Case Study, Stage 2: Business Process Analysis and Technology Solution Proposal

case_study_stage_2

Required length: 
Part 1 requires a flow chart in MS Word or MS Power Point (1- 2 pages)
Part 2 requires a 1-2 page length (TEXT) about a technology solution to scenario PLUS a reference page in APA format
Word Count: Not important as long as the rubric is followed correctly and requested answer is provided.
Required external reference in APA format: at least 2 references from an .org .gov or.edu website or an acceptable scholarly journal article.
If tdas1 is not available then I am requesting a deeply knowledgeable business tutor with the knowledge of English writing, MS word and/or MS PowerPoint
Assignment:
***See attached and please take the time to read***
Case Study Stage 2: Business Process Analysis and Technology Solution Proposal; 
There are two parts to this assignment: 
(POINT 1) Using either a flow chart or an outline format, you will analyze the business process identified in Stage 1 (breaking it down into sequential steps and modeling it). This can be either a Microsoft Word or PowerPoint document to be submitted. 
(POINT 2) Using the case provided, propose a ‘technology solution’ for improving the process identified in Stage 1 and explain how the solution would support the organization’s strategic objectives. Your solution proposal will take the form of a short paper, using Microsoft Word. Note: It’s tempting to proposing integrating lots of new technology but focus on a single one that is easily supportive of proposed strategy and improvement.

 For Stage 2 of the Case Study: Analysis and Recommendation, you will ensure you cover the requirements by reviewing the assignment details and scoring rubric. You will (from the rubric):
Design the AS-IS and TO-BE models for the process you identified in Stage 1, showing most of the major steps required. (10 points) 
Provide a logical flow of the process steps. (10 points) 
Model is presented professionally. (10 points)
Briefly explain the business process chosen in Case Study Stage 1 and explain how a technology solution can improve the process. (7 points) 
***This was going to be a choice of “1” technology solution of from the attached words x on page 8 and below choices:- Wifi
– Membership database update
– Smart cards or smart key chain rings (tokens)
* The smart card/token idea is linked closely with a digital updated membership database
* The WiFi system is a given, extremely simple to resolve
Propose a specific technology solution, describing it, which should be appropriate to the Fitness Center and improves the process identified in Case Study Stage 1. (15 points) 
List the major hardware, software and communications components that will be needed. How many of each is dependent on the proposed solution, but more importantly, the key components should be included. Your list should be applicable to your proposed solution and related to the case facts (15 points). For the software you choose, research online to find a package that will meet your solution’s needs. For example, if you choose a POS system, find a package that will meet a small business’ needs. For a Customer Relationship Management solution, find software that you can integrate with the system you choose. Some POS systems have a CRM option. If a network is designed, will it be wired or wireless? Anti-virus software should be considered if the system will communicate with the Internet. A backup solution should be included if the software you choose doesn’t have backup features. Again, only the major items need to be mentioned. 
Explain how the proposed technology solution will improve the process (10 points). Note the old process and improved process with specific examples on how the proposed solution (technology) will improve it. 
Explain how the proposed solution will support at least one strategic objective identified through the Porter’s Five Forces Analysis conducted in Case Study, Stage 1 (7 points). Include one of Porter’s Five Forces and/or the generic strategy you chose in Case Study, Stage 1, to discuss. 
External research (outside of the textbook) conducted. (6 points) 
Report format. (10 points) 

12/24/2012

Case Study, Stage 2: Business Process Analysis and Technology
Solution Proposal

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case
Study”, “UR UMUC Stage 1 Project” and the WALMART EXAMPLE. Also, you must
incorporate any feedback you received on your graded Stage 1 assignment as needed before
proceeding. You will use the strategic area and process that you selected in Stage 1; review
the feedback you received for any recommended changes prior to starting this assignment.

Purpose of this Assignment

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your analysis skills to model a business process.
Modeling the process as it exists (and as it will exist) will aid in the analysis, design, development and
implementation of the technology solution. This assignment also gives you the opportunity to apply your
knowledge of technology solutions to improve a business process. This assignment specifically addresses
the following course outcomes to enable you to:

• analyze internal and external business processes to identify information systems requirements.
• identify and plan IT solutions that meet business objectives.

Business Process Analysis for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center

In order to apply technology to a process, the process must be thoroughly understood and models are
used for this purpose. The model also supports business process analysis and redesign when the process
is deemed to be inefficient or ineffective. Models are also used to design the “to-be” process that
describes the desired end state after the technology solution is developed.

For your Stage 1 Project of the Case Study, you identified a strategic area for improvement of your UMUC
Fitness Center’s business and you identified a process that could be improved with the use of technology.
In this stage, you will create a model of that process that will define in detail the steps in the process as
it is done today to aid in the analysis of the problem, model the proposed new process and explain the
proposed IT solution.

The proposed technology solution should address the new business process, should be appropriate to the
UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, should be briefly described, its major components listed, and an
explanation should be given for why and how this proposed solution will improve the business process.
Be sure to read the instructions for the remaining projects in this Case Study (Stages 3-5) to get an
understanding of the future projects that build on the proposed solution and to help you in deciding upon
your solution. You want to propose a solution that can be used in the assignments that follow this one,
so be selective and choose an appropriate solution.

Assignment
For this assignment you will use the process identified for improvement in your Stage 1 Project. There
are 2 parts to this assignment.

Part 1: Business Process Analysis – Models of the AS IS Process and the TO BE Process. In the
textbook, on pages 63-67, several different methods of modeling business processes are illustrated. You
may use any of the models shown (or one suggested by the instructor), to analyze the process you
identified for improvement, breaking it down into sequential steps and modeling it. You may use
Microsoft Word, Excel or Power Point or clearly hand-draw your model and scan it into an electronic file
format. Which model format you choose to use is not as important as making sure you have included all

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See page 14 – 34

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See pages 1 – 3

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Competed stage 1 work will be sent as a word x file later.

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See pages 35 – 40

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the major steps in the process and appropriately sequenced them. The process that you model must be
the one you identified in your Stage 1 Project (or the one suggested by the instructor) and it needs to be
appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. First, you will model the process as it is currently
performed at the Fitness Center; this is the AS IS Process. Then you will model the way that you expect
the new process to function; this is the TO BE Process. Note: A process is defined in your textbook
as “a standardized set of activities that accomplish a specific task, such as processing a
customer’s order.” (Baltzan, 2012, p. 20).

The following are two URL’s that have a more detailed description of Flow Charting and its uses:
http://www.hci.com.au/hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm

http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/process-analysis-tools/overview/flowchart.html

Create a flow chart or process map in Excel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_R73RVfHl0

Create a flow chart in Word 2007 and 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN0dekcsmw

Create a flow chart in PowerPoint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8erOL-3Bho

Business Process Example: If a grocery store had a need to reduce expenses and improve customer
satisfaction, a process needing improvement might be improving the inventory process to ensure
availability of products for customers as well as to reduce cost related to spoiled inventory. Your model
could include the steps necessary to record inventory information, update inventory when merchandise is
sold, place orders for additional inventory from suppliers, etc.

Part 2: Technology Solution Proposal. Using the textbook and external resources, write a short
paper 1-2 pages in length, not including References page and cover sheet, responding to the bulleted
items below. Remember to correctly cite and reference your sources with APA format. Use the Grading
Rubric to be sure you have covered everything.

Create a document that includes the following:

1. At the end of your Stage 1 assignment, you listed the strategy, business area and process
selected. These should be provided at the beginning of this paper to set the stage. Be sure to
incorporate any recommended changes, and show:

GENERIC STRATEGY:
STRATEGIC BUSINESS AREA:
PROCESS TO BE IMPROVED:

2. Briefly explain the business process identified in Stage 1 and why it could benefit from a
technology solution.

3. Propose a specific technology solution, describing it in a few sentences. Note: It’s tempting to
proposing integrating lots of new technology but focus on a single one that is easily supportive of
your proposed strategy and improvement.

4. List the major hardware, software and communications components that will be needed. How
many of each you list is dependent on the solution you propose, but the important components
needed to implement your proposed solution should be included. Your list should be applicable
to your proposed solution and be appropriate for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. (If you
are planning on integrating with existing components, please list those so it’s clear that complete
hardware, software, and communications environment exists to implement your solution.)

5. Explain how the proposed technology solution will improve the process.
6. Explain how the proposed technology solution will support at least one strategic objective

identified through the Porters Five Forces Analysis conducted in Stage 1.

http://www.hci.com.au/hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm

http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/process-analysis-tools/overview/flowchart.html

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Technology Solution Example: If a grocery store had a need to reduce expenses and
improve customer satisfaction, a proposed technology solution might be the
implementation of hand-held scanners for customers. The hand-held scanners could
update inventory real-time and update customers’ loyalty accounts also. This solution
would require purchase of hand-held scanner devices and software that can interface
with existing systems, appropriate wireless network, etc.

Submit your Part 1 and Part 2 paper via your Assignment Folder Stage 2 as an attached document (or
documents) with your last name included in the filename(s). If possible combine Part 1 and Part 2 into
one file; otherwise be sure each file is clearly labeled identifying the Part of Stage 2 it represents.

Your model will be evaluated on whether it is applicable to the process identified, all major steps in the
process are included and correctly modeled, and it is appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Note: Your paper will be evaluated on whether or not you correctly incorporated the course concepts
from the textbook and addressed all parts of the questions. You need to do some external research on
at least one aspect of the assignment – your choice – and incorporate it and cite (and reference) it in
APA format in your response. What, exactly, you propose as a technology solution will be evaluated as to
whether it is appropriate for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and could actually improve the process
identified, and whether it is fully thought-out and supported with application of course concepts and
research. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects.

GRADING RUBRIC:

Attribute Full Points Partial Points No points Possible
Points

Points
Earned

Model
Completeness

The models
present all of the
major steps in the
process. Both the
AS IS and the TO
BE processes are
included.

The models
present most of
the major steps
in the processes
and/or only the
AS IS or the TO
BE process is
modeled.

No models are
included.

10

Comments:

Organization of
Steps

Steps in the
processes are
organized in a
logical flow and
demonstrate
sophisticated
analysis and
critical thinking.

Steps may not
be organized in a
logical flow or
may be lacking
in demonstration
of analysis,
and/or critical
thinking.

Process steps
are not
organized at all.

10

Comments:

Model
Presentation

Models are
professionally
presented; use a
logical structure,
and spelling is
correct.

Models are
adequate, or not
professionally
presented,
and/or contain
spelling errors.

Models are
extremely poorly
presented and
do not convey
the information.

10

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Comments:

Business
Process
Explanation

Business process
is identified and
explained in terms
of how a
technology
solution could
improve it;
explanation
demonstrates
understanding of
course concepts,
sophisticated
analysis and
critical thinking.

Business process
is adequately
explained, or
may be lacking
in terms of how
a technology
solution could
improve it;
and/or may be
lacking in
demonstration of
understanding of
course concepts,
analysis, and/or
critical thinking.

Business process
is not identified
or explained.

7

Comments:

Proposed
Technology
Solution

Proposed technology
solution is clearly
identified and is
appropriate to the
UR UMUC Healthy
Fitness Center and to
improve the process
identified; and
demonstrates
understanding of
course concepts,
sophisticated
analysis, and critical
thinking.

Proposed
technology solution
adequate, or may
not be identified
and/or not
appropriate to the
UR UMUC Healthy
Fitness Center or to
improve the
process identified;
may be lacking in
demonstration of
understanding of
course concepts,
analysis, and/or
critical thinking.

Proposed
technology
solution is
not
included.

15

Comments:

List of
components

Major hardware,
software and
communications
components from all
aspects of the IT
infrastructure to
implement the
proposed solution
are listed and are
applicable to the
proposed solution
and appropriate to
the UR UMUC
Healthy Fitness
Center.

Hardware, software
and
communications
components listed
may be incomplete,
may not apply to
the proposed
solution and/or do
not address all
aspects of the IT
infrastructure
and/or may not be
appropriate for the
UR UMUC Healthy
Fitness Center.

Component list
is not provided.

15

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Comments:

How the solution
will improve the
process

A correct, well-
supported and
convincing
explanation of how
the proposed
solution will improve
the process is
provided.

The explanation of
how the proposed
solution will
improve the
process is
adequate, or may
be inaccurate
and/or incomplete
and/or not well
supported.

An
explanation
of how the
proposed
solution
will
improve
the process
is not
provided.

10

Comments:

Support for
strategic
objective

A convincing
explanation is
provided for how
the proposed
solution will
support at least
one of the
strategic
objectives
identified in Stage
1.

The explanation of
how the proposed
solution will support at
least one strategic
objective from Stage 1
is incomplete and/or
not convincing.

Explanation
of support for
a strategic
objective is
not provided.

7

Comments:

External Research At least one source
other than the
textbook is
incorporated and
used effectively.
Source(s) used are
relevant and timely
and contribute to the
analysis and support
conclusions.

A source other than
the textbook may
be used, but is not
properly
incorporated or
used to contribute
to the analysis or
support
conclusions, and/or
is not effective or
appropriate and/or
is not relevant or
timely.

No external
research is
incorporated
.

6

Comments:

Report Format Report is
professionally
presented using
sophisticated
writing and is
effectively
organized; uses
correct sentence
structure,
grammar, and

Report is
adequate or may
not be well
organized and
professionally
presented;
and/or contains
grammar and/or
spelling errors;
and/or does not

Report is
extremely poorly
written and does
not convey the
information.

10

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spelling;
references are
appropriately
incorporated and
cited using APA
style.

follow APA style
for references
and citations.

Comments:

TOTAL Points 100
100 points

=15% of final
course grade

Points
Recorded
(total points x
.15)

Recommendations: