Instructor’s Manual Abstracts
Vol. 1, Issue 1 IM Abstract: Woodland Supply Information Systems Project Selection
Jane Gravill
Case Overview
It was early morning November 2, 2020. Kelly Green, IT Manager, Woodland Supply Inc. (Woodland) was preparing for an annual budget meeting in two weeks with the leadership team to present his recommendations on 2021 IT projects for approval. The IT department worked tirelessly to implement systems that would allow Woodland Supply to continue operations under the demands of COVID-19. These IT projects, including e-commerce, business intelligence, call centre, online training platforms, and strategic device deployment, played a major role in Woodlands’ ability to operate, innovate, and even excel during the pandemic. Green must determine how to evaluate the potential IT projects for 2021 in the changing dynamic. He had to act fast, as his annual budget meeting was two weeks away.
Learning Objectives
By working through this case, students should be able to
- Identify key information systems (IS) issues confronting Woodland Supply.
- Apply the information needs analysis framework to analyze an IS project selection problem.
- Apply the weighted scoring model approach to determine success criteria and evaluate alternative solutions to solve the IS project selection problem.
- Interpret analytical results and develop a final recommendation and implementation plan to solve the IS project selection problem.
Course Suitability
This case is suitable for the undergraduate student and can be used in undergraduate introductory information systems management course. The case would be best positioned in the course at a point where students have had the opportunity to understand the role of information systems and business processes within firms, as this will allow students to be able to identify information needs and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions for the IS project selection problem. Instructors can scaffold the learning in this area by having students initially identify information needs by applying the TELOS information needs analysis framework and then apply the weighted scoring model approach to evaluate the pros and cons of alternatives later in the course when more complex factors or familiarity with various types of systems has been addressed.
Recommended Reading
Kroenke, D., Boyle, R., Gemino, A. & Tingling, P. (2019). Experiencing MIS (5th Canadian ed). Pearson Canada.
- Chapters 1 to 7 introduce the student to information systems, types of information systems within firms, and business processes.
- Chapter 10 Acquiring Information Systems Through Projects introduces student to the systems development and implementation process and common alternatives.
Read the Woodland Supply Information Systems Project Selection case.
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