For This Project You Will Approach An Organization Ask For Permissio ✓ Solved

For this project, you will approach an organization, ask for permission to learn about their information system, and interview an employee who was involved in the initiation, development, and/or implementation of the system. Possibly interview managers, developers, and daily users. You will then write a report based on your findings . Interview questions should include but are not limited to: a. What was the problem/opportunity that prompted the development of the system? b.

Who initiated the exploration of implementing a system? c. Who was involved in the development (top management, middle managers, user, IS professionals), and what roles did each group of people play? d. What was the selection process? (who was involved, timeframe to make a decision, how many systems tested, etc) e. What led to this system being implemented over others? what made it stand out? f. What has been the experience with the system so far; good and bad? g.

What do the employees think about the system? Has it met their expectations? h. Does the system meet any strategic goals of the business? i. Are there any plans for improvement? NOTE : Phone, skype, facetime, etc interviews are acceptable.

E-mail exchanges where you send a list of questions to an individual and they respond via e-mail the answers are not accepted . This project requires you to engage and communicate . Being in the business world is about networking and communication- speaking with someone in person, via phone, skype, facetime, etc will give you more insight into information systems and the analysis and implementation. NOTE : You must provide proof that you visited or spoke with a member or members of an organization. This can include an email to me from the person you interviewed (recommended), a copy of an email exchange between you and the interviewee setting up the interview and thanking them for their time, a copy of their signed business card, etc.

Failure to submit this is an automatic 30 point deduction. NOTE : As you are asking permission and interviewing, make sure up-front you are asking questions about the system- not their actual data. If a business suspects you are looking to see their data, they're likely to shut you down quickly. Their data is private and confidential. You are asking about the system in place to track (enter, maintain, analyze, retrieve, etc) to keep their business up and running.

Guidelines : In your report include their answers to the questions you raised and any recommendations you may have based on your interview. Do not simply provide word-for-word what they answered. Summarize it in a way that you are explaining their process and the system to someone outside of the organization. Reports must be a minimum of 1000 words, correct spelling/grammar. Any sources used beyond information you gather in the interview must be properly documented.

APA writing style preferred; MLA accepted as well. NOTE : You must provide proof that you visited or spoke with a member or members of an organization. This can include an email to me from the person you interviewed (recommended), a copy of an email exchange between you and the interviewee setting up the interview and thanking them for their time, a copy of their signed business card, etc. Failure to submit this is an automatic 30 point deduction. To give you some ideas- this list is not all inclusive- there are so many opportunities: Don't think too much here; think about small businesses in your area first.

Every business has an information system to keep track of inventory, employees, sales, profits, expenses, etc. · Have a favorite local restaurant or bar? Set up an interview with their manager and ask about their system and how they track transactions. · Do you play golf? Contact your favorite golf club and ask about the system they use to track memberships and tee times. · Have a gym membership? Ask how they track membership, training schedules, and profits. · Currently employed? Ask your supervisor who to contact in your place of employment- chances are, you use an information system to enter/retrieve data. · Work at a school (K-12 or higher ed)?

Talk to the principal, superintendent, or IT personnel about the system in place to keep student data (grades, contact information, disciplinary actions, etc). Specifically for higher ed, ask how they handle applications for admission. · In the accounting field? Ask a local accountant what system they use to keep track of their customers or what system they use for tax preparation.

Paper for above instructions

Title: An Analysis of the Information System at XYZ Gym
Introduction
In today's digital age, information systems are crucial to the operation of any organization. They not only streamline processes but also improve efficiency and enhance decision-making capabilities. For the purpose of this project, I approached XYZ Gym, a local fitness center, to seek permission to learn about their information system. I conducted an interview with John Doe, the Operations Manager, who has been integral to the system's implementation. This report presents a summary of the key findings from the interview, along with analysis and recommendations based on the information gathered.
1. The Problem/Opportunity that Prompted the Development of the System
John explained that the initial motivation for developing the information system arose from the need to track and manage gym memberships and automate administrative tasks. Prior to the new system, staff members were manually recording transactions and membership details. This process was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. The gym identified the opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience by adopting an automated system (Laudon & Laudon, 2020).
2. Initiation of the System Exploration
The exploration of implementing a new system was initiated by the gym's owner, Jane Smith. Jane recognized that the existing manual processes were limiting the gym’s ability to grow and scale. She put together a small committee, including middle management and IT personnel, to assess potential solutions (Valacich & Schneider, 2019). This collaborative approach allowed the team to consider various perspectives and ensure all departments' needs were addressed.
3. Involvement in Development
The development of the system involved several key parties. The top management team, including Jane, played a pivotal role in setting the vision for the system and approving budgets. Middle managers, like John, were instrumental in identifying functional requirements, while user input was solicited from front-line staff. IT professionals handled the technical development, implementing the system that best met the gym’s needs. As stated by John, “Engagement from all levels of the organization was vital for the system's success” (Doe, personal communication, 2023).
4. Selection Process for the Information System
The selection process for the information system was thorough and well-organized. John shared that the committee took six months to evaluate different systems. They reviewed a range of software vendors and made use of product demonstrations to assess functionality (Kroenke & Auer, 2016). The committee also created a checklist of critical functions, such as membership tracking, payment processing, and reporting capabilities. Ultimately, they narrowed their options down to three systems, with extensive discussions and negotiations leading to the final decision.
5. Unique Features Leading to Implementation
The chosen system, GymSoft, was selected over others primarily due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting analytics. According to John, “What set GymSoft apart was its ability to integrate with other fitness applications and its high level of customer support services” (Doe, personal communication, 2023). This feature allowed XYZ Gym to enhance its customer experience and maintain operational efficiency.
6. Experiences with the System
John indicated that the experience with GymSoft so far has been predominantly positive. Staff members appreciate the system's ease of use, which reduces training time and allows them to focus more on customer service (Bock, 2021). However, he acknowledged some challenges during the initial rollout. Some employees faced difficulties adapting to the new technology, leading to minor disruptions. Nevertheless, feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and regular meetings, were established to address concerns and continually improve the system (Brabham, 2020).
7. Employee Perceptions of the System
Overall, employee opinions on the system have been favorable. John stated, “Most of our staff has expressed that GymSoft has made their jobs easier and has a positive impact on how we serve our members” (Doe, personal communication, 2023). Employees feel that the system has met their expectations in terms of functionality, and they have become proficient in its use, further enhancing their confidence and overall job satisfaction.
8. Alignment with Strategic Goals
The adoption of GymSoft aligns well with XYZ Gym's strategic goals. The system has allowed for better tracking of marketing campaigns and membership trends, enabling management to make data-driven decisions. John noted that this capability has led to a 20% increase in membership renewal rates since implementation (Doe, personal communication, 2023). The ability to provide analytical insights aids in tailoring offerings to members' preferences and driving further business growth.
9. Plans for Improvement
Looking ahead, there are plans for ongoing improvements to the system. John highlighted the importance of continual updates and feedback collection from staff members to ensure that the system evolves with changing business needs. Future enhancements may include integrating advanced analytics tools and mobile access for staff and members (Turban et al., 2018). This adaptability ensures that the system continues to add value as the gym expands its offerings and adapts to industry trends.
Conclusion
The insights gained through the interview with John Doe at XYZ Gym reveal the critical importance of having an efficient information system. This case study illustrates the value of collaboration in system development and the significance of user engagement in implementation. While the experience with the new system has been largely positive, ongoing feedback and flexibility will be crucial for continual improvement. As organizations increasingly rely on systems like GymSoft to efficiently manage operations and enhance customer experiences, their success hinges on embracing technological advancements and fostering a culture of adaptability.
References
1. Bock, E. (2021). A Guide to Information Systems in Today's Business. Journal of Business and Technology, 12(3), 45-60.
2. Brabham, D. (2020). Employee Engagement and Adoption of Information Systems: Strategies for Improvement. Compensation & Benefits Review, 52(2), 90-98.
3. Kroenke, D. M., & Auer, D. J. (2016). Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business. McGraw-Hill.
4. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
5. Turban, E., Sharda, R., & Delen, D. (2018). Decision Support and Business Intelligence Systems. Pearson.
6. Valacich, J. S., & Schneider, C. (2019). Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World. Pearson.
7. O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2016). Management Information Systems. McGraw-Hill.
8. Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2021). Fundamentals of Information Systems. Cengage Learning.
9. Chaffey, D., & White, G. (2018). Digital Business and E-Commerce Management. Pearson.
10. Rocks, G. (2019). The Role of Technology and Data in Business Decisions. Journal of Business Insights, 10(4), 105-112.
(Note: The names, organization, and references in this sample report are fictional and meant for illustrative purposes.)