Case Study Questions - 1,2,3,4
Abstract
The paragraphs below will detail the case study questions in chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Unit 1: Understanding MIS
Chapter 1: What’s the buzz on smart grids? 1. How do smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the United States? a. The current electricity infrastructure in the United States consists of energy companies providing power to consumers without providing any information about how the consumers are using that energy. Operating this way makes it hard to develop more efficient methods of distribution. Another issue with the current infrastructure is the fact that there are only a few ways to handle the power that comes from alternative energy sources. This causes a hindrance when electric companies try and go “green”. Smart grids digitally deliver the electricity from the provider to the consumer which allows for a better circle of communication between the provider and the consumer as appose to communication strictly between the supplier and consumer. Another benefit of the smart grid is the fact that they are sized to meet the maximum amount of electricity needed so a drop on the peak demand would allow utilities to operate with fewer expensive power plants. This lowers costs as well as pollution. (Laudon, 2010) 2. What management, organization, and technology issues should be considered when developing a smart grid? b. With as advanced as a smart grid is, it is easy to understand that there are several issues that need to be considered when developing a smart grid. From a management perspective it is important to keep in mind the vendor requirements, having and an effective understanding of buyers, having a higher level of customer awareness, complete grid compliance, cost and reliability, workforce skill requirements, contingency planning for any unfavorable conditions, any engagements with developers of the system, and education on the benefits and downfalls of the smart grid. From an
The paragraphs below will detail the case study questions in chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Unit 1: Understanding MIS
Chapter 1: What’s the buzz on smart grids? 1. How do smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the United States? a. The current electricity infrastructure in the United States consists of energy companies providing power to consumers without providing any information about how the consumers are using that energy. Operating this way makes it hard to develop more efficient methods of distribution. Another issue with the current infrastructure is the fact that there are only a few ways to handle the power that comes from alternative energy sources. This causes a hindrance when electric companies try and go “green”. Smart grids digitally deliver the electricity from the provider to the consumer which allows for a better circle of communication between the provider and the consumer as appose to communication strictly between the supplier and consumer. Another benefit of the smart grid is the fact that they are sized to meet the maximum amount of electricity needed so a drop on the peak demand would allow utilities to operate with fewer expensive power plants. This lowers costs as well as pollution. (Laudon, 2010) 2. What management, organization, and technology issues should be considered when developing a smart grid? b. With as advanced as a smart grid is, it is easy to understand that there are several issues that need to be considered when developing a smart grid. From a management perspective it is important to keep in mind the vendor requirements, having and an effective understanding of buyers, having a higher level of customer awareness, complete grid compliance, cost and reliability, workforce skill requirements, contingency planning for any unfavorable conditions, any engagements with developers of the system, and education on the benefits and downfalls of the smart grid. From an
References: Laudon, L. (2010) Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Retrieved on February 17, 2013 from http://wow.coursesmart.com/9781256766964/firstsection