question
Discuss how professional nursing organizations support the field of nursing and how they advocate for nursing practice. Explain the value professional nursing organizations have in advocacy and activism related to patient care. Choose a professional nursing organization that relates to your specialty area of interest. Discuss how this organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development. 
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Answer
1. Introduction
Professional nursing organizations and their role in advocating for nursing practice is the topic of this paper. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of professional nursing organizations, highlighting the importance of advocacy in nursing practice. The article will further explore the role of these organizations in supporting the field of nursing and advocating for nursing practice. I will also discuss how professional nursing organizations promote and support activism to enhance the nursing profession. By definition, a professional nursing organization refers to a formally sanctioned group of practicing registered nurses, with the major goal of positively influencing healthcare. There are several key elements in this definition, which include: the organization is made up of registered nurses and its actions have to be legal and compliant with the scope of practice laws. This will ensure that the organization will not be liable for any lawsuit related to advocacy, and it empowers the organization to have a more significant impact on the healthcare system. Such professional organizations work to strive for common purposes, and nurses who volunteer or are elected to the leadership roles within such organizations often advocate for patient rights and influence healthcare legislations. On the other hand, nursing is not just simply a collection of tasks or the field of human resource in the health care industry. Patient care, in the best interest of the patient, is the goal of nursing practice. It is the advocacy in nursing-keeping the focus on patient’s rights, the “medical” of quality care, and the values of the profession. Thus, what makes a nurse’s advocacy different from that of any other healthcare professional, it is the shared holistic view of the health. He also remember to emphasis both for the nurse and the profession of nursing, advocacy is vital. Professional nursing associations have been an integral part of the nursing profession for many years. Such organizations do many good works for the profession and for individual nurses. Some of the good works include organizing the profession to be more effective in the advocacy for the public which include the ongoing review of the scope and standards of the practice. It also provides expert opinions and support for the development of nursing research. Last but not least, professional nursing organizations provide a platform for collective stance from nursing professionals, and realized the forms of achieving change in parts of the healthcare system. Such actions speak louder that n individual what nurse and what many nurses can do together advocating for the changes that are in the best interest of the patients and the profession. Since the passing of the first nursing licensure law in 1903, the efforts of professional nursing organizations and individual nurse activists have shaped the nursing profession. Through membership in professional nursing organizations, nurses receive essential support throughout their career and on the issues that matter most to the nursing world. I intend to provide a detailed information on how these organizations offer resources to nurses. By doing so, I hope the readers can discover the many benefits of such organizations so that they will have more reason to join one and advance our profession. Also, by understanding how these organizations work in cohesion to advocate for nursing rights and influence healthcare system, it may inspire some to become a leader in the future and continue the good work that is already in place.
1.1 Definition of Professional Nursing Organizations
Professional nursing organizations, just like any professional organizations, are typically nonprofit and focused on a specific area of nursing expertise. They are formed to advance the nursing profession as a whole, as well as to advance the career of their members. Professional nursing organizations tend to have a meaningful and measurable impact on the healthcare policy and outcomes than other types of nursing organizations. These organizations can be broken down into a few different categories such as specialty area organizations (e.g. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses), advanced practice (e.g. American Association of Nurse Practitioners), and career interest (e.g. Emergency Nurses Association). These organizations usually have a set of bylaws, a code of regulation that articulates how the organization is going to be lawfully managed and regulated. Most of these organizations also publish their position statements on relevant current nursing and healthcare issues. Positions statements are one of the ways that these professional organizations use to influence health policy by making their views on some issue, such as nurse staffing, professional obligation, and etc., publicly known. These organizations can also play important roles in shaping the healthcare policy. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA), which is a full-service professional organization represents the interests of the nations 4 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. ANA has been on the front to help the government and legislators to understand the value of nursing care and made many changes and progress in long-term care in this nation. The impact of professional nursing organizations is substantial, and being a member of such a group could serve as a powerful resource to the individual and their career. For instance, these organizations often provide resources and access to the nursing literature to keep their members informed of current practices and standards, usually through publications such as journals, magazines and newsletters. Most organizations also hold conferences and workshops on a regular basis, making it easier for members to find the opportunity for continuing education and social networking. Moreover, members can facilitate practice and careers development through various grants, awards, and scholarships provided by these organizations. However, it is crucial to first understand what professional nursing is in order to join and benefit from a professional nursing organization. Based on the “Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges” by Husting, a fundamental concept of professional nursing organizations is that nurses within that organization look out for and support each other, although their ultimate goal is the common good of the society. Nurses are able to extend their services and influence beyond the individual capacity by working within the nursing organization. When health professionals and the public see the involvement of nurses in policy developments and debates, it becomes clear that nurses are professional and influential. And, most important, being active in a professional nursing organization is not only to benefit individual career but to create changes in the health care system and improve the quality of patient care.
1.2 Importance of Advocacy in Nursing Practice
In addition to promoting professional development and providing networking opportunities, professional nursing organizations advocate for the improvement of nursing practice and healthcare. According to McEwen and Willis (2014), “nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (p. 8). Because the profession of nursing focuses on the care of people in clinical, research, educational, and policy settings, nurses have a responsibility to support one another in delivering the kind of care that is comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered. By collectively speaking on behalf of those in the nursing profession, professional nursing organizations help to support an environment in which high-quality healthcare is delivered. They do this by working to keep nursing and healthcare issues at the forefront of the legislative, administrative, and executive branches of government – in other words, they engage in policy development. Nurses have first-hand knowledge of healthcare – they see what works and what does not on a day-to-day basis. Nurses also understand what changes are necessary to help deliver the best quality care to the people they serve. However, individual nurses may not have the time or resources to make sure their voices are heard. Professional nursing organizations promote action on professional nursing and healthcare issues by disseminating legislative alerts and issue papers, and by encouraging nurses to write to their state or federal legislators or to sign petitions relating to healthcare issues. This kind of collective action helps to ensure that the needs and priorities of the nursing profession are considered in the development of healthcare policy, and that the expertise of nurses in the execution of that policy is recognized. Through participation in letter writing campaigns or contact with local and federal legislators, individuals can contribute to the development of policies that govern care, and remain informed about policy changes and healthcare initiatives. Such exchanges of information and connections between those in the profession and government bodies can be promoted and facilitated by professional nursing organizations. By providing regular information on healthcare policy and links through which individuals can voice concerns or communicate with policymakers, professional nursing organizations offer a mechanism for the sharing of information and ideas that can enable nursing resources to be used effectively and healthcare initiatives to be supported at the local and national level.
2. Role of Professional Nursing Organizations
2.1 Supporting the Field of Nursing
2.2 Advocating for Nursing Practice
3. Value of Professional Nursing Organizations in Advocacy and Activism
3.1 Enhancing Patient Care
3.2 Promoting Nursing Profession
4. Professional Nursing Organization in Specialty Area of Interest
4.1 Overview of Chosen Organization
4.2 Connection to Specialty Area
5. Keeping Members Informed of Healthcare Changes
5.1 Regular Communication Channels
5.2 Updates on Policy and Regulation Changes
6. Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development
6.1 Workshops and Conferences
6.2 Online Learning Resources

QUESTION
Briefly discuss a purchase you made within the last two months and explain whether you applied the limited problem-solving approach or extended problem solving approach in the process of making the decision to purchase and consume the product.
ANSWER
1. Introduction
This section presents a discussion of the purchase made. The aim of this section is to be aware of the persuasive tactics used by marketers on the purchase of a product. An intentionally made purchase was selected that showed high levels of the pre-purchase and purchase stages of the decision-making process. The purchase selected was a Canon EOS 400D digital SLR camera. The respondent (Appendix 1) was in need of a camera, however, was unsure of what type or kind of camera to purchase. This was the beginning of the Information Search stage of the purchase decision process for a camera. He found most of his information from catalogs and magazines showing the Print Mode of information sources nowadays. These enabled him to visit a few different retail outlets to check the different cameras that were being considered. He would have preferred to try the cameras in-store; however, this was limited because he did not come prepared in retail outlets and did not want to waste the time of the salesmen. The next day he went to access an internet connection where he proceeded to research online and evaluate the different types of cameras and computer-related devices. The respondent claimed that the internet was the best source of information for a relative in-depth evaluation of products without being too confusing. This is a great benefit of the internet as there is a high density of information for comparative analysis of brands and products. This is an improvement of Information Processing of information sources and has led to the relative effectiveness in quality of decisions for purchases of high involvement products. The respondent’s relative process was a very concise and somewhat effective method of deciding what to purchase. This shows high involvement with an emphasis on the EOS 400D being a relatively expensive product for a student. At the end of developing in the respondent’s mind, he located a notice in a paper to purchase the Canon EOS 400D for a significantly low price compared to retail stores. The purchase was then made. In this modern age of advertising and sales, consumer purchase is usually interrupted with a decision to purchase a product that is, in fact, different from what was decided in the earlier stages of the process. This is called the Discrepancy Purchase. Usually, this is due to a marketer’s success in positioning a product as a suitable brand for the customer’s needs. This could explain the respondent’s purchase, buying a different model Canon Camera than what was decided earlier after a day of examining a friend’s EOS 350D.
1.1. Briefly discuss the purchase made
I bought a Kawai MP5 keyboard from a local music store. This is a major purchase for me. I was considering the Kawai MP9000, which is the stage piano version of the same thing. The only difference between these two instruments is that the MP9000 is a piano, and the MP5 is a keyboard. The reason I considered the piano over the keyboard is that it’s better for taking to gigs since it’s more durable. I really wanted the piano, but had to change my mind when I thought about taking it to gigs and around the University over the next four years. I need a keyboard for the numerous jazz bands I’ll be playing in, and also for the workload I have as a music major. I know I made a good decision to purchase the MP5, but now I’d rather have the MP9000 for home use, and the only way to get one is to make a cumbersome trade since they’re discontinued. I’m hoping that after exploring the rest of the information, it will be possible for me to get an MP9000 given my $1500 budget for this purchase.
2. Problem-Solving Approaches
2.1. Limited problem-solving approach
2.1.1. Definition and characteristics
2.1.2. Factors influencing limited problem-solving approach
2.1.3. Application of limited problem-solving approach in the purchase
2.2. Extended problem-solving approach
2.2.1. Definition and characteristics
2.2.2. Factors influencing extended problem-solving approach
2.2.3. Application of extended problem-solving approach in the purchase
3. Comparison of Approaches
3.1. Similarities between limited and extended problem-solving approaches
3.2. Differences between limited and extended problem-solving approaches
4. Conclusion
4.1. Summary of the purchase decision-making process
4.2. Evaluation of the chosen problem-solving approach

QUESTION
1- Although more educated than ever before, African Americans remain more likely to be
unemployed than comparably educated Whites, at all educational levels. What can explain racial
differences in rates of return on educational investment? Is obtaining a college degree still a worthwhile investment for African Americans?

2-  Why do you think discrimination against Blacks still exists today despite Title VII’s legal prohibitions?
What do you think can be done to reduce and eventually eliminate discrimination against Blacks
ANSWER
1. Factors Influencing Racial Differences in Employment Rates
Over time, these discriminatory practices and racial biases in the hiring process maintain the stratification of racial hierarchies in employment. This is because, as a result of discrimination in the job searches, some racial and ethnic minorities are left with little alternative but to take up poorly paid and less desirable jobs which in turn perpetuates the cycle of racial disparities in employment rates.
Discrimination in the hiring process, such as racial bias in the vetting of job applicants and the use of different standards and criteria to judge job candidates of different races, has been discussed as a reason for racial differences in employment rates. This can be viewed as an outcome of power inequalities and prejudice which are ingrained within institutions and capitalist societies. It is argued that employers use race as a way to make judgments on the abilities and the work ethics of job candidates, influenced by societal stereotypes and biases.
Studies have also shown that for people of color, not only are they more likely to earn less than their white counterparts in the same occupation, they are also more likely to work in certain low paying and less prestigious jobs. As a result of these racial and ethnic disparities, economists argue that, even if racial discrimination were to disappear, racial and ethnic minorities would still face lower wages and a higher unemployment rate compared to whites due to the unequal distributions of different racial and ethnic groups in the labor market.
Occupational segregation also plays a crucial role in maintaining the disparities seen in employment rates. Occupational segregation is the unequal distribution of certain groups of people into specific occupations. This leads to the overrepresentation of one group and the underrepresentation of another group in particular job sectors. For example, in the US, whites are overrepresented in executive and administrative positions while African Americans are overrepresented in service occupations.
Educational attainment is one of the most important factors that contribute to the disparities in employment rates between racial and ethnic groups. Research has consistently shown that higher levels of education tend to lead to higher wages and a lower likelihood of unemployment among all workers. However, despite increasing educational attainment of the entire population, disparities still exist between whites and racial and ethnic minorities in the job market.
1.1. Educational Attainment
The first factor that is often identified as a contributor to disparity in employment among different racial groups is educational attainment. Educational attainment means the highest level of education that a person has completed. Socioeconomic status, or the social standing or class of an individual or group, is also closely related to educational attainment. Many doors open for people who have high educational attainment. On average, people who have completed higher levels of education earn more income. They are also less likely to be unemployed. Although greater educational attainment has the potential to benefit any individual, regardless of race, it does not seem to lessen the disparity between racial groups. When we examine the reality, it becomes evident that this is not the case for most black workers. And this is not a matter of differences in educational attainment. The bar graph shows that within every level of educational attainment – whether one is looking at people with less than a high school education or people with a bachelor’s degree or higher – blacks have higher unemployment rates than whites. However, if this was really due to differences in educational attainment, one would expect the gaps to at least become narrower as the educational level rises. In other words, the gap between the unemployment rates of whites and blacks would be most narrow for those with the highest educational attainment. Yet the opposite is true for every racial group. As the level of education rises, the gap between the unemployment of whites and blacks actually becomes larger. Additionally, even when blacks and Hispanics both have a bachelor’s degree, their unemployment rates are much higher. This suggests that it is not just educational attainment itself that is the problem. Rather it is the quality and value of the education that is important. For many, educational debt creates a huge financial burden. While it is intended to provide expanded opportunities as an investment in the future, many are unable to obtain that future, and struggle financially with debt. Overall, not having a good foundation in education can be a barrier to class mobility and economic stability in the future. And it is clear that with escalating educational debt in the United States, these obstacles will continue to affect minorities.
1.2. Occupational Segregation
Occupational segregation refers to the practice of minorities being overrepresented or underrepresented in certain jobs and industries. One measure of how much a group is segregated is to look at what sociologists call “Diver’s” statistic, which can range from zero to 100. If the value is zero, it means members of one group are evenly distributed across all industries. On the other hand, a Diver’s value of 100 indicates that each group works in completely separate job categories, with no individual from either group sharing an occupation. However, the average Diver’s statistic has been around 60 for decades, which suggests that a moderate level of segregation exists among whites and minorities. The highest levels of occupational segregation are typically found in states in the south and border regions, while the most integrated places to work in the country are Hawaii, California, and Washington D.C. The consequences of segregation in the workplace can be seen quite clearly. It reinforces economic disparities between races and the wage gap between different groups. Research by John Iceland and others from the University of Maryland has found that minorities tend to work in less well-paid occupations, while whites were more likely to be present in higher-paying jobs. For example, data from 2009 showed that the African American group had a higher proportion of its workers in elementary and secondary schools, compared to the rest of the population. These occupations are not particularly well-paid and hence the wage gap between whites and blacks could be influenced by occupational segregation. The study of Iceland also found that the gap in average pay between Hispanics and whites would be cut by 8 percent if occupational distributions were equalized. Inequalities would also be reduced for African Americans and whites by up to 13 percent. Such evidence further supports the fact that disparities between races in terms of employment were exacerbated by the levels of segregation in different industries.
1.3. Discrimination in Hiring Practices
The assessment of racial discrimination through the study of the labor market is supported by substantial previous research. These studies include the systematic investigation of individuals and groups in different job searching and working environments, the comparison of races in the same or similar roles, and the rate of success of being employed by different races. Research on hiring discrimination can be carried out through field experiments such as “resume audit studies” or computer and survey-based experiments. These types of research aim to create a pseudo job searching environment in which resumes with the same qualifications but different personal information in terms of race are distributed. The research focused on computer models and survey-based experiments aims to provide in-depth cause and effect analysis for hiring discrimination.
In a study done by Bertrand and Mullainathan, the researchers sent out 1,300 fictitious resumes in response to employment advertisements in the Chicago and Boston areas. The study consists of 13 ad categories and 3 records under each category. The white-named candidates are expected to receive 1 callback for every 10 resumes sent, while the black-named candidates need to send in 15 resumes before they get a callback. The results suggest that resumes with the names Emily and Greg were more likely to receive a call or interview than those with the names Lakisha and Jamal. The percentage for white-named applications getting a call, compared to black-named applications, is 11.7 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. The obtained results reveal that there is a significant and statistically different racial effect on the acceptance rate of resumes.
Hiring discrimination is an unfair act in which an individual is prejudiced against due to race, skin color, or nationality. It is a behavior that can be considered as grounds for legal action in the course of employment. Correctly, it is a violation of federal law for an employer to make any employment decision because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. This indicates that discrimination is prohibited based on protected status and employee qualifications for the job.
2. The Worth of a College Degree for African Americans
2.1. Economic Benefits of Higher Education
2.2. Social Mobility and Networking Opportunities
2.3. Challenges and Barriers Faced by African American Graduates
3. Persistence of Discrimination against Blacks
3.1. Historical Context and Systemic Racism
3.2. Implicit Bias and Stereotyping
3.3. Unequal Access to Opportunities and Resources
4. Strategies to Reduce and Eliminate Discrimination against Blacks
4.1. Strengthening Legal Protections and Enforcement
4.2. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
4.3. Education and Awareness Campaigns
5. Conclusion

1. Introduction
The article discusses the relationship between social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. It begins by providing definitions for social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. It then explores the importance of social innovation in addressing social and environmental challenges, creating positive social impact, and fostering economic development. The role of sustainable entrepreneurship is examined in terms of balancing profit and purpose, integrating social and environmental goals, and promoting ethical business practices. The article also provides examples of social innovation in sustainable entrepreneurship, including social enterprises, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility. It identifies the challenges and opportunities in social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship, such as financial constraints, regulatory frameworks, collaboration and partnerships, and scaling successful models. Strategies for successful social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship are discussed, including identifying social needs and market gaps, using design thinking and human-centered approaches, measuring social impact, and building sustainable business models. The future of social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship is explored in terms of emerging technologies and trends, global collaboration for sustainable development, and policy and legal frameworks. The conclusion summarizes the main points of the article and emphasizes the importance of social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship in addressing social and environmental challenges while creating positive social impact and economic development.
Introduction
Social innovation and its relationship to sustainable entrepreneurship
1.1 Definition of Social Innovation
It is noted that the innovation might well center around a profit-making venture, but the important point is that the innovator makes a profit while having a material regional effect. This endorses an emphasis on economic sustainability and it asks that the solution should finally infiltrate internationally so that it can benefit society in general. Every part of society can ultimately be examined for ways to improve, whether via technology modifications, creation of new revenue streams, or a more effective achieve of social objectives. Every innovator seems as a tool by which social practices can be advanced; making it possible for entrepreneurs to break away from current power dynamics and build new ways in which human demands can be met. This perspective has as a base the Frascati Manual’s idea of the social dimension of innovation.
Social innovation has been classified by numerous researchers as an innovation type that only makes material for the social good. But it could be added that this is not a finish in itself, the concept might all the same help the entrepreneur to build a better society with economic benefits. The three interlocking concepts in the definition of social innovation present both the merit but also the limitation of the concept itself. First, the basic idea expects that social innovation shares the end goal with all the other types of innovations, that is to achieve a better environment for individuals. Also, by identifying that social innovation should be an enriching experience, not just a solution to a social issue. This might indicate that the social innovator who employs the innovative idea and also helps create commercial value will finally benefit from it.
Social innovation is a relatively new term. The most generally acknowledged definition – as in the conceptual trilogy by Phills, Deiglmeier, and Miller – is “a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than present answers and for which the value made circulates mainly to society overall rather than private individuals.” It may be in the form of a unique product, production method, or a commercial venture, but in all cases, it should entail a substantial regional effect: at the community, town, or even the national level. For a concept of social innovation to end up being the next variable of globalization, it cannot be focused exclusively on not-for-profit initiatives; the competitive edge restoration of communal enterprises is similarly crucial.
1.2 Definition of Sustainable Entrepreneurship
The term “sustainable entrepreneurship” is not new for the business world. Nevertheless, its meaning has been changing and evolving due to the development of new trends, management strategies, and managerial and organizational approaches. It is worth noting that sustainable entrepreneurship is perceived as a hybrid concept that combines the characteristics and methods of mainstream entrepreneurship with social sciences and business ethics, balancing economic activity with the interest of society and the environment. As J.W. Stoelwinder and A. L. Vandenbussche noted in 2004, sustainable entrepreneurship is a process of combining innovative and opportunity-focused business activity with a proactive concern for the environment and social issues. The authors suggested that there are three levels of practice of sustainable entrepreneurship, including CEO level, managerial level, and operational level. At the CEO level, the strategy, planning, and long-term commitment of the concept should consider the integration and management of sustainable development, and captains of industry are expected to demonstrate best practice in the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship. From a managerial perspective, strategic contextualizing of values is the key to constructing sustainable entrepreneurship, and sustainability ethics need to be integrated into daily management processes. Last but not least, employees at the operational level should cultivate an interdisciplinary and value-oriented culture through education and formation. Also, employees are given space for negotiation and innovation within the prestructured mission of sustainability. The concept of sustainable entrepreneurship can be further elaborated and explained with the help of a simple model, which may refer to the pyramid of corporate social responsibility. The model illustrates that the ethical, social, and environmental responsibility of a sustainable business should be based on strong and successful economic elements.
2. The Importance of Social Innovation
2.1 Addressing Social and Environmental Challenges
2.2 Creating Positive Social Impact
2.3 Fostering Economic Development
3. The Role of Sustainable Entrepreneurship
3.1 Balancing Profit and Purpose
3.2 Integrating Social and Environmental Goals
3.3 Promoting Ethical Business Practices
4. Examples of Social Innovation in Sustainable Entrepreneurship
4.1 Social Enterprises
4.2 Impact Investing
4.3 Corporate Social Responsibility
5. Challenges and Opportunities in Social Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship
5.1 Financial Constraints
5.2 Regulatory Frameworks
5.3 Collaboration and Partnerships
5.4 Scaling and Replicating Successful Models
6. Strategies for Successful Social Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship
6.1 Identifying Social Needs and Market Gaps
6.2 Design Thinking and Human-Centered Approaches
6.3 Measuring Social Impact
6.4 Building Sustainable Business Models
7. The Future of Social Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship
7.1 Emerging Technologies and Trends
7.2 Global Collaboration for Sustainable Development
7.3 Policy and Legal Frameworks
8. Conclusion

Question
The Benefits of Cloud Computing for Information Systems: Discuss the benefits of cloud computing for information systems. Discuss how cloud computing can improve scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency.
Answer
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition of Cloud Computing Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information, are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like the electricity grid. With cloud computing, sharing of resources can be achieved at a large scale. This is because access to the cloud is quite cheap, generally some simple PC is required and there is little or no upfront cost. This type of distributed system is by nature loosely coupled and consumers are not aware of the physical location of the resources. This has a drawback of security and compliance issues because data are usually being sent to a certain cloud provider. But we have mentioned that cloud computing itself is a solution to cost effective data security. Now if cloud computing can provide better solutions to security and compliance issues, it is now a cost effective solution for information systems. 1 2 This idea itself is well suited for SMEs who are unable to afford much on information systems. This is because the applications are not too complex and the resources required are minimal. But it is known that information systems are an intertwine of application to data. If we refer back to the second benefit of cloud computing which is “availability of applications without installation”, it can save cost and time to organizations as they outsource the IT to their application provider. Any requirements to applications can be done at a faster rate. Step by step cloud computing is a definitely a future for information systems.
Data and storage security have been a chief headache for companies. Enterprises spend a mammoth percentage of their budget to maintain data safety. The cost has been reducing their profits by some percent. Even in the case of making data “mobile” so that they can operate on it from different location, it would cost them considerably. The solution is here in cloud computing. Data storage, security maintenance will be handled by the cloud computing service providers. It will effectively and considerably reduce the cost of maintaining data security as the data will be in the hands of the providers. Now making the data available from any location has a cost which is due to software requirements which differ from system to system. By application of cloud computing the data can be accessed from a web browser with the same user interface. This will be cost effective as it cuts down the cost of purchasing software with the same user interface. It will allow the data to be mobile without incurring any addition costs. Cloud computing allows enterprises to get their applications up and running faster, with improved manageability and less maintenance. IT can also adjust the number of users dynamically through automation and it is available any time anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. By making the system off-site, the providers will be able to maintain the systems at a better rate for its clients. This is far better compared to an in-house IT which at times is not reliable. Now if cloud computing can provide maintenance free IT and low cost data security and data mobility, it within itself is a definite cost effective solution for information systems.
1.1 Definition of Cloud Computing
The term cloud computing has become a standard in today’s ever-growing technological society. It refers to using a network of remote servers (referred to as the “cloud,” which we can only assume is a metaphor) hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. This has been quite a large shift in how things are done, as now we farm out these processes to third parties, accessing them through the internet rather than handling them on a personal device. One of the big reasons this has become so popular is the fact that it allows for much more efficient computation by centralizing the data storage, processing, and bandwidth. This also changes what kind of hardware we need to handle these tasks, taking the strain off of our very rapidly outdated personal devices and putting it on the service we are connecting to. It has become pervasive to the point where nearly every form of service you will use online is hosted in a cloud structure, not to mention any high-level data storage and retrieval for personal or professional means. This is quickly becoming the model for modern data computing.
1.2 Importance of Information Systems
Cloud computing can provide a new platform for deploying information systems. Traditionally, information systems would be deployed on an in-house infrastructure. Cloud computing allows information systems to be deployed at a reduced cost and with increased accessibility. Cloud computing provides scalable resources and encourages information systems with high agility. These benefits relevant to cloud computing can be especially useful to small-medium sized companies. Many small-medium sized companies often lack the infrastructure required to deploy certain information systems. High infrastructure costs and investment risk may deter a company from developing an effective information system. By exploiting cloud resources, companies can invest in only what they need at the present moment. This can reduce the investment risk and a pay-as-you-go pricing model can prove to be cost effective. Data storage and management are two areas of importance to deploying information systems. With cloud resources, relevant data can be stored using minimal effort with increased accessibility. Data can be easily managed and maintained with the resources available and cloud providers would ensure a high level of data durability.
Information systems are a key part in most organizations today, due to the importance of the data held and the information required. If the information systems are not up and running, or do not hold the necessary data required, this can have a massive effect on the running of the organization, or even affect clients and external organizations. Information systems are a strategic asset to any organization. They are a necessity required to gain an edge in the industry for which the organization is a part of. Decision making is vital in today’s fast moving global economy. It is essential that top managers and executives have the correct information at hand when making decisions in order to ensure success. A good information system will give various levels of management the information required to make the most effective decision. Storing data is a more efficient and effective method when using information systems. Data can be stored in an electronic form and retrieved when needed, reducing time and effort. Data can be stored for future use or to hand to someone else. Data storage is especially useful to professionals and knowledge workers. It is a known fact that throughout every industry and every company there is a plethora of information that is fed to them. Using information systems to sift through this information is valuable in extracting the bits of data that are actually needed in order to carry out an activity. This can save a lot of time and frustration from having to try and figure out what information is relevant and what is not.
2. Scalability Benefits
2.1 Increased Flexibility
2.2 Resource Optimization
2.3 Elasticity in Resource Allocation
3. Agility Benefits
3.1 Rapid Deployment of Applications
3.2 Easy Collaboration and Integration
3.3 Streamlined Development and Testing Processes
4. Cost-Efficiency Benefits
4.1 Reduced Capital Expenditure
4.2 Pay-as-You-Go Pricing Model
4.3 Lower Maintenance and Upkeep Costs
5. Security and Data Protection
5.1 Enhanced Data Backup and Recovery
5.2 Robust Security Measures
5.3 Compliance with Data Regulations
6. Performance Optimization
6.1 High Availability and Reliability
6.2 Improved Performance Monitoring and Optimization
6.3 Load Balancing and Auto-Scaling Capabilities
7. Accessibility and Mobility
7.1 Anytime, Anywhere Access
7.2 Device Independence
7.3 Seamless Integration with Mobile Devices
8. Integration with Existing Systems
8.1 Interoperability with On-Premises Infrastructure
8.2 Legacy System Modernization
8.3 Data Migration and Integration Strategies
9. Case Studies and Success Stories
9.1 Organizations Benefitting from Cloud Computing
9.2 Real-World Examples of Improved Information Systems
9.3 Lessons Learned and Best Practices