Henry

stage 3, 4 and 5

i willing to pay but after the person has look at the assignment.

zip/FITNESS CENTRE ASSIGNMENT AMENDED-stage 1
Running Head: THE UR UMUC HEALTHY FITNESS CENTER CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
1
THE UR UMUC HEALTHY FITNESS CENTER CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
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The UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center case study analysis
Name

Tutor

College

Course

Date

The UR UMUC Healthy fitness centre is a centre that has been operating since 1980 as a centre for exercise and martial art classes. For more than twenty years since it was started, the fitness centre has been operating on the same way and nothing much has changed since its inception. Being on the 21st century, there is a great need of the management of the company to device new system of operation if it is to continue delivering its services to the public in the future. This paper gives an analysis of the situation at UR UMUC Healthy fitness center and devices on the strategies that I would employ being a newly employed manager at the centre.
Analyzing porter`s five forces, it will be easier to redefine the competitive position of UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Centre. Based on the information that has been provided for the fitness centre, analysis of Porter`s five forces will help in creating a competitive advantage of the firm over new entrants in the market.

Buyer’s power- This is the ability of the buyers to continue enjoying particular services or goods based on their preferences for the seller. In the health fitness centre, buyers power is at stake and this will mean that if the buyer`s power is to reduce, then it will negatively affect the performance of the centre. This force is not likely to affect my strategy as I will be dealing with other forces that will automatically increase the buyer`s power.
Supplier`s power- the ability of the supplier to continue providing the center with their required equipment. The suppliers` power has a neutral impact to the centre since the operations of the centre determine the willingness of the suppliers to keep on supplying the centre with their materials. This force is also not likely to affect my strategy as it is dependent on the success of the operations in the centre. Threat of substitute services is a force that defines the effect that there would be if new but related services within the locality. This force is likely to create a negative impact and will be featured in my strategy of improving the centre.
Threat from new entrants- The fourth force that defines the effect that would be realized from new provider of similar service. New entrants in the business will create a negative impact on the business and will also affect my strategy on developing the centre. A new fitness centre is underway and this will mean that I will have to employ certain strategies that will elevate customer satisfaction in our centre to prevent customers from preferring the new fitness centre more than the existing one.

Rivalry among existing competitors- this is the fifth force is the rivalry among the existing competitors and defines the threat posed by businesses that provide a similar service within the locality. This force has a negative impact on the fitness centre and is likely to affect my strategy for the business. I will have to provide a unique and quality service to all customers in order to ensure that we gain a competitive advantage over similar businesses.
Given a chance to choose the Porter`s generic strategies, I would choose the focus strategy on developing the fitness centre. The situation of the fitness centre at the moment is the reason as to why I choose this strategy. Currently, the fitness centre seems to be a monopoly and creating focus for the particular market will be an added advantage to the centre. Using the focus strategy, the business will become more specific in its diverse operations and focus more on customer satisfaction so that the business may win the loyalty of the customers. With the loyalty of the customers, we will have outdone new entrants and the providers of substitute fitness services.

The strategic business area that is to be improved in the center is the technological sector. Since the business was set up in 1980, no major technological change has been embraced and the business continues business as usual in its daily operations. Technological advancement will include the replacement of the obsolete equipment, creating a database, WIFI installation in the fitness center, implementing antibacterial technology, security, communication and network infrastructures, for better performance of the fitness center. . Improved technology will increase the customer satisfaction and improve the business operations and the earnings from the centre.
New and high tech equipment will be purchased and will replace the old obsolete ones. These equipment which include treadmills, rowers, elliptical machines and bikes will make training much easier, more comfortable and fun and more efficient. A website that will be a channel for communication and marketing and provide a platform for more activities online also needs to be created. This website should have an easy to use and easy to understand user interface and should have high levels of security. A database will be required to record store and retrieve customer and training information will also be required and should be created. WIFI, which has been requested by customers, will also be installed. High quality network adapters e.g. PCI cards and a router or hub with high efficiency should been purchased and used to install the WIFI. Hotspots are desirable when it comes to WIFI such that customers when given passwords can access internet by just being in the vicinity of the fitness center.
Antibacterial technology will also be desirable in the fitness center. It is important to have health and risk measures taken into consideration with for instance having first aid kits incase of accidents. This technology facilitates high levels of hygiene and health standards by removing many species of disease causing bacteria and fungi.

Security infrastructure involves implementing one that will ensure confidentiality integrity and availability of both information and resources. Techniques include use of passwords and biometric techniques for access control of personal information, encryption and decryption of sensitive information and general security of all equipment in the fitness center. Communication is also very vital and an infrastructure that ensures it’s free of any sorts of barriers and interception should be implemented. An efficient and reliable network infrastructure should also be installed and implemented. This can be open or closed and wired or wireless. A wireless one will best suit this center for the installation of WIFI. An example of an efficient wireless technology in the market is ANT+that help that facilitates the efficiency of heart rate monitors, speed sensors and power monitors and a good example of a management system being used is GymMaster that keeps stores and retrieves customer information replacing paperwork.

The website is one of the platforms that the center can use for marketing their services and gain leverage over its competitors. Techniques that can be used in marketing are providing referral and loyalty programs, leverage of trainers e.g. having events and creating a great blog to market the fitness center.
GENERIC STRATEGY: Focus strategy is the effective strategy that will focus on developing particular areas for customer satisfaction.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS AREA: technological sector is the strategic business area that will improve customer satisfaction within the centre.
PROCESS TO BE IMPROVED: development of a website for the customer care desk will be the most effective process that will improve the customer relations.

References

Baltzan, P. (2012). Business driven information systems. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

QuickMBA, (2013). Porter`s Generic Strategies. Retrieved from http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/generic.shtml

Mc Nurin, B.(2009).Information Systems Management in Practise.8th edition. Prentice Hall.
Spagnoletti, P.(2008).The Duality of Information Security Management:Fighting against predictable and unpredictable threats.Journal of Information System Security.

zip/FLOWCHART DISHEKA-stage2 x
NAME:

COURSE:

TITLE:

FACILITATOR:

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

Improve Customer Experience (SBA)
Customer Dissatisfaction
Use manual mode of payment
Keep Part time Attendants

Upgrade the Front Desk?

NO YES
AS IS Customer Experience TO BE Customer experience

Employ permanent Front Desk Attendants

Yes
No
Upgraded front desk and improved customer experience
Is the Customer Satisfied?
Create employee and Customer database
Computerize membership and registration
Provide an avenue for feedback
Computerize mode payment
Keep customer and employee information on paper and records
Undertake manual registration of members

Proposed improved business process & Technological solutions

According to Tamara Valdez, the vice president of Marketing and Communications for ASF International Highlands Ranch, a front desk can be defined as “A center for everything that is member related and serves as the main communication point for prospects, members, trainers, instructors and managers and due to its vital role it is essential that the center installs a system that organizes, maintains and stores information so that it is easily accessible. My proposed improved business process is maximizing customer satisfaction which will focus on improving the front desk. The front desk conditions of the fitness center have been inefficient and improving them will help increase the functionality of the center. (Valdez, 2012).
This will involve replacing part time front desk attendants with permanent ones to ensure that their services are always availability. A computerized mode of payment will help ease the process of paying and enhance follow up and security as members will now pay online using their credit or debit cards. The computerized membership system to be introduced will ensure that members’ information is securely stored such that it can be accessed whenever required and enhance monitoring of the members unlike the present system where information is stored on manually on paper .It is also evident that the center lacks an established feedback system for the e customers and the employees. Feedback on the status of equipment, value added by the instructors, efficiency of the programs and any matters arising, news and bulletins will now be communicated effectively so that appropriate actions can be taken. (Brown, 2005)
This advancement will also include developing a customers’ and employees’ database where all their relevant information can be stored for later use and notifications and news posted to them by means of a website, blogs and other communication platforms. This will also facilitate a good flow of information between the customers, employees and the management. Easy access to information will also mean the front desk will function more effectively. These solutions would improve the strategic area by increasing the efficiency of the processes associated with it and delivering good results. (Brown, 2005)

References

Brown Guy (2005) Technology – Optimizing Front Desk Performance. Retrieved from

http://www.athleticbusiness.com

Valdez T. (2012) Front Desk Networks. Retrieved from http://www.frontdesknetworks.com

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study Spring 2013 x
UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study

In 1980, the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center was opened in a growing area of a bedroom community, by a UMUC Business Management graduate after he retired from the US Marine Corps. It has an exercise room with many different kinds of specialized equipment, rooms for various exercise and martial arts classes, and locker rooms with showers for men and women. In addition, there is a small snack area where members can buy bottled water, soda, fruit juices and snacks, with tables and chairs where people can relax. There are several part time staff members that man the counter where people check in; they also sell memberships and collect payments. There are trained exercise room attendants to assist members and a maintenance staff to ensure cleanliness of the facility and minor maintenance of the equipment. Recently you were hired by the owner and founder as the manager, and you are very excited about this opportunity!
UR UMUC Healthy is a for-profit Fitness Center and must cover its variable costs, fund future improvements and produce a reasonable profit for the owners. Unfortunately, business has been steadily declining over the last five years. Although your predecessor did a good job at the Center, it has become outdated. You recognize that some of the equipment really needs to be replaced, but you are not sure which equipment should be replaced first. The classes and exercise programs available have also become outdated. There is little known about the makeup of the membership (age, sex, goals, interests, problems, complaints, etc.). You don’t know if there are long waits for particular equipment. If you had more information in these areas you feel that you could increase membership and income. For instance, if you knew which equipment was most heavily used, perhaps you would opt to replace that first, or add more similar equipment. The Member and Non Member fee structure has not been reviewed in many years, and your contracts with outside firms that perform preventative and major maintenance, and those that provide cleaning supplies, vending machine services, and towels have not been reviewed in a number of years. Recently, there have been weeks when the Center has run out of clean towels and the vending machines were out of the most popular items. In addition, customers have been requesting Wi-Fi reception in the Center as well as cardio monitoring features on the cardio equipment.
The Center is open from 5 AM to 10 PM and is busy most of the day; however, the make-up of the people differs over the course of the day and each group has its own characteristics. The early group, 5 – 8 AM are the heavy workout members who speed through their exercises and head out for work or school. The next group, 8 AM -2 PM are older and take their time exercising and attending classes and spend a lot of time in social interaction; they are generally either retired or moms with their kids in school. The period from 2 – 4 PM is the least busy and is made up largely of high school students and others who like a less crowded environment. From 4 – 7 PM the group is made up of workers on their way home who want to get their workout in before dinner. The last group, 7 – 10 PM, is young single people who want show themselves off and attract the opposite sex, while exercising or taking classes.
One problem that you notice immediately is that you do not know which employees are scheduled to work each day, and there is no way to quickly get a substitute if one is needed. All employees require annual training and certifications in CPR, Safety, First Aid and the use of AED Defibrillators, while the contract trainers require various additional certifications periodically based on their specialty. All of the membership records, orders for towels and snack bar items, and financial and payroll accounts are kept on paper. The Center does not have a Web site, and uses very little marketing except word-of-mouth, and essentially still operates the same as it did in 1980.
Throughout this course you will manage the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, taking advantage of business practices discussed in the class, the Course Modules and the textbook to increase revenue, keep the business running, and bring the Center into the 21st century. You will identify one area that is in need of improvement and that can be improved through the use of technology. You are not expected to solve all of the problems identified or address all improvements that could be made at the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. Note: We’re looking for a technology solution. While installing a handball court may attract new customers, it is not a technology solution.
The following is an example of how you will identify a business need and a technology solution: Last year, the Fitness Center had no effective way to communicate with its members. Notices were posted on the lobby bulletin board but many members ignored that, and of course those that hadn’t come to the Center recently had no way of receiving the information. To address the business need of effectively communicating with members, a simple database was developed to capture customers’ email and cell phone information as well as their preferred method of receiving notifications.

Note: As you approach these assignments, you will find it helpful to think about your own experiences with a fitness center or gym. Making a trip to a local fitness center may help you think about the processes, challenges, and opportunities.
Upon completion of these assignments you will have performed an array of activities to demonstrate your ability to apply the course content to a “real world situation” to:
· Analyze the business environment and identify a strategic area for improvement (Stage 1)
· Propose an appropriate technology solution to improve a selected business process (Stage 2)
· Evaluate various IT considerations of the proposed technology solution (Stage 3)
· Communicate your solution and the IT considerations to stakeholders using a presentation format (Stage 4)
· Identify and explain the next steps in implementing the solution (Stage 5)

The case study and assignments address the Course Outcomes to enable you to:
· analyze business strategy to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes
· analyze internal and external business processes to identify information systems requirements
· identify and plan IT solutions that meet business objectives.

STAGED ASSIGNMENTS

The staged assignments are designed to follow the relevant course modules and chapters of the textbook in the class schedule, and are due on the dates shown in the Syllabus.
Stage 1 Project: Business Environment Analysis (Word document with analysis)
Stage 2 Project: Business Process Model and Technology-Supported Solution Proposal (Word document with proposed solution and process diagram)
Stage 3 Project: Template for IT Considerations (Word table)
Stage 4 Project: Executive Briefing Presentation (PowerPoint Presentation on proposed solution)
Stage 5 Project: Outline of Next Steps (Word document outline with next steps)
The weight of the assignments is shown in the Course Syllabus. The due dates are shown in the Course Schedule.
Assignments for stages 1, 2 and 5 require external research, outside of the textbook. The grading rubric is included with each assignment.
These assignments are designed to help you identify how to effectively analyze and interpret information to improve the business. This is an opportunity for you to apply critical thinking skills and think like a business professional. When you are writing a paper or developing a presentation, prepare it as if it is going to the Loan Committee at the local bank whom you want to impress with your knowledge, abilities and obtain the required financing. Don’t just go through the mechanics of pulling together information — think about what you are doing, why you’re doing it, whether it make sense, whether the information seems realistic, and what the results show. Support your recommendations with your research. It’s important that you identify relevant, timely resources that specifically support the points or information you provide in your assignment. You should read the source and assimilate the information first, and then put it into your own words and incorporate it into the flow of your writing (with an appropriate in-text APA citation and a list of Works Cited at the end of your paper). Direct quotes should be used very sparingly—only when the author’s own words uniquely present a concept that would be lost if paraphrased by you.
One of the prerequisites for this course is that you have a fundamental working knowledge of word processing and presentation software. Detailed instructions for each Staged Project, 1 through 5, are posted in the Case Materials Conference. You must prepare each assignment in the indicated format (i.e., table, outline, report, presentation or other specified format) and submit it as an attachment through your individual Assignments Folder in WebTycho. No credit will be given for assignments submitted in file formats other than those stated in the assignment instructions.
Because these assignments require you to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (as indicated in the instructions), you may need to “brush up” on your familiarity with these or use functions that perhaps are new to you. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute to begin an activity. You should read through all the assignments in advance to ensure you (1) understand what is expected, and (2) allow enough time to effectively create the information being requested.

Additional Information
There is a significant amount of information available to you to assist in developing your skills in using the Microsoft Office Products. MS Word and PowerPoint are required for these exercises. The textbook comes with access to the publisher’s website (
http://www.mhhe.com/baltzan)
where there are a number of resources, including Tech Plug-Ins for Office 2003, 2007 and 2010. Don’t hesitate to use the on-line help and wizard tools built into the MS Office applications for help as you work with the software tools. There are also other web sites, such as
www.eHow.com
, and
www.microsoft.com
that provide tips. Even YouTube has some useful videos demonstrating various techniques.

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study x
UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study

Throughout this course you will manage the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, taking advantage of business practices discussed in the class, the Course Modules and the textbook to increase revenue, keep the business running, and bring the Center into the 21st century. You will identify one area that is in need of improvement and that can be improved through the use of technology. You are not expected to solve all of the problems identified or address all improvements that could be made at the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. Note: We’re looking for a technology solution. While installing a handball court may attract new customers, it is not a technology solution.
The following is an example of how you will identify a business need and a technology solution: Last year, the Fitness Center had no effective way to communicate with its members. Notices were posted on the lobby bulletin board but many members ignored that, and of course those that hadn’t come to the Center recently had no way of receiving the information. To address the business need of effectively communicating with members, a simple database was developed to capture customers’ email and cell phone information as well as their preferred method of receiving notifications.

STAGED ASSIGNMENTS

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Stage 1 Spring 20113 x
Case Study, Stage 1: Business Environment Analysis

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study.”

Business Environment Analysis for UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center

The UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center has been in business since 1980 and has seen an increase in competition from small fitness centers, Cable TV and Internet Exercise channels and sites, WII and other TV Game Console, various exercise equipment infomercials and increasing supply of Exercise DVD’s . One of your fitness instructors told you that she saw a sign announcing the construction of Gold’s Gym (a well-known national fitness franchise) a few blocks away. Your staff is worried and is looking to you to provide reassurance that the competition will not affect the business. In addition, you have decided to develop your strategic direction for bringing the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center into the 21st century.
You know that Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model is a useful tool for analyzing a business, understanding the importance of the five competitive forces and helping to develop its Generic Strategy. It is also used to aid organizations facing the challenging decisions of dealing with changes made by existing competitors, entering a new industry or industry segment or developing a strategy for dealing with new competition. The Five Forces Model helps determine the relative importance of the forces affecting competitive position that could affect the future success of a business and includes:
· Buyer Power
· Supplier power
· Threat of substitute products or services
· Threat of new entrants
· Rivalry among existing competitors
The Five Forces and the Generic Strategy are fully described and discussed in the textbook, and the Business Model and Competitive Advantage are covered in Module 1. In order to analyze the Fitness Center’s current competitive position and develop a Generic Strategic direction, you have decided to use the Five Forces Model to analyze your Fitness Center business.

Purpose of this Assignment

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply the concepts of the Porter Five Forces model to a specific business, and develop a strategic direction for your business. This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to:
· analyze business strategy to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes
· analyze internal and external business processes to identify information systems requirements.

Assignment

Using the textbook and external resources, write a short paper 2-3 pages in length, not including References page and cover sheet, responding to the bulleted items below. Remember to use the APA formatting rules and correctly cite and reference your sources with APA format. Use the Grading Rubric to be sure you have covered everything. Submit your paper via your Assignment Folder as a Microsoft Word document
with your last name included in the filename.

Create a document that includes the following:
· Brief introduction providing the background of the case, why you are writing and what is to come in your paper. This should only be 3-5 sentences.

· Perform a Porter’s Five Forces analysis for your UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, addressing each force in one or two sentences and defining the force, its impact ( Positive, Negative or Neutral) on the Fitness Center and whether it should affect your strategy (Yes/No). (See Textbook, pp. 15-18 and Course Module 1.) Do not identify solutions or things that you are doing that would affect the factor. (The idea is to identify how the different forces affect the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and how much.) This provides you with a view of the business that will allow you to develop a Generic Strategy and a Strategic Business Area on which to focus your efforts.

· Determine which of Porter’s Three Generic Strategies (see textbook page 20) that you will use to improve your UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center for the 21st century and explain why you selected it and tie it into the significant forces that you have identified

· Using your analysis of the Fitness Center’s Business Model (based on what you learned in Module 1), identify an important Strategic Business Area (they correspond to direct variables) that needs to be improved so that we can implement our Generic Strategy and briefly explain your choice (Refer to the Walmart Case example).that needs to be improved. The Strategic Business Areas relate to the direct variables (explained in Module 1 and illustrated in the Walmart Example Case Study). Explain why you have selected that Strategic Business Area and how improving it will improve operation of the Center, including how it relates to the Generic Strategy you selected.

· Within the selected Strategic Business Area, identify and select a single daily process that is within and supports the Strategic Business Area that needs improvement. 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) (In Stage 2 you will model the AS IS process and the TO BE Process, and propose a technology solution to improve the process you identify here, so select a process that is appropriate for a technology solution.)

· At the end of your report with your References enter the following headings and complete the information using one concise sentence for each. You will be starting each subsequent stage by including this information as a method to keep us focused on the objectives.
GENERIC STRATEGY:
STRATEGIC BUSINESS AREA:
PROCESS TO BE IMPROVED:

In determining which process you select for improvement, be sure to keep in mind the remaining projects within this Case Study. You should review Stages 2-5 to get an understanding of the future projects that build on this initial stage and to aid you in selecting a process (and later proposing a technology solution) that can support the requirements of the follow-on assignments.
Do not start on Stage 2 until you receive feedback on this Stage as the Process that you select is crucial and I may recommend that you change processes so that you can successfully complete the case. You MUST incorporate the recommended changes in all subsequent Stages.

The “right” and “wrong” answers have to do with whether or not you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the textbook and addressed all parts of the . You need to do some external research on at least one aspect of the assignment – your choice – and incorporate it and cite/reference it in APA format in your response. The specific strategic area you select for a technology solution is not as important as that it makes sense in light of the course content and the Case Study and is well supported with your application of the course concepts and your external 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

Five Forces Analysis

Analysis covers all 5 forces, defining them and their impact on the Fitness Center t(Positive, Negative or Neutral) and whether it should affect your strategy (Yes/No), demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

Analysis covers 1-5 forces, and/or lacks definitions and/or affect on the Fitness Center or strategy (Positive, Negative or Neutral) (Yes/No); and may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

Analysis not included, or does not address any of the 5 forces.

COMMENTS:

Generic Strategy

Generic strategy identified, explained and tied to the 5 forces analysis; and demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

Generic strategy not identified and/or not defined; and or not tied to the 5 forces analysis, may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, tie in to the 5 forces analysis and/or critical thinking.

Generic strategy not included.

COMMENTS:

Strategic Area for Improvement

Strategic Business area is selected based on the analysis of the Business Model and is adequately described demonstrating understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

Strategic Business area does not come from analysis of the Business Model and/or is not adequately described and/or is lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis and/or critical thinking.

No identification and discussion of strategic area for improvement is provided.

COMMENTS:

Process for Improvement

Business Process identified is aligned with strategic business area above; process is applicable to the Case Study and is appropriate for a technology solution improvement.

Business Process identified is not aligned with strategic business area above and/or process is not applicable to the Case Study and/or is not appropriate for a technology solution improvement.

Process for improvement is not identified.

COMMENTS:

External Research

At least one source other than the textbook is incorporated, is substantive and used effectively. Source(s) used are relevant and timely.(not a definition of terms) and contribute to the analysis and support conclusions.

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

No external research is incorporated.

COMMENTS:

Report Format

Report reflects effective organization; correct sentence structure, grammar and spelling; presented in a professional format; references are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style.

Report is not well organized, and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.

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

COMMENTS:

TOTAL Points

100

100 points =10% of final course grade

Points Recorded

(total points x .10)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Stage 2 Spring 2013 x
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 Healthy Fitness Center Stage 1” 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 and use them 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: 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 to analyze the process you identified for improvement, (or the one suggested by the instructor) 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 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 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:

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comments:

Report Format

Report is professionally presented using sophisticated writing and is effectively organized; uses correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; references are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style.

Report is adequate or may not be well organized and professionally presented; and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.

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

Comments:

TOTAL Points

100

100 points =15% of final course grade

Points Recorded

(total points x .15)

Recommendations:

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Stage 3 Spring 2013 x
Case Study, Stage 3: IT Considerations for Proposed Technology Solution

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study” and “UR UMUC Stage 1,” and “UR UMUC Stage 2”, the WALMART EXAMPLE and the feedback from previous assignments.

Purpose of this Assignment

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of the areas to be considered in planning and implementing a technology solution. 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.

IT Considerations for Proposed Technology Solution

For your Stage 2 Project, you proposed a technology solution to improve a business process at your Center. In evaluating an IT proposal, there are several areas that need to be considered. These considerations are listed in the table provided with this assignment. Depending on the specific technology solution you proposed, some of the considerations would be more important than others, and some may not need specific consideration for the initial implementation of your proposed solution. (If a consideration is not relevant for the solution as described and at implementation but might be something for the future, don’t include it. If for instance cloud computing is not in the solution being implemented, but may be considered in the future it would be N/A and not required for the solution.) The responses that you enter into the table for each consideration must be aligned to the one specific solution you proposed and appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Assignment

Using the technology solution you proposed in Stage 2, you should briefly explain it and then copy the table below and complete the remaining two columns. (Submit only one table and do not delete the Instructor Use columns.) For each area of consideration, you should rank it as high, medium, low, or N/A (Not Applicable) in importance or relevance at time of implementation (and not some time in the future) for the specific technology solution you proposed for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. Then, provide a brief explanation, a minimum of two sentences for each, to justify that ranking or the N/A. Do not try to create a reason if there is none, but carefully analyze each consideration and determine whether it applies and how. Explanations must provide enough information to convey the reasoning behind the ranking. DO NOT copy the definitions from the textbook or other sources but put into your own words to demonstrate your understanding of the concept as you provide your explanation for the ranking. Use the Grading Rubric to be sure you have covered everything. Submit your paper with answers to parts 1 and 2 below via your Assignment Folder as a Microsoft Word document with your last name included in the filename.

Part 1: Brief explanation of proposed technology solution. Identify what the solution is, what it is expected to do for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, summarizing the information you provided for Stage 2. Please include the information that you provided at the end of Stage 1 (with any modifications recommended by the professor) at the top of your paper:

Generic Strategy:

Strategic Business Area:
Process to be improved:

Part 2: Table of IT Considerations. The Areas for consideration are defined in the section “Concepts” which follows the table of considerations. An example for one entry is also provided.

INST USE

Area

High/Medium/Low Importance or Relevance or Not Applicable (N/A)

Explanation for Ranking

IMPORT

EXPLAN

Accessibility

Availability

Maintainability

Portability

Reliability

Scalability

Usability

Disaster Recovery Plan

Authentication & Authorization

Prevention & Resistance (Security)

Detection & Response (Security)

Grid Computing

Cloud Computing

Virtualized Computing

Communications Architecture

Database Architecture

Decision Support

Artificial Intelligence

Business-to-Business eCommerce

Business-to-Consumer eCommerce

Concepts:

Accessibility: Baltzan textbook, page 175, “refers to the varying levels that define what a user can access, view, or perform when operating a system”

Availability: Baltzan textbook, page 175, 176, “refers to the time frames when the system is operational”

Maintainability: Baltzan textbook, page 176 – 177, “refers to how quickly a system can transform to support environmental changes”. Examples are multi-currency acceptance, acceptance of credit cards, multiple languages, etc.

Portability: Baltzan textbook, page 177, “the ability of an application to operate on different devices or software platforms such as different operating systems”

Reliability: Baltzan textbook, page 177, “ensures a system is functioning correctly and providing accurate information”

Scalability: Baltzan textbook, page 177, “how well a system can scale up, or adapt to the increased demands of growth”

Usability: Baltzan textbook, page 178, “the degree to which a system is easy to learn and efficient and satisfying to use”

Disaster Recovery Plan: Baltzan textbook, pages 172 – 173, “detailed process for recovering information or a system in the event of a catastrophic disaster”

Authentication & Authorization (Security): Baltzan textbook, pages 149 – 151, examples include user id/password, smart card/token, biometric technology

Prevention & Resistance (Security): Baltzan textbook, pages 151 – 153, examples include content filtering, encryption, firewall, antivirus software

Detection & Response (Security): Baltzan textbook, pages 153 – 154, example includes intrusion detection software

Grid Computing: Baltzan textbook, pages 181 – 183, “a collection of computers, often geographically dispersed, that are coordinated to solve a common problem”

Cloud Computing: Baltzan textbook, pages 182 – 187, “the use of resources and applications hosted remotely on the Internet”

Virtualized Computing: Baltzan textbook, pages 187 – 190, “creates multiple ‘virtual’ machines on a single computing device”

Communications Architecture: Baltzan textbook, Appendix B

Database Architecture: Baltzan textbook, Appendix C

Decision Support: Baltzan textbook, pages 52 – 57, “model information using online analytical processing, which provides assistance in evaluating the choosing among different courses of action”

Artificial Intelligence: Baltzan textbook, pages 57 – 61, “simulates human thinking and behavior, such as the ability to reason and learn”

Business-to-Business eCommerce: Baltzan textbook, page 98, “applies to businesses buying from and selling to each other over the Internet”

Business-to-Consumer eCommerce: Baltzan textbook, pages 98 – 99, “applies to any business that sells its products or services directly to consumers online”

Example: If the technology solution being proposed was to have a kiosk for customers to use to pay for their membership at the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, then for the area of Accessibility, the following might be entered. (The definition of Accessibility is provided here for clarification. Definitions are not required to be entered into the table above.) Note the thorough explanation of the ranking.

Area

High/Medium/Low Importance or Relevance or Not Applicable (N/A)

Explanation for Ranking

Accessibility
“Accessibility refers to the varying levels that define what a user can access, view, or perform when operating a system.” (Baltzan, 2012.)

Medium

Since the customers will use the kiosk to pay their membership fees, it must be accessible to everyone. Customers need a convenient and individual method of logging into the system that enables them to perform the needed tasks quickly and efficiently. The customers should have controlled access that prohibits them from entering any areas or performing any functions not intended for customer use. It is ranked “Medium” because it is important for some customers who choose to use the kiosk and the system cannot be accessed without some type of login so it is important; however, it is not “High” since there are other methods of paying membership fees.

The “right” and “wrong” answers have to do with whether or not you correctly ranked each consideration as it relates to your proposed technology solution and have provided a well-supported explanation for the ranking you assigned. Your responses will be evaluated on whether they are applicable to the solution, correctly ranked, adequately explained, and are appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. 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

Explanation of Proposed Solution

Brief explanation of solution sets stage for rankings.

Explanation of solution is not adequate to set stage for rankings.

No explanation of proposed solution provided.

COMMENTS:

High/Medium/ Low/NA Rankings

Rankings demonstrate understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

Rankings are lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

No rankings provided.

40
(2 points each)

COMMENTS:

Explanations

Explanations justify rankings and demonstrate understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking.

(Some) explanations do not adequately justify rankings; may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

No explanations provided.

40
(2 points each)

COMMENTS:

Table Format

Information is professionally presented; uses correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.

Information is not professionally presented, and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors.

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

COMMENTS:

TOTAL Points

100

100 points =13% of final course grade

Points Recorded
(total points x .13)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Stage 4 Spring 2013 x
Case Study, Stage 4: Executive Briefing on Business Benefits and Considerations of Proposed Technology Solution

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study” and Case Study Staged Projects 1-3, the Walmart Example and any feedback you’ve received on your assignments.

Purpose of this Assignment

This assignment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with an important group of stakeholders. This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to:
· analyze business strategy to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes
identify and plan IT solutions that meet business objectives

Executive Briefing on Business Benefits and Considerations

For your Stage 2 Project, you proposed a technology solution to improve a business process at your UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. In Stage 3 you evaluated a list of IT considerations. In this Stage 4 Project you are to prepare an Executive Briefing, using Microsoft PowerPoint, addressing how the solution you proposed in Stage 2 could support and enhance the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, explaining the business benefits of the solution, and addressing the considerations you determined to be most important in Stage 3. You will present this briefing to the Loan Committee of the local branch of Capital One Bank to provide the justification for the funds needed to implement your technology solution. For purposes of this exercise you do not need to focus on costs of the proposed solution, but just focus on convincing them that it will improve the operation of the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and that you have addressed key issues.

Assignment

Using the technology solution you proposed in Stage 2 and the considerations you analyzed in Stage 3, you should prepare an Executive Briefing that:
· Clearly identifies and describes the problem area or process that needs to be improved
· Briefly describes the technology solution (showing major components)
· Addresses how the solution you propose could support and enhance the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, explaining the benefits of the solution, and
· Addresses the considerations you determined to be most important in Stage 3.

Remember that this presentation is to be designed as an oral presentation to the and should not be designed to stand on its own, viewing just the slides, by a reader. Each slide should have a title and a limited number of short bullet points. A presentation should use key bullet points to highlight key factors, (or what you want the audience to remember) and not include complete paragraphs and/or detailed text. The bullet points in your presentation will be
supported by relevant details in the Notes section of the slides, which is what you would say to support the slide
. Presentations with limited or no “Notes” will receive much lower grades, because the bullets should not tell the whole story.

While use of external resources is not required, your presentation may be strengthened by incorporating research. Remember to correctly cite and reference any sources. Any direct quotes should be indicated within the slide text with appropriate quotation marks and an in-text citation (however direct quotes should be short and used sparingly, if at all). Complete references for all sources should be included in the corresponding Notes section. Paraphrased material can just be referenced within the Notes section of the slides without an in-text citation on the slide. This deviates from APA style but keeps the slides more readable.

General Guidelines: Your presentation format should be professional and use frames, illustrations, color and/or style to make it interesting in appearance to keep your audience’s attention. Use bullet points – 6-8 words per line; 4-7 lines per slide; Font – suggest Arial, Verdana or Calibri (sans serif) size 24; use Design templates built into PowerPoint. Use graphics sparingly but to emphasize key points and add interest. Proofread and Spellcheck (including notes information)!

Use the Grading Rubric to be sure you have covered everything. Submit your presentation via your Assignment Folder as a Microsoft PowerPoint (2003, 2007 or 2010) document with your last name included in the filename.

Your presentation should be at least 9 slides, to include:

· A cover slide with a title, your name and date as a minimum
·
· 1 slide that describes the problem area or process that needs improvement, including, either on the slide or in the “Notes” (from the end of Stage 1):
· Generic Strategy:
· Strategic Business Area:
· Process to be improved:
· 1-2 slides that summarize the proposed solution
· 1-3 slides that explain the benefits and Risks to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center of the proposed technology solution, telling how the solution supports the business strategy and what quantifiable (and perhaps non-quantifiable) benefits are expected and what risks there are in the solution and project.
· 4-6 slides on the most important considerations from the list in Stage 3 and the impact on the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center – what they mean to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and what needs to be done about them
· Summary/conclusion slide

Concepts:

How to Excel at Briefing Senior Executives:
http://www.melissalewis.com/articles/A-Briefings

GRADING RUBRIC:

Attribute

Full Points

Partial Points

No points

Possible Points

Points Earned

Description of Problem Area or Process

Brief explanation of the problem to be solved or process to be improved through implementation of the technology solution demonstrates understanding of the course concepts, sophisticated analysis and critical thinking.

Explanation is adequate; or may not adequately describe the process or problem of the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center; may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

No description of problem area or process to be improved is provided.

Comments:

Summary of Proposed Solution

Brief explanation of solution effectively sets stage for presentation.

Explanation of solution is not completely adequate to set stage for presentation.

No explanation of proposed solution provided.

Comments:

Benefits and Risks

Benefits and Risks identified are relevant to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and derive from the proposed solution. Well supported explanation is provided of how solution supports the business strategy.

Benefits and Risks
identified may not be relevant to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and/or may not derive from the proposed solution. Explanation may be adequate, or not explain how the solution supports the business strategy, or may not be well supported.

No benefits provided.

Comments:

Considerations

The explanations of the impact to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center of the most important considerations and explanation of what must be done demonstrate understanding of the course concepts, sophisticated analysis and critical thinking.

Explanations are adequate; or (some) do not adequately describe the impact on the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center and/or what must be done; may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

No explanations of the considerations are provided.

Comments:

Conclusion

Conclusion is effective and relevant to the presentation; demonstrates sophisticated analysis.

Conclusion is adequate, or may be somewhat effective and/or relevant to the presentation.

No conclusion provided.

Comments:

Presentation Format

Presentation is clear and concise and supported by appropriate notes that adequately explain the material on each slide.
It reflects effective organization, sophisticated writing and creative design; correct structure of slides, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format; references are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style as indicated in the instructions.

Presentation is not supported by appropriate notes, and/or is not well organized or presented, and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations as indicated in the instructions.

Presentation is extremely poorly done and does not convey the information.

Comments:

TOTAL Points

100

100 points =13% of final course grade

Points Recorded

(total points x .13)

Recommendations:

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Stage 5 Spring 2013 x

Case Study, Stage 5: Outline of Next Steps

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study”, the Case Study Stages 1-4. The WALMART EXAMPLE and feedback on your graded work so far.

Purpose of this Assignment

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply the concepts of this course to address the planning, development, implementation and on-going management of the technology solution you have proposed for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center. This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcome to enable you to:
· identify and plan IT solutions that meet business objectives.

Outline of Next Steps for the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center

Following your presentation of your Stage 4 project, the Capital One Bank Loan Committee has authorized the project funding needed. Prior to beginning the project, the owner has asked you to prepare an outline explaining how you will address various important aspects of the project. For this assignment, you will develop an annotated outline that identifies the next steps to implement the solution described in Stages 2-4, addressing a number of areas such as project management, system development life cycle, change management, etc.

Assignment

Using the textbook and at least one external resource develop an annotated outline 2-3 pages in length, not including References 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. Your outline should be in Microsoft Word outline format. Submit your paper via your Assignment Folder as a Word document with your last name included in the filename.

An annotated outline provides the basic information in full sentences, but in outline form rather than in paragraph form. In this case, you will address each aspect of the next steps to be taken to implement your technology solution. You should provide all of the important facts, without the expanded discussions used in full papers. Each of the topics in the list below should be explained as they apply to your proposed technology solution and to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, using a few sentences for each topic and providing information specific to your solution.

Your annotated outline should address the next steps in each of the following areas that the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center will take to implement your technology solution:
· VERY brief description of proposed technology solution (to set the stage for the rest of the outline), including the following from the end of Stage 1 (with any recommended changes):
· Generic Strategy
· Strategic Business Area
· Process to be improved
· Project Management (schedule, resources, deliverables)
· System Development Life Cycle (all phases)
· Change Management (Note that there are two aspects)
· Employee Training
· Leadership Expectations
· Defining Success
· Reference(s)

Here is an outline example (However, please note that full sentences are required for this assignment):
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20081113013048_544

It is recommended that you use no more than 3 levels for clarity. Using the automatic outlining format in Word will help:

The “right” and “wrong” answers have to do with whether or not you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the textbook and addressed all areas of the assignment. Your “next steps” must be defined specifically for your UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center, addressing its operation and its environment and your technology solution. Also, you need to do some external research on at least one aspect of the assignment – your choice – and incorporate it and cite it in APA format in your response. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects.

Concepts:

Project Management: Textbook, pp. 342-350

SDLC: Textbook, pp. 335-342

Change Management: Textbook, pp. 349-350
and Module 3, Section III content (Course Content, Course Resources)

Leadership Expectations:

Module 3, Section II content (Course Content, Course Resources)

Defining Success: Textbook, pp. 46-50

Project Management Best Practices Tips and Ideas from Experienced Project Managers:
http://www.family-business-experts.com/project-management-best-practices.html

GRADING RUBRIC:

Attribute

Full Points

Partial Points

No points

Possible Points

Points Earned

Project Description

Brief but adequate description of proposed technology solution is provided.

Proposed technology solution description may be lengthy or inadequate.

Project not described.

COMMENTS:

Project Management

The major aspects of project management are included and are appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center; and outline demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

The aspects of project management are partially covered and/or are somewhat appropriate to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center; and may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

Project management not included.

COMMENTS:

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The major phases of SDLC are covered and appropriately aligned to the proposed solution and the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center; and demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking.

All major phases on SDLC are not covered, and/or explanations are not aligned to the proposed solution, and/or are not aligned to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center; may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.

SDLC not included.

COMMENTS:

Change Management

The strategy for change management is appropriate to the proposed solution and to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

The strategy for change management is somewhat appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Change management not addressed.

COMMENTS:

Employee Training

Employee training is appropriate to the proposed solution and to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Employee training is somewhat appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Employee training not addressed.

COMMENTS:

Leadership Expectations

Leadership expectations are appropriate to the proposed solution and to the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Leadership expectations are somewhat appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Leadership expectations not addressed.

COMMENTS:

Defining Success

Definition of success for the proposed technology solution is appropriate for the solution and the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Definition of success for the proposed technology solution is somewhat appropriate for the solution and/or the UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center.

Definition of success not provided.

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 and/or is not effective or appropriate.

No external research incorporated.

COMMENTS:

Outline Format

Outline is professionally presented using sophisticated writing and is effectively organized; uses correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; references are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style.

Outline is adequately organized and presented; or may not be well organized, and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.

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

TOTAL Points

100

COMMENTS:

100 points =13% of final course grade

Points Recorded

(total points x .13)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

11/21/2012 9

zip/UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center x
Case Study, Stage 1: Business Environment Analysis

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center Case Study.”

Business Environment Analysis for UR UMUC Healthy Fitness Center

You know that Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model is a useful tool for analyzing a business, understanding the importance of the five competitive forces and helping to develop its Generic Strategy. It is also used to aid organizations facing the challenging decisions of dealing with changes made by existing competitors, entering a new industry or industry segment or developing a strategy for dealing with new competition. The Five Forces Model helps determine the relative importance of the forces affecting competitive position that could affect the future success of a business and includes:
· Buyer Power
· Supplier power
· Threat of substitute products or services
· Threat of new entrants
· Rivalry among existing competitors
The Five Forces and the Generic Strategy are fully described and discussed in the textbook, and the Business Model and Competitive Advantage are covered in Module 1. In order to analyze the Fitness Center’s current competitive position and develop a Generic Strategic direction, you have decided to use the Five Forces Model to analyze your Fitness Center business.

Purpose of this Assignment

Assignment

Create a document that includes the following:
· Brief introduction providing the background of the case, why you are writing and what is to come in your paper. This should only be 3-5 sentences.

GRADING RUBRIC:

Attribute

Full Points

Partial Points

No points

Possible Points

Points Earned

Five Forces Analysis

Analysis not included, or does not address any of the 5 forces.

COMMENTS:

Generic Strategy

Generic strategy identified, explained and tied to the 5 forces analysis; and demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

Generic strategy not included.

COMMENTS:

Strategic Area for Improvement

Strategic Business area is selected based on the analysis of the Business Model and is adequately described demonstrating understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.

No identification and discussion of strategic area for improvement is provided.

COMMENTS:

Process for Improvement

Business Process identified is aligned with strategic business area above; process is applicable to the Case Study and is appropriate for a technology solution improvement.

Business Process identified is not aligned with strategic business area above and/or process is not applicable to the Case Study and/or is not appropriate for a technology solution improvement.

Process for improvement is not identified.

COMMENTS:

External Research

No external research is incorporated.

COMMENTS:

Report Format

Report reflects effective organization; correct sentence structure, grammar and spelling; presented in a professional format; references are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style.

Report is not well organized, and/or contains grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.

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

COMMENTS:

TOTAL Points

100

100 points =10% of final course grade

Points Recorded

(total points x .10)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

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