Case Exercises (Apply your knowledge)
Way Out Bikes
The owner of Way Out Bikes asked you for advice about acquiring an information system for her business. The company specialises in helping customers select exactly the right bicycle for their needs and lifestyles. Way Out cannot compete on price with mass merchandisers, but it seeks to offer value and expertise for which customers are willing to pay. You ask the owner whether she has long-range plans for the company, and she replies that she has not really thought beyond a one-year time frame.
Tasks:
Develop questions to ask Way Out’s owner to help her conduct a SWOT analysis.
How could a mission statement help Way Out?
What are the critical success factors for Way Out?
What questions would you ask the owner to help her develop a business case for an information system?
Expert Answer
How many type of bikes Way out is going to sell?
The price range?
How Way out is going to earn the money? What is the business model?
Will the bikes be assembled and sold or they are sold as assembled?
What are conditions for after sales service eligibility?
How she will be using owner’s info?
What is the critical parameter for success according to her?
Whar are entry barriers in this business?
b. Mission statement should focus on VALUE Way out is offering creating an image in potential buyer’s mind. It should be addressing most common expectations customers’ would have.
c. To me critical success factor is exact customer requirement and timely delivery in customer’s price range.
d. What is her target audiance?
What is the Way out customer would expect?
What would be the price range for these customers?
What would be the location?
What is the business model of Way out?
Do let me know if this answer addresses all expected points which will help in improvements in answering.