Question #1:

The article "IT Doesn't Matter" by Nicholas G. Carr from the May, 2003 Harvard
Business Review is available here:
http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2007/01/it_doesnt_matte.php
Read all parts of the article carefully. After you understand Carr's arguments,
find at least one article that presents an opposite view. You may use Internet
searches to do this, but find an article from a high quality source. One source of
high-quality articles is the ACM Digital Library (you are not expected to use
material that requires payment of a fee for this or any other assignment in this
course). You may also use any other source, including books and periodicals in
the university library near you.
In no more than two or three paragraphs, take the position of the "prosecuting
attorney," i.e. of Mr. Carr. Summarize and defend Carr's arguments using
material from the essay and also material from your outside reading. Then, in
another two or three paragraphs, present the opinion of the "defence attorney,"
using material from one or more articles that present the opposing view. Finally,
play the role of the judge and, in two or three more paragraphs, render a
decision.
Tell which point of view is the correct one and why. You may quote from your
articles. Be sure to cite your sources when you do that. Use APA style in your
answers. Please note - a "good" essay will clearly present two distinct sides of
the argument and a ruling. Regardless of which side you favour, you must clearly
and succinctly present an opposing side.
Answer #1:
A set of related arguments that Carr makes is that scarcity, uniqueness, and
proprietary technologies bring about strategic advantage and lock-in the vendor
(Carr, 2003, pp.6-9). Healso states that a
s information technologys power and ubiquity has grown, its strategic
importance has diminished (Carr, 2003, pp. 5-6). Finally, he argues
that information technology(IT) can no longer be used to gain a strategic
competitive advantage (Carr, 2003, pp.6).
The second set of arguments that Carr makes is that information technology has
become anon-proprietary commodity, invisible, and has therefore become
an infrastructure technology.
This doesnt mean that IT doesnt matter it does, but for the majority just in
the same way that electricity does. When it is not available you feel the most of
its importance in your life and think about utilizing it in most meaningful
manners. He is right at some point when we see I.T is being used like as it is not
being appreciated at a level where it should be. Due to this it is losing its
importance on ground while being there all the time. I.T in its sub divisional
sections therefore gets ignored some time, on scale when it could have played a
major role in development of corporation's advance operations.
Source (Critique of the Arguments of Carrs:
IT Doesnt Matter

, C. Madewell)

Question #2:
Explain 2-3 advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing. Cite your sources. What are 2-3
cultural changes an IT organization would have to make to transition from a technologyoriented to a service-oriented organization?
Answer #2:
Information technology age brought mankind more ease to share ideas to
enhance productivity. Everyone is connected through internet from person
to an organization. Now we know more about other cultures and progress
made by other country's manpower. When it comes to productivity, aim
of any individual or an organization is to maximize its productivity. Since
productivity depends on the resources, manpower and tools and
technologies that an organization have. It become harder to maximize the
profit while depending on in-house resources, manpower and tools and
technologies. Not all organizations afford to buy resources which are
useful to it for certain period of time. That is why outsourcing is the way to
over ride these hazards.
Organization can get help from some
independent external body to aid its operational performance. Particular in
Information technology outsourcing has more chance of success, since it
depends least on time to integrate the outsourced projects results.
Organization can outsource resources, manpower, and tools and
technologies to the other organizations which has expertise in certain
area.
Advantages:

Financial benefitsClean up your balance sheet by eliminating assets, and have a

more stable cash flow

Strategic optimizationThink about your company's core mission and whether it is

relevant to continue certain operations

Better management of the outsourced activityIn theory, you can choose a

supplier that is a leader in the field

Market disciplineYou can align your costs with those of suppliers in the field

TechnologyIn theory, you gain access to state-of-the-art technologies

FlexibilityThe resources no longer used in one area can be redirected to the

company's core operations

Disadvantages:

Loss of expertise: You lose know-how and skills that may prove critical to your longterm competitiveness. Information from suppliers helps in new product development.

Dependence on the supplier: If you resume carrying out the outsourced activity
yourself, it can take years to reach the level of performance you used to enjoy. But if
the suppliers service deteriorates, or if their price rises, you may want to take back
the activity.

Loss of control over costs: Improved production facilities may generate larger gains
than outsourcing. Look at internal solutions before considering external solutions.

(Source)

Question #3:
Read the case study at
http://www.cio.com/article/31701/Halamka_on_Beth_Israel_s_Health_Care_IT_Disaster and
analyze the management of CareGroup's CIO John Halamka. Use the analysis presented in
Chapter 9 of your text (starting on page 177) as a guide to describe strengths, weaknesses and
lessons learned for the Beth Israel case. Remember to appropriately cite all sources, including
your text.
Answer #3:
However, Beth Israel was the dominant culture. This paralyzed employees of
Deaconess. They felt powerless, lost interest and sought other employment.
Causing problems like these:
Periods of uncertainty
Running facilities independently of one another
Lack of teamwork
Making decisions on a group-think basis
Staff cuts
Loss of patient confidence
Threat of financial collapse
Beth's Strengths
Deep roots in the Jewish community
Strong academic research
Warm personal environment.

 Beth Israel relied on its ability to harbor support from donors and
philanthropists.
Beth's Weaknesses
Focus on primary care and minor medical issues.
Low profit margin compared to more advanced surgical procedures
Deaconess's Strengths
Academic research (though not as strong as Beth)
Top care surgical procedures
Deaconess's Weaknesses
Weaker cultural ties
Larger focus surgery means low primary care focus
Combine academia and family environment with great care and surgical
specialization.
Lesson Learned:
More medical professionals, Enhanced medical practice, Better standards and
performance, and Collaborative strength
(Source)