Question

This is an apply level question that tests your understanding of the various information systems and their practical usage in the business environment.

PRACTICAL/APPLICATION-TYPE QUESTION

The coronavirus, COVID-19 started in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Within the space of two months it has engulfed the whole world infecting millions of people and killing hundreds of thousands. The world
economy has also been heavily affected. Stock markets, oil prices and actually everything is experiencing a decline. The only other thing that businesses can now depend upon to keep going without totally facing bankruptcy and total collapse is information systems. The deteriorated conditions of the business world is as a result of the restriction on the movement of people and forced lockdowns being experienced around the world where businesses cannot operate. Life around the world is not likely to return the “normal” that we use to know of, and the problem of social distancing and restricted movement will stay with us for some time. This is also going to affect businesses in the way they operate.
As a student of MIS who has recently studied several topics in the course that can aid businesses to become efficient and completive, identify any business (small or large) in Ghana and describe in practical terms how that business can employ information systems to enhance business continuity in these current socio- economic conditions of COVID-19.
Your description should be very specific in how information systems can be utilised by the business identified. It should include the type of information system(s) to be employed, the area of the business it will affect (eg. Manufacturing, marketing, accounting, etc), the internal users of the information systems (eg. top level management, middle-level, etc), and how the information systems will be used (provide goods/services, production, supply-chain, call center, etc.)
Suggested answer guide (this is only a guide and you may or not use this guide)

1. A general introduction to the situation.
2. Identify the industry in which the company operates.
3.Indicate and explain the specific role that the information systems are going to play in the business.
4.Indicate the specific type of information system(s) that will be used in the business (this may include the hardware type such as mobile technologies, etc, and software including social media, etc.)
5. Identify and explain the specific strategic use of the information system in the business.
6. Identify possible challenges that are likely to be faced in using information systems in Ghana.

Answer 1