It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Example Essay Example

It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Example Paper It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Introduction Does IT matter? An essay presented to the Department of Information Systems University of Cape Town By ( Due: March 200x In partial fulfillment of the requirements for Full-Time Information Systems Honours (INF414W) 200x Declaration 1. I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend that it is one’s own. 2. I have used the Harvard Convention for citation and referencing. Each contribution to, and quotation in, this ESSAY: DOES IT MATTER from the works of other people has been attributed, and has been cited and referenced. . This ESSAY: DOES IT MATTER is my own work. 4. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work Signature Date /. /. Full name of student: INTRODUCTION In a controversial article, IT Doesn’t Matter, by Nicholas Carr (2003) the conclusion was reached that Information Technology (IT) is at a point where it has become a necessity for busine ss and no longer offers any strategic advantages. This document will take a closer look at Carr’s reasoning behind for his argument that IT does not matter and analyse the validity thereof. IT Does NOT Matter Nicholas Carr, editor of the Harvard Business Review, wrote a controversial article entitled â€Å"IT Doesn’t Matter†, which sparked off heated debate. A general uproar from the IT industry arguing the contra – resulted in a proliferation of articles attempting to back a claim that IT does in fact matter a great deal. For the purposes of this document it is necessary to have a clear understanding as to Carr’s argument and his reasoning. The following is a brief summary and clarification of Carr’s argument, â€Å"IT Doesn’t Matter†: The main argument which Carr (2003) makes is that IT has become so ubiquitous, universally used, that it’s use no longer offers any strategic advantages in business, being no more than a commodity, similar to electricity or the internal combustion engine. Therefore, IT Does Not Matter, as everybody has access to the same IT resources. It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Body Paragraphs During the growth phase of IT, many companies rushed to computerise their business functions. This was done at the cost of large capital investments, but was deemed to be a strategic necessity for survival. IT posed a strategic resource which could be exploited for huge financial gains, if used or used better than competing organisations. IT’s focus have changed in recent years from the mad rush and spending of millions to develop new innovative proprietary systems to the current struggle by IT managers to use standardised technology infrastructure more ffectively (Wahl, 2004). Carr (2003) argues that IT has since become the backbone of commerce, being firmly incorporated into all the various facets of most organisations, ranging from the supply chain to business-customer interaction. With the dramatic fall in the cost of IT, destroying the cost barrier to entry, IT as a resource, including all core functions (data storage, processing and transport), have become available to m ost companies (Carr, 2003). As more companies incorporate IT into their businesses, IT has become strategically invisible (Carr, 2003). Carr (2003) further argues that the only way IT can form a basis for a strategic advantage is through the use of protected rights, i. e. proprietary technologies, which cannot be exploited by competing organisation, thus ensuring a long-term strategic advantage. Proprietary technology does offer a level of strategic advantages, but become more advantages to society when it becomes infrastructural and ubiquitous (unknown, 2004). This is clearly evident when applied to Carr’s (2003) example; when only one or two factories used electricity, they had a huge strategic advantage, but once electricity became infrastructural the overall economy of the various countries suddenly boomed. IT, however, has become Infrastructural technology, incorporating best business practices and making proprietary technologies obsolete, thus losing its potential to st rategically differentiate a company from its competitors (Carr, 2003). Once a technology becomes infrastructural the emphasis changes from strategic advantage to the management of risk (unknown, 2004). Carr’s (2003) motivation behind IT being an Infrastructural technology follows that IT is in essence a transport medium no different to railway transport, IT is far more valuable when shared openly and standardised, IT is easily replicated and it is far more cost effective to simply buy software (which includes support and best business practices) than writing custom software. In reality IT is very different from electricity or the internal combustion engine, in that there is always the potential for developers to come up with new innovations (unknown, 2004). The problem arises from the fact that any new IT technologies are easily replicated; eroding any strategic advantages (Carr, 2003). Many companies are now turning to generic off-the-shelf IT solutions as custom system have proven to be to expensive with few strategic advantages (unknown, 2004). Carr (2003) concludes his argument by making three recommendations to CIO’s: firstly to spend less on IT, secondly to follow proven technologies, not leading the development, and lastly to focus on the vulnerabilities of IT, not opportunities. IT Matters Key to Carr’s (2003) arguments is his statement that a ubiquitous resource cannot be strategic, Carr argues that what makes a resource, like IT, strategic it its scarcity. This is true, but only up to a point. A resource can be universally ubiquitous, freely and equally available to all corporations – in essence an infrastructural commodity, but for a select company or group of companies that resource can also be strategic even though there is no scarcity. This is because there is in fact very little correlation between the scarcity of a resource and its strategic advantages, what makes a resource strategic is how a company use/apply/manag e that resource (Schrage, 2003). Carr (2003) separates the resource from the company and how it is managed, this is pointless, as that which makes any resource strategic, may it be; electricity, the internal combustion engine or capital, is how that resource is used and managed (Schrage, 2003). This is a crucial factor which many companies forgot during the IT boom; many companies spent millions on state of the art technology, but lacked the skills to manage and used the technology effectively. This resulted in very low Returns on Investments (ROI) and the inevitable demise of many companies. This is the basis for Carr’s (2003) recommendation that less should be spent on IT, but the converse is also true. Many companies lost even more money, some even having to close, due the fact that they did not computerise their business functions and as a result could not compete with those who did (Schrage, 2003). If you take Carr (2003) seriously, you have to accept his claim that all companies have equal access to IT, which is far from true, but then the management of the resource becomes even more important (Schrage, 2003). IT has several attributes which can lead to competitive advantages, these include; access to capital, proprietary technology, technical IT skills and IT management skills (Mata et al, 1995). Differentiating a company from its competitors by the use of IT management skills is the one of the best methods which can lead to a sustainable competitive advantage. This is because of the fact that IT management skills are build up over time, socially complex and cannot be written down or transferred without the loss of richness or understanding, thus not easily replicated by competing firms (Capon Glazer, 1987). Good IT Management skills enable company to effectively manage the risks related to the use of and investment in IT (Capon Glazer, 1987). Another prominent method of gaining a strategic advantage in a ubiquitous IT environment involves the mitigating of the risks involved with the use of IT. By simply being able to keep all IT within a company running flawlessly 24/7, that company would strategically be miles ahead of any competition. As of date this have not been achieved by any international company, currently companies aim for a IT uptime of 99. 99%. Carr (2003) is well set in his opinion that all IT is easily replicated, which results in the erosion of strategic advantages, this is however false (Champy, 2003). Not all IT is easily replicated, take for example Dell’s business model (build-to-order, and interact directly with customers) which is almost entirely based on IT (Champy, 2003). Now, according the Carr, this business model should be easily replicated, but this is not the case. IBM and Hewlett-Packard are two of the big players who have attempted to copy Dell’s business model, but failed due to the fact that other issues such as fixed and dedicated resources, corporate structures and culture which forms part of the model cannot be easily be copied (Champy, 2003). IT is one of the dominate factors leading to new innovations and is constantly affecting and changing the competition strategies of businesses world-wide (Champy, 2003). Carr ignores the real-world; IT is far from reaching a state of ubiquity and continues to open new opportunities to compete with the internet revolutionising business processes (Champy, 2003). CONCLUSION Does IT matter or not? In a world where IT was perfectly ubiquitous Carr (2003) would be justified in his argument that IT does not matter. However, Carr’s argument is incomplete. Carr (2003) neglects to look at how the various companies manage and use their IT resources. In a world where IT was perfectly ubiquitous, IT would not matter, the management of that IT resource would however matter a great deal to determine its strategic advantages. It should also be noted that the development of IT and the creation of new IT have not reached its end and will not do so in any short period of time. IT, in its nature, allows for continual development as each new development opens new avenues of Research and Development. Each new development generally takes the form of proprietary technology, for a short while at least, allowing for strategic advantages. Carr’s (2003) belief that these new proprietary developments cannot sustain a strategic advantage for any company is true, but again it should be noted that the IT industry is in a constant state of change. It is the companies, like Microsoft, Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems with their ability to constantly make progress in the development of IT, which have the strategic advantage. The general sentiment amongst IT professionals is that IT matters a great deal. This statement is liable to a great deal of bias as to state otherwise s equal to asking IT professionals to concede that they, their jobs and livelihood, do not matter. In fact, however, the IT profession al are correct in stating that IT matters, this due to the fact that IT is not perfectly ubiquitous, as Carr (2003) would like to believe. All companies do not have the same capital resources, thus do not have access to the same proprietary technology other companies have. On the other hand, some companies, with the use of open source software, have a strategic advantage in their respective industry. Thus to state that IT is ubiquitous, world-wide, is incorrect. Probably the most damning part of Carr’s (2003) argument involves his belief that IT does not matter – due to the fact that IT is apparently universally ubiquitous. If IT was universally ubiquitous, it would matter a great deal for that exact reason. A firm being innovative, while the rest of its competition is simply following generic business processes, is in an excellent position to capturer a huge market share. Therefore, IT MATTERS a great deal, irrespective of ubiquity. We will write a custom essay sample on It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on It Does Matter Mkay! Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Topics for an Argumentative Essay - the Story

Topics for an Argumentative Essay - the Story If you get a valid issue and you may offer sufficient arguments on it, then go with this. Furthermore, inspect the sources you'll be able to utilize to base your arguments on. Arguments always occur in a specific context. Finding the most suitable arguments will allow you to prove your point and win. The Hidden Secret of Topics for an Argumentative Essay At the conclusion of these list, you are going to discover links to a range of argumentative paragraphs and essays. When you've got a completed outline, you'll have a step-by-step guide that it is possible to follow till you're done writing. There are many steps that you should take to be able to compose a superb essay. You may continue to keep your argumentative essays for your upcoming job portfolio in case they're highly graded. Remember you could make funny argumentative essays if you do a few things. There's something for everybody in here. Preferably, it ought to be som ething which you're an expert in. When you're picking your topic, bear in mind that it's much simpler to write about something which you currently have interest ineven in case you don't know a great deal about it. What is Really Going on with Topics for an Argumentative Essay Your essay may revolve around gender issues from different areas of the world such as women rights in the Middle East and so forth. It's possible to pick topics from several lists of ready themes. What follows is a succession of events that end tragically, a bloodbath of the full family. One particular important and appropriate subject is technology. In this kind of situation, it's more convenient to discover ready-made essays and use them as an example. Get acquainted with the next creative argumentative essay topics and select the one that is appropriate for your needs the very best. You must have skills to compose a fantastic essay. Argumentative essay is about arguing and debating on a subject, which is debatable. An argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic and have a position on it. Argumentative essay topics are so important since they are debatableand it's important to at all times be critically contemplating the world around us. Choosing topics for argumentative essays is crucial for your general success. You will be assigned a topic, or your professor will allow you to select your own. Obviously, it's so much better when a student is provided a freedom to decide on the subject of their essay. When students are writing their argumentative essays which need to find, read and analyze a lot of material to do good. A fantastic debate article ought to have an analysis and fair criticism of many difficulties. When writing a crucial composition, it's a good idea to pick contradictive topics. Winston Churchill gave a great speech and he was a fantastic communicator are the exact ideas. By way of example, in college, you might be requested to compose a paper from the opposing perspective. The shortage of excellent support sources are going to result in a decrease grade. There are a lot of things you need to live, many things you feel, and you simply don't know if a number of the situations you do are ok or not. There are invariably a wide selection of opinions on the topic of technology, and here are our favourite things to consider on this issue. To reach a compelling subject, you want to focus on a single issue as opposed to using several thoughts which are inclined to confuse the reader. For example, let's say you select the very first topic from our list. In choosing your topic, it's frequently a good notion to start with a subject which you already have some familiarity with. It's needless to say that you should decide on a subject that you regard as interesting. The student should investigate a topic, evaluate evidence, collect, generate, and set a standpoint on this issue in a powerful and concise way. Understanding how to compose a strong argumentative paper can help you advance your very own argumentative thinking. Since you may see, there's a multitude of different argumentative paper titles it's possible to utilize. It is vital to choose a great topic to be able to compose an excellent paper. Argumentative writings is a particular sort of a paper.

Reviewing Your Essay Plan - Topic Sentences Is a Key to Getting Readers to Connect Them

Reviewing Your Essay Plan - Topic Sentences Is a Key to Getting Readers to Connect ThemWhen you review your essay plan, you should ensure that each topic sentence has an obvious connection to the main argument that you are making. This will make your essay flow better. However, if the connections are not clear and can be easily missed, you risk losing the reader and losing your interest in the essay itself.As an example, let's say that you write an essay on racism and sexism. You may be aware that the subject is controversial. Many people disagree with the notion that racism and sexism exist and are two different problems, as they see them. You may also know that there are different definitions of these two things that can be applied to many different situations, including all types of interaction between races and between genders.So, the topic sentence will need to relate to an argument in the essay that you have written. There are a few different ways to do this. The three basic me thods are to build upon the thesis of the essay, connect the topic sentence to a point made within the essay, or do something different entirely.In your first method, you build upon the thesis of the essay by incorporating some of the points made within the original essay into your new one. This means you will need to link points made by the original author with yours. Another option is to use the concept of 'quotation marks' to link points made by the original author. Theses are commonly referred to as 'plausible implications.'The second method of reviewing the essay is by using the idea of 'hypothesis,' which is something that you do not yet know to be true. Instead of trying to prove that a hypothesis is true, you are working toward proving that it is probable. When you use this method, you should ensure that each topic sentence is linked to a point made within the body of the essay.For example, if you write an essay on women's rights, you could link the thesis to the reality of feminism or what the right to vote means. When you review your essay plan, you should ensure that each topic sentence connects to the main thesis that you are trying to express. It may help to briefly explain the argument and discuss why you feel it is relevant to the topic you are writing about.The third method is something that most people do not consider when they review their essay plans, but is extremely important when writing an essay. It involves utilizing the 'Whole,' or 'wholehearted' approach to writing. By 'whole' I mean that you should never use a small piece of information for more than it was intended for.Each time you use a small piece of information, you lose the idea that it was not intended for a larger purpose. This will mean that you risk not connecting a point made within the essay to the thesis statement you have written in the body of the essay. When you review your essay plan, you should ensure that each topic sentence is connected to a point made within the body of the essay.

An Honest Perspective on College Wst Practice Essay Topics

An Honest Perspective on College Wst Practice Essay Topics Nevertheless, you will obviously be more confident and be in a position to think about ideas more quickly if you're knowledgeable about the common topics. Your stories aren't debatable. Do not appear through the topics before you opt for. For more data on the most frequent topics, please visit my most typical topics page. Try to remember that you're NOT writing your opinion on the subject. So you don't actually need to obtain a topic! Pick a topic you'd like to write about. You will obviously not have the ability to predict the specific topic that will come up. Governments should provide a totally free university education to any student that has been admitted to a university but who can't afford the tuition. A nation should require all its students to study the exact same national curriculum till they enter college. 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The simplest way to fix the kind of an essay is to realize the writer's point of view. A far better thing to do is to begin a vocabulary notebook. You wish to constantly audit yourself to see whether you're on track. Even if you're a specialist in a particular field, don't be afraid to use and cite external sources. It is a hard process in essay writing when you don't have a structure to follow. For instance, if you'll have to compose a persuasive essay, consider the fundamental building blocks that would go within that essay's structure. You may continue to keep your argumentative essays for your upcoming job portfolio in case they're highly graded.

Discussion Essay Sample Free - How to Make Your Essay Affordable and Easy to Understand

Discussion Essay Sample Free - How to Make Your Essay Affordable and Easy to UnderstandWhen looking for a discussion essay sample free, there are some things you can expect. Before you begin, there are several things you need to do to make sure that you are getting the best possible guide for free discussion essays.The first thing you need to do is determine what type of discussion essay you will be writing. For example, if you are writing an essay about a religious or philosophical viewpoint, you will need to have an easy to understand topic that will be easy to discuss. If you are writing an essay on contemporary culture, you will need to use a topic that is interesting and informative.Once you have a topic, the next thing you need to do is choose a source to research your topic. There are many places where you can find free discussion essays for people who are interested in the same topic as you. To find these free places, you can always search the internet.Of course, you can also visit the free sites on your own. Look for sites that are informational in nature and have great articles. This will give you a good idea of how the site works and also give you an idea of the type of topics that are offered.Once you have a discussion essay sample free for your research, the next thing you will need to do is to make sure that you understand how to create your essay. There are some things that will need to be noted in order to help you with the project.One of the most important things to note is the use of grammar. You will want to make sure that your grammar is correct and that it is clear. In addition, you will want to note the spelling and punctuation.With a discussion essay sample free for your research, youwill now be able to create an essay that you are proud of. The article will be an easy to understand and will show that you are truly knowledgeable on the topic.