Case Study Questions (Spring 96)

In the following - consider the managerial as well as the technical implications of the issues. These questions will be discussed in class. Questions 1-5 should form the basis of the Team Presentation and Report.

1. What are the key (strategically significant) elements and forces in PVI's environment? What are the opportunities and threats they pose for a company like PVI over the rest of the decade? What are PVI's areas of concern and its streatgy?

2. What is the role of information systems in PVI's strategy planning and implementation as evidenced in the case narrative? Is this role appropriate in view of your observations (in the above) about the environment and the company's strategy? What type of information architecture is needed to support PVI's strategy?

3. Does PVI have the right organizational structure and human resources to embark on developing GLOBIS? Who should be in charge? What role should the corporate MIS department play in the development of GLOBIS? What are the costs/benefits and critical success factors of the system?

4. What are some of the technology trends (e.g., the Internet) that PVI could take advantage of in developing GLOBIS?

5. What other departments in PVI should be involved in the GLOBIS project and what roles should they play in its development?

6. What are some of the challenges facing Alex Papagallos (e.g., Bob Kingman's expectations)? Which are the most important challenges and how should he respond to them?

7. What are some of the challenges facing Amelia Lee? Which are the most important and how should she respond to them?

Team Presentation and Report Requirements

Play the role of a consulting firm responding to the Request for Proposal (Appendix A). Provide a professional and persuasive presentation and report for the management of PVI. The response should demonstrate your understanding of the PVI environment as well as your firm's ability to carry out the project.