Commentary Assignment #1
To make an informed decision regarding the options for the use of information systems, I need to
gather essential information that will enhance my ability to assess the potential benefits and
challenges of each option. Here are three key pieces of information that would improve my
decision-making process as a manager:
1. Cost-Benefit Analysis:
Understanding the estimated costs associated with developing a new information systems
product, implementing a new capacity into an existing system, or replacing the current online
ordering support is crucial. This includes initial development costs, ongoing maintenance
expenses, and potential savings or revenue generation. Conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit
analysis will help quantify the return on investment and identify the most financially viable
option.
2. User Feedback and Adoption Rates:
Gathering insights from potential users, including employees and customers, is essential to assess
the practicality and usability of each option. Understanding how easily the new information
systems product or features can be adopted by end-users will influence the success of the
implementation. Feedback on user experience, potential challenges, and preferences will provide
valuable qualitative data to complement quantitative metrics.
3. Implementation Timeline and Potential Disruptions:
Knowing the estimated timeline for implementing each option is crucial, as it allows me to assess
the time-to-value and plan for a smooth transition. Additionally, understanding potential
disruptions to ongoing operations during implementation is essential. For example, replacing the
online ordering support might significantly impact order processing, and knowing how to
mitigate disruptions is crucial for minimizing downtime and maintaining customer satisfaction.
By obtaining this information, I can conduct a more thorough analysis of the options, considering
both quantitative and qualitative factors. This will enable me to make a well-informed decision
based on the anticipated benefits, costs, user acceptance, and potential implementation
challenges of each option.
