“Just do it” is exactly what Nike would say about management information systems. With innovative technology, the sportswear and equipment supplier has continuously met its customers’ needs. The Nike swoosh has been worn by the most elite of celebrities all the way to your next door neighbor.

Nike currently uses the GIS system. The system stores information of store locations and marketing information on street maps. The geographical basis allows Nike to choose effective site selections, distribute resources wisely and assist in the shipping of a product. Therefore, Nike analyzes the data to provide better service for their customers. Gone are the days of paper and pencil for research. The GIS system pinpoints where schools with sports teams are located or where the areas with the greatest sales are.

Employees also benefit from the efficiency of MIS. Global employees can access information regarding income of their region and customer data. The communication is improved and employees can develop a sense of common vision. When everyone is informed on the company’s objectives there is more unity. The sense of belongingness in such a large company is crucial. Now sales team have greater decision making power. As a result, higher productivity is achieved.

http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/summer10articles/nike-learns.html

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Conflict of interest is an ethical issue that can bound some and others not so much. Michael Arrington, owner of TechCrunch blog, seems to be an exception when it comes to his stand on conflict of interest. Arrington blogs about a variety of companies. He has initiated a venture capital fund to invest in start-ups, even in ones that he has written about. His conflict of interest is a concern. Journalists, for example, abide by the rule that they are to avoid conflicts of interest by distancing themselves from the people, organizations and issues they cover. So should industry bloggers uphold the same ethical principles as journalists? I believe they should. According to Arrington, bloggers differ from journalists as journalist views are shaped by friendships, romances and personal opinions. Yet, blogs are shaped by opinions just as well.

In July, 3.5 million people visited TechCrunch; that is a lot of people who are influence by Arrington’s views! Professor Wasserman said, “If I were active in the market and this guy has a proven track record, then sure, I’d want to read it.”

Arrington wrote negative stories about a company despite his investment in it. Read that story:

http://www.businessinsider.com/seesmic-founder-michael-arrington-wrote-negative-stories-about-us-despite-investing-2011-9

Link to the article:

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