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To Be Done Individually.: Part A (16 Marks)

Target's expansion into Canada with over 100 stores was ultimately unsuccessful and they decided to close all Canadian operations. This was widely reported in the news. An analysis suggests their failure may have been due to improper implementation of information systems. Key mistakes likely included issues with supply chain management, customer relationship management, and failure to fully integrate these systems. With a properly implemented IT infrastructure focusing on an integrated supply chain and customer relationship management system, Target may have found more success in Canada.

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Omar Issentayev
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60 views4 pages

To Be Done Individually.: Part A (16 Marks)

Target's expansion into Canada with over 100 stores was ultimately unsuccessful and they decided to close all Canadian operations. This was widely reported in the news. An analysis suggests their failure may have been due to improper implementation of information systems. Key mistakes likely included issues with supply chain management, customer relationship management, and failure to fully integrate these systems. With a properly implemented IT infrastructure focusing on an integrated supply chain and customer relationship management system, Target may have found more success in Canada.

Uploaded by

Omar Issentayev
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To be done individually.

Part A (16 marks)


Target stores had a short stint operating in the Canadian market. Soon after opening more than 100
stores across the country, the company decided to close all of its Canadian operations. This decision made
significant headlines in the news.

For this assignment, use information found in different news sources and using the topics on
information systems that have been studied in this class, write an essay analyzing the extent to which
an improper implementation of Information Systems by Target Canada may have caused its failure.

You should submit a 750- 1000 word essay including the following:

1. With the information you collect from your sources, identify three (3) mistakes that Target
Canada made with its use of Information Systems as part of the implementation of its stores in
Canada.
2. Explain what Target Canada could/should have done to overcome the mistakes/ challenges
presented in question #1.
3. Describe how the concept of a fully integrated Supply Chain Management (SCM) system and
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system should have performed for Target if it was
implemented and utilized strategically/ tactically/ operationally as part of the business value
chain.
✓ Make sure to examine concepts of Business Value Chain, Supply Chain Management (SCM)
and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in your description.

Your analysis should be made based on facts encountered on your review of your sources. Any
assumptions you make regarding the situation should be explicitly stated.

For sources of information remember to use reputable websites. Some sources you can use may
include (but are not limited to):
• http://business.financialpost.com/2015/01/15/target-corps-spectacular-canada-flop-a- gold-
standard-case-study-for-what-retailers-shouldnt-do/
• http://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/why-target-missed-its-mark-so-badly/
• http://www.retaildive.com/news/why-target-missed-the-bullseye-in-canada/354508/
• http://tradecommissioner.gc.ca/canadexport/155736.aspx?lang=eng

Remember to reference all your work by providing a list of your sources including supplementary
notes, websites, articles, textbooks, videos, etc. that you may use.
Part B (20 marks)
Read the following scenario, and respond to the requirement: The Company you work for is purchasing
brand new computers to replace the old outdated ones that it has had in its offices. Your Company
wants to be able to utilize the Internet to enable the staff to connect to external web services in
performing their work. A local distributor has been contacted, requesting specifications of the types of
computers they offer for businesses. They have responded providing specifications for two different
types of computers. Your boss has requested that you write a report with your recommendations
regarding which option is the best. Write a 2 - 3 page report with your recommendation, specifying
reasons for your recommendation. Please make sure that all technical concepts are explained on the
report.

• Describe the type of business that you work for (i.e. business type, industry, services
provided). You may also make up the business.
• Describe the importance of the technology purchase to the business.
• Describe how each of the key technology components (included on the specifications sheet) work.
• Describe how a typical web session works while referencing some of the key network technology
components.
Additional Notes:
• You may make whatever assumptions you would like to support your case.
• Please make sure that all technical concepts (described in the specifications for each computer
hardware/software) are explained on the report. The specifications provided for each of the
proposed computer models are shown on the next page.
• On your report, include explanation for each component included on the specification sheet, and
make sure that your explanations are written in a language that your boss, a non-technical
individual, is able to understand easily.
• Refer to the lecture notes, text, and research the Internet (if required) to complete your
analysis and report. Please be sure that you reference your research source(s).

The specifications provided for each of the proposed computer models are below (see next page
for details):
Computer Hardware
Computer1 (Laptop) Computer2 (Desktop)

Computer Software
Specifications Computer1 (Laptop) Computer2 (Desktop)
System Software: Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro
Application Software Office 2016 Office 365
Utility Software: Antivirus, Spyware detection, Antivirus, Spyware detection,
Firewall, Filebackup software, Firewall All installed
Data compression
Part C (10 Marks)
Your friend wants to start an ecommerce website to commercialize some crafts she has been creating. She
has approached you for an explanation on the basics to start an ecommerce website.

Write a 1 - 2 page essay explaining to your friend what she needs to know to begin an e-commerce
website. As part of your essay make sure you include:

• A definition of what ecommerce is.


• A definition of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and how they are used to facilitate
ecommerce.
• Categories of ecommerce, and the category that your friend would be implementing.
• How the key components of an eBusiness solution work (front end/ back end).
• The steps your friend would follow to set up an ecommerce website:
o Selecting an eCommerce business strategy
o Getting a domain name
o Developing a site (tools, design, services)
o Deciding whether to develop/host the site herself or seek an external host service
provider (identify the pros/cons of each decision)
o Implementing a method to collect payments
o Establishing basic management methods to mitigate typical security threats (describe
some typical threats)

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