Information and competitive advantages

mmmm…. What is a human resource information system (HRIS) ???.... First my perception about HRIS went I register this subject, I think the HRIS whereby the employer delivers information to their employees only by e-mail. After I entry my first class, I know what HRIS is all about.

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Human resource information system (HRIS) or also called a human resource management system (HRMS) is a software or online solution for the data in an organization.  It is a system and process interaction between human resource management (HRM) and information technology. 

According Kavanagh et al. (1990) define:

It as a “system used to acquire, store, manipulate, analyze, retrieve, and distribute information regarding an organization’s human resource. An HRIS is not simply computer hardware and associated HR-related software. Although an HRIS includes hardware and software, it also includes people, forms, policies and procedures and data.” (p.29)

Now from definition I know what the HRIS.  From using the human resource information system (HRIS), it can help the organization insert much information and the information will save with systematic and save. Information is stimulus that has meaning in some context for its receiver. When information is entered into and stored in a computer organization, it is generally referred to as a data. The HRIS are able to produce more effective and faster outcomes than can be done on paper (traditional method). Some of the many applications of HRIS are payroll, time and attendance, appraisal performance, benefits administration, HR management information system, recruiting and staffing, performance record, employee self-service, scheduling and absence management.

According Beckers & Bsat, (2002). Using HRIS gives firms several advantages. One of the advantages is a collecting appropriate data and converting them to information and knowledge for improved timeliness and quality of decision making.

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Human resource information system (HRIS) can related with competitive advantages. The competitive advantages are defined as the strategic advantage one business entity has over its rival entities within its competitive industry. Achieving competitive advantage strengthens and positions a business better within the business environment.

A strategic Information system (IS) helps an organization gain a competitive advantage through its contribution to the strategic goals of an organization and or its ability to significantly increase performance and productivity.

The five competitive strategies are:

1.      Cost Leadership – Deliver a product or a service in lower cost. This does not necessarily mean the lowest cost, but simply a cost related to the quality of the product or service that will be both attractive in the marketplace and will yield sufficient return on investment.

2.      Differentiation strategy – Differentiation strategy means the addition of unique features to a product or service that are competitive attractive in the market.

3.      Innovation Strategy - Develop products or services through the use of computers that are new and appreciably from other available offerings.

4.      Growth Strategy – Diversity into new products or services in to global market.

5.     Alliance Strategy - Establish linkages and alliances with customers, suppliers, competitors, consultants and other companies and includes mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, virtual companies.

Referens:
1. http://www.comparehris.com/Human-Resource-Information-Systems

      2. http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryh/a/hris.htm
      3.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_resource_management_system
      4.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competitive_advantage
      5. Kavanagh, M. J., Thite, M., & Johnson, D. R. (2012). Human 
          Resource Information Systems : Basics, Application, and Future Direction.