P3: Practice Question
Pictures : Investing in Your Future
Massachusetts University is an old and run down private institution. Though famous for its Business studies program, many students find the place not conducive for studies. The Dean, Alfred, has pushed for an extension annex building with view to increase class capacity. The Board of Directors, was skeptical over the ability to complete on time and if there is sufficient fund. However, with the proposed construction site, nearby villagers object to it since it means in future increased traffic flow through their already congested roads. Investors are keen only if they are convinced that the project is translated to higher tuition fees, hence better returns on investment.
The business program at Massachusetts does not simply focus on the basic skills a student will need to succeed in business, but also shapes the student's character as a whole. One of Massachusetts’s goals is to develop students into responsible and knowledgeable "global citizens" and the business school takes this aim to heart. Not only are business students required to take necessary courses in accounting, finance, management, etc. but also have to take courses in business writing, speaking, and ethics. The business school also encourages students to meet the challenges and opportunities created by globalization head-on by fostering study-abroad opportunities and travel courses. In addition to the business school's specific requirements, each Massachusetts student receives a liberal arts education covering many subject areas. I really believe that the strength of the business school's curriculum combined with the broad education I received in other areas of study has given me a more well-rounded perspective of the world and the problems I will face in business and in life.
Jack Escrow, senior lecturer, argued that hardware (buildings) should be complemented with software literally. A campus wireless network facility would be just fine and a revamp of administration software to better track students data, compilation of research objective and general accounting administrative purpose.
Required:
A) Focus and advise Massachusetts University Board on implementing the new construction project. [15]
B) Why should the Board be concerned with the objections of stakeholders? Identify them and explain their impact on the project. [10]
C) evaluate the implication that Massachusetts University should consider purchasing a standard software package. [10]
D) justify to management that Massachusetts University need to have its own customized software. Propose an action plan as to how to proceed with it. [15]
2 comments:
a)new construction project
1.this would be an organic growth having extension of the building.
2.Also term as the green field site strategy.
3.this construction is likely to take years to completion
4.the pollution caused by the construction would likely to affect the study environment
5.a need to analyse stakeholders who are being affected by the proposal
6.there is already opposition(villagers) to the proposal
feasibility: it seems that funds would need to be raised from the investors
suitability: this may not be suitable,however, the fund could be better use in investing in quality lecturers as this is the core of an education business
acceptability: Shareholders would accept the proposal as long better return on investment.
However, the villagers seem to oppose the proposal.
b)stakeholder
1. defonition
2. stakeholders are a sustainable competitive adv. better stakeholders, better business
3. stakeholders constrain to decision making
4.applying Mendelow's stakeholder matrix
key player: BODs focus on the strategy of business in maximising wealth of business
keep informed: shareholders interested on the returns
keep satisfied: Government,as long as no troubles arise
minimal effort: the villagers would have shift to the keep informed group regarding to this issue
c)standard software package
1. the growing business of MU would require a proper software to handle the routine and non-routine activities.
2.there is ready available mannual to guide users on using the software
3.software package is available immediately, MU can install as soon
4.it would not be too costly to MU as the development costs are spread to other users
5.quality is proven and would not be an issue
6.considering the need for expansion and maintainance of software, a bespoke software would be better
7.considering the complexity of the processes involved
8.considering the degree much specialise functions needed to the business
d)customized software
1.the current software needs a revamp suggesting the need to have a bespoke software than a software package
2.improvement on MU's software is always needed as the business grow
action plan:
project initiative development
detailed planning
risk management
control
improvement
p/s: it is written in brief,
please kindly comment
Part A : Requires implementation, not evaluation.
Part B : Answer is mere textbook regurgitation, question wants why importance of stakhldr mapping?
Part C : fair attempt but better if you focus on adv and disadv of outsource s/ware
Part D: pass
Best wishes in your preparation
Marcus Ong
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