Key Concept Explanation Information technology plays a part within all businesses due to its integrated role in communication, inventory management, data management, management information systems, and customer relationship management (MacKechnie, 2016). The level of criticality varies depending on how the technology is used within the firm. For some businesses, information technology acts as the backbone, while other might have a limited use for it. The advancement in technology increases the complexity of the dependence on information technology systems. In order to stay relevant and competitive in today’s economy firms must identify the effectiveness of current use of information technology (“Information Techology,” 2013).  I would like to better understand the interconnections information technology plays and apply lessons learned to current and future position

The textbook focuses on the role of information technology with respect to the supply chain. In the past the supply chain’s main objective was to transfer goods and services in the least amount of time. Over the years, people slowly began to grasp the complexity of the concept and opportunity of benefits if implemented correctly. Information technology allows for the elimination of wasted time and money due to duplication found in processing orders as well as other functions indentified within the supply chain. The book highlights that information technology acts as the key component for effective supply chain management (Meredith & Shafer, 2015, pg. 270).

Ballou (2006) agrees with the textbook. He broke the supply chain into three main flows known as product, information, and financial, with information being the most important element. Information technology acts as the main component that integrates all the different units and functions of the supply chain through the various activities.  As described in the books, often times when things are done manually mistakes arise. The advancement in information technology decreases unnecessary errors due to little human interaction. Additionally, it allows for an organization to overcome time and distance constraints. As the supply chain increases in complexity, more communication between the supplier and manufacture will be required (Ballou, 2006).

Article Summary 

 The article, “The Role of Information Technology Infrastructure in Management” focused on how information technology plays a significant role in management that leads to long-term success of a company (Gheysari, Rasli, Roghanian, & Jebur, 2012, pg. 36). There is little research that examined the application of information technology to general management responsibilities. Typically, studies focus on management aspects within the functions such as finance, human resources, or contracting. The study resulted in areas of improvement to enhance management capabilities and use of information technology.

The article defines information technology assets as information technology physical components, intellectual, and information technology related procedures. This includes the network architecture, knowledge of managing and monitoring the databases, and standards and guidance on how to implement new development requirements. Unfortunately, at this point there is no tool available that can accurately validate the characteristics and measurement of information technology infrastructure. For now companies rely on concepts like flexibility and capability to map the effectiveness of technological systems. It has been demonstrated that information technology infrastructure within management has increased a company’s performance, specifically within customer relations. Overall the article highlighted the need for further research on management systems and its relationship with information technology infrastructures (Gheysari, Rasli, Roghanian, & Jebur, 2012, pg. 39). 

Biblical Integration Communication plays a critical role in all aspects of our lives, and acts as the baseline to the majority of our relationships. James 1, highlights the importance of hearing and listening. As In order to truly understand an issue, we have to give everyone the chance to describe the situation. Psalm 141, highlights the challenges identified within Jame 1. For sometimes we need the strength of God to put our bias aside to hear everyone’s opinion without adding anger or negativity to the conversation. Additionally, Proverbs 15, continues the trend by identifying those who are wise listen and understand what is being discussed. For those who automatically lead the conversation without thinking often are mouths of fools.  

Application

The supply chain can provide a company with a competitive advantage, if executed correctly. More and more companies are beginning to spend the time and resources to better understand the process and how it can be improved across their organization. The improvement process relies on identifying the interconnections and where information technology can further enhance the process. Wal-Mart uses a system that enters data into an information system that directly connects stores, distribution centers, and suppliers. The information flow tracks and maintains a predetermined inventory level. The sharing of information allows for suppliers to identify buying patterns and predict sales for their products. Additionally it eliminates managerial inputs that might lead to errors and higher cost (Solis, 2001, pg. 1

Annotated Bibliography

1. Ballou, R. (2006). The Evolution and Future of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Scielo  

The article provided how the supply chain management was viewed in the past, then highlighted the changes throughout history. The article also identified how the supply chain management will continue to evolve in the future, and clearly identified the differences between the terms logistics and the supply chain management. I will be using the source to compare the information found within the textbook and the other sources used for key concept. The writer highlighted a lot of the same concepts and points also identified within the textbook, saying that information technology is critical to an effective supply chain management process.            

2. Information Technology. (2013). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from             http://www.esco.co.id/information-technology.html

The article discusses how information technology has always applied and is not a new concept because the underlining purpose is used for communication. The basic idea of information technology itself is to use technology and information to make your life easier and communications are certainly part of it. Now information technology is defined as a tool, application, system based on computer-processed information. The article correlates the positive relationship between information technology and increased productivity of a business as well as better communication. The article is used to further identify the role of information technology today. Overall the article was very useful and supportive to the other parts of the paper as well.

3. MacKechnie, C. (2016). Information Technology & Its Role in the Modern Organization.             Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/information-technology-            its-role-modern-organization-1800.html

The article defined information technology and its role in modern organizations. The author highlighted how information technology plays a critical part in every business plan, no matter how small or big a business is. In order to clearly analyze the role of information technology one must evaluate how it is used across all types of organizations. The functions that heavily rely on information technology are communication, inventory management, data management, management information systems, and customer related management. The article will be used as the primary source for defining the key concept. Additionally, the source will be used to support the other sections of the thread as well.

4. Rohanian, P., Rasli, A., Gheysari, H., & Jebur, H. (2012). The Role of Information             Technology             Infrastructure Capability (ITIC) in Management. International Journal of        Fundamental  Psychology and Social Science, 2(2), 36-40. Retrieved May 3, 2016.

The article pointed out that there is little research on the role of information technology infrastructure capability in management. Typically, research focuses on the function itself, such as finance or contracting when discussing the impact between technology and management. The article provided a lot of information on past case studies that focused on information technology and the studies’ contributions. Additionally, the journal defined the components of information technology infrastructure and how applies to organizations. The source was used specifically for the “article summary” portion of the key concept thread. Due to the length of the article and information provided, overall the article was very informative

5. Solis, A. (2001). The Importance of Information Flow In Supply Chain Management.

 The journal was useful for defining the concept, information flow within the supply chain. The paper highlights the importance of information and how it serves as the link between the supply chain’s other elements. The journal describes different companies’ approaches to integrating information flow, whether it is using technology or management to make inventory decisions. While, describing the benefits of using technology and how it promotes the relationship between the supplier and entity. However, many companies are not as willing to share such information with the supplier and face higher cost due to human error. The source will be used to apply the concept to current examples of companies benefiting form information technology within the supply chain.