Questions Lecture 1b
Questions Lecture 1b
Questions Lecture 1b
1. What are the key components of a successful information systems strategic plan,
and how can such a plan be used to achieve business objectives?
Here are the key components of a successful information systems strategic plan, and how such a
plan can be used to achieve business objectives:
●Supports strategic business objectives. An information systems strategic plan should support
the overall strategic objectives of the business, for example, by building more direct customer
relationships or expanding marketing.
●Application architecture plan. This plan should focus on the business and outline the
applications that will be used to support the business processes2. For example, Rocky Mountain
Outfitters' (RMO) application architecture plan includes supply chain management (SCM), a
customer support system (CSS), a strategic information management system, a retail store
system (RSS), an accounting/finance system, and a human resources (HR) system.
●Technology architecture plan. This plan should outline the hardware, software, and network
infrastructure that will be used to support the business applications. For example, RMO's
technology architecture plan includes distributing business applications across multiple locations
and systems and reserving the data center for the Web server, database, and telecommunications.
●Timetable. The plan should include a timetable for implementing the various components of
the plan.
●Creating new products and services. By creating new products and services, businesses can
enter new markets and increase revenue.
For example, RMO’s information systems strategic plan calls for a series of information system
development and integration projects over several years to build more direct customer
relationships and expand marketing beyond Western states. The plan includes a new customer
support system to integrate phone orders, mail orders, and direct customer orders via the internet.
These projects are intended to support RMO’s strategic objectives.
3. Describe the roles and responsibilities of a systems analyst in the context of business
problem solving.
The systems analyst is a business professional who utilities analysis and design techniques to
solve business problems using information systems. Information systems are crucial to modern
businesses and the key to their successful development is systems analysis and design. This
highlights the systems analyst's role as a crucial problem solver within a business, as any
information system aims to address organizational challenges.
●Understand the problem: The next step involves researching and gaining a deep
understanding of the problem at hand. This includes gathering information, analyzing data, and
consulting with stakeholders to define the problem clearly.
●Define requirements: Once the problem is understood, the analyst defines the requirements
for solving it. This includes identifying the functional and non-functional requirements that the
information system must meet.
●Develop solutions: The analyst then develops a set of potential solutions (alternatives) to
address the problem. This stage involves brainstorming, researching existing solutions, and
leveraging their technical and business expertise.
●Evaluate and recommend: The analyst carefully evaluates each potential solution,
considering factors like feasibility, cost, and impact. Based on this evaluation, they recommend
the best solution to the stakeholders.
●Define solution details: Once a solution is chosen, the analyst defines its details. This involves
specifying the technical specifications, design elements, and implementation plan.
●Implement the solution: The final step is to implement the chosen solution. This may involve
developing or configuring software, integrating systems, and providing user training and support.
Required Skills
4. What are the key components of RMO's information systems strategic plan and how
do they relate to their business objectives?
RMO’s information systems strategic plan is designed to support their key strategic objectives:
●Building more direct customer relationships. This objective is driven by the recognition that
strong customer relationships are crucial for business success, especially in a competitive market.
RMO aims to achieve this by providing more personalized experiences and improving customer
service.
●Expanding marketing beyond Western states. This objective signifies RMO’s ambition for
growth and wider market reach. By expanding their marketing efforts, they aim to attract new
customer segments and increase their market share.
●Supply Chain Management (SCM). This system focuses on integrating various aspects of
RMO's supply chain, including product development, acquisition, manufacturing, and inventory
management. By streamlining these processes, RMO aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs,
and ensure timely delivery of products.
●Customer Support System (CSS). This system is designed to be the core of RMO's customer
relationship management strategy. It aims to integrate order processing and fulfilment with the
SCM system and support customer orders from various channels (mail, phone, and web). The
CSS is expected to enhance customer experience by providing a seamless and integrated
platform for interaction and order management.
●Strategic Information Management System. This system focuses on extracting and analyzing
data from the SCM and CSS to support strategic and operational decision-making and control.
By leveraging data analytics, RMO aims to gain valuable insights into their operations, customer
behavior, and market trends, enabling them to make informed decisions.
●Retail Store System (RSS). The plan involves replacing the existing retail store system with a
new one that integrates with the CSS. This integration is crucial for providing a consistent
customer experience across different channels and for gaining a unified view of customer
interactions and sales data.
●Human Resources (HR) System. Similar to the finance system, RMO plans to implement a
new intranet-based HR system to streamline access to HR forms and information for employees.
This aims to improve HR processes, employee self-service, and overall HR efficiency.
Technology Architecture Plan
RMO's technology architecture plan focuses on how they will distribute their business
applications and utilize their data center. The plan involves:
●Distributing business applications across multiple locations and systems. This distributed
approach provides flexibility and scalability, enabling RMO to adapt to changing business needs
and geographical expansion.
●Reserving the data center for the web server, database, and telecommunications. This
centralized approach ensures efficient management of critical IT infrastructure and allows for
better control and security of data.
Timetable
●The application architecture plan is designed to address the specific needs of the business.
For example, the CSS is intended to improve customer service and build more direct customer
relationships, while the SCM system is intended to improve operational efficiency and support
the expansion of marketing beyond Western states.
●The timetable is designed to ensure that the plan is implemented in a timely and efficient
manner.
Overall, RMO's information systems strategic plan is a comprehensive roadmap for how the
company will use technology to achieve its business objectives. By focusing on customer
relationships, operational efficiency, and strategic growth, the plan is well positioned to help
RMO succeed in the competitive sports clothing market.
5. What specific business benefits does RMO expect to gain from implementing their
customer support system?
Expected Business Benefits of Implementing the Customer Support System (CSS) for RMO
The sources highlight several specific business benefits that RMO anticipates from implementing
its new Customer Support System (CSS):
●Enhanced Customer Relationship Management: The CSS is positioned as a core system
supporting complete customer relationship management for RMO. By centralizing and
streamlining customer interactions, the company aims to cultivate and strengthen its customer
relationships. The system will handle various aspects of customer interaction, including
inquiries, order entry, order tracking, shipping, backordering, returns, and sales analysis. This
comprehensive approach is expected to lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
●Integrated Order Processing and Fulfilment: A key objective of the CSS is to integrate order
processing and fulfilment with RMO's Supply Chain Management (SCM) system. This
integration will enable a more streamlined and efficient flow of information and processes
related to customer orders. By connecting these systems, RMO can optimise its operations,
reduce errors, and improve delivery times, ultimately leading to a better customer experience.
●Support for Multiple Sales Channels: The CSS is designed to support customer orders from
various channels, including mail, phone, and web. This Multichannel approach enables RMO to
cater to a wider range of customer preferences and provides customers with a consistent
experience regardless of how they choose to interact with the company. This flexibility and
convenience can contribute to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
●Improved Efficiency and Reduced Costs: By automating and streamlining customer support
processes, the CSS is expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs associated with manual
processes. This can free up valuable resources that can be allocated to other areas of the business.
The integration with the SCM system further contributes to operational efficiency by reducing
redundancies and optimizing inventory management.
6. What are two strategic issues that RMO is facing, as identified by a consulting firm?
Two Strategic Issues Identified by a Consulting Firm
A consulting firm, invited by RMO to develop a detailed IS strategic plan, recommended that
RMO focus on two key strategic issues: supply chain management and customer relationship
management.
●Supply Chain Management (SCM) encompasses the integration of various processes,
including product development, product acquisition, manufacturing, and inventory management.
The sources do not explicitly state why the consulting firm recommended focusing on SCM, but
given RMO's existing issues with their website, particularly "slow, poor coordination with in-
house, poor supply chain management, poor technical support", it can be inferred that
improvements in SCM are necessary to address these shortcomings and support the company's
growth.
7. What are two examples of software tools that a systems analyst might use?
Software Tools Used by Systems Analysts
The sources provide two examples of software tools that a systems analyst might use:
●Software productivity packages: These are general-purpose software applications that aid in
various tasks related to productivity and office work. While the sources don't list specific
examples, common software productivity packages include word processors for documentation,
spreadsheet software for data analysis and modelling, presentation software for communicating
findings, and project management software for planning and tracking project progress.
In addition to these specific examples, systems analysts use a variety of other tools depending on
their specific tasks and the projects they are working on. These might include:
●Visual modelling tools and code generation tools: These tools allow systems analysts to
create visual representations of systems and processes, such as data flow diagrams, entity-
relationship diagrams, and use case diagrams. Some of these tools can even generate code
automatically from the models, speeding up the development process.
●Requirements management tools: These tools help systems analysts to elicit, document,
analyze, and manage system requirements. They provide features for tracking requirements
changes, identifying dependencies, and ensuring that all requirements are addressed during the
development process.
●Testing tools: These tools help systems analysts to test the functionality and performance of
systems. They can automate testing processes, generate test data, and report on test results.
It's important to note that the specific software tools used by systems analysts can vary widely
based on the organization they work for, the industry they are in, and the specific projects they
are involved in.
8. What are three types of technology that a systems analyst might encounter in their
work?
Types of Technology Encountered by Systems Analysts
The list types of technology that a systems analyst might encounter in their work:
●Desktop systems: This refers to standalone personal computers that are not connected to a
network. While less common in modern work environments, some organizations may still use
desktop systems for specific tasks or for employees who do not require network access.
●Networked desktop systems that share data: These are desktop computers connected to a
local area network (LAN), allowing users to share data and resources. This is a common setup in
many organizations, as it enables collaboration and efficient data management.
●Client-server systems: In this type of system, multiple client computers connect to a central
server to access resources and services. The server manages and provides data, applications, and
other functionalities to the clients. This architecture is widely used for applications like email,
databases, and web services.
●Systems using Internet, intranet, and extranet technology: This encompasses a wide range
of systems that utilities internet technologies for communication and data exchange.
9. How does the role of a systems analyst in business problem solving differ from that
of a technical programmer, and what skills are essential for success in this role?
Systems Analysts: Problem-Solvers, Not Just Programmers
A systems analyst uses analysis and design techniques to solve business problems with
information systems, while a technical programmer focuses on writing code. Although systems
analysts require some technical knowledge, they are not primarily programmers. Their key role
is as problem-solvers who can bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.
To be successful, systems analysts require a diverse skill set:
●Technical Knowledge and Skills:
○ Understanding of computer hardware, databases, input/output components, networks,
programming languages, operating systems, and communication technologies.
○ Proficiency in using software productivity packages, IDEs, visual modelling tools, and code
generation tools.
○ Knowledge of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) techniques such as project planning,
cost/benefit analysis, interviewing, and systems requirements modelling.
Various other technologies that systems analysts might need to understand, such as:
1. Computer hardware, including peripheral devices.
2. Files and database systems.
3. Input and output components.
4. Computer networks and protocols.
5. Programming languages, operating systems, and utilities.
6. Communication and collaboration technology.
This list highlights the diverse range of technologies that a systems analyst may interact with in
their work. Their role requires a broad understanding of IT infrastructure, software applications,
and emerging technologies to effectively analyze, design, and implement solutions for business
problems.
The sources highlight that a systems analyst's understanding of both business and technology
enables them to:
●Identify and research business problems.
●Define requirements for solving the problem.
●Develop and evaluate potential solutions.
●Recommend and implement the best solution.
The case study of RMO, a sports clothing company, illustrates the strategic role a systems
analyst can play in a business. The company's systems analyst, recently promoted to CIO, was
instrumental in developing an information systems strategic plan to address business challenges.
This plan included:
- Building stronger customer relationships.
- Expanding marketing efforts.
- Developing and integrating new information systems, such as a customer support system to
integrate various ordering channels.
This example demonstrates how a systems analyst can contribute to a company's success by
aligning technology solutions with strategic business objectives.
10. How does the systems analyst role differ from that of a technical programmer in
terms of problem-solving approach?
Different Approaches to Problem-Solving
While both systems analysts and technical programmers contribute to solving problems using
information systems, their approaches differ significantly. The systems analyst as a business
problem solver who uses analysis and design techniques, rather than just focusing on the
technical aspects of programming.
Here's a breakdown of their differing approaches:
A. Systems Analyst:
●Focus: Understanding the business problem from a holistic perspective, considering its impact
on different aspects of the organization.
●Process: A systems analyst follows a structured problem-solving process:
1. Verifying the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the costs.
2. Thorough research and understanding of the problem's root causes.
3. Clearly defining the requirements for a successful solution, involving stakeholders and
gathering their input.
4. Developing multiple potential solutions, considering different approaches and technologies.
5. Evaluating each solution's feasibility, cost, and benefits to determine the best option.
6. Recommending the chosen solution to decision-makers, providing clear justifications and
documentation.
7. Overseeing the implementation of the solution, ensuring it aligns with the defined
requirements.
8. Evaluating the implemented solution's effectiveness and making adjustments as needed.
●Skills: Systems analysts need a blend of technical, business, and people skills. They need to
understand technology well enough to design effective solutions, but their primary focus is on
understanding the business needs and translating them into technical specifications.
●Output: The systems analyst's output is a comprehensive solution that addresses the business
problem and meets the stakeholders' requirements. This may include system specifications,
process designs, data models, user interface designs, and implementation plans.
B. Technical Programmer:
●Focus: Receiving clear instructions and technical specifications to develop or modify software
code.
●Process: Technical programmers focus on the technical aspects of problem-solving, which
often involves:
1. Understanding the desired functionality and technical requirements of the software.
2. Writing, testing, and debugging code in a specific programming language.
3. Ensuring the code adheres to industry standards and best practices.
4. Integrating the code into existing systems or building new systems.
5. Documenting the code and its functionality.
●Skills: Technical programmers require deep expertise in specific programming languages, data
structures, algorithms, and software development tools. They need to be proficient in writing
clean, efficient, and maintainable code.
●Output: The technical programmer's output is functional and efficient software code that meets
the specified technical requirements.
In essence, the systems analyst acts as the architect, understanding the big picture and
designing the solution, while the technical programmer acts as the builder, constructing the
solution based on the architect's blueprint.
The case study of RMO to demonstrate the crucial role of a systems analyst. The company's
systems analyst played a key role in developing a strategic plan to address challenges and
achieve business objectives, which involved understanding both the business needs and the
technological landscape to propose and implement appropriate systems4. This illustrates how
systems analysts can bridge the gap between business and technology to drive positive change
and contribute to organizational success.
11. How does the role of a systems analyst differ from that of a technical programmer
in terms of skillset?
Distinctive Skillsets: Systems Analyst vs. Technical Programmer
The skillsets required for a systems analyst and a technical programmer, despite both roles
working with information systems. While technical programming expertise forms part of a
systems analyst's toolkit, their role extends far beyond coding. They are business problem
solvers who use analysis and design techniques to bridge the gap between business needs and
technology solutions.
Here's a comparative breakdown of the key skills:
A. Systems Analyst:
●Technical Breadth: Possesses a foundational understanding of diverse technologies, including
hardware, databases, networks, programming languages, and operating systems. This allows
them to communicate effectively with technical teams and evaluate various technology solutions.
●Analytical & Design Expertise: Skilled in SDLC techniques, including project planning, cost-
benefit analysis, interviewing, and requirements modelling. This enables them to meticulously
analyze problems, define requirements, and design effective solutions.
●Business Acumen: Grasps the organization's functions, strategies, culture, and processes. This
comprehension is crucial for aligning technology solutions with business goals and ensuring they
add value to the organization.
●Communication Proficiency: Excels in communication, acting as negotiators, teachers,
mentors, and collaborators. They effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical
stakeholders and facilitate communication between different teams.
●Ethical Conduct: Upholds integrity and confidentiality, as they often handle sensitive
information. They are responsible for designing secure systems and protecting data privacy.
B. Technical Programmer:
●Programming Prowess: Demonstrates mastery in specific programming languages, data
structures, algorithms, and software development tools. They write clean, efficient, and
maintainable code that meets technical specifications.
●Testing & Debugging: Skilled in testing code, identifying bugs, and implementing solutions to
ensure software functions as intended.
An example of the systems analyst's multifaceted role through RMO, a sports clothing company
facing business challenges. The company's systems analyst, later promoted to CIO, spearheaded
the development of an information systems strategic plan to address these challenges. This
involved understanding RMO's business goals, analyzing the existing technology landscape, and
proposing new systems to support growth and customer relationships. This case underscores the
systems analyst's ability to leverage their diverse skillset to drive strategic initiatives and
contribute significantly to organizational success.
12. Explain. How the role of a systems analyst contributes to a company's strategic
planning process?
●Understanding Business Needs and Objectives: Systems analysts are adept at understanding
the intricacies of business functions, strategies, and goals. By conducting thorough research and
engaging in effective communication with stakeholders across different departments, they gain a
deep understanding of the organization's current challenges, future aspirations, and the role
technology can play in achieving them.
●Developing a Technology Roadmap: Armed with a clear understanding of business needs and
technological possibilities, systems analysts play a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive
technology roadmap. This roadmap outlines the strategic direction for technology investments,
system implementations, and integration efforts over a defined period, ensuring that technology
initiatives support the company's long-term strategic objectives.
●Evaluating and Recommending Technology Solutions: Systems analysts play a key role in
evaluating various technology solutions available in the market, considering factors such as cost,
functionality, scalability, security, and compatibility with existing systems. Their ability to assess
the feasibility and suitability of different options ensures that the company makes informed
decisions that align with its budget and strategic goals.
13. What are the key challenges and opportunities facing Rocky Mountains Outfitters
in developing and implementing a new customer support system?
Challenges and Opportunities for Rocky Mountains Outfitters' New Customer Support System
Rocky Mountains Outfitters (RMO) is facing several challenges and opportunities as it develops
and implements a new customer support system (CSS).
Challenges:
●Integrating Existing Systems: RMO has a variety of existing systems, some of which are
outdated. Integrating these systems into the new CSS will be a major challenge.
For example, the mail order system is a mainframe COBOL/CICS system that is unable to
handle phone orders. The phone order system is an Oracle and Visual Basic system built six
years ago.
●Data Migration: Migrating data from the existing systems to the new CSS will be another
challenge. Ensuring data integrity and accuracy during the migration process will be crucial.
●User Adoption: Getting employees to adopt the new CSS will be essential for its success.
Training and support will be necessary to ensure that employees are comfortable using the new
system. Resistance to change from employees accustomed to existing workflows could also
present a challenge.
●Meeting Strategic Objectives: The CSS must be designed to support RMO's strategic
objectives, such as building more direct customer relationships and expanding marketing beyond
Western states. This will require careful planning and execution.
●Security: The CSS will contain confidential customer information, so security must be a top
priority. The system must be designed to protect this information from unauthorized access and
breaches.
Opportunities:
●Improved Customer Service: The new CSS has the potential to significantly improve
customer service. By integrating all customer touch points into a single system, RMO will be
able to provide a more seamless and efficient customer experience.
●Increased Sales: By providing a better customer experience, the CSS can help RMO to
increase sales. Satisfied customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and recommend
RMO to others.
●Enhanced Efficiency: The CSS can automate many of the tasks currently performed manually,
such as order processing and tracking. This can free up employees to focus on more strategic
tasks.
●Better Decision Making: The CSS will provide RMO with better data about its customers and
their interactions with the company. This data can be used to make better decisions about
marketing, product development, and other key areas.