For several years, the Yummy Food Restaurant, has serviced customers in the city. Although everyone says that the food is excellent, the manager, Steve McKee, has become uncomfortably aware that several problems exist. Numerous complaints from customers have reached him. In essence, the customers are dissatisfied with the service, particularly with the lengthy waits during peak meal periods. In addition, there is antagonism between the chefs and the waiters. Finally, the profits and cash receipts appear to be small, despite the fact that prices are comparable with those of other "fancy" restaurants in the city.

The restaurant operates as follows. Customers enter and seat themselves. A waiter writes their orders on a blank form, departs and enters the kitchen, and calls out loudly (due to noise) the orders to the chefs. When the food has been prepared, the waiter brings the food from the kitchen and serves the customers. When the meal is completed, the waiter takes the payment to the cashier and returns with any change.

There are two chefs. They handle the food purchasing tasks, although on a rather disorganised basis. For example, because of separate preferences, the two chefs may purchase the same item from two different food vendors. In fact both chefs, although good experienced cooks, are opinionated and take instructions only from Steve. Unfortunately, Steve must frequently be away from the kitchen because of his many duties, including being a gracious host to his regular customers.

Using accounting information systems (AIS) how can these problems be resolved?

Required

(1) Analyse the current weaknesses at the Yummy Food Restaurant.

(2) Briefly describe the phases of the system development lifecycle as they might apply to the Yummy Food Restaurant.

(3) Suggest improvements to the procedures and other operational aspects. Indicate which improvements pertain to the accounting information system.

(4) Describe information that Steve needs to manage the Yummy Food Restaurant.