Assignment+1

**Case study question 1**

How do information technologies contribute to the business success of Sew What, Inc.? Give several examples from the case regarding the business value of information technology that demonstrate this conclusion.

Information Technology is vital for growth, in a small business. Megan Duckett is the founder of Sew What? Inc. Her overall goal in Sew What? Inc is to provide a more perfect approach to customer satisfaction, and overcome the challenges they face through IT (Information Technology). IT is vital for growth in a small business. Through the chronicles of Duckett’s small business, Information technology played in important role in the creditability of her company. IT helps keep her customers informed through her never-say-no approach to customer satisfaction. [|[1]] After losing one of her biggest contracts, the potential client said that without a Web site, her company “lacked credibility.” It is hard to figure out the mission statement of a company, and the credibility of their mission without a Web site. Duckett stated that, [|[2]] “before losing that contract, I thought, ‘I run a sewing business, a cottage craft. I don’t need a web site’.” As a small business such as Sew What? Inc it is nearly impossible to stick around as a business in the information age. After launching their website in 2005 their business took off. [|[3]] Sew What? Inc has enjoyed explosive growth in recent years reaching $4 million per year in sales by the end of 2006. Duckett use to grow her business using mostly word of mouth, which kept her company localized, but after launch her site in 2005, she now has clients all over the world. [|[4]] In fact, last year their revenue grew 45% on the previous year’s sales, and this year they are on target to enjoy a 65% increase on 2005 sales. And nearly all the growth came from Web-driven sales. Updating her site, and making it more user savvy gave her an edge and helped her company become more profitable. [|[5]] In 2005, Duckett decided she needed to improve the site’s navigation, because “I wanted it to be sleek and to provide a really good customer experience. That was beyond my abilities, so we hired a Web marketing consulting company to build a custom navigation system for the site.” She worked with the hired guns on branding, search engine optimization, overall design, and site layout. On her site there is also a Spanish version on the site, and the professionals tuned up the main site’s search features to include spelling variants for different English-speaking countries. The site also lets potential customers review all kinds of color swatches and teaches them how to calculate accurate measurements for their projects. The sites is able to provide better service by keeping the customer updated. Though this case study we understand that it is very important to have good customer satisfaction through IT. The approach that is through IT gives Sew What? Inc is a great opportunity to grow in a small business, in a big business world. Work Sited Page O'brien, J.A, & Marakas, G.M (2008). //Introduction To Information Systems//. New York,: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

[|[1]] Marakas pg 1 [|[2]] Marakas pg 1 [|[3]] Marakas pg 1 [|[4]] Marakas pg 1 [|[5]] Marakas pg 1

If you were a management consultant to Sew What? Inc., what would you advise Megan Duckett to do at this point to be even more successful in her business? What role would information technology play in your proposals? Provide several specific examples. As a consultant to Sew What? Inc. I would advise Megan Duckett to introduce a computer time card system which would allow her employees to clock in and out much faster and with the elimination of time accounting errors. This is a good way to streamline daily operations within the company. Airgas Inc. has just recently implemented the use of an electronic time clock system to alleviate errors in reporting and negligence in record keeping. This drastically improves the efficiency and time saving of time saving within a company. I would also recommend the use of online education learning docks for employees to utilize. This would benefit Megan’s company by helping her ensure her employees are educated not only in their specified areas but in general safety as well. This would allow employees to maximize their potential and benefit to the company. It also lets you as an employer monitor who is complying and at what levels. Dow Chemical uses several different learning docks for their employees. Each specific area has its own and then there are docks for everyone who is in the company to do. These are all done through the company’s intranet system. Information technology plays a huge role in streamlining a company like Ducketts and any aspect that is implemented within this company should heavily rely on the benefits of information systems and technology. Ducketts uses of the few suggestions above would give her many benefits immediately.
 * Case Study Question #2: **

**Case study question #3:**

How could the use of information technology help a small business you know be more successful? Provide several examples to support your answer. There is a small fitness center in a town near where I live. This gym utilizes a computer for their billing and membership profiles. When members enter the gym they can swipe a card which in turn brings up a profile screen of the member who just swiped in. The information that is displayed is limited to the last visit date and the payment history for the account. Next to this computer screen are stacks of alphabetically ordered index cards that contain the individual members’ unique workout routine and progress. These cards are handwritten therefore some members update the routine less than what they should. A customized software program could be tailored to meet the need for keeping track of individuals’ progress and for providing updated workout routines that will continuously challenge the individual. This would enhance the members’ fitness results and in turn would generate more sales in membership. For example, the customized software would work by programming an individual’s fitness goal. An initial workout routine would be provided. Once the workout is completed for the day, the person would visit the computer and click a few buttons to update their profile. The next time they come to exercise all they have to do is click a button to printout a new sheet which will guide them through the suggested changes to the routine. If there were two gyms in town and only one of them offered this service, I’m almost certain that the gym with the service would dominate the competition and new membership would sky rocket. The technology in the exercise equipment such as the ability to change a machine’s resistance by the push of a button has been the extent of the high tech marketing for a gym. This really has no affect on an individual’s fitness results unless they know what they need to set the resistance to. The index card system would be obsolete and the gym space that is being used to accommodate the cards would be freed for other use.

Discussion Question 1: How can information technology support a company’s business processes and decision making and give it a competitive advantage? Give examples to illustrate your answer

For business professionals and companies, Information Technology (IT) is the foundation of how a company will process in an ever changing business world. When referring to what exactly is Information technologies, it could be defined as hardware, software, networking, and data management components necessary for the system to operate. These are the basic tools for a business to communicate effectively. Companies rely on many different types of information systems that use various information technologies. Various information technologies allows top executives to know what is happening from top to bottom, making information of what customers are looking for more accessible and helping the process of the company. [|[1]] “There is no longer any distinction between an IT project and a business initiative. IT at Marriott is a key component of the products and services that we provide to our customers and guests at our properties. As such, there’s very little that goes on within the company that either I personally or one of my top executives is not involved in”. Those are the words of Carl Wilson, executive vice president and CIO of the Marriott International chain of hotels. Allowing all employees and Managers to access information at their finger tips is an important in allowing a company’s business process to process efficiently and effectively.

In order for any company to have great decision making, it is necessary to have information technology through a computer based information system. Since all employees in a company make some type of decision, big or small depending on what level they are at, the decision they make must be nearly accurate and precise. Making the wrong decision could cost a company a customer or millions of dollars. [|[2]] So the important question for any business professional or manager is: What do you need to know to help manage the hardware, software, data, and network resources of your business so they are used for the strategic success of your company. And success can only come through good decision making. Having up to date software will allow your company to see perhaps what customers are buying, when they are buying it, and how they are buying it. Figuring out these types of question through Information technology will allow an employee or management to better market to customers, or to help customers find what they are looking for. For example [|[3]] Manny Ramirez, a star player for the Red Sox, is often seen sitting in front of the computer, watching game footage stored on the EMC technology. “There’s many times I’ll go up to a plate and hit the first pitch…I study the video very hard, and there’s a lot of times where I can break the game wide open because I’m very prepared against the opposing pitcher,” Ramirez says. With Information technology employees or Athletes can make better decisions in helping their franchise make the right decision to get their company ahead. Improved Information Technology is the only way for a company to stay competitive and hold a competitive advantage over their competitors. [|[4]] Success in today’s dynamic business environment depends heavily on maximizing the use of Internet-based technologies and Web-enabled information systems to meet the competitive requirements of customers, suppliers, and other business partners in a global marketplace. The goal of many companies today is to maximize their customers. When you use information technology that is the most up to date, it will help you keep an edge over your competitors. Having a good IT system will allow a company to become more flexible, and will make it easier to solve problems that customers are facing. Giving customers what they want, when they want it and how they want it at a cheaper cost then their competitor will creates customer value. Using their time more effective will also help them tackle problems that hold their company back. Making things easier for themselves and their competitors will cause them to increase their revenues. For example [|[5]] Hershey pursued an upgrade of the ERP system to a new R/3 version in July 2001. By May 2002, the upgrade was completed. Enhancements such as automated pick-list processing and materials management invoice verification, as well as credit processing for distributors to military customers, yielded measurable time and cost savings for Hershey. While greatly reducing product processing time, Hershey achieved nearly 100 percent quality in its production environment. Work Sited Page O'brien, J.A, & Marakas, G.M (2008). //Introduction To Information Systems//. New York,: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

[|[1]] O'brien, p7 [|[2]] O'brien, p 7 [|[3]] O'brien, p 10 [|[4]] O'brien,17 [|[5]] O'brien, 18

**Discussion Question #2**: How does the use of the Internet, intranets, and extranets by companies today support their business processes and activities? The Internet, intranet, and extranets play a vital role in a businesses survival in today’s informational world. A company’s communication is extremely influenced by these types of information systems. It’s very important that a company can communicate with its employees, partners, and the global market as well. The internet is “a rapidly growing computer network of millions of business, educational, and governmental networks connecting hundreds of millions of computers and their users in over 200 countries.” [1] The internet allows for a company to stay in touch with the global market as well as keep a keen eye on its competitors and changes in the market. The internet allows for a company to stay connected to parts of the world that would normally be untouchable without this technology. The intranet is the internet like system “inside the enterprise” [2] which allows a company to communicate with its employees through an internal system. Dow chemical utilizes intranets for everything from corporate announcements to safety alerts for everyone in the company. It really increases internal communications. The extranet is an internet like system “between and enterprise and its trading partners” [3]. The extranet can be used for research development, communication of company data, and other pertinent information that partners may wish to access. It also allows for better communication between customers and the company. This can be seen in things such as help systems that are established on the extranet. [1] O’Brien, James, and George Marakas. __Introduction To Information Systems__. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2008. 524.  [2] O’Brien, James, and George Marakas. __Introduction To Information Systems__. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2008. 12.  [3] O’Brien, James, and George Marakas. __Introduction To Information Systems__. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2008. 12.

__How can a manager demonstrate that he or she is a responsible end user of information systems? Give several examples.__
 * Discussion Question 5:**

End users are people that effectively communicate and organize in teams and work as groups most of the time. End users are people who work with information systems such as sales people, accountants or mangers and they can be considered customers also. Since privacy is an issue, there are several things an end user should do in order to keep his/her information private. First of all use a password, end users must maintain the security of their password. They can do this by taking up such practices as changing the password occasionally and of course remembering the new one. Also there is a physical security issue that applies. Managers should ensure that access to offices, data centers and communication rooms is only authorized for employees and should be locked.

Additionally, every organization has some information that needs a higher level of protection in that if someone gains access to it, it could be potentially dangerous. When dealing with classifications of information there should be procedures that are adopted to safeguard information that is received by managers. Such information should be categorized and labeled as either classified or unclassified. Furthermore, managers should maintain backups of applications and data that is stored off site. This keeps them in safe place in case of any security breach

The networks that are used by end users have to be protected from getting any viruses or any internet parasites. As an example, sometimes managers receive work emails on a home PC from outside sources that contain viruses, and afterwards their company computer will be affected. Then when they use their company’s network, a risky situation is brought to life because they might lose some of their necessary data or in worst case scenario, affect the entire network. Therefore, never go from one computer to another or from an insecure network to your company network that has such risk associated without first utilizing at least a virus scan. Finally there should be some sort of team or individual who specializes in the network security and network protection.

__Refer to the Real World Case on Autosystems in the chapter. What should be the next step in business software implementation for a small manufacturer like Autosystems? Defend your proposal.__
 * Discussion Question 6:**

The next step in business software implementation for a small manufacturer should be to have a set of procedures for ActivEntry and a complete detail of all the aspects of the TRANS4M system that would interface with the ActivEntry. The use of set of procedures would lead to the elimination of the production analyst, which would save the company money by cutting back on salary costs. Information about training, support and assistance for production associates would all be contained in the procedures. The procedures would aid production associates by making them able to look at the procedures for help or guidelines instead of seeking help from the hypothetically former production analyst. The timeliness in that help could be sought would be improved. The variable or possibility that maybe the production analyst is busy, away or perhaps absent would no longer even be a factor.

A strategy or long term goal for Autosystems should be to transform into a completely electronic system, as mentioned in the Real World Case for Autosystems. This would go follow the same steps as implementing the new procedures. The fully electronic system along with the procedures would not only cut back on salary costs, it would reduce individual paperwork. Currently, the use of paperwork has decreased due to the ActivEntry implementation. Instead of the old system of having individual sets of paperwork at each of the three plants, the work is now distributed to the plants. Reducing most of your paperwork would not only save time, it would also be simpler for employees to locate the information that could be transferred from paperwork to a fully electronic system. This might even mean less job training, more environmentally friendly and a cleaner workspace. The forms also use up a lot of space to store and this would take away a worker frustration and repetitive task that is created by filling out paper forms allowing the organization to be more ergonomical. Paper forms are also much easier to lose.

The implementation of procedures and reduction of paper would help with employee motivation. Production has since increased with the ActivEntry implementation. Employees now feel important and cared for when management displays concerns about them. Since most workers only want basic respect in the workplace, when they get it they return the favor by becoming more productive and more efficient. Happy workers equal productivity and success.


 * Other submission for Question #5:**

Discussion Question # 5 According to the text, the definition of an end user is people who use an information system or the information it produces. Most end users are people that efficiently communicate and organize in teams and work as groups most of the time. End users can be classified as sales people, accountants, engineers, clerks, and customers found at all levels of an organization. There are several ways for a manager to demonstrate that he or she is a responsible user of information systems. First, a manager must demonstrate that he or she has an in depth knowledge of the information system being used, specifically policies and procedures. It is very important for a Manager to know what is going on. When lower level employees have a problem with software or understanding a policy, the responsible manager should be able to assess and secure the problem in one way or another. The manager should make it his or her obligation to try and learn as much about the policies and procedures as well as different software that the company is using. Being aware of updates and changes to various software and policies is another way of demonstrating that one is a responsible end user. One might consider providing copies of updated policies and procedures for the employees that he or she manages. A responsible end user should also assist employees in learning the software and different applications used by employees. Because most end users work in teams and groups communication is extremely imperative. Managers must make an effort to ensure that information is being shared efficiently and effectively whether electronically, face to face, by mail, etc. This could be done by the manager or a responsible employee that the manager trusts. A responsible end user of information systems would also make sure information is safely communicated so that it does not fall in the hands of the wrong persons. This could be done by using passwords for different software and electronic message boards that may be used as communication devices. When storing information, a responsible end user of information systems should make copies of all data, information, and applications. It is always good to have a backup in case of an emergency. Viruses and different types of malfunctions can be hazardous, making it vital to have different securities applications and software to keep computers and other hardware safe from infection. The occasional change of passwords is also a way to protect information.