Custom Living Furniture has hired you to be a short term consultant for business advice. George Washington, the owner, is interested in acquiring an information system for the business. The company specializes in helping customers select custom furniture made of specially ordered woods and materials for their needs and lifestyles. Custom Living Furniture cannot compete on price with mass merchandisers that sell furniture from large stores. The owner wants to offer value and expertise for which customers are willing to pay. You have asked the owner whether he has long-range plans (such as 5 years) for the company, and he responds that a two year time frame is all that has been thought through.
Develop questions to ask the owner of Custom Living Furniture to help George conduct a SWOT analysis. Include all aspects of a SWOT analysis.
How could a mission statement help Custom Living Furniture reach its goal?
What are the critical success factors (CSF) for Custom Living Furniture? Place yourself in the owner's position based upon the facts of this case.
What specific questions would you ask George Washington, the owner, to help him develop a business case for an information system?