Case synthesis
Technology continues to revolutionize how businesses conduct their operations. To survive in the modern environment, firms are forced to integrate modern technologies into their practices. One of the purposes for which technology is being adopted is to enable firms to extend the reach of their products and to engage with their markets (Yates, 2009). The integration of technology is being made possible by data analytics. Essentially, data analytics enables companies to gain insights about their markets. With these insights, it becomes possible for the companies to ensure that their products and services meet the needs of their clients. In the discussion that follows, a look at the technology needs of Harrison Kirby is offered. The discussion focuses on the industry in which the company operates and the role that technology plays in the industry.
Description of Kirby’s business
Harrison Kirby operates a golf course and a golf shop. Kirby desires to establish an online presence for his business. For this to occur, a clear understanding of the activities that his business is involved in is needed. Being a golf course, it can be expected that the business invites the public to use its golf course for playing golf. This business has also established elite programs that individuals who would like to play golf professionally can become part of. Through these elite programs, training is offered to participants so as to prepare them for professional golfing. Harrison Kirby also hosts golfing tournaments occasionally. Those who participate in these programs are mostly drawn from the local community. However, it is important to note that professional golfers who are renowned nationally have graced a number of tournaments. Kirby needs to fully exploit the publicity that the golf tournaments and the professional golfers provide. By embracing technology, Kirby will be able to transform this publicity into monetary returns. In addition to operating the golf course, Kirby also sells golf merchandise. These include golf balls and clothing. The integration of modern technology into Kirby’s business promises to create awareness about the range of products that can be found at the golf shop. Information technology plays a vital role in Kirby’s business and the wider golf industry. Through technology, Kirby is able to inform the public about his product and service offerings. Additionally, technology allows Kirby to remain in contact with customers and respond to any concerns that they raise. The larger golf industry to which Kirby belongs has also enjoyed these benefits.
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Competing company
Harrison Kirby is not the only player in the golf industry. There are numerous other companies that offer the same services and facilities. There are also golf courses that have embraced modern technology in their efforts to expand their markets. Pine Valley Country Club is one of the many companies that offer golfing facilities. This company has warmed up to technology as evidenced by its elaborate and well-designed website. Among other things, the website presents information on such issues as the process for membership and the range of services that are offered to customers. Pine Valley clearly understands the important role that modern technologies such as the internet plays in enhancing business success. On its website, the company boasts of its long history of exceptional service. The website states “for over 60 years, Pine Valley Country Club has been providing the finest facilities exclusively for the full enjoyment of its members and their guests” (“Pine Valley”, n.d). This statement is rather bold and it highlights the competitive edge that can be gained through the adoption of modern technology. Pine Valley also relies on its website to inform its members about scheduled events. This makes it easy and convenient for the firm’s customers to participate in the activities. The company has been ranked as one of the best providers of golfing facilities in the United States (Whitten, 2017). When one visits the website, they are able to understand why the company is regarded highly. Pine Valley poses an existential threat to Kirby. Unless Kirby rushes to embrace modern technology, it should brace itself for intense competition from such companies as Pine Valley.
Security and ethics
Critical control issues
As Kirby selects the technology to implement, there are a number of security issues that he will need to be wary of. One of these issues concerns the threat of cyber attacks. Recently, firms in the United States have become the victims of cyber attacks (Walters, 2016). These attacks have resulted in compromised systems and the loss of sensitive data. Kirby needs to ensure that the technology that he implements is devoid of any loopholes that could be exploited for attacks. The firm can do this by engaging the services of cyber security firms that have established a reputation for thoroughness and excellence.
In addition to the threat of cyber security, Kirby needs to anticipate and prepare for possible system failures. It is quite common for technologies to fail. When these failures are not addressed in good time, a company’s operations grind to a halt and financial losses are incurred (Eha, 2012). Given that Harrison Kirby’s business is rather small, he cannot afford a system failure. Even minor failures possess the capacity to cause total devastation. He needs to exercise great care and keep a close eye on the system to ensure that it runs smoothly.
Recommendations for Information security issues
During the integration of the technology into Kirby’s business, information security and ethics issues are bound to arise. The information security issues include the threat of cyber attacks that has been discussed above. One of the ethical questions that Kirby will need to address is the issue of user privacy. This issue has been the subject of debate with many arguing that companies need to respect and protect the privacy of their users. Reports have emerged that there are some firms that obtain personal information that is then shared by third parties without the knowledge or authorization of users (Singer, 2015). Harrison Kirby needs to respect and guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of all information that users share. One way of doing this is ensuring that all information that users share is not personally identifiable. Kirby also needs to ensure that his system is insulated against all threats that could result in leaks of confidential and sensitive information.
References
Eha, B. P. (2012). Is Knight’s $440 Million Glitch the Costliest Computer Bug Ever?
Retrieved 7th January 2017 from http://money.cnn.com/2012/08/09/technology/knight-expensive-computer-bug/
Pine Valley Country Club. (n.d). Retrieved 7th January 2017 from
http://www.pinevalleycountryclub.com/
Singer, N. (2015). Sharing Data, but not Happily. Retrieved 7th January 2017 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/technology/consumers-conflicted-over-data-mining-policies-report-finds.html?_r=0
Walters, R. (2016). Cyber Attacks on U.S Companies in 2016. Retrieved 7th January 2017 from
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2016/12/cyber-attacks-on-us-companies-in-2016
Whitten, R. (2017). America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Retrieved 7th January 2017 from
http://www.golfdigest.com/gallery/americas-100-greatest-golf-courses-ranking
Yates, J. (2009). How Commercial Technology Users Shaped the Information Age: Historical
Perspective on Life Insurance Adoption and the Use of Computer Technology. In
Hakansson, H., & Waluszewski, F. P. Use of Science and Technology in Business:
Exploring the Impact of Using Activity for Systems, Organizations and People.
Emerald Group Publishing.
