IFSM300 week 6,7 and 8 discussion

Week 6 \Discussion

As identified in the Haircuts Case Study, there are at least three areas where Myra’s business could use improvement: Customer and Employee Scheduling, Supply Management, and Customer Information and Marketing. Over time, each of these will likely have an IT solution. However, you know that if you could combine these into an enterprise system, you would be able to significantly improve the operations of Haircuts. You begin your analysis by answering the following questions:

1. What opportunities are being missed when each little area (scheduling, supply management, marketing, and others) has its own “stove piped” data? (Provide some examples.)
2. What benefits will the Haircuts business realize if you implement an enterprise-wide system? Identify how Myra as the manager will benefit from having additional information available.
3. What types of decisions that she makes as the manager would be improved if she had all this information in one place?
4. Would it make the most sense to start with a CRM, an SCM or an ERP system for Haircuts and why. Keep in mind that additional systems and functionality could come later.

Initial responses are due by Thursday, and comments back to at least two classmates are due by Sunday.

Week 7 Discussion

Referring to the Haircuts Case Study, Myra, the owner, has asked you if outsourcing some of the functions/processes would benefit her business. Identify which function(s) you would recommend she outsource and explain why they would be appropriate for outsourcing. List three competitive advantages Myra could get by outsourcing and three challenges or risks in outsourcing, as well as what she could do about them.

As always, initial responses are due by Thursday and comments back to at least two classmates are due by Sunday.

Week 8 Discussion -1

Please address the following 3 questions:

1. What do you think is the most important project management consideration for the technology solution that you proposed for Haircuts?
2. Explain briefly why you selected it.
3. Discuss how you would ensure that this aspect was well addressed to maximize your chance for success.

Your main response is due by Thursday. Comments on classmates’ postings are encouraged, but not required.

Week 8 Discussion - 2

Many of you have said that you have learned a lot during this class. I would like for each of you to think back over the class and then share with us one new and important concept that you learned during this class. It could be something that peaked your interest, something you never heard of or did before, something you struggled with, etc. Your response counts as part of this week's participation grade, and you are not required (but are invited) to respond to your classmate's postings.