3 - Organization: Technology Management Flashcards
“Big Data”
Three features have changed technology requirements for organizations: volume, velocity, and variety.
Can help HR by collecting new data, using existing data more effectively, and allowing for better strategic analysis.
Information System Components
- Way to collect, organize, store, analyze, and share data.
- They feature four basic component tiers:
- Presentation
- Application
- Data
- Communications
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
- Designed to allow different parts of an organization to access the same data
- Designed for a generalized user’s needs
HR Information Systems (HRIS)
- Specific technology that supports HR functions
- Component of an ERP system
“Best of breed” BOB Systems
- HR technology products designed to serve unique situations or satisfy specific preferences
- May not communicate with an organization’s database successfully
Volume
- Datasets have grown so large that new tools are required to store, access, and analyze them.
- Cloud computing services—in which data is saved to remote servers that are connected through the Internet—has become a popular way to manage increasing amounts of data.
Velocity
- Data can flow into a system so quickly that its currency becomes an issue.
- Data analysis now requires real-time or almost real-time information.
- Data must be updated frequently or continuously throughout all points in the system.
Variety
- Data is not only numbers now. It may be still images, videos, or audio recordings.
- It may be imported from social media, mobile phones, or sensors (e.g., wearable technology such as badges).
- Systems must be capable of taking in these diverse forms and integrating them for storage and access.
Presentation Tier
- User interface with the system, the point at which the user can enter requests and receive responses.
- Traditional computer monitor or a mobile device.
- Incorporate a level of security to control access.
- Adaptable to users with different physical abilities
- sight
- hearing
- physical movement
Logic Tier
- Composed of system software and application software that enable operations.
- Operating system, which runs the interface with the presentation tier (or user)
- Moves data back and forth between the data tier and software
- Manages communication with hardware components (e.g., video cards, displays, printers)
- Controls system resources.
Data Tier
- Stores the information that will be used by the application tier to respond to user queries.
- Data can be stored on local drives, removable devices, and servers.
Communication Tier
- Enables sharing of data and applications by networking a computer (or mobile device) with other computers or servers.
- Networks can be private—e.g., local area networks, privately operated clouds, or virtual private networks (VPNs).
Scalability
- How to increase the amount of data stored without increasing processing time and how to manage capacity.
- Minimizing processing time is a technical design challenge; increasing capacity is an economic challenge.
- It is difficult to build capacity for future needs without creating waste in current practices.
Addressing IS Security
- Ensure confidence in security of purchased systems and software.
- Assign appropriate user security levels.
- Implement governance policies and processes to ensure transparency.
HR Technology Applications
- Automate complex processes
- Produce data for other applications
- Support data analysis
- Support compliance-related activities
Employee Self-Service Technologies
Enable employees to enter and edit their own data
Manager Self-Service Technologies
- Enable managers to handle HR-related transactions
- Save time for everyone
Purchasing Technology
- Assess needs
- Prioritize requirements
- Identify and assess providers
- Create a business case
- Implement and assess
- Internal Needs Assessment
After identifying all stakeholders, work to assess technology needs along three main fronts:
- HR needs
- User needs
- Organization needs
- Prioritize Requirements
What will meet our needs?
- On premises or in the cloud?
- Owned, leased/licensed, subscription?
- ERP solution or BoB HRIS system?

- Research Providers
- Search and review online articles and vendor websites.
- Review analyst reports.
- Ask for recommendations from industry colleagues.
- Contact existing vendors.
- Attend HR professional meetings and technology trade shows.
- Business Case
Any major IT purchase will have to:
- Align strategically with organizational and HR objectives.
- Add valuable capabilities.
- Affect organizational risk level in an acceptable manner.
- Provide a reasonable return on investment.
Data and System Security
- Limiting logical and physical access to data/systems
- Defending against hacking and social engineering
- Encrypting data that is transmitted or stored
Social Engineering
Train users to:
- Never disclose a password to anyone.
- Not give private information to anyone they do not know.
- Click links only from trusted sources.
- Delete unsolicited e-mails.
- Assess requests and investigate if they are unusual.