Case Study: Jean's Bakery



Case Study: Jean's Bakery

Introduction

The focus of this paper would be on reviewing the current business information systems of Jean's Bakery so that appropriate decision can be made in the upgrading the company's information systems.

Discussion

1. What are some of the key types of information that business uses to make decisions?

The most important information that business uses to make an appropriate decision is data that is suitable and applicable to the scenario. The best strategy is to conduct a survey within their current client in order to get information on the demand for the improvement. If entire survey is in favour for the improvement then next step is to see the feasibility within the company i.e. Resource, finance, legal requirement, economic, technological, scheduling and risk associated to it. In case of Jean's Bakery, as they are looking for upgrading information systems, here they need to see demand for their product, cost of upgrading IS and benefit that will be achieved. In order words whether upgrading would be cost effective or not. This information will be very beneficial when applying cost benefit analysis. Beside this, Jean needs to see the availability of finance in the company and also it is necessary for Jeans to know minimum and maximum orders they received during the month. Forecast is the main requirement as company owner need to know how much large catering company approaching them and after the implementation of the software at what percentage their sales will increase. In short, relevant information i.e. costs and demands trend are important information that business uses to make decisions.

2. Where in the business are the crucial decisions made?

The essential decisions made in the business are related to Strategic decisions, Tactical decisions, Operational decisions and Micro decision. Each decision is important but Operational decisions are always on high priority. According to Peter Drucker, operational decisions directly impact on company's financial structure and this decision can bog down the entire company making it an unproductive. This should be noted that the impact on Strategic and tactical decisions which stress on customer retention and offer discount, will adversely effected when entire operational decision are not proper managed by the higher management i.e. the strategy to retain the customer and what discount would be offered to distributor. Such decisions are entirely based on operational decisions. Hence, better strategies perhaps dime a dozen, nevertheless, failure or success lies in ...