InfoTrac Exercises

Chapter 6 Managerial Decision Making and Information Technology

1. Some Hunches About Intuition.(Business/Financial Desk)(WHAT'S OFFLINE)

Paul B. Brown.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2007 The New York Times Company
The New York Times, Nov 17, 2007 v157 i54131 pC5(L)
Record: A171482079

Abstract: The role of intuition in managerial decision making is noted to improve with experience. Also, as people normally react emotionally to new situations, managers are encouraged to use their emotional intelligence and reflect on decisions before making them.

1. Are you developing your reasoning skills? What situations in your life push you to justify your decisions?
2. From the article, how do people react to new situations?
3. Do you take time to reflect before making decisions? What types of decisions do you take longer to make? Why?

2. Wiki at Work.(online social networks)

Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2007 Haymarket Business Publications Ltd.
Management Today, Dec 1, 2007 p54
Record: A172054662

Abstract: The use of social networking internet sites is of growing concern to managers worried about their employees’ productivity. One company, Gartner, an IT research company, supports the use of all technologies to create what it calls the “High-Performance Workplace”. To improve productivity, the authors see managers facilitating 'augmentation' where the technology is helping people come to decisions more quickly, and helping support any consequent action. This, along with global communication, training, as well as recruiting the right people in the first place are all seen as contributors to productivity. The article concludes with the case of an International law firm, Allen & Overy, that has embraced technology to maintain communications with current and former employees.

1. Do you use Facebook, Myspace or Bebo? As a manager would you be comfortable with your employees accessing these while at work?
2. As a manager, what rules, policies or procedures would you want in place to control information technology use?
3. How could a traditional organization, like a law firm, benefit from social networking technology?