Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
to improve the speed and quality of services they provide to customers. Management con-
sulting firms use intranets and extranets to offer information on products, services, skill levels,
and past engagements to their consultants. These industries are discussed in more detail as
we continue through the topic.
Changes in society as a result of increased international trade and cultural exchange, often
called globalization, have always had a significant impact on organizations and their infor-
mation systems. In his book,
The World Is Flat,
Thomas Friedman describes three eras of
alization of countries to the globalization of multinational corporations and individuals.
Today, people in remote areas can use the Internet to compete with and contribute to other
people, the largest corporations, and entire countries. These workers are empowered by high-
speed Internet access, making the world flatter. In the Globalization 3.0 era, designing a new
airplane or computer can be separated into smaller subtasks and then completed by a person
or small group that can do the best job. These workers can be located in India, China, Russia,
Europe, and other areas of the world. The subtasks can then be combined or reassembled
into the complete design. This approach can be used to prepare tax returns, diagnose a pa-
tient's medical condition, fix a broken computer, and many other tasks.
Table 1.4
Era
Dates
Characterized by
Countries with the power to explore
and influence the world
Globalization 1.0
Late 1400-1800
Eras of Globalization
Globalization 2.0
1800-2000
Multinational corporations that have
plants, warehouses, and offices around
the world
Globalization 3.0
2000-today
Individuals from around the world
who can compete and influence other
people, corporations, and countries
by using the Internet and powerful
technology tools
Today's information systems have led to greater globalization. High-speed Internet access
and networks that can connect individuals and organizations around the world create more
international opportunities. Global markets have expanded. People and companies can get
products and services from around the world, instead of around the corner or across town.
These opportunities, however, introduce numerous obstacles and issues, including challenges
involving culture, language, and many others.
•
Cultural challenges.
Countries and regional areas have their own cultures and customs
that can significantly affect individuals and organizations involved in global trade.
•
Language challenges.
Language differences can make it difficult to translate exact
meanings from one language to another.
•
Time and distance challenges.
Time and distance issues can be difficult to overcome for
individuals and organizations involved with global trade in remote locations. Large time
differences make it difficult to talk to people on the other side of the world. With long
distance, it can take days to get a product, a critical part, or a piece of equipment from
one location to another location.
