Business Memo Organizational Structures and Processes

Organizational Structures and Processes

Walden University    

WMBA 6030, Section 1, Managing Business Information Systems   

To: Professor Bruce Huang

From: Sheila Parker

Date: June 6, 2018

Subject: Organizational Structures and Processes- Amazon

Dr. Huang:

This memo will discuss my plan to incorporate the information and material from this week of learning in Managing Business Information Systems into my final project. The examples of organizational innovation mention by Chen and Change (2012), include promotion of product and higher organizational learning. This was the first step taken by Amazon.com to become more successful while maintaining a positive company atmosphere. Offering student loan reduction programs for individuals that are working for the organization, is also a way to allow employees the opportunity to learn through innovation. Identifying and evaluating the use of information technology in a business that utilize e-commerce can be crucial in forming organizational structure. My ultimate approach at the current organizational structure will be to implement better processes that will support better decision making.

Utilizing information systems is an important tool, when dealing with organizational goals and structure. Amazon can be best defined as a process-oriented organization that focus on the customer while continuing to be innovative thinkers and with a willingness to improve the shopping experience of the consumer (Process Orientation, 2005). This is evident by their mission and vision statement, “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.” (Packer, 2014). Continuous use of the process-orientation model has given Amazon the ability to adapt to new technology with ease. Chen and Chang (2012) noted that the efficiency and speed of organizational structure is increased when the structure is centralized making buying easier. My organization will use some role restructuring to internally analyze where employees can be more efficient and move those individuals when necessary. Benchmarking where each employee should in conjunction with sales and inventory information within industry standards will ensure good work performance and growth.

Most successful businesses improve their process thru the creation of a process-orientated culture. Since change is inevitable, it is important to ensure that no one is negatively affected by changes at the company that may require new trends. I would recommend using the community values to meet the needs of everyone. Understanding the overall strategy allow better communication and technology can be linked to this communication (Thamhan, 2011).

References

Chen, S., & Chang, B. (2012). The effects of absorptive capacity and decision speed on organizational innovation: A study of organizational structure as an antecedent variable. Contemporary Management Research. 8(1), 27a50. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Packer, George. “Cheap Words: Amazon is Good for Customers. But Is It Good for Business?” The New Yorker, 17 and 24 Feb. 2014.

Process orientation. (2005). A to Z of Management Concepts & Models, 290-292.

Thamhan, H.J. (2011). Critical success factors for managing technology-intensive teams in the global enterprise. Engineering Management Journal, 23(3), 30-36.