Project 1- mis 201 Part 1

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 1. Table Contents
2. Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................1

3. Organizational Profile..................................................................................................................2

4. Strategies......................................................................................................................................3

Competitive Advantage Strategies...............................................................................................3

Sony Group Corporation's Performance Improvement Strategies...............................................3

5. Technology Involved...................................................................................................................4

7. Identify the Stakeholders.............................................................................................................5

1. Employees:...............................................................................................................................5

2. Customers:...............................................................................................................................6

3. Investors and Shareholders:.....................................................................................................6

4. Regulatory Bodies:...................................................................................................................6
 2. Executive Summary
The primary aim of this assignment is to conduct a detailed analysis of Sony Group
Corporation's Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. This infrastructure consists of
hardware, software, services, data management, and networking. The goal is to understand how
Sony Group utilizes these elements to support its operations and to remain competitive in the
ever-evolving technology sector.

Sony Group businesses are wide and it spanning consumer electronics, gaming, music, movies
and more. This diversified product portfolio allows Sony Group to leverage its IT infrastructure
in a multiple ways. For instance, the IT systems integration facilitates synergies between the
different business divisions, enabling the exchange of data and resources. Sony Group leverages
IT to deliver unique digital experiences to consumers, such as connecting its gaming consoles
with online gaming networks and streaming services.

Sony Group Pictures and Sony Group Music Entertainment are a big players in the entertainment
industry. IT is a pivotal role within these divisions. IT is used for content creation, distribution
and marketing, showcasing Sony Group commitment to technology to enhance creativity and
expand its presence in entertainment. The ability to effectively manage and utilize data, often
through advanced data analytics and digital platforms, is key to the company's success in the
entertainment sector.

In summary, this assignment is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of Sony Group

Corporation IT infrastructure. It looks to shed light on how Sony Group, the technology pioneer,
utilizes information technology to support its diversified operations, innovate within its product
portfolio, and maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. Through this analysis, we
seek to gain insights into the critical role that IT plays in Sony Group's business strategy and
success.

3. Organizational Profile
Sony Group Corporation is a complex, diversified company, reflecting the company's broad
range of business interests across industries. The structure has evolved over the years to adapt to
market dynamics and to facilitate the efficient management of its diverse operations. Here, we
will discuss the key elements of Sony Group's organizational structure:
1. CEO and Senior Management: At the top of Sony Group's hierarchy is the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO), who is responsible for overall strategy. The CEO is supported by a senior
executives team, often referred to as Executive Officers or Executive Management Team. These
executives are over key divisions and functions within the company, including technology,
entertainment, and consumer electronics (Alhashash et al., 2019).

2. Business Divisions: Sony Group operates several major business divisions, each with its own
expertise. These divisions include:

Electronics: This division manufacturing, design and development of consumer electronics

products such as televisions, cameras, audio equipment and gaming consoles.

Pictures: Sony Pictures Entertainment is responsible for film and television production,
distribution, and marketing. It includes Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Television
and subsidiary studios like Columbia Pictures.

Music: Sony Group Music Entertainment is one of the largest labels and music companies,
representing a diverse roster of artists and labels across a wide array of music genres.

Interactive Entertainment: This division manages the PlayStation brand, including the
development of PlayStation hardware (PlayStation consoles), PlayStation software (games), and
PlayStation Network (PlayStation Network).

Semiconductors: Sony Group semiconductor business focuses on image sensors that are used in
a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, digital cameras, and automotive
applications.

3. Global Presence: Sony Group Corporation maintains a significant global presence, with
subsidiaries, offices, and manufacturing facilities in numerous countries. The company conducts
business worldwide in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other regions (Rainer et al., 2017).
4. Research and Development (R&D): Innovation is a cornerstone of Sony Group. The company
emphasis on research and development to drive technological advancements. This includes
investments in image sensors, displays, and entertainment content.

5. Partnerships and Alliances: Sony Group collaborates with a wide range of companies and
industry partners to enhance its product and service offerings. These partnerships extend to
content creators, technology developers, and entertainment industry stakeholders. Strategic
alliances help Sony Group reach a larger market and stay competitive.

6. Supporting Functions: Beyond the major business divisions, Sony Group has a variety of
supporting functions, including human resources, finance, legal, marketing, and corporate
communications. These functions are essential for the smooth operation of the company and
ensure that regulatory requirements are complied with.

Sony Group, by its organizational structure, effectively manages its diversified business interests,
from consumer electronics to entertainment content creation and distribution. The company
commitment to innovation and ability to adapt to market conditions have helped it maintain a
position in multiple industries, making it a global leader in technology and entertainment.

4. Strategies
Competitive Advantage Strategies
In the business world, competitive advantage strategies can be diverse and multifaceted. These
strategies are critical for companies that are seeking to differentiate and to thrive in their
respective markets. One foundational strategy is the Cost Leadership Strategy, where companies
are the lowest-cost producers in their industry. By optimizing operations, achieving economies of
scale, and controlling costs, firms can offer products or services at competitive prices, attracting
cost-conscious consumers (Rainer et al., 2017). In contrast, the Differentiation Strategy aims on
creating unique and distinctive offerings that are unique and that set a company apart from its
competitors (KPMG, n.d.). This strategy requires substantial investments in research and
development, innovation, and branding to develop products or services that are perceived as
superior or exclusive by customers.

A Focus or Niche Strategy involves targeting specific, well-defined market segments. By

catering to the particular needs of a customer group, companies can build strong customer
relationships and potentially command premium prices within that niche. Innovation-driven
strategies, the Innovation Strategy, emphasize continuous product or process
innovation. Companies that adopt this approach invest a lot in research and development to
remain the market trends and technological advancements. Market Expansion Strategies, on the
other hand, are geographic, product or service diversifications. This diversification can reduce
companies reliance on a single market and help tap into a fresh revenue streams (Rainer et al.,
2017). Collaborative and strategic alliances, often referred to as Collaborative Strategies, are
partnerships with other companies to achieve mutual objectives. These alliances can access new
markets, technologies and resources while sharing risks and costs.

In the digital era today, the digital Transformation Strategy is becoming increasingly
essential. Companies are utilizing digital technologies to enhance operations, customer
experiences, and business processes, leading to greater efficiency and competitiveness. Lastly,
sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR Strategy) are gaining
prominence. Companies with strong sustainability initiatives reduce their environmental impact,
promote ethical supply chains, and align with values that align with conscious consumers.

Sony Group Corporation's Performance Improvement Strategies

For Sony Group Corporation, a company that is diversified globally in consumer electronics and
entertainment, a multifaceted approach is recommended.
Building on its history of innovation and product design, Sony Group should continue to
emphasize a Differentiation Strategy. Sony Group can maintain a competitive advantage in the
consumer electronics market by consistently delivering cutting-edge technology and unique
features. Differentiated products not only attract consumers but also foster brand loyalty. In
parallel, Sony Group should unwavering Innovation Strategy. Staying ahead in technological
advancements, including 5G, AI, and augmented reality is a crucial (Strologo, 2020). Innovation,
Sony Group, it enables it to introduce a groundbreaking products and a reputation for
technological excellence. Strategic Collaborations and Alliances within the entertainment
industry can bolster Sony Group. Collaborating with filmmakers, music artists, and digital
streaming platforms can lead to the creation of unique and compelling content.

5. Technology Involved
Sony Group Corporation, a global conglomerate with a diverse business that spanning consumer
electronics, entertainment, and technology, relies heavily on a robust IT infrastructure to support
its operations. The IT ecosystem that it encompasses, it encompasses various components, each
playing a critical role in ensuring efficient business processes, innovation and customer
engagement (Sony, n.d.).
Hardware: Sony Group's IT infrastructure includes a wide array of hardware components that
enable the company to design, manufacture, and deliver its products and services.

Hardware:

• Servers and Data Centers: Sony Group, like a network of data centers worldwide, to store and
process a vast data. These data centers house servers, storage systems, and networking
equipment that are necessary for data management and delivery.

• Computing Devices: Sony Group uses a range of computing devices, from workstations and
laptops for employees to specialized hardware for product development, content creation, and
gaming consoles like the PlayStation.

• Manufacturing Equipment: In its consumer electronics division, Sony Group employs a range
of manufacturing equipment, including robotics and automation systems, to produce high-quality
electronic products efficiently.

Software:

Software is a integral to Sony Group, it is a enabling product design, content creation, and digital
services. Key aspects of Sony Group's software infrastructure include:

• Product Development Software: Sony Group, for its consumer electronics and semiconductor
divisions, employs specialized software for product design, simulation, and
prototyping. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software are
essential for creating products that are innovative.

• Content Creation and Editing Tools: Sony Group Pictures Entertainment and Sony Group
Music Entertainment rely on advanced content creation software for film, television, and music
production. Software suites for video and audio editing, animation, and digital effects are a must
in these divisions.

• Digital Platforms: Sony Group operates digital platforms, including the PlayStation Network
for gaming, Sony Group Music streaming services, and Sony Group Pictures digital distribution
platforms. These platforms require a sophisticated content delivery software, a user interface,
and security software.
• Telecommunications: Effective communication is a vital for Sony Group global
operations. The company leverages telecommunications infrastructure in several ways:

• Unified Communications: Sony Group employs unified communications systems that integrate
voice, video, and messaging services to facilitate collaboration among employees, partners, and
customers across the world.

• Mobile and Wireless Communication: Mobile devices and wireless networks enable Sony
Group employees to work remotely and stay connected while on the move. This flexibility
enhances productivity and responsiveness.
Information Security: As custodian of sensitive customer and proprietary data, information
security is paramount for Sony Group. The company maintains a comprehensive information
security framework:

• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Sony Group firewalls and intrusion detection
systems to safeguard its network infrastructure from cyber threats and unauthorized access.

• Data Encryption: Encryption technologies protect data at rest and in transit, ensuring that
customer information and intellectual property are secure.

• Security Awareness and Training: Sony Group invests in training programs to enhance its
employee awareness in cybersecurity and information security best practices.
Networks: Networking plays a critical role in Sony Group to connect its global operations,
deliver digital services, and support remote work:

• Wide Area Network (WAN): Sony Group’s WAN, a global WAN that connects its offices, data
centers and subsidiaries. This network ensures a seamless transfer, real-time collaboration, and
access to centralized resources.

• Content Delivery Networks (CDN): CDNs are a critical component for Sony Group to deliver
digital content distribution, ensuring fast and reliable access to streaming media and digital
downloads to consumers worldwide.

•Cloud Services: Sony Group utilizes cloud services to augment its IT infrastructure for
scalability, disaster recovery, and flexibility in delivering digital services.
 7. Identify the Stakeholders
1. Employees:
Sony Corporation: Employees are vital. They are involved in product development,
manufacturing, marketing, customer support, and a variety other functions. The information
system significantly affects employees daily work. It provides them with tools, data and
communication platforms to carry out their tasks. For instance, production staff use automated
systems and data analytics to optimize production processes, while marketing teams use the
system for campaign management and analysis. Employees require a user-friendly, reliable
network, and access to data and applications to perform their jobs. The system should also
support collaboration and knowledge sharing among teams.

2. Customers:
Customers are the lifeblood of Sony Group. They are the customers that are, so to speak, the
company's customers. Sony Group's information system directly influences customers'
experiences. It supports online shopping, customer support portals, and content delivery
platforms like the PlayStation Network. The system must ensure smooth interactions, secure
transactions and easy access to digital content. Customers demand a user-friendly and secure
interface when interacting with Sony Group's information system. They also expect customer
support services that are reliable and responsive through digital channels.

3. Investors and Shareholders:

Investors, shareholders have a financial interest in Sony Group Corporation. They monitor the
financial performance, strategic decisions and long-term sustainability of the company. Sony
Group's information system is in a crucial, it is a system that is in a crucial and it is a system that
is in a crucial. The data accuracy and accessibility influence investment decisions. Investors and
shareholders require timely, accurate financial information. They also benefit from platforms for
shareholder communications such as annual reports and webcasts of shareholder meetings.

4. Regulatory Bodies:
Sony Group compliance with industry regulations and standards are overseen by government
agencies and regulating bodies. They have a role in data privacy, consumer protection, and
industry-specific regulations. Sony Group’s information system must support compliance by
providing access to relevant data and documentation. Regulatory reporting, data security
measures, and data retention policies are critical. Regulatory bodies require access to specific
data and reports to verify compliance. Sony Group should have a robust information security
system, with data security measures to protect sensitive information and data retention policies to
align with legal requirements.
 References

Alhashash, F., Alshammari, T., & Al-Mnaies, A. (2019). Sony Corporation. Journal of the
community development in Asia, 2(2).

Gregory, L. (2023, July 20). Sony’s corporate social responsibility strategy & stakeholders.
Panmore Institute. https://panmore.com/sony-corporate-social-responsibility-strategy-
stakeholders

KPMG. (n.d.). “Differentiation strategy” learned from Sony—What we must cultivate is not
knowledge but wisdom. https://kpmg.com/jp/en/home/insights/2020/11/differentiation-
strategy.html

Rainer, R. K., Waston, H. J., & Prince, B. (2017). Management information systems: Moving
business forward (4nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN:
9781118890486 (hard copy); ISBN: 9781118890431 (e-text).

Sony. (n.d.). System Architecture &

Processor. https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/research/research-areas/
system_architecture-processor/

Strologo, F. R. D. (2020). Drivers for M&As and Strategic Alliances: an Industry Based
Analysis (Master's thesis, Handelshøyskolen BI).