Understanding German Adverbs

Similar to English, German adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. They are used to indicate a place, time, cause, and manner, and they can be found in various parts of a sentence. Examples Here is where you might find an adverb in a German sentence: Before or after verbs:Ich lese gern. (I like reading.)Das habe ich hierhin gestellt. (I put that here.)Before or after nouns:Der Mann da, der guckt dich immer an. (The man over there is always looking at you.)Ich habe drà ¼ben am Ufer ein Boot. (I have a boat over there by the shore.)Before or after adjectives:Diese Frau ist sehr hà ¼bsch. (This woman is very pretty.)Ich bin in spà ¤testens drei Wochen zurà ¼ck. (Ill be back in three weeks at the latest.) Conjunctions Adverbs can also sometimes function as conjunctions. For example:   Ich habe letzte Nacht à ¼berhaupt nicht geschlafen, deshalb bin ich mà ¼de. (I didn’t sleep at all last night, that’s why I’m so tired.) Modify a Sentence Adverbs can also change a sentence. Specifically, question adverbs (Frageadverbien) can modify a phrase or a sentence. For example:   Worà ¼ber denkst du? (What are you thinking about?) The very best thing about German adverbs is that they are never declined. (Did we just hear a sigh of relief?) Furthermore, adverbs can be created from nouns, prepositions, verbs, and adjectives: Creating Adverbs Here are some ways you can make adverbs in German:   Adverbs plus prepositions:  When combining prepositions with the adverbs wo(r), da(r) or  hier, you get prepositional adverbs, such as worauf  (on where), davor  (before that) and  hierum  (around here).Verbs as adverbs:  Past particles of verbs can stand in as adverbs and without modification. Read more here:  Past Participles as Adverbs.  When an adjective is an adverb: Predicate adjectives will function as adverbs when placed after a conjugated verb and you do not need to make any changes to the predicate adjective. Unlike English, Germans do not make a distinction in form between a predicate adjective and an adverb. See Adverbs of Manner and Degree.   Types Adverbs are divided into four main groups: PlaceTimeManner and DegreeIndicating Cause

A Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare - 1773 Words

Shakespeare presents the male characters within the play as either being fickle or faithful, he does this using many techniques. By putting each male character under a situation can express both their faithfulness and their fickleness, also by giving evidence to represent how they are either fickle and faithful allows us as a reader to figure it out at our own accord. Theseus can be described as faithful but with elements of fickle, character within A Midsummer Nights dream. It has been said by Shirley Nelson Garner, a critic that â€Å"Theseus remains a ‘lover-and-leaver of women’, who having abducted Hippolyta, naturally sympathises with Egues’ desire to force Hermia into marriage with Demetrius†. It is clear to the audience that Theseus wishes to love and respect Hippolyta, â€Å"I wooed thee with my sword, and won thy love doing thee injuries, but will wed thee in another key†. He switches from being a man in battle who defeated Hippolyta, to loving her and on the verge of marrying her. However, feminists may argue that this shows his fickle side, as ‘Theseus is the ruler of Athens and therefore a domineering male who thinks that he can legitimise his violence with a display of love and companionship’. Egeus is another strong male character within the play, however some critics may argue that ‘he is just a stock character of comedy due to his self-righteousness and his ridiculous demands’. Egeus is clearly fickle to his daughter, due to the simple fact of not letting her marryShow MoreRelatedA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare1456 Words   |  6 PagesBefore the birth of William Shakespeare as a playwright, no craftsman could skillfully create a world composed of contradictions so shocking, yet profoundly insightful to the human condition. Shakespeare accomplishes the impossible by bringing many contradictory elements into his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy on the verge of tragedy. In this play, many of his characters allude to the moon through the use of repetitive metaphors. Shakespeare specifically compares the moon to time asRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare919 Words   |  4 Pageswhere the average humanà ¢â‚¬â„¢s biggest problem is creating relationships. This simple fact of life has been found all throughout media, history, and even daily life. It has been seen especially in plays throughout the world. In â€Å"A Midsummer Night’s Dream† by William Shakespeare a marriage between Theseus and Hippolyta is being planned and ends up coinciding with the deadline for Hermia to marry Demetrius, a man she doesn’t love. The marriage has been set up by her father, but she truly loves another manRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare1882 Words   |  8 PagesWritten during the Elizabethan era where gender roles played an important part in society and relationships, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare portrays the interaction between both sexes, and the women’s response to the expectation of such norms. Although the characters: Hippolyta, Hermia, Helena, and Titania, are portrayed as objects (both sexual and material) continge nt upon their male lovers, they are also given empowerment. During the Elizabethan Era, and present throughout MNDRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare1751 Words   |  8 Pages What types of dream really impress you in your life? Would that be funny dreams, weird dreams, scary dreams, risque dreams, dramatic dreams, life-changing dreams, and even lucid dream stories. As a matter of fact, people’s dreams can be a kind of illusion because dreams skew their daily life into confusion—people cannot recognize reality and unreality easily. Similarly, love not only is imaginative, but also can make people get confused just like dream. The comedicRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1339 Words   |  6 PagesHonors For A Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare 1. Title of the book - The title of the book is called A Midsummer Night s Dream by William Shakespeare. 2. Author s name - The author of the book A Midsummer Night s Dream is William Shakespeare. 3. The year the piece was written - A Midsummer Night s Dream by William Shakespeare was believed to have been written between 1590-1596. 4. Major Characters - There are three major characters in the book A Midsummer Night s Dream by WilliamRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare2222 Words   |  9 PagesLove does not run smoothly for the lovers in the romantic comedy, â€Å"A Midsummer Night’s Dream,† written between the years 1590–1596 by the prominent, English playwright; William Shakespeare. The play revolves around four lovers that each faces incessant complications for love. Demetrius, Hermia, and Lysander are trapped in a triangle of love in which Demetrius and Lysander both love Hermia, but Hermia’s heart only belongs to Lysander. Helena is not involved in the love triangle, but loves DemetriusRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1474 Words   |  6 Pagesinstance, one could look at the movies A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Shakespeare in Love. The latter follows the life of William Shakespeare himself, everything from his love affair with Viola de Lesseps to his creation of Romeo and Juliet. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is one of the most famous plays of Shakespeare’s, revolving around the tumultuous relationships of four lovers, aided, and sometimes thwarted by the mischief of fairies. Although Shakespeare in Love outlines a few of the characteristicsRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream830 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves stories of social ranks in the commedia dell’arte and some of its easily recognized stock characters. Shakespeare uses commedia dell’arte characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to capture our imagination and amuse us. Commedia dell’arte includes three classes of characters in its performances. These characters are the vecchi, innamorati, and the zanni (McCarter.org). The vecchi are usually the nobility or masters. The vecchi in A MidsummerRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1548 Words   |  7 Pagesspoken by Helena in Act 1 Scene 1 line 234, explains that it matters not what the eyes see but what the mind thinks it sees. In the play, A Midsummer Night s Dream, written by William Shakespeare, there are several instances where the act of seeing is being portrayed. The definition of vision is the ability to see, something you imagine or something you dream. This proves that even though one has the ability to see; the mind tends to interfere and sometimes presents a different picture. VariousRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream867 Words   |  4 Pagesspecifically how they will benefit that other person, you’re in love.† In A Midsumm er Night s Dream, William Shakespeare intertwined each individual characters. Through the concept of true love and presented to the audiences a twisted yet romantic love story. The love stories of Renaissance are richly colorful, so Shakespeare used multiple literary techniques to present to the readers a vivid image of true love. Shakespeare applied metaphor in the lines of Lysander. In Act 1, scene 1, Lysander says

Analysis Of The Movie Pleasantville - 1325 Words

Jeneen Salti Sociology 19 September 2016 Prof. patelly I can tell you that anyone who has patience in today’s world is not such what we call this place friendly. Pleasantville maybe pleasant, but not at all, it’s just the name â€Å"Pleasantville† is just a simple twist that’s all. David Wagner is a simple, nerdy kid with the fifties addiction in the movie. He s obsessed with the fifty show â€Å"Pleasantville† that plays reruns. This is set in a simple place where everyone is everyone is a perfect character and perky, hostile is dirty word and life is pleasingly pleasant. David addicted to this perfect ideal world, David deepens himself in Pleasantville as an innocent escape from the tough world in his era, that he must share with pretty, popular twin sister, Jennifer. In the movie, one evening, life just his them. This is where it takes an unexpected twist when an unexpected repairman gives them a unique remote control, which takes David and his sister straight into Pleasantville. They become Bud and Mary Sue Parker, the children of Betty and George Parker, the family in the television show. The film also proves that there is no perfect way of life. This is shown when Bud and Mary Sue’s perfect family life falls apart, when their mother, Betty leaves them and their father to do things for themselves that she usually did. The father is confused and very upset about this because he is use to the way that things were. Obviously the mother was not happy with the way that thingsShow MoreRelatedPleasantville1586 Words   |  7 PagesNovember 15th, 2010 Utopia/Dystopia Dr. Viau Pleasantville Pleasantville is a great movie with many hidden messages. The not so obvious but informative messages are one of best aspects of this nineties flick. The special effects are impressive considering this movie is indeed from the nineties. Pleasantville touches base on many actual conflicts in America and throughout history in the most subtle but blunt way. My favorite thing about this movie is how it takes this blind community and showsRead MoreColor Change In Pleasantville889 Words   |  4 PagesPleasantville Analysis Essay In Pleasantville, Gary Ross uses â€Å"Across the Universe† In order to highlight the characters acceptance of their new world of change. The lyrics â€Å"Nothings gonna change my world† defines the thought process of the characters from Pleasantville. The instrument used in these defining words is the idea that, as much as the world around a person changes, the person will picture the happy days that they have experienced. The expression on the casts faces is the brief look

Bowlbys Attachment Theory And Attachment - 1274 Words

According to Simply Psychology, Bowlby’s attachment theory says an individual can have an attachment with someone that is not shared. Attachment is characterized by behaviors in children such as seeking proximity with their attachment figure when upset. Bowlby’s experiments led him to see the importance of a child and mother relationship. (Saul McLeod, 2009) With more research later came four phases of attachment. Phase one is from birth to two months, this stage is where babies seek comfort, and can attach to anyone. Phase two is from two months to seven months. Babies start to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar faces. Also, they can tell between primary and secondary caregivers. Phase three is seven to 24 months old. This phase is when babies have the knowledge of who their caregiver is, which causes separation anxiety when the caregiver has to leave. Phase four is from 24 months and after, which is when the child can reciprocate the relationship. (Maianu, 2 015) Growing up I spent most of my time with my mom, and grandma. Since my mom was a single mom I feel that I did not get an equal balance of the top and bottom of the circle very well. I would say that my mom would let me explore but not to the fullest, and my grandma would let me explore as much as I wanted. My mom would either put too much of a restriction on the exploration or stay to close. When I was with my grandma, she would let me go off and explore and check in on me every so often. There were a fewShow MoreRelatedBowlbys Theory of Attachments854 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Bowlby’s Theory Attachment is a strong and emotional bond that develops over time between two individuals that is reciprocal. 1. THE THEORY * Bowlby’s theory suggests that attachment is evolutionary and is needed to aid survival. * He did observational research to link orphans with psychological damage. * Babies are helpless and rely on adults. They make instinctive decisions because they haven’t actually learnt anything yet. Bowlby said that babies must be genetically programmedRead MoreBowlbys Theory Of Attachment1378 Words   |  6 PagesBowlby (1969) and his theory of attachment: An example of an extreme nature theorist is Bowlby (1969) and his theory of attachment. Bowlby believed that all mental health and behavioural problems could be linked to early childhood health. Bowlby’s theory suggests that all children are biologically pre-programmed to form relationships and attachments with others before they are even born for survival and that the fear of strangers in babies and young children represents an important survival mechanismRead MoreBowlbys Attachment Theory Essay1943 Words   |  8 PagesBowlbys Attachment Theory Findings form animal studies were a powerful influence on Bowlbys thoughts. He suggested too that there was a critical period for the development of attachments between infant and care giver. According to Bowlby infants display an innate tendency to become attached to one particular individual. He called this monotropy. He suggested this tendency was qualitatively different from any subsequent attachment a child might form. However, heRead MoreJohn Bowlbys Theories of Attachment Theory949 Words   |  4 Pagesdo not develop in a void or as â€Å"individual monads† but as members of interacting systems. Bowlby developed his theory on attachment for several decades, and at a time where any dealings with childhood trauma were still rigorously influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis through the likes of psychoanalysts such Anna Freud or Melanie Klein. Even Winnicott was â€Å"revulsed† upon reading Bowlbys papers (siegel). It certainly was a bitter pill to swallow for psychoanalysts who had been repeating since FreudRead MoreModifications of Bowlbys Attachment Theory Essay1724 Words   |  7 PagesModifications of Bowlbys Attachment Theory Bowlbys original theory of attachment was concerned with the bonding relationship that develops between an infant and his primary caregiver. He believed the process of bonding to have a biological basis as the genes of those infants who successfully sought the protection of a caregiver (from predators and other dangers) will have survived and been passed on. Bowlby also formulated the Maternal Deprivation hypothesis (1953)Read MoreBowlby’s Attachment Theory Essay example1156 Words   |  5 PagesBowlby’s attachment theory has greatly influenced practice. His theory of attachment explains the importance of having a figure that the child shares a strong bond with. Having an attachment can significantly support a child’s development as Barbara Woods suggests that â€Å"his theory of attachment proposed that attachment is innate in both infants and mothers, and that the formation of this attachment is crucial for the infants development† Wood, B (2001, p.53). Bowlby believed that forming an attachmentRead MoreJohn Bowlbys Attachment Theory Essay2161 Words   |  9 PagesJohn Bowlby’s attachment theory established that an infant’s earliest relationship with their primary caregiver or mother shaped their later development and characterized their human life, â€Å"from the cradle to the grave† (Bowlby, 1979, p. 129). The attac hment style that an infant develops with their parent later reflects on their self-esteem, well-being and the romantic relationships that they form. Bowlby’s attachment theory had extensive research done by Mary Ainsworth, who studied the mother-infantRead MoreLearning Theory Of Attachment And The Other Being Bowlbys Evolution Theory1692 Words   |  7 Pageslater life. Attachment theories are studied and the effect of no attachment or disrupted attachment is studied and aimed to be resolved. John Bowlby defined attachment as the emotional and physical connection that makes two people stay close to one another. It is between children and their primary caregivers (Psychologistworld.com, 2016). This essay will discuss and evaluate two theories of attachment: one being Dollard and Miller’s learning theory of attachment and the other being Bowlby’s evolutionRead MoreJohn Bowlbys Path to Developing the Attachment Theory Essay593 Words   |  3 Pagesmany different theories on this subject, but a well-known theory is the Attachment Theory written by John Bowlby in the mid-twentieth century. John Bowlby born on February 26, 1907, was a twentieth century psychologist who contributed too many modern day psychoanalytic theories. At a young age he hardly saw his mother due to the fact that she believed, like many other mothers at that time, affection and attention would lead to spoiling of the child. So he developed a deep attachment to his nanny sinceRead MoreHow Has Bowlby’s Original Formulation of Attachment Theory Essay example2374 Words   |  10 PagesBowlby’s (1946) original formulation of attachment theory drew upon both psychoanalytic and ethol ogical theory and generated a significant amount of subsequent research. The core principle behind Bowlby’s theory was that the formation of a stable, healthy attachment with a caregiver in the early years of life is the key for an infants’ future emotional, social and cognitive development. Bowlby explained that this primary attachment relationship develops because infants need a mechanism to ensure

Personal Reflection Free Essays

Helping those who can’t help themselves is a wonderfully rewarding, frustrating, fulfilling, but also draining experience. The circumstances surrounding the situation can make it stressful, but worth it once you’ve touched someone’s life. In this essay I will be sharing with you the different types of helpless people as well as share my opinions and ideas about the topic of helping those in need. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Reflection or any similar topic only for you Order Now There’s no feeling like the feeling of helping someone that is not capable of helping themselves. The circumstances surrounding the situation can be a lot to handle. For instance, when taking care of a child you are obligated to monitor his or her every movement because a child can easily move into harm’s way. The structure of a child is naturally delicate and fragile so it is extremely important to take that into consideration. Whether the child is playing in a jungle gym or simply running around injury is always a possibility. A child’s immaturity contends to hinder his or her senses so it is up to the caretaker to use their more sensible point of view to make up for that. Children are very curious and adventurous beings and it can be said that â€Å"curiosity killed the cat. † Often children do not consider the possible repercussions of their uninhibited actions. It is an adult’s responsibility to supervise children in the proper manner to prevent them from making harmful or even life threatening decisions. Providing for a child is also a key factor in proper development. Providing for a child includes but is not limited to proper nourishment, a roof over his head, and clothing. Children need to have good sense of security in their lives which will result in them feeling more confident in themselves as they grow older. A baby not being fed is like a cow with no milk, meaning the baby will not operate correctly. Seeing that children are incapable of providing for themselves, the caretaker is responsible for feeding the child even if it requires them to scrape up ends meet. When nourishing a child the caretaker must provide the child with a substantial amount of food to encourage healthy physical growth. Proper clothing is essential. A child should have the right type of clothing for any particular climate or environment. Although it may be deemed as superficial, children ought to have clothing that is tasteful. Children can be quite cruel. No kid wants to be picked on because their attire lacks quality. An adult should know how to protect a child from those experiences because there is a point in time when a child is not aware of certain aspects of life. If anyone is going to take care of a child they had better make sure their foundation is sound environment because I imagine it would be difficult to raise a child in a hostile place. So many kids are forced to grow up in a rough neighborhood or house hold and it’s not fair to them because they have no control over the situation. I personally believe that there are way too many young women that are unqualified to be mothers but they’re having babies left and right. The government should interview and closely inspect some of these young women that are having babies to see what they’re lives are like and where there maternal maturity is before they allow them to take care of a baby. I feel as a result of that in the long run it will save these children’s lives in terms of having a relatively safe and healthy upbringing. Take note that I’m not implying that all young women shouldn’t be able to raise their own babies because they simply have the right too but on the other hand you can’t deny the fact that there is way too many young females getting pregnant that already live in bad conditions so why would anybody want to raise a child in those same conditions. Helping the homeless is another important issue that never seems to go away. I feel everybody in this world should have a roof over their heads and nobody should be forced to sleep outside especially with all the technical advances we have today. The government should build a system that’s makes sure everybody has an equal opportunity to work and have a real place to call home no matter what the circumstances. Of course we all know that a lot of people bring these situations upon themselves but everybody deserves a chance to right there wrongs. Sometimes all a person needs is a second chance to get back on their feet and I don’t feel enough homeless people are getting that chance in life. If the government created a program that picked up all the homeless people off these streets, cleaned them up, and provided them with descent enough paying jobs I feel it would make a positive impact on our communities. It’s easy to look at a homeless person sitting on the side of the street or where ever you might find one and pass instant udgment on them but know one truly knows what that persons been through that got them to that point yet people still cast them out of regular society. All of these people living lavished lives in the suburbs with no financial worries should be contributing towards getting these homeless people off the streets but unfortunately it’s rare to find a rich person with that mentality to go out of their way to help the less fortunate. Handing a homeless person a few dollars is easy to do. It may be a good gesture but in reality it’s really not going to take him/her too far or get them out of the situation there in. The community has to do more to make bigger changes happen but it all starts with the individuals that really want the rewarding feeling of saving another persons life. Lastly, another group of people that could use some help is the elderly. While plenty of the elderly are capable of helping themselves, there are also those who are incapable. They are plagued with conditions that keep them from being able to do certain things. I realize that a high percentage of our younger generation do not seem to think of the elderly in the light that they should. This seems to be rather common in today’s society. In some cases the elderly aren’t capable of doing certain activities so I feel that every elderly person should be provided with free life assistance. That type of help should not be restricted solely to a retirement home. It should be for every elderly person that can no longer perform everyday tasks. If I were in the right position of power I would create a program that allows the elderly to contact a service in which they would have a free membership to receive transportation when needed, grocery delivery, in home physical therapy and free built in security system. All elderly people deserve to have it easy after enduring such a hard, long journey called life, and for their contributions to society. These are some ideas to assist the elderly and prove our gratitude for their lives. Hopefully my opinions and thoughts on helping those in need have sparked an inspiration for you to extend a helping hand to our society. The more compassion and care we show to the people around us, the better society we become as a whole. How to cite Personal Reflection, Essay examples

Affects Of The Enlightenment Essay Example For Students

Affects Of The Enlightenment Essay Many men and women had significant impacts on the historical period known as the Enlightenment. Three men that had such an impact on the Enlightenment were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Montesquieu. Each of these men had different theories and ideas about what type of government there should be. This resulted in many people having different opinions on how the government should rule their country. Due to this, the Enlightenment was a very chaotic and opinionated period. During the seventeenth century, England was on the verge of a civil war. It was split between an absolute monarchy and a self governed society. One man whobelieved in absolute monarchy was Thomas Hobbes. He believed in totalitarianism, which is when the government controls every aspect of your life. He believed this because he said that people could not have a self governed society because people are naturally corrupt and that a self governed society would cause chaos. Hobbes also supported absolutism because there was a non-educated population, and if that population governed itself, there would be craziness. He advocated that an absolute monarchy would protect the people and bring peace throughout the society. To share his ideas with the rest of the world, he published a book called Leuathon. This book shared his beliefs about absolutism. Hobbes felt very strong about his beliefs and he had many supporters. But there were other enlightened thinkers who disagreed with him. John Locke was also an enlightened thinker but disagreed with Hobbes. Locke believed in a limited government. He believed in this because a limited government was established to protect the people and their rights. Locke stated that the people had a right to overthrow the government if it violated their natural rights. The natural rights were liberty, life, and property. Property was one of the rights because land equals wealth. Locke based his theories on natural law and social contracts. A social contract is when people create a government to protect their natural rights, and if the government fails to protect these rights, or violates them, then the people have the right to rebel. Locke also published a book called Two Treatises of Government. He called it this because there were two sides of government that people were fighting for. Montesquieu was an enlightened thinker who believed in Lockes theories more than Hobbes. He believed in separation of powers within a government. This is where there is a legislative, executive and judicial branch within the government. The legislative branch would make the laws, the executive branch would enforce the laws, and the judicial branch would interpret the laws. His social views were very similar to Locks. He believed in pro individual rights. This is where the people have freedom of speech, economic equality, social equality, and freedom of publication. He too published his own book called The Spirit of Laws in1748. The Enlightenment was a very different period because of all these different ideas about how the government should be run.This sparked people to start thinking about the government on their own and having their own opinions. The Enlightenment was a type of revolution because it changed the way people thought and how peopleviewed their own government. Even though these three men were very influential, there were many other great speakers and leaders who affected the people and the government. History Essays

Integrated Information System Proposal Information System

Question: Describe the Integrated Information System Proposal for Information System. Answer: AWC Existing Computer Systems In general, a critical assessment of current Information System (IS) to support the operations of the various entities within AWC Group of companies reveals that it is obsolete. The implication of this observation is that AWC is not in a position to compete favorably with some of its competitors. Moreover, this also implies that the existing IS has a high operational cost, insecure, inefficient, and that the integrity of the data it disseminates to the organization to facilitate the various decision-making processes is questionable. In a nutshell, AWC is in a stage that is traditionally identified to as technological obsolescence. According to Feldman and Sandborn (2007), technological obsolesce refers to the condition in which a service or product is no longer needed despite the same being a working condition. Therefore, in the context of AWC, this implies that although the organizations IS continues to work or function properly, the company no longer needs it. Ideally, the general rationale behind the occurrence technological obsolesce is as a result of new technological products and innovations entering the market with the primary goal of replacing the older versions of the same technological products and innovations (Sandborn 2007). Subsequently, it is important for the Board of Directors to note that the DataAction system used in the Adelaide headquarters for purposes of integrating the organizations financial accounting system does not support sales and marketing. Moreover, the companys raw materials inventory for the glass bottling plant is being tracked using a Peartree Module, which parenthetically was never converted over to the DataAction, despite the fact that the organization continues to make vendor payments through the existing accounting system. Accordingly, the status of the DataAction and the use of the Peartree Module to monitor the raw materials inventory for the glass bottling plant restrict the companys operational efficiency, and more importantly, raise fundamental questions on the accuracy of the payments the company is making towards the vendors. The fact that the Peartree Module is not integrated or converted over to the DataAction means that AWC is not in a position to verify the quantity and quality of the raw materials that are used in the glass bottling plant. Hence, there is a significant possibility that the organization could be making losses without sufficient knowledge of the same. Nevertheless, the companys procurement division has an IS that runs a proprietary Supply Chain Management (SCM) system that has not been integrated into any other system. Interestingly, this lack of SCM system integration is evident despite the companys Sale and Marketing office in Sydney using a separate computer system that runs a proprietary logistics program, which parenthetically helps the office with wine shipment to the overseas distribution centres. In addition, the Sydney-based system also has another application that is used to provide the basic Information Technology (IT) support for its sales and marketing operations. The implication of this failure to integrate the SCM system with the Sydney-based Sales and Marketing system is that the company cannot effectively monitor its supply chain management and that the decisions that the organizations makes in so far as its production operations are concerned are not properly tied to an accurate database. Furthermore, this also m eans that both the past and current production decisions may have not been premised on unreliable data and hence, could have contributed to AWC not performing at an optimal level. In addition, the failure to integrate the procurements proprietary SCM system to any other system within the organization does raise critical questions on the integrity of the data as well as its security should the system fail at any given time. The possibility of the SCM system failure also poses a considerable risk on data recovery and normalization of operations in the organization in case of a serious failure. On the other hand, the companys failure to integrate the procurement divisions proprietary SCM system to any other system within the company has resulted in the company losing several benefits that ordinarily accrue from such a system, for example increased flexibility, improved inventory management, and increased profit margins due to a reduced cost structure (Cousins Menguc 2006; Ballou 2007). Interestingly, each of the organizations winery operates a separate network of Personal Computer (PC) that is connected to the Internet through a server. The production data for each of the wineries is stored on separate databases and routinely disseminated to the organizations headquarters at Adelaide where it is consolidated into AWCs database. Additionally, the production and bottling operations for each of the wineries lacks automation. Moreover, the companys DataAction system is also for billing and invoicing the customers, as well as for internal accounting. Furthermore, the finance department uses the DataAction system to prepare the payrolls and other employee compensation packages. Nonetheless, the systems capability to handle international sales is not reliable. In summary, the general conclusion on the status of AWCs current computer system is that its operation cost is relatively high, inefficient, insecure, and has a considerably low data integrity level. Consequently, t here is an urgent need by the Board of Directors to consider a complete of overhaul of the companys present computer system and simultaneously, replacing the same with a more robust and significantly updated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The importance of a new ERP system to AWC would contribute to the improvement of the organizations ERP system modules, including: sales order processing, product life cycle, customer relation management, decision support system, warehouse management, human resources management, and customer relationship management (Lall Teyarachakul, 2006; Ngai, Law Wat 2008). In this report to the firms Board of Directors, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) proposes the adoption of SAP ECC as the companys new ERP system. Detailed Description of the ERP System Implementation To begin with, it is crucial for the Board to understand that the replacement of the existing ERP system with the proposed system should not be done hurriedly because such an action may lead to detrimental impacts on the operations of the businesses, including halting completely some of the activities. According to Chou Chang (2008), the replacement of an ERP system in an organization needs to be implemented in a well-structured framework. The researchers explicate that the framework should comprise of logical phases that take into account a transition phase. However, before exploring the specific or particular phases for implementing the suggested ERP system, that is, the ECC, it important for the Board to observe that there is no single approach for implementing a new ERP system in any organization (Quiescenti et al., 2006). Regardless of the same, Quiescenti et al. (2006) explain that there are at least five themes, if strictly followed, can help to facilitate a successful ERP sy stem transformation process within an organization, namely: (a) effective governance and leadership; (b) sound program management using the appropriate resources; (c) clarity on vendor management; (d) an excellent understanding of the various data legacy system; and (e) addressing the change management problem. Ideally, the mentioned themes form a broad ERP system implementation strategy for any organization in any sector or industry. In regard to the theme of effective governance and leadership, Quiescenti et al. (2006) as well Monk and Wagner (2012) agree that the establishment of an effective governance and leadership framework for an ERP program from the beginning of the implementation stage is a critical factor that determines the success of the transformation process. According to Monk and Wagner (2012), the senior managers of the organization must at the same time develop the strategic direction for the firms strategic program. Monk and Wagner (2012) further point out that as the ERP system implementation process continues to be adopted within the enterprise, there is usually a cost implication attached to the same. Hence, it is important that a coordinated and well-planned governance structure is put in place from the earliest phases, particularly during the organizations budgetary phase. Accordingly, this ensures that there is sufficient support of the implementation process throughout the entire duration . In a nutshell, tight control and explicit visibility of every aspect of the ERP program is fundamental and must be recognized as a priority for the leaders from the beginning. Therefore, this theme emphasizes the importance of stakeholder management during the ERP system adoption and at the same time, encourages the leaders of the enterprise to ensure that the senior stakeholders of the organization own the business case. On the other hand, on the aspect of sound program management with the appropriate resources, it is critical that the organization resources the system with the right people (Wang et al. 2007). The researchers explicate that the initial step in any ERP program implementation process for any organization is to identify and select the relevant resources that would deliver it. Therefore, it is important that the system is resourced with adequate number of employees focused on its delivery, which in many cases will entail full time participation. In addition, the competence and skills of the selected individuals should also be the best available to the organization. Subsequently, Monk and Wagner (2012) opine that it is paramount for organizations to put together a team of experts before product selection and definitely prior the ultimate solution is agreed. The authors share the view that it is better to take more time in recruiting the appropriate staff onto the program from the start th an rush into making early decisions that may eventually delay the project in case it is revisited. Ideally, Lall and Teyarachakul (2006) recommend that the ERP system implementation programme should traditionally be staffed with a mixture of experienced, senior individuals, from both technical and functional domains, as well as more junior employees performing the role of staff. In this context, it is important that the staff seconded from the organization do not feel that their career advancement is at risk (Hendricks, Singhal Stratman 2007; Monk and Wagnerm 2012). Consequently, it is the sole duty of the leaders of the programme to ensure that the staffs on the project are significantly motivated and that they view the program as one of the opportunities in the organization to develop their skills and knowledge, as well as accelerate the growth of the career. Indeed, if the programme is worth implementing, it will be driving critical change within the organization and the entire team involved in the delivery of the project would feel that their contribution is recognized and va lued (Bradley 2008). Parenthetically, the leaders of the program develop reasonable plan that they can manage effectively. Nevertheless, on the theme of clarity involving the management of the vendor, the ERP system implementation leaders should focus on achieving three fundamental objectives (Moon 2007; Monk Wagner, 2012). First, the leaders must assess the requirements of the business reasonably accurately. In other words, before the program leaders engage the relevant vendors for the program, they should first ensure that the requirements of the business of the ERP system suite are precisely determined (Park, Suh Yang 2007). A comprehensive and consultative description of the requirements will ensure that there is an optimal fit between the solutions offered by the ERP suite and the required solution. In turn, this will reduce, or ideally exclude, any potential future changes in the scope and possible ERP system modifications which augment capital as well as the continuing cost of the programme. Second, the leaders must actively manage the changes in the ERP scope. Clearly, the changes in the progra m scope must have a close correlation with the additional benefits and should only be approved when it is established that they can successfully go through the change control process. The significance of this is that limits the possibility of the organization incurring irrelevant costs associated with the firm acquiring a suite that does not accurately match the business requirements. Finally, the program leaders must be explicit about the roles and responsibilities of the vendor. In a pragmatic sense, as the things become increasing complex and the number of vendors increases during the ERP program implementation, it is critical that the leaders of the program come up with a centralised function for managing the various vendors. Accordingly, this would ensure that there is no duplicity of roles and responsibilities and thus, no wastage of the limited resources. In contrast, on the theme of excellent understanding of the various data legacy systems, organization should focus on initiating data management at the earliest opportune time and dedicate sufficient resources for its data legacy systems (Nah Delgado 2006; Sandborn 2007; Monk Wagner, 2012). The early management of data should entail the routine and continuous maintenance of the data that is entered into the system to reduce ideally eliminate dirty data that results from incorrect data entry, past work-arounds, duplication. On the other hand, the dedication of sufficient resources for the management of the data legacy systems is important in that it facilitates the selection of the right individuals who understand well the legacy systems as well as the data from the onset of the program. Hence, the knowledge of these individuals on the use of legacy data and its significance to the implementation of the ERP program is considerably important. Finally, on the aspect of addressing the change management challenge, the program leaders are advised, among other things, to establish a change network, communicate effectively, set-up the enterprise to work in a different approach, and embed training in order to yield the best out of the new EPR system (Dezdar Sulaiman 2009; Monk Wagner, 2012). Accordingly, the impact of the new ERP system on the people that use it, regardless of the real enhancements to the program, defines whether a system is a success or otherwise. Of significance to note is that in situations where an ERP system is implemented effectively, some of the organizations workforce have to be replaced, thereby making the undertaking of engaging those employees that remain even more challenging. Overall, based on the explored five themes on ERP system implementation, the specific steps that this report recommends to the Board on AWCs ERP system implementation will involve ten steps, which are: (i) need assessment; (ii) hire a team of professionals; (iii) the ERP system evaluation and selection; (iv) prepare for change; (v) prepare data; (vi) implement the selected ERP system; (vii) test the implemented ERP system; (viii) provide training and education to the employees; (ix) Activate the ERP system; and (x) perform routine maintenance of the new ERP system. With regard to phase three of the implementation process, the CFO recommends to the Board to consider adopting the The SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) because of its wide scope in terms of modules as well as reported efficiency and effectiveness. The Facilities in SAP Solution Manager The SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) is described as an enterprise resource planning software, which incidentally comprises of various modules that offer organizations increased control over their crucial business processes (Solutions, C. (2016). Therefore, as a result of this resource planning enterprises wide module composition, it is conclusive to opine that it will be an ideal ERP program for the most the of AWCs operations. According to Cipher Business Solutions (2016), the modules in ECC possess the capability of communication with each other and consequently, are able to establish a fully integrated solution that is specific to nearly all types of customers within a broad array of industry sectors. Accordingly, the industrial diversity of the ECC means that is going to be an effective ERP system for the organization. Overall, the SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) tools and services include all organizational modules such enterprise services documentation, manufacturing execution, manufacturing integration and intelligence. Summary of the 4 SAP Business Suites The 4 SAP Business Suites comprises of a collection of business applications that offer integration of information as well as processes, functionality and scalability that is specific to a particular industry, and collaboration (Stagge 2010). Fundamentally, this Business Suites is mainly based on SAPs technology platform that is commonly referred to as the NetWeaver. Apart from the ECC, the other SAP applications that will be needed to satisfy the organizations future IT requirements include: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) (Stagge 2010). Accordingly, the mentioned 4 SAP Business Suites will enable AWC to acquire the ability to engage in e-commerce in the future. Summary of the Functional Areas within AWC During the adoption of the proposed ERP program in the organizations IS, this report recommends to the Board to consider a considerable Business Process Reengineering (BPR) to be conducted on three functional areas of the current system, which are: the DataAction syatem, the Peartree Module, and the proprietary SCM system of the Sales and Marketing Department. A BPR on these functional areas will be important in improving the ERP systems reliability, accuracy, data integrity, and data security, among other benefits to the organization. Summary of Training Needs On completion of the ERP implementation process, particularly after it has been configured throughout the organization, this report recommends that all the staffs involved in the use and maintenance of the system should be trained on how to use the program. The report further recommends that the Board needs to consider finding a group of experts that specialize in onsite training to provide the employees all the training needed for the operation and maintenance of the system. Additionally, the organizations IT team should be accorded extra training on ways through which it can resolve any technical problems that are likely to arise in the future. Significance of the Proposed ERP System to AWC In conclusion, the significance of the proposed ERP system to AWC in the context of acquiring new information, and improving its competitive edge over its main competitors in the market under which it operates cannot be over-emphasized. Accordingly, among other numerous benefits to the company, the proposed ERP system will improve productivity, flexibility, as well as customer responsiveness; eliminate inefficiencies and costs; improve data consistency; and extend the business using the Internet. The report strongly recommends to the Board the adoption of the proposed ERP system, including the recommendation on how the system should be implemented throughout the organization. References Ballou, R.H., 2007. Business logistics/supply chain management: planning, organizing, and controlling the supply chain. Delhi, India: Pearson Education India. Bradley, J., 2008. Management based critical success factors in the implementation of enterprise resource planning systems. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 9(3), pp.175-200. Chou, S.W. and Chang, Y.C., 2008. The implementation factors that influence the ERP (enterprise resource planning) benefits. Decision support systems, 46(1), pp.149-157. Cipher Business Solutions (2016). SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) - Cipher Business Solutions. [online] Cipher Business Solutions. Available at: https://www.cipherbsc.com/solutions/sap-erp-central-component-erp-ecc/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2016]. Cousins, P.D. and Menguc, B., 2006. The implications of socialization and integration in supply chain management. Journal of operations management, 24(5), pp.604-620. Dezdar, S. and Sulaiman, A., 2009. Successful enterprise resource planning implementation: taxonomy of critical factors. Industrial Management Data Systems, 109(8), pp.1037-1052. Feldman, K. and Sandborn, P., 2007, January. Integrating technology obsolescence considerations into product design planning. In ASME 2007 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference (pp. 981-988). American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Gupta, M. and Kohli, A., 2006. Enterprise resource planning systems and its implications for operations function. Technovation, 26(5), pp.687-696. Hendricks, K.B., Singhal, V.R. and Stratman, J.K., 2007. The impact of enterprise systems on corporate performance: A study of ERP, SCM, and CRM system implementations. Journal of Operations Management, 25(1), pp.65-82. Lall, V. and Teyarachakul, S., 2006. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system selection: a data envelopment anaysis (DEA) approach. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 47(1), pp.123-127. Lall, V. and Teyarachakul, S., 2006. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system selection: a data envelopment anaysis (DEA) approach. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 47(1), pp.123-127. Monk, E. and Wagner, B., 2012. Concepts in enterprise resource planning. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Moon, Y.B., 2007. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): a review of the literature. International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 4(3), pp.235-264. Nah, F.F.H. and Delgado, S., 2006. Critical success factors for enterprise resource planning implementation and upgrade. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 46(5), pp.99-113. Ngai, E.W., Law, C.C. and Wat, F.K., 2008. Examining the critical success factors in the adoption of enterprise resource planning. Computers in Industry, 59(6), pp.548-564. Park, J.H., Suh, H.J. and Yang, H.D., 2007. Perceived absorptive capacity of individual users in performance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) usage: The case for Korean firms. Information Management, 44(3), pp.300-312. Quiescenti, M., Bruccoleri, M., La Commare, U., Noto La Diega, S. and Perrone, G., 2006. Business process-oriented design of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for small and medium enterprises. International Journal of Production Research, 44(18-19), pp.3797-3811. Sandborn, P., 2007. Software obsolescence-Complicating the part and technology obsolescence management problem. IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies, 30(4), pp.886-888. Stagge, C. (2010). One for All: 365 days of SAP Business Suite. [online] SAP News Center. Available at: https://news.sap.com/business-suite-erp/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2016]. Wang, E.T., Lin, C.C.L., Jiang, J.J. and Klein, G., 2007. Improving enterprise resource planning (ERP) fit to organizational process through knowledge transfer. International Journal of Information Management, 27(3), pp.200-212.

Information System of Mashreq Bank

Objectives of the Research Paper The objective of this research is to demonstrate how Mashreq Bank has benefited from the adoption and implementation of Microsoft windows based platform in its core banking operations. The windows platform is becoming increasingly attractive to large banks. It is used to support their primary banking services that include ATM, Internet banking in addition to branch and call center operations.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Information System of Mashreq Bank specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Overview and background for Mashreq Bank Mashreq bank is the largest private sector bank operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company has approximately USD $14 billion worth of assets. The bank offers financial services through its 60 branches in UAE and Qatar. Mashreq is regarded as a pioneer in banking in the UAE fully dedicated to offering full financial services both to its commercial and retail banking customers. It was the pioneer bank in the region to issue credit, and debit cards, implement a call center, 24-7 access to automated teller machine, and link its branches to a centralized online database. Before shifting to the windows based platform the company had significant performance challenges in meeting service levels on the Unisys (NCR) mainframe processor. Batch processing consumed up to six hours on a daily basis and up to nine hours at the end of the month. Furthermore, the central processing unit usage was approximately 90% that resulted in backlogs in processing and reduced the companys ability to meet new product and processing demands. Mashreq Bank Vision and Mission The banks vision of single minded devotion and leadership differentiates it from the competition. The mission include; delivery of superior service, becoming customers primary bank, being the preferred employer and establishing good relationship with all the stakeholder s. These are meant to ensure that the company delivers optimal value to its stakeholders. Mashreq service units and product Divisions The bank has four major divisions that include; financial institutions, corporate, personal and SME banking. Financial Institutions These division deals with the provision of tailored financial solutions to the banks institutional clients. Products and services offered under this category include trade and account services, virtual branch, funds transfer, cash letter services and online banking services (Mashreg 1).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Corporate Division The corporate division handles issuance of checkbooks, maintenance of accounts, cash management products and payments, in ward and outward remittances, updating of trade license and the provision of letters of credit, documentary collections, discounting and guarantees (Ma shreg 2) Personal Banking Division This division offers deposit and deposit growth services, borrowing services that include; loans, credit cards and overdraft facilities. Customers are also provided with mobile and inline banking platforms for them to manage their finances (Mashreg 1). SME Banking Division The financial solutions offered under the SME division are similar to those of personal banking category except that they are offered to small and medium enterprises. Organizational Chart (Source: Cogmap 1) Role of Information Systems in Mashreq’s Strategy and Business Model.  Mashreqs Strategy The bank pursues a strategy of operating prudently and profitably. In the banks strategic plan over the period 2011-2013, the bank intends to maintain its leading position as a financial solutions provider not only in the UAE but also in the wider Arab region.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Information System of Mashreq Bank specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In its lending operations, the bank has been very cautious in avoiding instances of bad debts and non-performing loans. In terms of technology, following the Banks adoption of Microsoft platform, the bank has strengthened its online banking system by upgrading to a new online banking system that has enhanced security features. The new Microsoft platform has provided Mashreq customers with added banking services, increased the customers security level and widened the scope of financial transactions. The banks adoption of online banking is part of Mashreqs broader strategy geared toward the delivery of convenience and security in online banking transactions. Because of its leadership in technological innovation, Mashreq opted to upgrade its mainframe infrastructure. The bank wanted a system that could well apply in its development cycles, a system that could easily connect core banking applications and other banking systems. The companys management were interested in a system that could support its continued expansion and high volumes of transactions arising from the growth. As at 2005, the daily peak average for the bank stood at 1.5 million transactions and a result the new system had to handle such a large load and even more. After consultation with the Dubai Microsoft office, the company opted for a solution based on Microsoft technology (Microsoft 2). The new Microsoft platform was subjected to a series of tests before the bank adopted it. The results from the test indicated that the volume of online transaction processing increased by 60 percent compared to the Unisys mainframe environment. Similarly batch processing results indicated that the new platform was 300 percent faster than the mainframe. Because of the positive results, Mashreq bank fully migrated to SQL server 2000 and windows server 2003 64-bit technology. Role of Information Systems at Mashreq Bank Through the new system, the bank h as achieved more stable operations. In the first six months following the adoption of windows platform, the bank brought down the number of critical incidences involving its SQL server based banking platform. The positive outcome was a result of the good architecture provided by the windows based information system and optimization from the Dedicated Support Engineers (DSEs). Given that it was a new system, Microsoft gave the company a team of experts to help the company address ant incidences and know how to avoid similar problems in the future (Horton 6).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The number of reactive incidents also declined. Other than improving the availability of the banks core banking servers, the IT team at Mashreq in collaboration with Dedicated Support Engineers (DSEs) worked together to improve and optimize Mashreqs internet information systems (IIS) which is the engine for its online banking services for both retail and business customers. The bank undertook a thorough check to ascertain if the new system was properly configured. Once this was confirmed, it embarked on the application of best practices. Because of these initiatives, Mashreq has managed to significantly reduce the volume of imprudent occurrences in the bank. From adoption, only one reactive occurrence has been reported at the bank in a period of five months. In general, the new banking platform has increased the level of service delivery and enhanced the banks ability to address emergencies. For example suppose there is an interruption in the main banking system, the bank has a rese rve backup that immediately fills the gap and service should continue without interruption. Similarly, the bank has achieved significant cost reductions following the adoption of the new information system. The moved from a reactive approach to critical incidences and embraced a more proactive approach. Similarly, the bank has engaged in server consolidation and virtualization. These developments have brought significant flexibility to the bank, and significantly reduced on its operating expenses. The duration of query at the bank reduced from half an hour to only 3 seconds. To date, the performance of Mashreq banks performance on the new SQL server has exceeded expectations. The bank significantly boosted its speed in processing operations especially for large volumes of time series data covering several years. In one instance, the bank managed to process 100 million records in only three seconds. This is quite remarkable considering that under the old platform it would have taken up to half an hour. The results are impressive considering that the SQL server is being run in a production environment and as a result able to deliver actual results. Using the new server, the bank has widened its presence. The SQL server is always on and provides high usability of the banks Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and other key banking systems (Injazz and Popovich 5). The bank fully provides round the clock services throughout the year. Whenever there is a software or server failure, it switches its database to a secondary backup server ensuring that there is no service interruption (non-stop banking systems). Increased productivity of information technology is another role which the new platform has provided. In addition to boosting its presence within UAE, the bank found that the SQL server is much easier to set up, and it is quite intuitive. With the new Microsoft based platform, a manager does not need high levels of special skills in order to successfull y execute and manage consistent application operation. Similarly, when compared to other banking databases, performance tuning of the SQL server does not consume much effort. With just a few internal systems, the server makes it possible for Mashreq bank to handle a number of activities for example operations, development and management all at a time. The bank has had the SQL server for a few years yet the level of performance improvement in the short duration is quite high. The banks workload volume running in the new system has significantly increased. Using the databases created the banks divisions were consolidated into a single system by the banks IT team. The consolidation has delivered even more efficiency and automation by creating a system that is ever on instead of doing it on a batch basis. Improved customer service delivery, one of the merits of the SQL server is that it offers accurate and up to date business intelligence. Through the system, Mashreq is able to deliver up-to-date business information across all its branches so that the branch managers can make informed decisions on a daily basis. With its expansion strategy in UAE and beyond, the company understands that if it is to be successful, then it must give full access to customer data to its local offices. Similarly, the financial requests from the local branches must be addressed with speed. In retail banking, it is important that a bank has instant access to data when serving the customers. Mashreq offers an operating environment where customer data and other useful information gathered are disseminated to all branch networks. The bank boasts of close contact with its customers, and with its branches fully equipped with customer data, they are able to provide quality services that exceed the customers expectations. All this has been made possible because of the upgrade to SQL server. The Components of Information Systems The Microsoft SQL server comprises of four major components of whi ch three are sporting acronyms. The list below is used in determining the components of SQL server. Database Engine: This section of the SQL server deals with coming up with interrelated databases, SQL Server Analysis: it is the element of data analysis of SQL server. It produces online analytical cubes that are programming objects responsible for classifying data inside an interlinked database and getting relevant data out of the database, SQS Server Reporting system: This element is responsible for providing reports irrespective of the operating system of the database SQL Server integration services: is a component of SQL server that performs the function of transforming, extracting and loading the process that converts raw data into information that is ready for use. Enterprise manager: He is responsible for providing a general overview of installation on the network. The administrative roles played are of high level that has an effect on one or more servers. He is also responsib le for planning maintenance duties and transform organization of personal data bases. Query Analyzer provides fast criteria for delivering queries against the database for SQL server. It helps in analyzing information out of the database in reply to the request of the user before putting it into practice in other applications, coming up with stored procedures and performs administrative duties. SQL profiler; it helps one to check various types of events and scrutinize the performance of the database at a specific time. SQL server enables one to repeat the path of the system that has various tasks. It is a significant tool responsible for detecting specific problems and determining performance related issues with the database. Service manager is responsible for controlling the SQL service agent processes, Microsoft distributed transaction coordinator, and the main SQL server process. It has an image of the system that is found in the tray of the machine that helps the SQL to run. The service manager helps in starting, pausing or stopping any of these services. Data transformation systems: It offers a method for exporting and importing data between the SQL installation and a group of other formats. The most common application of data transformation system is export and import data wizard found in the SQL server program group Books online is offered with SQL server that includes answers to various development, administrative, and installation issues. It is an important resource to consult in case of a technical support or before starting the internet. SQL server administrative characteristics-the major function of the SQL server is to reduce the required knowledge when coming up with database applications, its interface enables majority of the information technology staff to combine their efforts in development. The SQL server helps many companies in developing database applications at a low cost. The latest system used with SQL server brings some developments in the database administration hence making it cheaper over long term. The major characteristics include: Administration through DMF that make use of policy based management for effective governance of the database. Centralized management through a single and steady administration interface. Mechanized operations to carry out database maintenance duties and react to the system issues. Close supervision across the enterprise through the performance studio, offering simple mechanisms for reporting. SQL server layout in Mashreq Bank (Source: Mashreq 3) Type of Information System and Technology Used For the managerial duties, Mashreq bank utilizes Executive Support Systems (ESS) in most of its branches within UAE. The system is especially ideal for board directors in formulating policies that help in the running of the company. The system uses various data analysis and modeling techniques to analyze the information gathered from various branch databases. The databases provide details o n transactions carried out on daily basis. The branch information is then organized in the transaction processing system and translated into a form that the mangers can understand and use. The ESS system organizes information in a report format. The information indicates relevant patterns of profitability and demand useful in decision making and policy formulation. In addition, the ESS reports summarize the important details in a manner that can be easily understood by the companys board of directors who are in most cases busy. They give the directors an overview of how the company is operating. The system offers guidelines to managers on how they can formulate strategies which are later implemented by the branch managers through employees. The resulting strategies and objective are disseminated to the branches and the branch managers in turn pass them to the supervisors and employees at the branch level (Hunt 8). Mashreq departmental managers for example sales manager and public re lations manager make use of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in addition to Management Information Systems (MIS) in making departmental decisions. A marketing manager at Mashreq can use the management system and decision support system to come up with methods for increasing sales through marketing the branch at the grass root level. Through these systems, Mashreq has positioned itself ahead of the competitors. Mashreq bank equally uses Transaction Processing Systems (TPS). This system indicates the details of all the transactions undertaken at the branch level. The system is the foundation of all the other systems in the bank because it gives a significant amount of information on Mashreqs operations. The information gathered is utilized in executive support and management information systems to design services that meet the needs of the consumers. The sales division largely relies on the system in ascertaining the services and products that are most needed and as a result be in a pos ition to formulate the best promotional strategies. Majority of the information posted on the companys website is also sourced from the TPS. The last system in use is the Knowledge Management System (KMS). Through this system, the bank develops a central location in which a wide range of information is posted. The information posted in the central location comes from a number of sources that include research, transaction processing systems and employees. Employees are encouraged to share the ideas and opinions which can help the company improve performance and working conditions. The information collected is shared on the company intranet. Through this system, the bank has established productive relationship between management and employees because in the process of decision making, the management takes into consideration the views of the employees resulting in increased employee commitment and loyalty (Menon 4). Usability of Mashreqs Website Internet usage has enabled Mashreq bank to expand on the wide range of activities it provides. The bank has developed its own website to enable it perform these services better. The website information is readly accessible to the customers from wherever they are. For example, customers are able to access offshore and e commerce banking through its website. E-banking service has enabled the bank to serve its global customers. This banking service is provided to both nationals and internationals at a lower tax rate. This service is vital for foreign investors. The main objective of Mashreq bank coming up with this type of banking service was to provide banking services to people abroad. The bank has been able to win the trust and loyalty of its customers through maintaining a long-term good relationship with them. E-commerce and E-banking has enabled people to move from one country to another without moving with their finances. These customers can also possess debit cards that can enable them to own and access finances onli ne. Internet services allow people who practice offshore banking to access information internationally as long as they are connected. The bank uses the transaction processing system to provide information to its customers because it has information about the daily activities of the firm. The Mashreq bank uses this information to prepare bank statements and develop databases for its customers. Customers are able to access their bank accounts from where they are by logging in the website of the bank. Customers who are access to the internet can access their accounts at any time as long as they have access to the website of the bank. This enables customers to transfer money from and to their accounts at any time. It has also made it possible to access new electronic accounts. The website has also enabled customers to apply for loans and pay their bills from their homes. The bank also uses the knowledge information system to get information relating to the customers and the banks. The u se of internet and online banking has derived satisfaction to its customers. Comparison between the Current and the Previous Systems Previously, the bank was using the manual system before the introduction of online banking. For example customer who had an intention of opening an account in another country was expected to obtain a statement from the current account of Mashreq bank and present it to where he wished to open an account. The use of internet banking has changed this because a customer can open an account online. The bank also used UI system to perform its operations. Although there is introduction of the internet banking, some manual systems are still in operation. Disadvantages of Not Embracing the New Microsoft Technology Platform With the old Unisys mainframe, the bank suffered high maintenance costs and poor support from the vendors. In fact, with their NCR Unisys system coming to the end of its useful life, NCR would no longer offer support for the mainframe compute r and it was already getting difficult to find spare parts. Such a system could significant affect the banks performance because of failure to address issues quickly. Similarly, its growth prospects were limited by the functionality and capability of the old Unisys NCR system because of inability to initiate and implement new products in a timely manner. The old system was equally unable to deliver customer centricity which meant that the competitors were having an upper hand, and the company could not achieve the efficiencies associated with real-time straight through processing. Benefits of the Microsoft Platform to Mashreq Bank The bank enjoys more technological possibilities Following the adoption of Microsoft platform, Mashreq has a wider variety of technologies to choose from given that the technology is a viable option even under critical situations. The bank is working in collaboration with a team of experts from Microsoft and because of this the bank has fully taken advanta ge of new technologies as they become available. Its engagement with Microsoft has opened the bank to a wealth of possibilities. With a wide range of technology available at its disposal, Mashreq has embraced new technologies that address its needs and those of its customers. Savings in Deployment Effort and Time Just months following the negotiations between Microsoft and Mashreq bank, the bank had the SQL server 2000 solution up and running in its production process. Taking into consideration the size and scope of the new information system, its deployment was relatively faster compare to other information technology projects that the bank had undertaken. The Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) in Dubai offered training to Mashreq IT employees. The knowledge and skills that they gained through the training was very instrumental when the bank was migrating its core banking applications. The performance achieved in the production environment was even much better than the one registere d in the test environment. Readily Available Expertise Even though Mashreq bank has capable internal human capital, its engagement with MTC further provided the bank with the necessary expertise in helping the bank understand particular technologies and the best ways to achieve technical and business needs. The architecture provided by MTC highlights the importance of efficient use of technology. Currently, Mashreq bank is in a position to validate its proposed information system solutions and achieve high levels of performance. How information systems help the Mashreq deal with its problems and compete in the industry Currently, 70-75 percent of the banks initiatives are technology driven. To the bank, technology has moved from being an enabler to a critical growth driver. With its innovative technology, the bank is in a position to deliver creative product offerings to its corporate and retail clients. The bank was the pioneer in introducing chip card in the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) and the bank is striving to maintain its leading position in the market. Initially, the bank was facing a problem of obsolete technology which resulted in significant inefficiency in service delivery. To address this problem, the bank undertook organization-wide technology overhaul. Through this initiative, it replaced all legacy systems in its product processors, core banking, and front office systems. The change was not limited to software applications; the bank upgraded the hardware and the network as well. The bank upgraded into fault tolerant superdome servers and introduced new ATMs. In terms of processing, the bank introduced imaging and workflow. Initially, the bank focused on the adoption of homemade systems, however to address the associated inefficiencies, it the bank has now embraced the best of breed practices and solutions which have given it optimal gains in the competitive banking industry. By using the various information system technologies, Mashreq has manag ed to sufficiently its retail and corporate customers in the UAE. The banks management at various levels have managed serve millions of customers in the UAE market. In addition, a significant number of the management team uses the information systems in making decisions. The bank equally makes use of its internet to coordinate the activities of its branches. The information system has equally helped the bank to establish a number of systems that include business to customer (B2C), Business to Business (B2B), Customer to Business (C2B). Through these platforms, the bank has offered its various products to its customers. As a bank, Mashreq has successfully utilized a number of information systems in its operations. The systems have been utilized not only for functions within the company but also those outside the company. At the internal level, the systems have been instrumental by management all levels in decision making. In addition, the systems have facilitated the organization and dissemination of information to interested parties. The bank has also utilized the systems as a tool for marketing because it uses the system to update its customers of any improvement or the introduction of a new product or service. Other stakeholders have equally been able to access the banks information from its knowledge management system. Works Cited Cogmap. â€Å"Mashreq organizational chart.†Ã‚   2012. Web. Horton, D. â€Å"Bank in Dubai maximizes its core banking system through support engineer offering.† Mashreq. 2009. Web. Hunt, R. â€Å"Microsoft and core system vendors position windows for large banks: if you build it, will they come?† Tower Group. 2008. Web. Injazz, C. and Popovich, K. Understanding customer relationship management (CRM): People, process and technology. Business Process Management Journal 9. 5 (2003): 672-688. Mashreg. â€Å"Financial insititutions.† Mashreq. 2012. Web. Menon, S. Technology led innovation regime. Inside Talk 1.2 (2009): 1-3. Microsoft. â€Å"Mashreq employs virtualization benefits with VMware.† Customer Success Story. 2011. Web. This research paper on Information System of Mashreq Bank was written and submitted by user Charle1gh to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.