Research Paper

Information Systems

See attached document

Stage 1 – Business Analysis and Systems Recommendation x

Stage 1: Background and Organizational Analysis

Before you begin work on this assignment, be sure you have read the Case Study on Chesapeake IT Consultants (CIC).

Overview

As a business analyst in the Chief Information Officer’s (CIO’s) department of Chesapeake IT Consulting (CIC), you have been assigned to conduct an analysis, develop a set of system requirements and recommend an IT solution to improve the hiring process for CIC. This work will be completed in four stages, and each of these four stages will focus on one section of an overall Business Analysis and System Recommendation (BA&SR) report to be delivered to the CIO.

Section I: Strategic Use of Technology (Stage 1) – The first step is to look at the organization and explain how an IT system could be used to support CIC’s strategies and objectives, and support its decision-making processes.

Section II: Process Analysis (Stage 2) – Next you will evaluate current processes and workflow and explain how CIC can use IT to improve its processes and workflow.

Section III: Requirements (Stage 3) –Then you will identify key stakeholder expectations for the new technology solution to support CIC’s hiring process and develop a set of requirements.

Section IV: System Recommendation (Stage 4) – Finally, you will review the provided Vendor brochure for a proposed solution and explain how it meets the requirements and what needs to be done to implement the system within CIC.

The sections of the BA&SR will be developed and submitted as four staged assignments. In stages 2, 3 and 4, you will also incorporate any feedback received when the previous stage was graded to improve the effectiveness of your overall report and then add the new section to your report. At the end of the course, you will submit a complete BA&SR document that includes all the sections and changes that resulted from previous feedback. Part of the grading criteria for Stage 4 submission includes addressing previous feedback to improve the final report.

Assignment – BA&SR: Introduction and Section I – Strategic Use of Technology

Write an appropriate Introduction to the entire BA&SR Report (guidelines are provided below). Section I of the BA&SR document contains an organizational analysis and identifies ways in which information systems can help CIC, the organization in the case study, meet its strategic goals and meet the information needs of various levels of management.

Using the case study, assignment instructions, Course Content readings, and external resources, develop your Introduction and Section I: Background and Organizational Analysis. To start, review the Business Perspectives Module (week 1 content), particularly the sections that describe the example of Booz Allen Hamilton, a services company with a business model similar to that of CIC in the case study. The case study tells you that the executives and employees at CIC have identified a need for an effective and efficient hiring system. As you review the case study, use the assignment instructions to take notes to assist in your analysis; in particular, look for objectives to support the strategies in the table below, and decisions that the various individuals make in the hiring process as expressed in the “interviews.”

Use the outline format, headings and tables provided and follow all formatting instructions below. For Stage 1, create a title page and reference page that will be used for all 4 stages.

Apply specific information from the case study to address each area.

Introduction

Begin your report with a clear, concise, well organized introduction to explain why you are writing and what is to come. This should briefly set the context for CIC – business purpose, environment, and current challenges related to hiring. Then specifically provide what is to come in the full report (not just Stage 1). Keep your audience in mind – this is an internal report for the CIO of CIC. Provide an introduction in one paragraph that engages the reader’s interest in continuing to read this report.

Strategic Use of Technology

Organizational Strategy – Briefly describe the organizational strategy using the Business Strategy statement and information from the Case Study, and explain how a new hiring system would support that strategy. (Use two to three strong sentences that explain how the system would support the strategy and justify your position with specifics from the Case Study.)

Competitive Advantage – Explain how and why CIC can use the new hiring system to increase its competitive advantage. Your explanation should demonstrate your understanding of what competitive advantage is as well as how improving the hiring process will help achieve CIC’s competitive advantage. Include how CIC can use the type of data/information that will be in the hiring system for strategic advantage. (Paragraph of 2-3 sentences)
Strategic Objectives- Review the four Strategic Goals in the Strategic Plan section of the CIC Case Study. The CIO has asked you to come up with an example of an objective to meet each goal and explain how a new hiring system would help achieve that objective. As you can see from the example provided in the table below, an objective is a statement that is clear (not vague) and is something that can be measured or evaluated to determine whether it has been met or not. First, insert an introductory opening sentence for this table. Then, for each of the rows listed below, complete the table with the requested information. (Provide an introductory sentence and copy the table. Create an Objective for each of the 3 remaining Goals and explain using 2-3 sentences for each.)

Strategic Goal

(from case study)

Objective

(clear, measurable and time-bound)

Explanation

(2-3 sentences)

Increase CIC Business Development by winning new contracts in the areas of IT Consulting

Build a cadre of consultants internationally to provide remote research and analysis support to CIC’s onsite teams in the U. S.

EXAMPLE PROVIDED

Increase international recruiting efforts and employ 5 research analysts in the next 12 months.

The new hiring system would allow applicants from around the world to apply online, increasing the number of international applicants. It would enable the recruiters to carefully monitor the applications for these positions, identify the necessary research and analysis skills needed, and screen resumes for these key skills. Recruiters could quickly view the number of applicants and identify when additional recruiting efforts are needed to meet the objective.

Continue to increase CIC’s ability to quickly provide high quality consultants to awarded contracts to best serve the clients’ needs

Increase CIC’s competitive advantage in the IT consulting marketplace by increasing its reputation for having IT consultants who are highly skilled in leading edge technologies and innovative solutions for its clients

Decision Making – In the Information Systems (IS) course module (included in the Week 2 Learning Resources), you were introduced to the information requirements of various levels of the organization. First, insert an introductory opening sentence for this section. Then, for each of the management roles listed below, complete the table with the appropriate level (as defined in the course module), an example of a specific decision supported by the Hiring System to be made at that level, and what type of information from the hiring system would be needed to support that decision. Think about what information the hiring system could provide about applicants, etc. and then identify an example of a decision that might be made by each level of management. A decision is a choice or conclusion that the management might make about business operations or future planning. This is not about the decisions about implementing a new technology solution or about general responsibilities of each role. (Provide an introductory sentence then copy the table and insert information within.)

Role

Level as defined in IS Course Module

Example of Possible Decision Supported by Hiring System

Example of Information the Hiring System Could Provide to Support Your Example Decision

Senior/Executive Managers

(Decisions made by the CEO and the CFO at CIC supported by the hiring system.)

Middle Managers

(Decisions made by the Director of HR and the Manager of Recruiting supported by the hiring system.)

Operational Managers

(Decisions made by the line managers in the organization who are hiring for their projects supported by the hiring system.)

Formatting Your Assignment

Consider your audience – you are writing in the role of a CIC business analyst and your audience is CIC and your boss, the CIO. Don’t discuss CIC as if the reader has no knowledge of the organization. Use third person consistently throughout the report. In third person, the writer avoids the pronouns I, we, my, and ours. The third person is used to make the writing more objective by taking the individual, the “self,” out of the writing. This method is very helpful for effective business writing, a form in which facts, not opinion, drive the tone of the text. Writing in the third person allows the writer to come across as unbiased and thus more informed.

· In Stage 1, you are preparing the first part of a 4-stage report. Use the structure, headings, and outline format provided here for your report.
· Write a short concise paper: Use the recommendations provided in each area for length of response. It’s important to value quality over quantity. Assignment should not exceed 4 pages excluding title and reference pages.
· Content areas should be double spaced; table entries should be single-spaced.
· To
copy a table
: Move your cursor to the table, then click on the small box that appears at the upper left corner of the table to highlight the table; right click and COPY the table; put the cursor in your paper where you want the table and right click and PASTE the table.
· Ensure that each of the tables is preceded by an introductory sentence that explains what is contained in the table, so the reader understands why the table has been included.
· Create a title page that includes: The company name, title of report, your name, Course and Section # and date.
·
Use at least two resources with APA formatted citation and reference. Use at least one external reference and one from the course content. Course content should be from the class reading content, not the assignment instructions or case study itself. The final document should contain all references from all stages appropriately formatted and alphabetized.
· Begin a Reference Page for resources required for this assignment. Additional research in next stages will be added to this as you build the report.
· Running headers are not required for this report.
· Compare your work to the Grading Rubric below to be sure you have met content and quality criteria.
· Submit your paper as a Word document, or a document that can be read in Word. Keep tables in Word format – do not paste in graphics.
· Your submission should include
your last name first in the filename: Lastname_firstname_Stage_1

GRADING RUBRIC:

Criteria

90-100%

Far Above Standards

80-89%

Above Standards

70-79%

Meets Standards

60-69%

Below Standards

< 60% Well Below Standards Possible Points Introduction Describes the organization and provides an introduction to the overall Report 9-10 Points The introduction is very effective; is clear, logical, derived from the Case Study; and demonstrates a sophisticated level of writing. 8.5 Points The introduction is clear, logical, and derived from the Case Study. 7.5 Points The introduction is adequate, and is derived from the Case Study. 6.5 Points The introduction is not clear, logical and/or derived from the Case Study. 0-5 Points The introduction is not included, or demonstrates little effort. 10 Strategy How the system will support the organization’s strategy as derived from the case study 18-20 Points The explanation is clear, logical and fully supported using a sophisticated level of writing. 16-17 Points The explanation is clear, logical and supported. 14-15 Points The explanation is provided and supported. 12-13 Points The explanation is not clear, logical and/or supported. 0-11 Points The explanation is not included or demonstrates little effort. 20 Competitive Advantage Explanation of how the system and its data can be used for competitive advantage 13-15 Points Clear, complete, logical, derived from the Case Study, and demonstrates sophisticated analysis and writing. 12.75 Points Complete and accurate; derived from the case study, demonstrates analysis and effective writing. 10-11 Points Explanation is provided and related to the Case Study, may lack specifics and/or clear logic. 9 Points Explanation is not clear, logical and/or supported. 0-8 Points Missing or extremely incomplete or inaccurate. 15 Strategic Objectives Three objectives derived from Strategic Goals in Case Study with explanation of how new hiring system would help achieve. 13-15 Points Objectives are clear, measurable and time-bound and are strongly and fully explained using a sophisticated level of writing. 12.75 Points Objectives are clear, measurable and time-bound, and are clearly explained. 10-11 Points Objectives are somewhat clear, measurable and time-bound, and are explained. 9 Points Objectives are not clear, measurable and/or time-bound, and/or are not explained. 0-8 Points Too few objectives are presented, are not explained or exhibit little effort. 15 Decision-Making Types of decisions supported by the system for each of the three levels of the organization 13-15 Points Identified correctly and fully, clearly and logically explained; are derived from the Case Study; and demonstrate sophisticated analysis and writing. 12.75 Points Identified correctly and clearly and logically explained; are derived from the Case Study; and demonstrate analysis and effective writing. 10-11 Points Identified correctly and explained and are derived from the Case Study. 9 Points Not all provided; and/or are not correct and/or not derived from the Case Study. 0-8 Points Very incomplete or missing. 15 Research Two or more sources--one source from within the IFSM 300 course content and one external (other than the course materials) 9-10 Points Required resources are incorporated and used effectively. Sources used are relevant and timely and contribute strongly to the analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 8.5 Points At least two sources are incorporated and are relevant and somewhat support the analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 7.5 Points Only one resource is used and properly incorporated and/or reference(s) lack correct APA style. 6.5 Points A source may be used, but is not properly incorporated or used, and/or is not effective or appropriate; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations. 0-5 Points No course content or external research incorporated; or reference listed is not cited within the text. 10 Format Uses outline format provided; includes Title Page and Reference Page 13-15 Points Well organized and easy to read. Very few or no errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; double-spaced, written in third person and presented in a professional format. 12.75 Points Effective organization; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; double-spaced, written in third person and presented in a professional format. 10-11 Points Some organization; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling. Report is double spaced and written in third person. 9 Points Not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or is not double-spaced and written in third person. 0-8 Points Extremely poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey the information. 15 TOTAL Points Possible 100 Stage 1: Background and Organizational Analysis – 11/15/2017 v.4 1

1

Chesapeake IT Consultants 2

Chesapeake IT Consultants (CIC)

It is difficult to assign a grade to this paper by sections as they do not resemble the instructions nor the Rubric used to assign points. Attached is an Excel comparison spreadsheet in which I’ve entered your headings for the sections in the third column and have the rubric titles, which come from the Assignment Stage 1 file. Notice the difference.

I’ve assigned a score of the 60 points for the first stage at this point. I encourage you to redo this paper and pay much more attention to the instructions given for stage 1. They will tell you how to more easily format (with cut and paste functions) and produce a professional document. There are three more stages upon which to build this.

Pay particular attention to the Rubric contents, its labels and how the accuracy and details affect points in the grade.

Additional advice is given herein to improve content.

January 18, 2018

Introduction

CIC was established in 2004 and has been in business since then. The company has been working through the years by adopting a strategy of adopting new business concepts and technology to give customers the best business solutions. Adopting best practices in tis operations has been a key part in the success of the company. The company’s operations involves bringing IT consultants to the client and offering the services that they require. The industry however is ever growing amidst new technologies and heightened competition. CIC therefore has had to struggle to get new clients as well as maintain their old ones. Quality staff is one of the things that differentiates CIC from the rest. They bring in a lot of experience and knowledge enabling them to serve the customers better.

This section (above is not directly addressing it’s purpose.) What is the purpose of this report? What is it going to provide? How will you improve things, what are your steps? (read the requirements for this paragraph).

Strategic Use of Technology (MISSING)

Structure of the Organization

The strategy of the company involves provision of excellent services to the clients by incorporating new technologies and concepts. Introducing a new hiring system will support this strategy by the company because highly skilled consultants are key in driving their vision. The new hiring system will enable the company to source for the best consultants and with the highest credentials. Adopting a new hiring system will also eliminate the time that’s wasted before the consultant comes on board. The company is anticipating some big clients and a new team will be able to eliminate any errors that might occur in service delivery.

Decision Making ? Where is this table? Belongs here, using the format from the Stage Assignment. In the insturctions you will find how to copy and paste it here. Apply this to the Table below as well.

Technology and the People

An information system is comprised of three components; people, technology and process. It is essential to identify the stakeholders in the new hiring system and the way it will enhance their performance in line with objectives of the company.

People

Role

Objectives

Areas of Improvement

CEO – Alvis Morris

Responsible for general success of the company.

To ensure that there is effective customer satisfaction and maintain competitiveness in the market.

Increase in number of qualified staff, reduction of cost of hiring and time wasted. There is also reduction of errors in service delivery.

CFO – Marianne Cho

Ensuring that CIC is making profits and managing finances in a way that maximizes standards.

To maximize profits to ensure continuity of the company. Reduction of operating costs and general efficiency in service delivery.

A new system will ensure the right people are in the right place thus maximizing profits. Quality ensures increased bargaining power with clients.

CIO – Fadil Abadi

Ensuring that systems being established support the goals of the enterprise.

Ensure that new systems are compatible with existing systems. Also ensure the security and integrity of company and client data.

The job will be easier and it is simpler to see if new system maintains set requirements. Customers will be sure of security, reliability and credibility of CIC.

Director of Human Resources – William Bradley

Hiring, promotion and firing.

Meeting challenges of getting the right people to meet the demand of skilled staff that will finish work on time with little strain.

A user friendly system that will ensure right tools are available for hiring of the best candidate.

Hiring Manager

Supervising the entire hiring procedure.

Getting a central place for scheduling, tracking and interviewing candidates.

Managing multiple candidates on one database.

Using the wrong table or not correctly copy and pasting it, gives you ugly tables to manage.

Processes (this isn’t a primary topic)

The hiring process can be stressful to the company as well as the candidates. The following is the hiring process proposed to make things more efficient.

Hiring Process

Present Process

Improved Process

Benefits to the Organization.

Receiving applications

On paper

Online application, and?

Reduced paperwork, saving on time and cost, easy storage of data.

Relating applications to open positions.

Screening papers, scanning or typing into system.

Automated system that matches skill sets to qualifications of candidates.

Easier selection and reduction of workload. It also ensures that the process is faster and cheaper.

Screening

Resumes

Manually reading available positions and matching to resumes.

Automatically matches resumes to organization criteria.

Creation of data bases and the ability to filter as per need.

Scheduling Interviews

Phone calls, by mail or onsite interviews.

E-scheduling with a system for tracking progress together with reminders.

Reduction of confusion in interviews and cutting or running costs.

To support the hiring process in the company, the organization needs to gather data, process and store it in a manner that it will be used in promoting the performance of the organization.

Information Requirements

Name of the candidate

Email of the contact

Availability

Address

Educational qualifications

Resumes

Preferred rates by candidates

Name of the hiring manager

Above Should be formatted in a table. Treat this list of data more like a list of critical data. What other information, not typically available, stored or tracked with a manual system, will now be common with the new, automated, deeper database, say, like Previous work at key companies (competitors, clients, etc.), certifications, business critical certifications.

Expand your thinking over the course, to include key data, not collected before, but now critical to providing a Strategic Advantage in the marketplace for CIC. Become better schooled in “selling” Strategic Advantage!.

Great job! Otherwise. Words highlight in yellow indicate either odd sentence structure or the need for a better word or phrase.

References

Daute, O., & Conrad, S. (2010). Supporting Complex Business Information Systems. Business Information Systems, 171-182. Doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-12814-1_15

Beynon-Davies, P. (2013). Introduction: the domain of business information systems. Business Information Systems, 1-31. Doi: 10.1007/978-1-137-30777-4_1