Foundations of Information Systems

Introduction

The research report shall be written to explore the usage of information technology and concepts like digital disruption, innovation, modern business models and the cultural impact shall be discussed in details. To fulfil the purpose of the report, topic 3 has been chosen. The ways in which cultural contexts have an impact on the chosen NGO shall be explored, and uptake of information system and digital disruption shall be discussed. Specific examples shall be highlighted in order to support the ideas.

Body

A brief overview of the organisation

Oxfam, Australia is one of the leading NGOs based in Australia. The organisation holds a reputation in the country and offers a range of services to tackle global poverty, gender inequality, rights of workers, emergencies, climate and food-related issues (Australia, 2020). It was established after the merging of two major leading developmental organisations such as the Australian Freedom for Hunger Campaign and the Community Aid Abroad. It works with like-minded firms around the world to reduce poverty.

Cultural contexts affecting the usage of digital disruption and information systems in the organisation

In order to conduct its operations in domestic and international areas, the NGO is supposed to implement a range of projects. Competition in the social sector has increased the need for using and developing systems that can significantly enhance the current state of operations. Therefore, it has considered the usage of information systems to enhance its overall efficiency. Again, the cultural aspects that influence the NGO in using information systems should be considered as well. A need for collaboration at a global level has emerged and international funding agencies tend to offer financial support after getting completely satisfied. Based on the performance of the NGOs, the funding agencies decide to build a long-term relationship. Oxfam Australia offers specialised services and tackles worldwide developmental issues (oxfam.org.au, 2011). The range and scope of projects have been changing with modern times.

The NGO manages large projects related to poverty reduction, worker’s rights and disaster management. In such a situation, the Management Information Systems help in gathering scattered data of people derived from field activities. Again, the MIS helps in keeping vital information within the central repository, and it ensures information availability to the organisation’s management division (DeLone & McLean, 2016). Again, Australia has created a culture where innovation and invention have been prioritised, and it has successfully penetrated the governmental as well as non-governmental organisations. Most importantly, digital disruption has created a culture where digital technologies, along with new business models, are creating a more significant and wider impact on the population. The increasing usage of the internet in one-third portion of the Australian economy is a leading example of digital disruption (Brudney & Prentice, 2018). Naturally, a reputed firm such as Oxfam Australia has started adopting digital technology for enhancing its engagement with other firms and crossing the limits of communication. It has started representing its brand online, and it has led to the achievement of conversion rates.

Factors affecting change in the organisation

Cultural values and norms- Oxfam operates in Australia where a spirit of egalitarianism exists. People also believe in fair play, mutual respect and tolerance. Additionally, the multiculturalism policy in Australia has been aimed towards building harmony in the community and enhancing the democratic values (Cassidy, 2016). Therefore, the organisation has adopted digital technology to stay connected with people that would get benefitted from their services either directly or indirectly.

Connectivity- It can be defined as the state by which computer systems are connected. In the digital age, connectivity is necessary as it enhances the quality of services (Keeley et al., 2018). Therefore, Oxfam Australia works with firms that can bridge the digital divide. Connectivity can enhance partnership with other big firms, and it is consistently shaping the technological landscape (Knickrehm, Berthon & Daugherty, 2016). High-speed internet can bridge the digital gap among nations effectively. The organisation has made connectivity one of its focus areas. This, in turn, has created a positive impact on the welfare of people across the areas it serves.

Infrastructure- Infrastructure is one of the areas that can create a large-scale impact. The organisation is aware that changes in the infrastructure will affect the way people live. In Australia, construction projects are built increasingly and it has a negative environmental impact. The impact is often neglected by authorities and here, Oxfam Australia plays a key role by increasing awareness in the civil society regarding the impact of infrastructure. Sustainable usage of resources is encouraged, and the organisation is working towards bridging the gap between the poor and the rich (Hall, Schmitz & Dedmon, 2016). One of the key goals of the organisation is ensuring the well-being of rural communities. Therefore, it has been supporting and implementing rural farming as well as the fishing communities. The organisation has been working towards safeguarding the interests and rights of the farmers, along with the rural fishing communities. The communities require natural resources for their survival, and the NGO is working towards improving the lives of those affected due to constant infrastructure development (Pearlson, Saunders & Galletta, 2019).

Financial implications- Investments in enhancing the IT capabilities of the organisation have some noticeable implications. Investments are not directly associated with higher financial performance. Nevertheless, in case of Oxfam Australia, investments led to enhanced maturity of the IS systems. In the long-term, it pays off. The advanced users are now capable enough of producing better applications (Storey & Wallace, 2019). The organisation is large enough to invest in IS and guarantee profitability in the long term. It has managed to gain a competitive edge over other firms as well.

Conclusion

The report has been written focussing on the ways information systems has an impact on a large NGO. Oxfam Australia has been chosen, and research has been conducted to identify ways in which cultural values, norms, infrastructure, connectivity and financial implications can change the way technology is getting adopted. All the factors have been explored, and ideas have been justified using examples to fulfil the purpose of the report.

References