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Im With Final Content in Business Office Systems and Tech Ver1
Im With Final Content in Business Office Systems and Tech Ver1
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
FOR
ENTR 20113
BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
COMPILED BY:
1. Familiarize students with the way in which information and communications technologies
(ICTs) are used in organizations to provide decision-relevant information and to enable them to
understand how systems are designed and implemented to meet organizational needs.
2. Students will have a sound basis for understanding the functioning of any information
system, office technologies that they may encounter in practice, and should be able to relate its
features to the conceptual enterprise framework presented in thier course.
3. This should allow them to be informed consumers and users of information and
communication technologies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 4
1 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Business Office System 5 -17
1. What is An Office System?
2. What is an Office?
3. What is Business Technology?
4. Role and functions of the office in business activities
5. Office Organizational structure according to the size and nature of a business;
6. Different types of office layouts
Ergonomics 18 - 22
1. What is Ergonomics
2. Steps in Office Ergonomics
3. Different types of Equipment/Office Technology
4. Different Factors in Ergonomics
Communication
1. What is communication? 23 - 36
2. What are the channels of Communication?
3. Types of Communication flows?
4. Barriers in Communication
Information Management System 31 - 37
1. What is Information Management System?
2. Different Characteristics of Information Management System?
3. Different Procedures on Inactive files
4. Filing Equipment and supplies
5. Importance of Information Management system
6. Different digital technologies
INTRODUCTION
This module provides a broad overview of the issues managers face in the selection,
use, and management of information technology (IT). Increasingly, IT is being used as a
tool to implement business strategies and gain competitive advantage, not merely to
support business operations. Using a case study approach, topics include information
technology and strategy, information technology and organization, and information
technology assets management.
The course takes a management rather than a technical approach to the material
presented. As such, it should be of use to students of general management interested in
information technology and to students of information technology interested in
management.
MODULE NO. 1
3 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
OVERVIEW:
A well-designed office system includes training unforeseen issues, such as leaves of absence
or potential errors, and equips employees with proper knowledge to perform essential
operational tasks, both large and small, to prevent production flow disturbances.
The main function of an office system is to interconnect business relevant properties. Office
systems come in many forms; some are designed specifically for computer operations, while
others are designed to connect different technological resources in the office. Some office
systems are meant to join team members and are used by management, and other refer to the
physical connection between layout, equipment and supplies.
Offices are continually changing due to technological advancement. The way an office operated
in 1950 has changed drastically from present day operations. Maintaining inter-office systems
connectivity is critical to having seamless transition throughout the concept, R&D, production,
marketing, and delivery process. These technologies can come in many forms and are all
managed by an IT department. These departments depending on the size of the company can
be internal or external; responsibilities of an IT department may also be divided between
software, outside consultants or managers. Having a clean and organized office system for
computer operations & technologies resources set up allows the chain of communication to flow
and deliver materials that meet the objective of every successful company.
The actual setup of office space and the actual relationship between employees and the
resources needed to complete their jobs. This is beyond a cubical or a desk. Office systems are
large entities that combine filing space, storage space, work space, and technology. These
systems also take into consideration that most effective layout for the work space, making time
spent attached to a desk the most efficient it can be, accommodating the working relationship
between partnering employees, managing overview, and communal space relations. While this
system can seem trivial it actually can significantly affect the time management of an office
space. Consider the amount of time it takes to run to the community printer or to walk to a co-
worker’s desk to work on a project together; 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there can really add
up, delaying productivity.
This is a little bit trickier, because this office system is based on the culture of the employees
and the roles that each plays while doing their job. Management, whether one person or a team
of people, utilizes not only the above mentioned systems but also with the human factor in every
business. This office system harmonizes daily operations, ensuring the workforce is functioning
No matter how categorized the office systems are they are all part of the functionality and
success of the company. Can an office operate without all of these elements or with a weak
office system? Of course! However, it is the efficiency factor that can accelerate a company
forward or prevent the company from excelling. By maximizing your office systems, you allow
them all to work together toward the overall accomplishment of an organization. Take some time
out this spring, clean up your office and not just by dusting and sweeping – but analyze your
own office systems and clean up the lagging qualities in your office space for an ever-advancing
workplace.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
MODULE CONTENT
COURSE MATERIALS
This module will help you learn different knowledge and techniques in the workplace.
This environment presents new challenges and demands for new technology. The only
constant in today's workplace is change, and often it happens quickly, before employees and
management can mentally prepare. Keeping your workplace running effectively means helping
employees cope with those changes.
OFFICE SYSTEM
OFFICE
an office is just a room or empty space. It's the people and equipment that turn this space
into a visually appealing, productive environment that aligns with their vision and goals.
BUSINESS
is the activity of making one's living or making money by producing or buying and selling
products. Simply put, it is "any activity or enterprise entered into for profit
Business is a regular process of earning a profit by satisfying consumer’s needs through the
manufacturing of goods, reselling of products, providing services or carrying out all three
together. It is an occupation which requires a particular set of skills and expertise to derive
maximum profit out of it.
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Refers to applications of science, data, engineering, and information for business purposes,
such as the achievement of economic and organizational goals. The main element of
technology is the idea of change, and how it can affect business and society.
1. Productivity;
The Production function undertakes the activities necessary to provide the organization’s
products or services. Its main responsibilities are:
➢ Production planning and scheduling (Research and Development, concerning the
implications of product design for production methods and cost)
➢ Control and supervision of the production work force (Human Resource Management,
concerning staff motivation implications of job design and production
methods.)Managing product quality (including process control and monitoring-
Marketing, concerning desired product functionality, appearance, quality, durability and
so on
➢ Maintenance of plant and equipment
➢ Control of inventory
➢ Deciding the best production methods and factory layout. (Finance, concerning the
availability of funds for purchase of new equipment and the acceptability of inventory
levels.)
a) Generalized Reciprocity, when goods and services are distributed freely, almost as
gifts, without any immediate expectation of return.
b) Balanced Reciprocity, giving with the expressed expectation of immediate return. In
other words, giving or doing something in return for something else.
a) Barter system-
It is direct form of exchange whether in return for services or goods.
b) Silent trade-
It was an exchange system where the exchanging parties do not know each other
personally.
c) Jajmani system-
It is system of economic and social relationship existing between various castes in
villages. The patron is known as jajman and the service castes are known as kamin.It is
still prevalent in villages.
d) Ceremonial exchange-
It is a type of social system in which goods are given to relatives and friends on various
social occasions. The main idea is to establish cordial relations between the various
social groups.
e) Potlatch-
This term means gift. It is meant as a public distribution of goods made to establish
certain claims of the giver and the recipients. It is based on the principle of reciprocity.
Through this system the host declares his status to others.
f) Multicentric economy
It is an economy using several media of exchange
g) Kula –
According to Malinowski it is a ceremonial exchange participated by the inhabitants of a
closed circle of Trobriand Island. It has no practical or commercial value. The system of
7 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
exchange is regulated in a kind of ring with two directional movements. In clockwise
direction, the red shell necklaces called Soulava circulate and in anticlockwise circulation
the white arm shells known as Mwali circulate among the members of the Kula.Objects
given and taken in Kula are never subjected any bargaining.
3. Collection, processing and preservation of data manual
1. Observation
is the process in which one or more persons observe what is occurring in some real life
situation and they classify and record pertinent happenings according to some planned
schemes. It is used to evaluate the overt behavior of individuals in controlled or uncontrolled
situation. It is a method of research which deals with the external behavior of persons in
appropriate situations.
2. Interview
as a technique of data collection is very popular and extensively used in every field of social
research. The interview is, in a sense, an oral questionnaire.
Interview is a direct method of inquiry. It is simply stated as a social process in which a person
known as the interviewer asks questions usually in a face to face contact to the other person or
persons known as interviewee or interviewees. The interviewee responds to these and the
interviewer collects various information from these responses through a very healthy and
friendly social interaction.
3. Schedule
The schedule has been used for collection of personal preferences, social attitudes, beliefs,
opinions, behavior patterns, group practices and habits and much other data”. The increasing
use of schedule is probably due to increased emphasis by social scientists on quantitative
measurement of uniformly accumulated data.
Schedule is used in direct interview on direct observation and in it the questions are asked and
filled by the researcher himself, the questionnaire is generally mailed to the respondent, who fills
it up and returns it to the researcher.
4. Questionnaire
8 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Questionnaire provides the most speedy and simple technique of gathering data about groups
of individuals scattered in a wide and extended field. In this method, a questionnaire form is sent
usually by post to the persons concerned, with a request to answer the questions and return the
questionnaire.
5. Projective Techniques
Projective techniques use for the diagnosis and treatment of patients afflicted by emotional
disorders. Such techniques are adopted to present a comprehensive profile of the individual’s
personality structure, his conflicts and complexes and his emotional needs. Adoption of such
techniques is not an easy affair. It requires intensive specialized training.
6. Case Study
Case study is a form of qualitative analysis involving the very careful and complete observation
of a person, a situation or an institution. It is organizing of social data so as to preserve the
unitary character of the social object being studied.
Case study as a method of exploring and analyzing the life of a social unit, be that a person, a
family, an institution, cultural group or even entire community.
Data processing is the process of data management, which enables creation of valid, useful
information from the collected data. Data processing includes classification, computation, coding
and updating.
Data storage refers to keeping data in the best suitable format and in the best available
medium. Documents containing health data are referred to as records.
1. Data collection
2. Storage of data
3. Sorting of data
4. Processing of data
5. Data analysis
6. Data presentation and conclusions
1. Manual Processing: In this method data is processed manually without the use of a
machine, tool or electronic device. Data is processed manually, and all the calculations
and logical operations are performed manually on the data.
3. Electronic processing – This is the modern technique to process data. Electronic Data
processing is the fastest and best available method with the highest reliability and
accuracy. The technology used is latest as this method uses computers usually located
in data center and employed in most of the agencies. The use of software forms integral
part of this type. The computer is also known as electronic data processing machine.
1. Surveying Tools – SURVEY MONKEY, etc. software tools which help us in easily
organizing those elaborated surveys to help us gather the relevant content from the right
people.
3. Calculation and Analysis tools – EXCEL and CALC, etc. are those mathematical
software tools that help in applying relevant formulas to process the whole data.
4. Database Management tools – ACCESS and BASE, etc. are the tools that help us to
manage a large amount of data. This data otherwise become too tedious to look after or
refer to as and when we require to do so.
5. Dissemination of information;
Disseminate means to spread information, knowledge, opinions widely. Semin-
derives from the Latin word for seed; the idea with disseminate is
that information travels like seeds sown by a farmer. Think about a teacher distributing
a hand out at the beginning of a class
a) Judgement
Information is often disseminated in the hope that individuals and entities in an organization will
improve their knowledge base and subsequently make better judgements in future situations.
For example, a researcher is faced with carrying out one of two types of experiment but knows
that many of the first type have already been shown (with a strong significance factor) to be
more expensive than the second. Provided all other things are equal (success rate, easy of use,
state of mind etc.) the researcher should be more inclined to choose the second type of
experiment and save his company or community additional expense and time.
10 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
b) Awareness
c) Response
Sometimes information is disseminated solely in the hope it will cause some feedback that
might require further information to be generated or be used to validate something. Examples
include advertising, questionnaires, market surveys, frequently asked question lists,
testimonials.
d) Collaboration
Information is often disseminated in order for a group of individuals to share knowledge and
routes of communication. Examples include workflow systems to support the flow of information
between system entities in order to achieve a common purpose, mailing lists where like-minded
individuals can listen to and discuss common issues, libraries where people can access
information, and control systems where probes might detect and transmit warnings about
certain events.
Organizational control refers to processes by which agents are able to establish and maintain
control over an organization. It comprises the strategic planning process as well as methods
and devices that make other agents’ behaviors consistent with objectives.
a) Controls make plans effective. Managers need to measure progress, offer feedback,
and direct their teams if they want to succeed.
b) Controls make sure that organizational activities are consistent. Policies and
procedures help ensure that efforts are integrated.
e) Controls provide feedback on project status. Not only do they measure progress, but
controls also provide feedback to participants as well. Feedback influences behavior and
is an essential ingredient in the control process.
ORGANIZATION OF STRUCTURE
Under a functional organization structure, people who do similar tasks are grouped
together based on specialty. So all the accountants are placed in the finance
department and so on for the marketing, operations, senior management and human
resources departments. The advantages of this kind of structure include quick decision
making, because the group members can easily communicate. They can also learn
from each other, since they already possess similar skill sets and interests.
In a divisional structure, your company group workers into teams based on the
products or projects that meet the needs of a certain type of customer. For example, a
bakery with a catering operation might structure the workforce based on key clientele,
such as a wedding department and a wholesale-retail department. The division of labor
in this kind of structure ensures workers making similar products can achieve greater
efficiency and higher output.
A matrix structure combines elements of the functional and divisional models, so it’s
more complex. It groups people into functional departments of specialization, then
further separates them into divisional projects and products. In a matrix structure the
team members are given more autonomy and expected to take on more responsibility
for their work. This increases the productivity of the team, fosters greater innovation
and creativity, and allows managers to cooperatively solve decision-making problems
through group interaction. This type of organizational structure takes lots of planning
and effort, making it appropriate for large companies that have the resources to devote
to managing a complex business framework.
TYPES OF BUSINESS
3. Manufacturing: Making profit through production or creation of goods from raw material
in such a way that it derives some utility to the consumer is known as a manufacturing
business.
E.g. Processing of sugarcane in a sugar mill to get fine sugar
4. Hybrid: A business which involves all the three activities, i.e. manufacturing of goods,
merchandising of products and delivering service falls under the hybrid category.
E.g. A furniture seller, who manufactures furniture, buys old furniture and sells it at a
higher price after repairing and also provides services for polishing old furniture.
OFFICE LAYOUT
5. The reception room should be very near to the main gate or entrance so that the visitors may
feel easy and convenient.
6. A sense of belonging and loyalty should be made in the minds of office employees.
9. All the sections cannot work independently. Hence, the office layout ensues the interlinking
of each sections according to their needs.
10. There must be an adequate space between desks, tables and chairs for free movement of
employees.
11. Noise and disturbing operations should be segregated within the office.
12. Some sections require privacy. The sections may be interview section and inquiry section.
Interview section is dealing with recruitment of staff and inquiry section is dealing with progress
and performance of the existing staff.
13. Frequent mutual consultation and interference between clerks should be avoided.
14. The room of the manager should be arranged in such a manner that he can easily observe
the activities of staff for exercising control on them.
15. The external noise and disturbance should be avoided by fixing double glazed windows and
doors.
16. Changes may be made in the office layout if the volume of work is increased in future and
requires facilities.
1. Process Layout/Functional Layout: In process layout, both equipment and employees are
arranged according to the sequence of operations. For example, the filing section may be
located next to the dispatch section and so on.
3. Product or Line layout. The machines and equipment are arranged in one line depending
upon the sequence of operations required for the product. The raw materials and semi-finished
materials move from one workstation to another sequentially without any backtracking or
deviation.
4. Fixed or position Layout. It involves the movement of manpower and machines to the
product which remains stationary. The movement of men and machines is advisable as the cost
of moving them would be lesser. This type of layout is preferred where the size of the job is
bulky and heavy. Example of such type of layout is locomotives, ships, boilers, generators,
wagon building, aircraft manufacturing,
1. Open-Plan Office Layout there are no walls or separators between workstations. Instead,
they get defined by furniture in the office area, including cupboards, shelves, cabinets, etc. The
desks may get stacked up side-by-side or replaced altogether with work-tables capable of
facilitating multiple employees at one go.
2. Private Office Layout uses a cellular style workstation, with the interior walls reach up to the
ceiling. It means that these parts are completely sealed off from the rest of the office floor. It is
the most widely preferred seating arrangement for the senior managers of an organization.
Sometimes more than one manager would share a private office.
3. Cubicle Office Layout is the most used type. It is a type of open plan layout where the
workspaces are separated from one another using partitioning walls to form a shape of a cube,
hence cubicle. It is the most cost-efficient type of office layout. You can see this type of plan in
combination with private offices for senior staff and built-in meeting rooms.
15 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
4. Co-Working Office Layout is one of the greatest innovations in office layout designing in
this century. These plans are best for the self-employed who generally are mobile with their
work. What’s more, is that you don’t need to create this workspace; but pay a small fee and find
a workstation you like or a spot on the lounge.
5. Virtual office (or virtual company) - refers to a company that may not have a fixed location
yet functions as a unit to provide goods and services to customers. It relies on the Internet for
document exchange, video conferencing for meetings and cell phones so employees can keep
in touch. A virtual office is a service that enables employees and business owners
to work remotely by providing a range of business functions accessible through the internet. It
also enables organization to create and maintain a presence in a desirable location without the
need to pay rent for an actual space
READ:
WATCH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuHJ7EExchY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rcI1u4cxGE
ERGONOMICS
OVERVIEW:
Many people find themselves using a computer for a large part of the day. Poor workplace
design and layout can contribute to workplace injuries and illness while correct chair height,
adequate equipment spacing and good desk posture can help you stay comfortable.
Ergonomics can roughly be defined as the study of people in their working environment.
More specifically, an ergonomist (pronounced like economist) designs or modifies the
work to fit the worker, not the other way around. The goal is to eliminate discomfort and
risk of injury due to work. In other words, the employee is our first priority in analyzing a
workstation
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
MODULE CONTENT
1. What is Ergonomics?
2. Steps in Office Ergonomics
COURSE MATERIALS
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the
understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and the
profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to
optimize human well-being and overall system performance.”
Ergonomics is the study of how we interact with our working environment and how these
interactions can be improved so that our wellbeing is maximized.
c. Environmental Hazards
➢ Unsuitable Lighting
➢ Unsuitable Room Temperature
➢ Insufficient Space
1. Chair – Should offer pneumatic seat-pan height adjustment, a backrest that tilts
backward and forward, backrest tension control and lumbar support.
2. Adjustable workstation – Should offer height adjustability of work surface and have a
large surface with ample room to perform tasks.
3. Keyboard/keyboard tray – Should lie flat and offer slope adjustability to achieve up to ±
15° slope and have a low profile (approximately 1" or 30 mm).
4. Input device – Features should include a long cord for proper placement or wireless,
should move easily and be usable by left- and right-handed users.
5. Monitor – Adjustable brightness and contrast, free from flicker and adjustable tilt.
6. Monitor arm/stand – Should be height-adjustable 27" (69 cm) to 34" (86 cm) above the
seat pan and the weight of monitor should match the weight of the stand or arm.
8. Headset – Should be digital, rather than analog, and offer a quick-disconnect capability.
9. Footrest – Needs to be height adjustable from 11" (28 cm) to 18" (46 cm).
10. Task lighting – Should offer 75 to 140-foot candles of adjustable lighting and be
asymmetrical to reduce shadows and glare spots.
11. Laptops – Use an external mouse and keyboard for extended periods of computer use
and take regular breaks and change your posture when working for long periods of time.
2. Force
➢ Load
➢ Distance
➢ Joint position
3. Environment
READ:
Medina, Roberto G. Entrepreneurship and Small business Management. Rex Book Store, Inc.
1996
WATCH:
https://ergo-plus.com/workplace-ergonomics-benefits/
https://www.officeinteriors.ca/blog/how-to-avoid-common-ergonomic-hazards/
ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENT
2. Provide compilation of pictures of the different equipment used in the office having the
advance technology and name its function and uses.
4. Explain the picture below which is an example of office layout. Give the advantages and
disadvantages in the flow of works.
COMMUNICATION
OVERVIEW:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
MODULE CONTENT
1. What is communication?
2. What are the channels of Communication?
3. Types of Communication flows?
4. What are the categories of Communication Channels?
5. What are the barriers of Communication?
COURSE MATERIALS
Communication is the activity of conveying information. The word communication has been
derived from the Latin word ‘communis’, meaning to share. It basically involves a sender, a
message and a receiver.
Channels
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
A communication channel is the medium, mean, manner or method through which a message is
sent to its intended receiver.
a. Oral Communication
Oral channels depend on the spoken word. They are the richest mediums and include face-to-
face, in-person presentations, mobile phone conferences, group presentations, telephone, video
meetings, conferences, speeches, and lectures. These channels deliver low-distortion
messages because body language and voice intonation also provide meaning for the receiver.
They allow for immediate feedback of the communication to the sender. They are also the most
labor-intensive channels in terms of the number of people involved in the transaction. Oral
channels are generally used in organizations when there is a high likelihood of the message
creating anxiety, confusion, or an emotional response in the audience
b. Media Communication
c. Written Communication
Written communications include e-mails, texts, memos, letters, documents, reports, newsletters,
spreadsheets, etc. (Even though e-mails are electronic, they are basically digital versions of
written memos.) They are among the leaner business communications. With written
communications, the writer must provide enough context that the words can be interpreted
easily. The receiver should be alert for ambiguity and ask for clarification if needed. Written
communications can be carefully crafted to say exactly what the sender means. Formal
business communications, such as job offer letters, contracts and budgets, proposals and
quotes, should always be written.
2. Informal channels
It is also an official way of communicating, with somewhat relaxed norms. There may not be a
need for a chain of command or hierarchy in this kind of communication. There will be immense
official communication where such hierarchy or command is not needed, but they happen within
the official framework. Some examples will include conversations on the work floor addressing
queries of team members, lunch time conversations, many of the emails where formal
command is not needed such as someone is seeking some quick information etc.
Under the official environment, both formal and informal channels are used as needed.
3. Unofficial channels
There exists an unofficial mode of communication as well. The employees communicate outside
work environment on topics not related to work. General social, sports, political and personal
communication are unofficial channels. But a manager needs to be aware about the existence
of such a channel and information flowing in them. Many times rumors and gossips also provide
very important information which otherwise will not be available.
No matter what kind of communication you are using, you will face some barriers to
effectively getting your message across to the recipient. These barriers can be
categorized into four main types of constraints to effective communication: Physical,
psychological, organizational, as well as semantic barriers.
1. Physical Barriers
2. Psychological Barriers
This barrier is caused by the sender and the receiver, and is a result of the respective
psychological states of the communicators. Just as there can be physical distance
between communicators, so can there be psychological distance. This can cause the
communicators to filter out parts of the messages they receive or to add to the
messages, creating misunderstandings in the process. They might not retain what
they hear, and they might not pay attention, making the communication considerably
less effective than it would otherwise have been.
3. Organizational Barriers
4. Semantic Barriers
The study of semantics is the study of symbols, signs, and their meanings, as used in
communication. Semantic barriers occur when the symbols used in a message aren’t
well understood by the recipient or are understood in a way that is difficult from what
was intended. The figures, signs, and words used to communicate can only be
interpreted by the receiver, using the receiver's knowledge and experience; in some
situations, this process may create doubt. In other words, when the language you use
in your message isn’t simple enough for the receiver to understand the message, then
you should that expect some misunderstandings may occur. Many people can
interpret the same message in ways that differ from each other, because the
interpretations are based on the recipients' level of education, knowledge,
background, as well as on their experience.
Interpersonal skills refer to the ability to communicate or interact well with other people. In
business lexicon, it means the set of abilities enabling a person to interact positively and work
effectively with others.
It is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal
and non-verbal messages: it is face-to-face communication.
25 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Components of Interpersonal Skills in Communication
1. Downward communication:
Communication in the first place, flows downwards. That is why, traditionally this direction has
been highlighted or emphasized. It is based on the assumption that the people working at higher
levels have the authority to communicate to the people working at lower levels. This direction of
communication strengthens the authoritarian structure of the organization. This is also called
Down Stream Communication.
(i) Distortion/Dilution:
Quite often the communication originating at the highest level gets distorted or diluted on the
way to the lower levels. Sometimes the messages may get lost. It has to be ensured that the
receiver fully understands the purport/ instructions/directions coming from above. This requires
an efficient feedback system.
(ii) Delay:
(iii) Filtering:
26 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Sometimes managers may withhold some valuable information from the employees. In such a
situation the employees become frustrated, confused and powerless. This may spoil the
employer-employee relationship.
2. Upward communication:
(i) Psychological:
Certain problems, primarily of psychological nature, may come up in upward communication.
(ii)Hierarchical:
Many managers do not like to be ‘told’ by their juniors. They may not be patient enough to listen
to them or may even suppress the message sent to them from below. In such a situation the
employees may feel let down.
In order to tide over such problems an Ombudsperson plays an important role. The concept of
Ombudsman or Ombudsperson was first used in Sweden to go into the complaints of lower
level employees against government officials or agencies.
Now a number of companies in many countries have established positions for persons to
investigate employees, complaints and grievances. An Ombudsperson, therefore, effectively
mediates between the employers and the employees and smoothens upward communication.
This type of communication can be seen taking place between persons operating at the same
level or working under the same executive. Functional managers operating at the same level, in
different departments, through their communication, present a good example of lateral
communication. The main use of this dimension of communication is to maintain coordination
and review activities assigned to various subordinates.
Occasions for lateral communication arise during committee meetings or conferences in which
all members of the group, mostly peers or equals, interact. The best example of lateral
communication can be seen in the interaction between production and marketing departments.
Diagonal or crosswise communication takes place when people working at the same level
interact with those working at a higher or lower-level of organizational hierarchy and across the
boundaries of their reporting relationships.
This crosswise communication serves the important purpose of coordination through informal
meetings, formal conferences, lunch hour meetings, general notices etc.
2. Practicable:
As we know not all communication takes place strictly on the lines of organizational hierarchy,
i.e., downwards or upwards.
3. Morale boosting:
By providing opportunities to lower level workers to interact with managers in informal meetings
it gives their morale a boost and further commitment to the organization. More and more
organizations are now encouraging crosswise communication and building up bonhomie.
Limitations:
1. Fear of infringement:
The superior may feel it an infringement that his subordinate has been given undue importance
and that he has been by passed.
2. Resistance to compliance:
The superior may not implement the suggestion as he has not been consulted.
3. Anarchy:
The lack of accepted procedures may lead to internal anarchy and external animosity.
ASSESSMENT/ACTIVITIES
1. How communication affects the production of work among the office. Discuss briefly
4. Explain in your own word. What are the proper strategies to deal to communicate with the
employees which will lead them to become productive in the office
OVERVIEW:
Management information systems (MIS) is a changing and challenging field. Modern businesses
can’t survive for long without using some sort of MIS to manage massive amounts of data, and
there are plenty of opportunities to study or work in the discipline. In this article, we’ll cover what
is happening with MIS in both business and academia. You’ll learn about what constitutes an
MIS, their origin and evolution, their capabilities, and also gain insights from experts in the field.
A Management Information System is an information system used for decision-making, and for
the coordination, control, analysis, and visualization of information in an organization. The study
of the management information systems involves people, processes and technology in an
organizational context
In business, management information systems (or information management systems) are tools
used to support processes, operations, intelligence, and IT. MIS tools move data and manage
information. They are the core of the information management discipline and are often
considered the first systems of the information age.
MIS produce data-driven reports that help businesses make the right decisions at the right time.
While MIS overlaps with other business disciplines, there are some differences:
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): This discipline ensures that all departmental
systems are integrated. MIS uses those connected systems to access data to create
reports.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
MODULE CONTENT
COURSE MATERIAL
are tools used to support processes, operations, intelligence, and IT. MIS tools move data and
manage information.
is a computer system consisting of hardware and software that serves as the backbone of an
organization's operations.
1. Relevance of Information
2. Accuracy and Reliability of Information
3. Usefulness of Information
4. Timeliness of Information
5. Completeness of Information
1. Access Protocols;
2. Security: Physical And Password;
3. Accountability
4. Expansion
➢ Use Of Microfilming;
➢ Retention Periods;
➢ Disposal Of Files;
➢ Archiving;
➢ Backing Up To External Storage Media;
➢ Electronic Documents and Records Management System.
Filing of Equipment and Supplies
1. Adding Machines;
2. Computers;
3. Printers; Scanners; Copiers.
4. Software Resources
5. Accounting Packages;
6. Spreadsheet Packages.
1. Prevention Of Pilferage;
2. Control Of Inventory;
3. Signaling Of Market Trends;
4. Availability Of Capital;
5. Optimization Of Storage Space;
6. Just-In-Time (Jit).
a. Tape Recorder
b. Digital recording technology
c. Office Business Systems technology
d. Speech Recognition e technology
e. Mobile digital Dictation Technology
f. Flexible dictation device such as Machine transcription
The six components that must come together in order to produce an information system are:
1. Hardware: The term hardware refers to machinery and equipment. In a modern information
system, this category includes the computer itself and all of its support equipment. The
support equipment includes input and output devices, storage devices and communications
devices. In pre-computer information systems, the hardware might include ledger books and
ink.
2. Software: The term software refers to computer programs and the manuals (if any) that
support them. Computer programs are machine-readable instructions that direct the circuitry
within the hardware parts of the system to function in ways that produce useful information
from data. Programs are generally stored on some input/output medium, often a disk or
tape. The "software" for pre-computer information systems included how the hardware was
prepared for use (e.g., column headings in the ledger book) and instructions for using them
(the guidebook for a card catalog).
3. Data: Data are facts that are used by systems to produce useful information. In modern
information systems, data are generally stored in machine-readable form on disk or tape
32 ENTR 20113 BUSINESS OFFICE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
until the computer needs them. In pre-computer information systems, the data are generally
stored in human-readable form.
4. Procedures: Procedures are the policies that govern the operation of an information system.
"Procedures are to people what software is to hardware" is a common analogy that is used
to illustrate the role of procedures in a system.
5. People: Every system needs people if it is to be useful. Often the most overlooked element
of the system is the people, probably the component that most influence the success or
failure of information systems. This includes "not only the users, but those who operate and
service the computers, those who maintain the data, and those who support the network of
computers."
6. Feedback: it is another component of the IS, that defines that an IS may be provided with
feedback (Although this component isn't necessary to function).
2. Process Control
A process control system monitors a business's physical or industrial processes such as metal
fabrication, petroleum processing or automobile assembly. The control system is constantly
collecting data and is programmed to generate regular reports on system performance. A
manager looks to the process control reports to tell how often, over the course of a set period
of time, a particular event occurs during the production process, or how often over that period
of time the company deviated from a repetitive production process. This information is key to
tracking the overall efficiency of production and the safety of machinery and employees.
A sales and marketing system supports management in executing and tracking the
effectiveness of the organization's sales and marketing functions. These include:
➢ developing products
➢ forecasting sales
➢ compiling and tracking the advertising outlets and schedules
➢ managing distribution channels
➢ pricing, discounts and promotions
Reports also tell managers which items are selling and which aren't and how well each
individual product in the company's inventory is selling at each retail location.
4. Inventory Control
The inventory control system tracks everything having to do with inventory, including sales,
spoilage, theft, and inventory on hand, which allows management to determine when
individual items are getting low and need restocking, either in the company's warehouse or in
any of its individual retail locations. It tracks movement of inventory into the warehouse, from
warehouse to store, store sales and returns.
An accounting and finance system tracks an organization's assets and investments and
compiles all data for financial reporting required by law for such functions as payroll, federal,
state, and local taxes and pension funds. This system provides all the reports necessary for
periodic financial audits and annual reports if the organization or institution produces them.
The accounting and finance system also facilitates the daily posting of routine transactions
such as sales income, returns and bank deposits and transfers. All monthly financial
statements, such as the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement, are generated from
this system. These statements are necessary for middle and upper managers to track current
financial success against past performance and against predetermined goals for future
growth.
6. Human Resources
A human resources information management system supports the daily management and
tracking of employees and recruiting. These systems track some financial elements of human
resources that overlap the accounting and finance system such as payroll, benefits and
retirement, but the human resource system is much more than that. It can streamline
communication between employees and HR by providing an electronic hub for HR policies,
legal compliance notices and mandatory training events. It can automate employee
timekeeping, track work attendance, calculate available and used leave and let employees
request vacation or sick leave, all without a manager's physical involvement. The recruiting
function is also automated through the human resources management system through
resume collection and analysis for identifying qualified potential hires.
Medina, Roberto G. Entrepreneurship and Small business Management. Rex Book Store, Inc.
1996
WATCH:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-information-systems-definition-types-
quiz.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3zoHFdzQbs
ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENT:
2. List down the different media or technology used today by the different company and indicate
their functions/usage.