Business scenarios looking to expand their virtual presence in the market by leveraging information systems.

For each business model, review the provided scenario and perform necessary research to answer the following

questions in the form of a well-structured memo to the owners / senior

management:

1.

Articulate the goal of the organization and the role of information systems in clear and concise

manner;

2.

Analyze the industry and competitive marketplace as well as identify the best competitive

strategy to pursue given the company's strengths and weaknesses;

3.

Compare and contrast the top two eCommerce business models (advantage and disadvantages)

that may suit the overall objective identified in #1 above and recommend the best eCommerce

business model based on your analysis (See Appendix A for an overview of the various

eCommerce business models);

4.

Describe the nature, type, and role of each of the five components of information systems in

supporting your recommended eCommerce business model to help the organization achieve its

overall objectives; and

5.

Recommend specific types of hardware, data storage, and networking requirements /

technologies to support the effective deployment of the recommended eCommerce business

Scenario 01: Digital Reference Inc. (DRI)

Digital Reference Inc (DRI) is a start-up company that would like to provide a service by offering easy

access to needed information in specialized fields such as accounting, auditing, taxation, governance

and compliance, project management, strategy management, finance, etc. Although their business

plan calls for moving into a number of fields, DRI would like to begin by addressing the needs of

people in the accounting, auditing, and taxation fields.

Its first two target groups are public accounting firms and the general public.

For the general public, the plan is to provide a website with advice on various issues such as generally

accepted accounting principles, auditing standards, tax laws, savings and investments rules, etc. The

site would also contain links to other sites where visitors will be able to obtain links to other websites

where visitors will be able to obtain advice on such issues as how to establish a new business.

For professionals in public accounting firms, DRI would like to offer more detailed information

management and client support services. Additionally, the company wants to provide capabilities that

might help the public accounting firms manage their standard office functions such as e-mail, phone,

fax, printing, scheduling, helpdesk support, etc

SCENARIO 2

Slice of Haven is a small, independent island neighbouring Tahiti, Philippines. It is underdeveloped

and is also off the tourist path for most visitors to that area despite its many attractions. The island

has a unique history with native ruins dating back to 800 years and with many historical buildings,

forts, and other sites built during the past few centuries.

A few first-class hotels have been built along its beautiful white beaches, and less expensive

accommodations are also available along beaches, in several towns and near several fishing villages.

Its rain forests, rivers, striking mountains, and volcano cone could all be of interest to tourists. In

addition, it has many restaurants that specialize in native dishes and fresh fish.

The government not only wants to increase tourism, but it also wants to increase trade by developing

new markets for its tropical agricultural products. In addition, leaders hope to attract investment

capital so that many of the unemployed residents can find jobs.

Two major airlines have regular flights to Slice of Haven, as do several small Philippines airlines. The

island is on the tourist itinerary of only one cruise ship company.

Slice of Haven's Ministry of Commerce wants to launch a website and establish the supporting

technology infrastructure that will promote offer sufficient information and provide link to appropriate

sites to achieve the following:

1.

Encourage tourism to the country;

2.

Promote international trade with local companies; and

3.

Most importantly, encourage residents to get trained, develop expertise, and support initiatives

#1 and #2.