Operations and Information Management
Relates to Learning Outcomes:
- Critically analyse the theory, concepts and models of operations and information management.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of information management in international
- Select appropriate problem-solving and improvement approaches.
- Design and implement a systems integration strategy using information provided in case study materials
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the importance of ICT in the development and maintenance of off-shoring stakeholder relationships
Assignment Brief
Smartz is a smartphone and accessories retailer based in England, owned by Imran. The business started with a single shop, which Imran has grown into a chain of seven. The first four shops were opened from scratch but in July 2012 Imran bought ‘MobUlike,’ a group of three outlets, which he intends to operate under the Smartz brand. The recent acquisition is a significant expansion in the operation of the business, which until now had specialised only in smartphones; MobULike deals with the whole mobile phone market. MobULike additionally included two outlets in Italy. Imran is hoping that this will help him to gain a foothold in the European market. As a result of the expansion Imran has identified a need to open a new warehouse in the south of England, and he has decided that this would be an excellent opportunity to launch an eCommerce arm to the business, capitalising on the success of the Smartz brand, but with a relatively small additional overhead.
You are a consultant with OIM Consultants, who specialise in business analysis and information technology design and delivery. OIM Consultants have been employed by Imran to advise on how to address the technology needs of the growing business. Smartz and MobULike have different IT systems, and in addition to integrating the two parts of the business there is the need to add ‘b2c’ eCommerce functionality. Imran would like this to be fully integrated with the retail stores, allowing customers to collect and return stock via the stores, as well as via courier. He has asked whether the use of open-source software is appropriate for the business, as Smartz uses packaged software from commercial vendors, which is proving increasingly expensive.
Your Task
You are a consultant employed by Imran of Smartz. Your objective is to write a report with your analysis and recommendations regarding the merging of Smartz and MobULike, and introduction of an integrated eCommerce system to complement the high street stores, by discussing the following:
- Outlining the ways in which the new IT strategy can benefit Smartz
- Identifying key challenges of Smartz transitioning to an integrated system
- Providing detailed recommendations for how the strategy could be effectively implemented.
You should use appropriate theories, frameworks, models, to inform and justify your recommendations. You may include in appendices any analysis that you have conducted (e.g. BPM, SWOT etc) to support your arguments.
Please structure your assignment as a report – include:
Title Page, Contents, Introduction, Main Section, Conclusions, Recommendations, and References