 million iPods (Apple Inc. ). As with other consumer electronics companies Apple Inc provides a comprehensive after sale support service including hardware, software and educational services through its websites and retail outlets. Apples main manufacturing facilities are located within China along with the majority of its suppliers of electrical components such as Foxconn Technology Group. The company has in excess of 70 offices worldwide with 46,600 permanent employees (United State Securities and Exchange Comission, 2010). Apple Inc’s current business model encompasses three broad categories those being, software engineering, hardware manufacturing and retail. The company operates across a multi-channel platform of commerce selling to customers through the use of its website, software based digital media outlet, official retail stores and franchised retail stores. In terms of e-commerce Apple acts as a content provider through iTunes the App Store, an online service provider through its ‘mobile me’ subscription service, an online marketplace providing an environment in which buyers and sellers can meet to procure apple targeted accessories, e-tailing in providing official apple products and social networking services through ‘Ping’ as well as its online support discussion boards. The company is also actively involved in M-commerce through mobile software on its portable media players, tablet computers and mobile devices using the iTunes store and App Store. In order to reduce time between the point of sale and delivery, Apple has made use of a Just In Time approach, in turn reducing inventory costs. The JIT production technique is an integrated socio-technical inventory management system famously pioneered by the Toyota Motor Corporation. Website interface and usability Apples website makes use of a monochromatic colour scheme providing a white backdrop whilst displaying product images in colour. This enables Apple to draw its customers towards the products rather than distracting them with an overly complex or distracting layout, a technique mirrored in their advertising campaigns. The aesthetics of their website closely follows the design of their core products with the use of monochromatic colours and gentle gradients to give the illusion of aluminium. Apple has strived to provide simplistic and stylish design and their website is no exception. The design of the website is a conscious effort in an attempt to unify the sense of style and design across Apples product lines and points of customer contact whilst giving the user the perception that the interface is simplistic and easily accessible. Individual pages are well structured giving the user the perception that the information displayed on the page flows which in turn reduces the likelihood that the user will lose interest or have difficulties in navigating the site. Apple is extremely successful and well known for its marketing techniques, its website is used as another point of contact for customers providing a medium to display its marketing prowess. Individual pages for core products normally begin with a large image or set of images of the product with headlines, the choice to watch an advertisement or feature video directly below and directly under this, smaller images accompanied with key features or unique selling points. Apple structures each page by showing key features and images of the product drawing the customer in and providing easy to navigate links to find out more on greater detailed pages followed by the ability to purchase resulting in a flowing chain of information leading the buyer from the hard sell, to the product information, to the sale itself. Navigation on the site centres around its navigation bar which remains fixed at the top of each page on the website providing consistency to the site. [pic]. The bar consists of separate segments focused towards its main products followed by a support option and finally a search feature. The company also makes use of this fixed banner for branding purposes with the apple logo embedded on the left hand side of the bar. Once an option is chosen the user is then taken to a more detailed page containing sub sections, these secondary pages normally have their own navigation sections to explore the issue further, in the case of the online store making use of a sidebar. Apples search feature on the navigation bar compliments the websites simple and flowing design very well in that it enables users to search and skip to the information they require straight away. The search bar uses AJAX live search results providing a benefit over traditional searching as results are shown as the customer types, narrowed as he or she continues and if the results become too narrow the user is able to delete words to broaden the search horizon. The search results are grouped in a drop down window below the search bar in an easy to understand manner. The text on the website is easily readable and headings are easily ascertainable. Apples website can be optimized for user compatibility by changing language and country as well as providing clear links to an education store and business orientated store. The website also makes great use of white space to separate images and texts making product information and images stand out without distraction. In most cases the website accompanies text with images in order to maintain the customers attention to the product and its unique selling points. Use of Databases Apple successfully incorporates a variety of databases into its website design allowing customers to navigate, search and input data such as order information, tracking information and in the case of support, product information. As a result Apple is able to align inventory and sales to appropriately manage supply and demand across its supply chain. Through the use of variable field and searchable databases Apple also allows its users to make use of unique product numbers tailoring online support to customers specific needs. This type of searchable database results in a quick an efficient way in which customers are able to get the help and support they need. Apple also makes use of relational databases throughout its website design for instance in the case of its product pages and online store. By clicking on the primary key ‘Mac accessories’ a customer is then taken to another page featuring a database of information with similar links enabling the customer to successfully navigate and browse the online store until they find their preferred product. Apple also collates its products under sub categories or databases as in the case of ‘top sellers’ ‘top rated’ and ‘just added’ products options. A conscious effort by Apple to increase usability and minimize data redundancy ensuring the site is quick and easy to navigate. The majority of the primary keys on the store relate to Apples core products making them a useful tool in navigating the databases across the site. Apples website uses SQL [Structured Query Language] to manage its relational database management systems. Over the years Apples website has been tested by a string of SQL injection attacks creating hyperlinks to malicious sites from legitimate links on the website (CGIsecurity. com, 2010). The online databases must be updated in accordance with supply levels, with the addition of new products and the retraction of old. Apple’s fully integrated enterprise business information system and use of its JIT inventory approach enables a fully interactive supply chain, however with the use of the Apple online store as an e-marketplace the supply of products from other suppliers not fully integrated may distort the efficiency of current databases. Integration of business information systems Through its website Apple Inc provides its customers with the ability to personalise and configure their products prior to purchase. In addition, they are then able to their track orders, download manuals and driver support as well as receiving support via an online interactive library or alternative methods of contact such as online reservations to see certified staff in store, by email, phone or live chat. The website also provides discussion boards to resolve issues with other customers, online training and a self-service repair feature enabling customers to track and monitor product repairs as well as checking their entitlement under their personalised service and support packages. [pic] Apple has successfully integrated information systems across its business enabling the company to coordinate its e-commerce across its global operations and supply chain benefiting from real time information. Orders, reservations and requests placed on Apples fully interactive site are integrated with Apples procurement, manufacturing, management, retail and stock control systems providing information to the relevant departments automatically. This in turn allows managers to assess the demands and needs of the organization in real time. To do this successfully Apple’s website provides computer generated billing, personalised product configuration, secure document management and a secure payment system to its customers. Historically Apples information system was based on a legacy platform distributed across 16-legacy applications. In January 1999 however, Apple successfully implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning system called SAP Business One into its business model enabling them to integrate their manufacturing, finance, sales and distribution sectors together, present day Apple manages a fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning system. Security and Privacy Apple Inc has a legal obligation to protect it customers and users privacy whilst ensuring transactions are kept secure. Apple provides an extensive privacy policy and also provides explicit terms of use for the site. In addition its online store uses industry-standard encryption to protect customers confidentiality when checking out as well as a 128-bit Extended Validation Secure Socket Layer (EV SSL) encryption technique to protect information in transit from the customer to the company following a purchase online. This can be seen in the web address during checkout as sites featuring SSL technology begin with ‘https://’ as apposed to ‘http://’. TRUSTe, one of the worlds leading online privacy companies, independently verifies Apple’s online privacy standards to ensure they meet an industry standard and protect their consumers. Customers are able to create accounts for ease of future transactions called Apple ID’s. An apple ID allows consumers to personalise their online shopping experience giving customers a unified account to be able to purchase products online including downloadable content, the ability to make reservations in store and or tailor online learning, access support and register Apple products for added security. All information held within your Apple ID is protected under Apples comprehensive privacy policy and the user information is protected through user personalised security protocols such as security questions and passwords. Apples privacy policy also extends to information stored in cookies upon visiting and revisiting the site through a web browser. Although Apple reserves the right to share information with third party affiliates any information shared as a result of its e-market business is also explicitly covered by its extensive online privacy policy and data protection technology during transit. Conclusion Apple employs consistent, coherent and unified branding across its website by mirroring the look of its hardware and software with the use of monochromatic colours and subtle shading. The website is modern, sleek, user friendly and has an emphasis on the visual experience providing rich content against a minimalistic background making great use of white space. The consistent use of varied databases, the AJAX live search system and a central navigation bar offers a user-friendly experience. The sites security is of an industry standard however it has still proven vulnerable to malicious attacks proving the website is not without its flaws. With that being said Apple’s website bears example to a successful integration of information systems across a business enabling the company to coordinate its e-commerce across its global operations and supply chain efficiently and effectively. Bibliography Apple Inc. (n. d. ). Apple Reports First Quarter Results. Retrieved March 22, 2011 from apple. com: apple. com/pr/library/2010/01/25results. html CGIsecurity. com. (2010, 08 18). Apple website hit with SQL Injection. Retrieved March 28, 2011 from cgisecurity. om: cgisecurity. com/2010/08/apple-website-hit-with-sql-injection. html Laudon, K. C. , Laudon, J. P. (2006). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (10th Edition ed. ). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Limited. United State Securities and Exchange Comission. (2010, September). Form 10-K, Apple Inc. Retrieved March 28, 2011 from https://www. apple. com/investor/: http://phx. corporate-ir. net/External. File? item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Njc1 MzN8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=t=1 1 2

Controversial Health Information Management Issues Essay

Controversial Health Information Management Issues - Essay Example The HIPAA Privacy Rule makes sure those minimum standards for protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information. This rule provides certain rights to individuals like the rights to access and amend their health information and to obtain a record of when and why their Protected Health Information (PHI) has been shared with others for certain purposes. Moreover The Privacy Rule sets certain conditions under which researchers can use the PHI when necessary to conduct research (What Are the Purpose and Background of the Privacy Rule?, 2007). The regulations with respect to the PHI is not made clear and even the hospital authorities don’t have enough idea about the PHI regulations. Thus they were forced to communicate the patient information or condition to the families of the hospitalized over the telephone even if the patient is critically ill. Many healthcare professionals lost their job because of the wrong interpretation of the HIPAA rules and many others forced to pay heavy amounts as penalties. Nurses who don’t have much idea about the HIPAA regulations are staying away from disclosing the personal details of their patients even when it is badly needed for somebody else who might be a close relative of the patient. Gross, (2010) has mentioned that HIPAA regulations place a large and expensive burden on companies who have access to private health data by adding to the workload of health care providers and others (Gross, 2010). As protection of privacy is taken as a serious matter in the HIPAA regulations, big companies and researchers were forced to take extreme care while using the private data. The HIPAA act thus raised many concerns and fear among medical practitioners in conducting research. The increased liability and unwanted expenses may force them to stay away from researches which will affect the healthcare system drastically. HIPAA also put some