Information System Workshop Analysis
Question 1
For this workshop, the following IT roles can be identified:
System analyst intern; this is the opportunity to be filled, report to the IT director.
IT director; this person is in charge of the overall system operations and the organization's functionality. Mike McGee is the one in charge here.
System analyst; reports to the IT development manager, this role has two individuals involved. They include Lauren and Cathy.
IT development manager; in charge of management of the IT development sector, Felesia is the one in charge here.
IT operations manager; in charge of operational management reports, this sector is headed by Joe Tuner.
Database Administrator; in charge of database administration and report development, Dawn Rauntee is the guy in charge of the sector.
Network Administrator; headed by Greg Wade, this sector reports to the operations manager all the information regarding the network.
Question 2
a). Components of information system
The following components of an information system can be identified in the chain:
People resources- this includes both the end users and the IS specialist. The end users involved here include the operations manager, bank operators, customers, the courier, and the vendors.
Hardware resources- these include the computers used by the cash BO, the bank system, and the mobile phones used in the communication chain within the organization.
Software resources- the instruction channeled in the communication strategy between the various players in this setup involve such instructions as cash flow, delivery reports, feedback among other softwares.
Data resources- the organization model has several data resources such as those processed in the DDS APP.
b). Classification of the information system components.
The components can be classified based on the functions and technicality as follows
Functional components; this involves all the actual users of the information. The people resources ideally fall in this category.
Structural components; this involves all the structures used to generate, store, and or disseminate the information in the system.
Question 3
The HKA uses a decision support system in their model of communication. Their system has a database and Linda is placed at the central of decision making besides other staff members within the organization. I think this system supports the current and future objectives of the organization because the information gathered and used are based on the reality and the current trend besides the projections. The system can also help them to manipulate the business shortfalls into strengths and good qualities based on the customers' feedback (Mohammed, 2010).
Workshop 2: Part B
What are the Phases of SDLC in Waterfall? Who was Barry Boehm and what did he have to say about spiral model?
Requirement analysis
System design
Implementation
Testing
Deployment
Maintenance
When would you choose a V model approach rather than Waterfall or Agile? Explain?
V-model is an improvement to the traditional waterfall model used in process of software development. Its effectiveness arises due to the fact that rather than taking a linear way, the process stages get an upward bending right after the phase of thereby resulting to an ordinary V shape. This gives it much advantage. In which case, the model permits the involvement of the Tester role in the requirement phase per se. Further, the model permits requirement changes at any phase. This is indifferent to the waterfall model which is normally clouded with problems arising after the completion of a given phase. Consequently, this gives the V model a good structured system. In comparison to the agile model, the v-model can be used profitably with smaller projects.
What is Scrum? Draw the scrum process and also explain the each of the items in the Scrum
Process.
Scrum involves a team working to yield results in an agile environment. it can be described as an incremental framework that is utilized for project management with different fundamental elements that helps in achieving results. It is characterized by repeated sequence of processes and events. The processes contained within the scrum framework include Product Backlog, Release Backlog, Spring Backlog, Sprints and Spring Planning.
Scrum process
The drawn diagram for scrum process:
The first stage involves the Product Owner overseeing the establishment of product backlog followed by prioritizing it.
The next step involves the team overviewing the backlog then pulling work, just like the case of lean manufacturing system.
A spring cycle is normally estimated to be utmost 4 weeks. Spring is expected to take between two to four weeks.
The end of the cycle requires the team to come up with a functional software and it must also be shippable.
Workshop 2: Part B; Question 4
The following methodologies may be recommendable for the system development for Linda and Tracy's organization.
Soft system methodology: this system will help the organization to structure and focus on the intervention to manage the trend in the rising cases of complex organizational management issues. It has the advantage of being simple and retrospective in nature. However, the diversity in the organization's culture may affect its implementation within the organization. This system may otherwise be misused in the due course (Burstein et al 2015).
The other option involves the effective technical human implementation of computer based system. This involves a participative, both social and technical, approach to system development. This system approach subjectively analyzes the organizational structure in an in-depth study. It has the advantage of prompting the most appropriate system development. It can specifically help to expose the organization's performance level when it comes to information systems. However, it involves cumbersome steps in development. The phases of implementation are so demanding and hectic in nature (Power et al 2015)
Moreover, the expert may decide to advice for the Rational Unified Process system which is an object-oriented and Web-enabled system development program. It is an online mentoring platform that offers various options in system development options for organization in the business world. This methodology is of advantage because it offers several options for the organization to choose from. It also gives the guidelines on how to implement the option chosen. However, it may not be appropriate for the smaller firms. The use of web design requires expertise that may not available within many firms. This methodology is effective for well-established firms that are not struggling with cultural and development issues.
In my opinion, I would advise for the Effective Technical Human Implementation of Computer-based system within the organization for Linda and Tracy. This methodology will help them to analyze their past performance, the need for the change and the political, social and cultural issues that they have to handle before implementation of the methodology. It also offers a chance for growth in the future expectation.
Workshop 3: Part B
Executive Summary
This business case presents a need for the purchase of a car to be used for my transportation while going to campus. The reasons as to why there is a crucial need for a car is explained in details and the expenses and the time frame for the purchase of the car is also presented. There are several alternative to the car that have been considered but after analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative the car remains to be the best option.
Reasons for the car
The distance from home to the university is far making it difficult to go on foot. The car will help me be able to attend my class schedules on time and be able to also participate in other co curricular activities without wasting time moving from one place to the next. Though the initial cost for purchasing the car may be enormous the long term cost is cheaper compared to other alternatives.
The business case
These business case is meant to give a description of the need, plan and implementation on how the request on the car can be mate or alternatives be considered.
Cost and time
The cost of purchasing a new car is about 30000 US dollars and since I will be going to the University in three months time I believe it is possible to raise the cash. I have savings in my account which can amount to 1000 US dollar that I can also contribute.
Effects of late purchase of the car
If the car is purchased while I have already started going to school I will have to use public means for my transport, other alternatives include borrowing a car, lending a car and using either mum’s or dad’s car before mine is purchased.
Risk factors to be considered
Purchasing the car will mean that huge amount of money be incurred which could consequently make the family undergo financial strains for a moment. Failure to purchase the car will mean that I use alternative methods which in the long term are more expensive, time consuming and inefficient.
Benefits
I will be able to save a lot of time which I can use in helping at home or studying, my grades will improve and I will help in doing more work at home. After the purchase of the car I will also need less money just for fueling so the total amount of money that I will need will also reduce.
Alternatives
Using the car of mum or dad: This will mean that the person I borrow the car from is inconvenienced.
Using public means: This will mean that I sometimes get delayed on the road and go for classes late. A lot of time will wasted in using several public transports before arriving in school.
Lending a car: This is very expensive in the long run.
Need for Business Case
There exists a strong business case for the development of an information system to support the cleaning supply. This is because there are a lot of perspectives, experience of Andrew McClean and the expertise of Julia. This though not a formal research provides a good ground for making assumptions concerning the development of information system to support the cleaning project.
The disadvantages and the advantages of including an information system have been laid down for example fear of replacing people with machines which is very important for any business cases. These possible risks have already been analyzed and will act as a guide for the company.
The proposal is aligned with the company’s main objective for increasing the profit an enhancing customer’s satisfaction according to Julia and hence the business case will be strong.
Internal and external factors likely to affect Kahuna Cleaning Supply
The main internal factors affecting is the conflict that exists among the employees. They don’t seem to unanimously agree on the proposal of including IT in the company. The systems being used are outdated and it is the 21st century where digitalized products are much preferred.
The external factors that are affecting the company include experiencing a flat growth due to the down economy. The company is also experiencing a lot of customer complaints which is bound to result in loss of the customers.
Workshop 4
Part B: PORTFOLIO EXERCISE
System requirements
User stories
With regards to the case presented, the following are the technique that will be used for fact-finding:
Interviews: This will be helpful in obtaining information required to characterize a group or individuals based on their opinion regarding the system. People to be chosen for this case must have a relation with the system in order to provide accurate information (Otremba, 2014).
Questionnaire: This technique will be employed in obtaining information from various people; mainly utilized in the case where skillful analyst is present. This will consist of a number of questions that are put together in a way that is logical. This is the cheapest technique that can be used in fact finding.
Record view: This involves publishing the information that talks about the system in newspapers and magazines. The obtained record review gives the analyst upper hand in accessing the significant information regarding the system.
Observation: This is also another technique that can be used in the process and it involves the analyst going in person to the intended organization to observe and comprehend the working mechanism of the system (Phillips, 2000).
User stories
MIND MAP
Process diagram
References
Mohammed, D., (2010) "Ecommerce: Ongoing Challenges", Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce. vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 1-4.
Otremba, J. (2014) The priceless data hiding in ecommerce, Hong Kong,.
Phillips, B.W., (2000) "Ecommerce management--a matter of breadth and depth", Business Communications Review, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 14-18.
Power, D. J., Sharda, R., & Burstein, F. (2015). Decision support systems. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isberg, V., Vroling, B., van der Kant, R., Li, K., Vriend, G., & Gloriam, D. (2013). GPCRDB: an information system for G protein-coupled receptors. Nucleic acids research, gkt1255.
