Rodriguez, Janriggs I.
2015689871 FEU-MK
ADVCOMP Activity 1
1. Discuss in detail at least four of the main reasons for system requests, including examples
where appropriate.
System request is a vital process in starting a system project. Most companies tend to establish this
as the first step in starting a system project. Listed below are at least four specific reasons why system
requests are important:
Improved Service: Systems requests are often used as a means of communication for
external users (customers, interested parties) and internal users (employees, management).
All businesses consider systems to be vital as this provides efficiency and accessibility for all
users alike. With system requests in hand, this could provide an opening for the benefits
provided from the latter.
Better Performance: As technology advancements are employed. The current system might
not be on par against the respective industry due to advancing time. With this in mind,
Hiccups in performance and slow responses might be faced when there are no upgrades
being provided. Limitations would also widen when systems are not upgraded. Furthermore,
the process above (system requests) is a remedy for this problem.
More Information: Systems may face limitations such as having various data which can be
interpreted into valuable information such as the predicting demand for certain products,
predicting market trends and so much more. Moreover, managers need valuable information
to consider when they are making business decisions. Hence, the need for system requests
to have consideration for a new or better system.
Reduced Cost: Most business entities consider the process of implementing a new system
as costly or expensive. The problem with this logic is that the economic benefits between
having a new and efficient system against an old and limited system is that the former is less
expensive when you take in to consideration the costs, expenses, problems that a limited
system may face in the long run. Having a system which is efficient could save several
processes in terms of time and finance.
2. Describe in detail at least four of the internal factors that affect the business decisions of a
company makes.
Internal factors which impacts business decisions are situations that all businesses face. Some of
these factors are listed below:
Top Managers: The top management involves people whose roles are to produce large
scale decisions which involve decisions for the infrastructure of the IT department. Such
decisions may involve upgrading the system, changing the logistical process, etc.
Existing Systems and data: Internal users need to receive data in order to do their jobs.
Regardless of their department, the objectives they seek to perform has data factored into it.
An example is an assessment on what branches are being profitable, or considering internal
variables such as looking into account the resources projected as data. When the system
being used underperforms, It shows a domino-effect that the said user may also
underperform his/her respective job. This occurs when the system is old and is not in line with
the industry standard.
Strategic Plan: Every business has a unique perspective in dealing with their business
operations in order to achieve their goal while competing with their respective rivals. This has
a direct correlation with the IT department. As technology is being utilized in almost every
industry known. A company could have a realistically favorable advantage when they create a
holistic environment for that said department.
Information Technology department: Discussions involving system projects starting from
system requests come from the Information technology department. This is logical
considering that the people in this department has a good grasp of what the proposed system
should be and what are the appropriate measures in implementing one.
3.) Outline the steps typically conducted during the preliminary investigation.
a. Understand the problem or opportunity
i. Analyze a system request and take the proper steps to investigate the problem.
Using techniques such as the fishbone diagram helps with the investigation
process. Know what departments, users and business processes are involved.
b. Define the project scope and constraints
i. Define specific boundaries and the extent of the project in terms of time and
resources being used. It is helpful to create a list with “must do”, “should do”,
“could do”, and “won’t do”. Being specific is important in this step. A constraint is
knowing the requirement for satisfying the request. A constraint can be hardware,
software, people, time, policy, low and economics.
c. Perform fact finding
i. Gathering data about the project’s usability, cost, benefits and schedules. What
would it take to apply the solution? Organizational charts are very helpful in this
step. Conducting interviews are also factored in this process.
d. Analyze project usability, cost, benefit, and schedule data.
i. This step is about compiling and analyzing the data collected. Developing cost,
time, benefit analysis and estimates is the overall objective of this stage.
e. Present results and case for action to management.
i. The last step of the process shows the report and documentation of the
preliminary investigation conducted. Hence, a report to the appropriate party
which is the management.
