Assignment Specifications
The primary aim of this assessment is to understand the effect and impact that business processes, competing and/or complimentary technologies and information systems have on an organisation. This means that you need to discuss how the organisation within the case study will use your proposed solutions to gain an additional advantage over its competitors. There is an expectation that your submission will be analytical, and will draw on theory to frame responses to tasks.
Overview: (read the case study) Mr Martin Krowski would like to have a clearer understanding before these changes are implemented so he has asked you to submit a business report (with academic references) with the following information:
- Two (2) graphs created in Microsoft Excel that show department statistics (refer Task A)
- Two (2) process models depicting ‘As-Is' and ‘To-Be' processes (refer Task B)
- One (1) mobile app prototype design with design justifications and business outcomes. (refer Task C)
- Answering a series of general questions regarding the business and its journey towards a more technological business environment. (refer Task D)
Task A: EXCEL for Business Intelligence
Martin wants to evaluate the 2015 statistics from permit applications. Martin knows enough about Excel to realise it could be a useful tool so he has asked you to create a Microsoft Excel prototype which lists the type of permits received in 2015 and the revenue collected. The data for the spreadsheet is available on the next page as well as a suggested layout and hints for formula to be used.
Graphs: You are also required to create two (2) graphs.
1. Column chart: Show total revenue by department (see case study).
2. Pie chart: Show number of applications by department as percentages (see case study). (Partly completed spreadsheets will be provided)
Task B: BUSINESS PROCESS MODELS
Produce two (2) process models (not hand drawn) using Swim Lane format from the details provided in the Background section (clearly state any assumptions made):
1. The first Swim Lane diagram must represent the ‘As-Is' application processes at IND
2. The second Swim Lane diagram must represent the ‘To-Be' application processes at IND.
Task C: The Mobile App
Develop a prototype mobile application that will allow the business to promote their services as well as allowing the customers to complete a permit application (including payments) as well as book in for permit inspections. The app should also provide feedback to the customer about the progress of their application. Provide an overview of this app in your report including.
- Its purpose and links to the business functions.
- The alignment to design considerations including 3 design principles and 3 usability guidelines.
- The expected benefits, including plausible (researched) increases in business and efficiency gains.
Presentation: As the company directors are not very modern in the way they think. You will need to justify the need for the mobile app and how it can be linked to a more comprehensive marketing campaign. This will require you and your team to present a short 10min presentation (pitch) detailing the following aspects.
1. The importance of mobile apps in the modern business environment.
2. The design itself and how it adheres to at least 3 design principles and 3 usability guidelines.
3. The expected benefits, including plausible (researched) increases in business and efficiency gains.
4. The future possibilities.
The presentation is to be conducted live in class. All the team members must be seen to present equally, with everyone having similar lead presenter time.
Task D: General Questions.
1. What is the role of business process modelling for organisations such as IND? What are the benefits of providing an As-Is model and a To-Be model to the General Manager, Mr Martin Krowski? Include your Swim Lane Diagrams (from Task B) as part of your explanation
2. Broadly explain the importance of information in organisations like IND and provide an example of how Information Technology can be a useful tool for attracting new customers and gathering information.
3. As the company does not have the expertise to develop mobile apps it will need to look elsewhere for this service. Discuss outsourcing and identify 3 benefits and 3 disadvantages.
4. Discuss the differences between Web analytics, Social Network Analysis and Customer Relationship Management, including outlining the environment from which the information is collect from, the type of information it collects and the benefit from the information collected.
5. As IND will be collecting information from people, outline the privacy laws and cybersecurity measures that the company will need to consider to assure the customer that their information is safe and secure.