Question No 1: (Topic: Systems for collaboration and social business The information systems function in business) How does Porter's competitive forces model help companies develop competitive strategies using information systems? • List and describe four competitive strategies enabled by information systems that firms can pursue. • Describe how information systems can support each of these competitive strategies and give examples.

Information systems must be implemented in such a manner that they are accepted and work well within the context of an organization and support its fundamental business goals and strategies. Organizations are considered to be ___________ systems, meaning that can affect and are affected by their surrounding environment.

Managers have an essential role to play in the successful implementation and use of information systems—that role changes depending on which type of IS system is being implemented. When considering the role of business managers in working with IS, it is useful to divide information systems into these three types: a. enterprise IS, group IS, and personal IS. b. small and simple, medium and multifaceted, and large and complex. c. operational, tactical, and strategic. d. management support, operational, and enterprise systems.

Initially thought to be cost-effective for only very large companies, enterprise systems are now being implemented in SMEs to reduce costs, improve service, and increase sales revenue. A firms finance and accounting personnel play a dual role in the implementation of such a system: (1) they must ensure a good payback on the investment in information systems and (2) they must also ensure that the system meets the needs of the finance and accounting organization. Identify three or four tasks that the finance and accounting people need to perform to ensure that these two goals are met.