Question 1 (Marks: 30)
The Case Study below is the same as provided in Assignment 1. In this assignment, you will continue to provide guidance to Thabo regarding Information Systems. In addition to your module manual, you are recommended to conduct additional research.
Thabo operates a small bakery and currently manages inventory and sales through manual record-keeping. Due to recent challenges, particularly shortages in the egg supply, Thabo is concerned about efficiently handling customer orders while also addressing the issue of egg scarcity. You've proposed the implementation of an information system that enables customers to place orders online for either delivery or pickup. Despite the potential benefits, Thabo is hesitant about transitioning to a computerised information system and requires convincing about its advantages for the bakery, especially in navigating the current egg shortages.Q.1.1
Identify the type of information system most relevant to each scenario below. Justify your answer.
Q.1.1.1
Thabo’s bakery employs a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to oversee communication with the bakery's new customers in various locations.
(3)
Q.1.1.2
Thabo's bakery, facing egg shortages, subscribes to a meticulously researched combination of databases and analyst reports to manage its financial information.
(3)
Q.1.1.3
Thabo relies on a crowdsourced online video library to research and learn maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for the bakery's ovens and baking equipment.
(3)
Q.1.1.4
Thabo oversees updates to the mobile time tracking app used by employees to report their working hours.
(3)
Q.1.1.5
Thabo’s bakery needs an Information system to improve the delivery and transportation of both products and supplies.
(3)
Q.1.2
Recommend a cloud storage service provider Thabo can utilise for the business. Discuss four reasons and/or advantages to this approach for the business.
(10)
Q.1.3
Distinguish, with applicable examples, between Shareware and Freeware.
(5)
Q.1.1.1
The type of information system most relevant to this scenario is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. A CRM tool is specifically designed to oversee communication with customers and manage relationships, making it ideal for handling interactions with new customers in various locations.
Q.1.1.2
The type of information system most relevant to this scenario is a Decision Support System (DSS). A DSS is designed to analyze and present information to aid in decision-making, making it suitable for managing financial information during challenging times like egg shortages.
Q.1.1.3
The type of information system most relevant to this scenario is a Knowledge Management System. A Knowledge Management System is used to capture, store, and distribute knowledge within an organization, making it suitable for managing information related to maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for bakery equipment.
Q.1.1.4
The type of information system most relevant to this scenario is a Human Resource Information System (HRIS). An HRIS is designed to manage employee information and track working hours, making it suitable for overseeing updates to the time tracking app used by bakery employees.
Q.1.1.5
The type of information system most relevant to this scenario is a Supply Chain Management (SCM) system. An SCM system is designed to improve the delivery and transportation of products and supplies, making it ideal for enhancing the logistics and operations of Thabo's bakery.
Q.1.2
One cloud storage service provider Thabo can utilize for the business is Dropbox. Four reasons and advantages of using this approach for the bakery include:
1. Accessibility: Cloud storage allows for easy access to files from any location with an internet connection, enabling Thabo to manage inventory, orders, and other business data remotely.
2. Collaboration: Cloud storage facilitates collaboration among employees, enabling them to work on documents and projects simultaneously, improving efficiency and communication within the bakery.
3. Backup and Recovery: Cloud storage automatically backs up data, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or other issues. In the event of a system failure, Thabo can easily recover important business information.
4. Scalability: Cloud storage services can easily accommodate the growing needs of Thabo's bakery, allowing for additional storage space as the business expands without requiring significant hardware investments.
Q.1.3
Shareware refers to software that is distributed on a trial basis with the option to purchase a license for full use, often containing limited features or functions in the trial version. An example of shareware is WinRAR, which allows users to compress and decompress files with a trial version that prompts the user to purchase a license for continued use.
Freeware, on the other hand, refers to software that is distributed for free, unrestricted use without any payment required. An example of freeware is Adobe Acrobat Reader, which allows users to view PDF files without any cost or limitations on usage.