The Application of ISD and Processes of the SDLC System - Essay Example

Answer While Shaun is not a believer of technology but the fast changing dynamics of evolving business across the globe has become intrinsically linked to the advancing technology. The advent of new technologies, especially that of computers, has changed the modus operandi of businesses and has helped improve its efficiency and prospects. The information system facilitates storing and manipulating of strategic business information that are designed to improve the overall business prospects. It encompasses various spheres of the business including administration, management, productions, accounts and other areas which are intrinsically linked to produce the desired outcome of efficiency, quality and profits. The application of ISD in the various areas like catering, inventory, sales and marketing etc. help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies followed thus facilitating improvements and enhancing overall performance. The new approach to ISD would therefore, promote a win-win situation for Shaun and consumers both. Answer 2 Implementation of a new technology into an organization needs careful consideration mainly because its introduction is designed to affect the various existing processes and may create conflicting interests and adversely affecting the performance of the organization. SDLC process is an integral part of management information system serving as the centralized monitoring system that coordinates and supports the rest of the functions and user requirements in order to help the organization to achieve all its strategic goals and objectives. The initial phase of feasibility study is the most important phase as it is the decisive factor that would decide the appropriateness of the new technology for the Restaurant. The identification of the core business processes and creation of appropriate database of relevant information with regard to inventory, sales order, menu account and schedules are important phases that help in the pilot running of the system. The rest of the implementation phases are equally important as they help to adapt to a new system smoothly and efficiently, promoting understanding. Carmen needs to understand the various inter-related processes of the SDLC system in the Restaurant system so that new technology can be effectively used to improve the overall performance the business. Answer 3 Project plans are important part of SDLC strategy so that the pilot running of the system is able to identify the weaknesses and strength within the system. Strategic planning helps to improve and improvise the performance outcome of the business processes so that the introduction of technology not only improves the efficient delivery of organizational goals but also provides the organization with a competitive edge. The project plans are continuously revised and updated so that the system can evolve with the changing dynamics of the emerging new business environment. Answer 4 The Restaurant business of Shaun has five major requirements that would be significantly impacted by the introduction of technology. Account management system would streamline the accounts and ledgers so as to generate various financial statements regularly, reflecting accurate revenues. Inventory control system would facilitate more efficient way of tracking inventory of food and other items and help forecast the trends of the consumers. Sales order and scheduling is important part of efficient delivery of consumers order. Recipe control and menu would help to project and streamline the changing preferences of the consumers and help coordinate the same with the appropriate demands of the inventory required. Bank reconciliation is hugely relevant for maintaining an updated bank account so that accurate sales tax and revenues can be calculated and provide the restaurant with wide opportunities of expanding the business. Answer 5 Change is intrinsic part of life and ‘organizations must change because their environments change’ (Bateman and Zeithaml, 1990). In the rapidly changing environment of globalization, change is essential for development. In the book ‘Organization Behavior’ the authors Hitt et al, have cited four basic causes of resistance to change: lack of understanding; different assessment; self interest; and low tolerance (Hitt et al, 2005). Very often, changes to the office environment lead to the feeling of insecurity amongst the people. Secondly the management has a different perspective towards the changes as against the employees who start resisting the changes. This happens due to lack of effective communication between the staff and the management. The fourth and the last factor is low level of tolerance and self interest amongst the employees as the changes occur when they are least expected or anticipated. Indeed, the leadership within the organization needs to facilitate proactive participation of its workforce for the anticipated changes in the work environment. Clanzenetta Brown argues that resistance can be overcome by making sure that the change effort is communicated effectively in a multi-dimensional format (Brown, 2007). . Hence, before introducing new technology, dissemination of information is an important phase that must be included prior to the introduction of new technology. This would not only help alleviate most of the insecurities and anxiety of its people but they would be better informed about the wide ranging scope of the technology which would promote mutual understanding and more enthusiastic support. Answer 6 Shaun has successfully implemented the new restaurant system but she also needs to understand the importance of maintaining user manual and system documentation. These are important aspect of the information system which needs to evolve with the changing times and incorporate the necessary changes. Another important aspect of the manual and system documentation is that they help facilitate the new staff to understand the operation of the computerized system and become better equip to handle the computerized operations of the various inter-related processes of the restaurant system. Answer 7 At the restaurant trade shows, Carmen and Shaun saw many restaurant systems. The two systems that could have been in the trade show are FMIS V (Foodservice Management Information System V)(genesistems.com) and Restaurant POS System (Point of sale system). I would choose Restaurant POS system primarily because of its versatility in encompassing various modules of restaurant system and integrating them within the system (POSnation.com). The system functions as an integrated system of accounts and order-sales management that is capable of generating multiple reports and ‘can do so much more: take customer orders, perform high-speed credit card transactions, track inventory and order supplies, track labor, implement customer loyalty programs, and more’. (1032) Reference Bateman, Thomas S., and Carl P. Zeithaml. (1990). Management: Function and Strategy. Homewood, IL: Irwin. Brown, Clanzenetta. (2007). Strategies For Overcoming Resistance To Organizational Change. Available from: [Accessed 2 June 2009]. Hitt, Michael A., Miller, C. Chet Miller and Colella, Adrienne. (2005).Organizational Behaviour: A Strategic Approach. Chapter 14. USA. John Wiley & Sons. FMIS V. Available from: [Accessed 2 June 2009]. Restaurant POS System. [Accessed 2 June 2009]. Read More