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Business Information Systems

Assessment: Project Report and Presentation

ASSESSMENT ITEM:
In this group assessment, you will analyse, design, and recommend a feasible business solution for an organisation. Your group will submit and present a report including an implementation strategy.

Instruction
In this assignment, a scenario is presented in the form of a description of a company. Based on your understanding on the scenario, you are asked to write a report answering the questions at the end of this assignment. Your report should be approximately 1800-2000 words long and needs to be uploaded in Moodle by the due date as mentioned in Teaching and Assessment Plan or as per Lecturer's instruction.

Case Study: Caterpillar Inc. vs. Maersk Line

Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. With over 500 locations worldwide, Caterpillar maintains a strong presence in various industries, including construction, mining, and power generation. The company generates significant revenue from the sale and servicing of its equipment, which is known for its durability and longevity. However, like ABB, Caterpillar's products require regular maintenance and parts replacement due to wear and tear.

To support its vast customer base, Caterpillar has established a comprehensive network of dealers and service centers globally. These service centers use Caterpillar's proprietary software, Cat Connect, to monitor the performance and health of equipment in real-time. Cat Connect collects data from sensors installed on the equipment, providing valuable insights into machine usage, maintenance needs, and potential issues. This proactive approach helps reduce downtime and ensures optimal performance of the equipment.

Cat Connect's centralized database stores information on every piece of equipment, including its configuration, maintenance history, and any modifications made during service visits. This data is accessible to service technicians worldwide, allowing them to quickly identify and address issues. Additionally, the system can automatically trigger maintenance alerts based on predefined service cycles, ensuring timely service and parts replacement.

Caterpillar's service strategy also includes the use of telematics to remotely diagnose and resolve issues. This reduces the need for on-site visits and speeds up the repair process. The company's global parts distribution network ensures that necessary parts are available wherever they are needed, often within 24 hours. This efficient supply chain management has enabled Caterpillar to reduce inventory costs while maintaining high service levels.By leveraging advanced technology and a robust service network, Caterpillar can handle more service requests with the same workforce, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction. This integrated approach has also led to significant cost savings and increased operational efficiency, making Caterpillar a leader in equipment maintenance and support.

Maersk Line
Maersk Line, a division of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, is the world's largest container shipping company. With a fleet of over 700 vessels and operations in more than 130 countries, Maersk Line plays a crucial role in global trade, transporting goods across the world's oceans. The company generates substantial revenue from shipping services, as well as from integrated logistics and supply chain solutions.

Recognizing the need for efficient information handling and customer service, Maersk Line developed a digital platform called Remote Container Management (RCM). RCM allows customers to track their shipments in real-time, providing visibility into the location, status, and condition of their containers. This technology significantly improves the customer experience by offering transparency and reducing uncertainties in the supply chain.

RCM is integrated with Maersk's internal systems, enabling seamless communication between different departments and stakeholders. This integration facilitates better coordination and decision-making, enhancing the overall efficiency of Maersk's operations. The platform also supports automated processes, such as rate estimation and booking, simplifying the customer interaction and reducing manual workload.
To further enhance its capabilities, Maersk Line has invested in a comprehensive data analytics program. The company's data warehouse consolidates information from various sources, supporting six key areas:

Corporate and departmental evaluations
Regional branch requirements
Port office requirements
Key performance indicators
E-business (customer history, quantity, and value by channel)
Standardized report templates

These analytics capabilities enable Maersk to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and provide superior customer service. The company's

focus on digital transformation has positioned it as a leader in the shipping industry, with a reputation for reliability and efficiency.
As Maersk Line continues to expand its services, including air and land logistics, its integrated IT systems will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge. The company's global network, encompassing 1,500 ports in 160 countries, ensures that Maersk can meet the diverse needs of its customers, making it a vital player in international trade.

Considering the above description of both, write a report by answering the following questions. It is recommended that up to 1 hour should be spent on each question.

Analyse how these organisations may identify the value that it obtains from its current portfolio of information systems and evaluate the techniques that may be used in assessing future IS investments.
It is clear that these organisations do not have a coherent IS strategy. Analyse how they may construct an IS strategy that is supportive of their business strategy and the benefits that they would derive from this.
Analyse the strategic potential for greater investment in information systems and

technology both from a divisional and company-wide perspective. Could business process re-engineering be a useful tool in maximising the potential of IS and IT within these companies? Explain and justify your answers.
Describe the current location of IS functions within these organisations. Recommend the best location for IT services in the future.
Decribe the business issues in position recruitment, performance amanagement and the emerging business trends.

ASSESSMENT ITEM : In this individual assignment, you will explore emerging trends in business technologies and present your findings in a report.

In this case study you will be required to apply knowledge to a chosen business scenario and make recommendations.

Select any prominent (large-scale) organization for an analysis of their existing Business Information Systems (BIS) infrastructure and propose a suitable BIS strategy that would enhance their business model. Your report should cover the following aspects:

Explain the significance of eliminating old ways of working when implementing new systems in large-scale organization you selected. Support your answer with relevant examples.

provide recommendations/suggestions for appropriate Information Systems (three different Information Systems) that would benefit the chosen large- scale organization you selected? What level of usefulness can be expected from such a system or systems when implemented in the large-scale company?

To what extent do you think Automated Systems will revolutionize the way businesses operate in the next decade?

Create a video presentation (approx. 5 mins) which should include the following aspects:

Your understanding of the organization and Your recommendations