Organizational Issues

Abstract

The IT industry consist of many firms that are focused on developing hard- and software-products for computers, computer servers, Internet equipment, and all kinds of mobile devices such as laptops and handheld digital assistants. This paper analyzes the current conditions of the Information Technology market. It also addresses issues related to price, production and composition of inputs. We discuss the impact and effects of government policy, social diversity and business ethics in the IT market. You will discover why the IT industry should continue, expand or reduce its current operations.

Information Technology is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information system. The term information technology is commonly known as IT. Information Technology deals with using computers and software to store, protect process and receive information. IT professionals perform a variety of duties including designing computer networks, installing applications, data management, engineering hardware, software design and management of entire systems. The market structure for the Information Technology industry is perfect competition. There are many companies performing computer services for individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, corporations and even the government. The needs of the consumer will determine the product used, but ultimately the information that is shared is perfect. A wide range of technologies has given businesses the ability to communicate faster and effectively. There are more people now who can work away from the office. Email, teleconferencing, and video conferencing have enabled businesses to collaborate efficiently around the world. New technology will allow users to teleconference on their computer screens while creating or changing documents using a "virtual whiteboard". New developments in Information Technology have led to a mobile workforce and will continue to progress in the future.

New companies entering the IT world may bring new ideas into the market. Once the information is introduced it will only be a matter of time before other companies use or intend to use the newest and freshest information available. New companies will not have a difficult time entering the market. The Economic Census Report in 1977 showed that there were 72,278 establishments providing computer system design and related services. In 2002, the number of establishments providing the same services had increased to 105,710.

Price

Prices charged to companies will depend on the services needed. The prices charged may also be used to encourage users to move forward; an example is if an older application is being used the I T company may charge more to service the antiquated application. Prices need to be fair and realistic. Outside of specialized services like networking two systems together, or creating secure data storage, you can expect to be charged by the hour for some companies and there may be a minimum of two hours. C4 Tech and Design is a New Orleans based company that charges ninety dollars an hour for businesses and the government, with a minimum of two hours. Non-profits and individuals receive a discounted rate of seventy dollars, with a minimum of two hours.

It is the policy of the United States to secure information systems important to critical infrastructure and includes voluntary public and private partnerships involving corporate and nongovernmental organizations. The policy requires continuous effort in preventing cyber attacks, reducing attacks and minimizing recovery time if and when the attacks occur. The government will lead in setting the example of protecting nonpublic information by consulting with privacy advocates and experts to show that cyber security and personal privacy are not opposing goals.

The Impact of Government Regulations

There are regulations that protect federal information. In 2002, President Bush signed the E-Government Act. The Act was designed to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access government information and services. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that officials identify standards by which federal agencies give their disabled employees and the public, access to public information that is comparable to the access available to others.

Several agencies work together to provide structure on the development, use and sharing of government information resources. The Chief Information Officer's Council, CIO, was formed to improve on agency practices. The CIO delivers its findings to the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Electronic Government and Information Technology work with the CIO to improve information technology performance. The Department of Homeland Security and Cyberspace Security manages cyberspace incidents that could affect the federal government and national information systems. The government will continue to support development of partnerships between public and private organizations but ultimately regulations on information technology is left up to each individual, business and company.

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility was originally founded by computer scientist who wanted to influence decisions regarding the use and development of computers. There are members in 26 countries and 6 continents. There mission is to provoke and support discussion of using technology in systems critical to society, dispel myths about the infallibility of technology, challenge the thought that technology can solve political and social problems, examine technical issues within the industry nationally and internationally, and encourage the use of information technology to improve quality of life. Each organization should have a code of ethics that all employees adhere to, without it there is room for costly errors.

Information technology is permeating into all aspects of our community and culture and there is a demand for professionals who can apply technology to a broad range of disciplines.

There are organizations to increase the diversity in information technology. The Diversity in Information Technology Institute (DITI) is an example of an organization working to decrease the diversity gap in the I T industry. The Institute brings I T and Education researchers together with primary educators, and community leaders to install initiatives. The purpose of the initiatives are to attract and maintain diversity in I T application specialist, increase participation of women, minorities and those who are disabled, and to increase participation from highly talented persons from other fields such as education, music, art, law-enforcement, nursing and architecture.

By 2012 the Department

...