CMSC243: Assignment 2: Fact Finding
You will submit the paper, Lastname_Firstname_facts.docx in Blackboard
under assignments.
Continuing Case: Online Tutors, Inc.
Online Tutors, Inc. provides Online tutoring. They are doing well with
scheduled tutoring sessions, but would like to offer on demand tutoring in
addition.
Online Tutors’ president, Mary Montgomery, sent a letter to IT consultant,
Julie Martin, to help develop the system for the new services. During the
project, Julie will work closely with Ryan Lewis, who manages Online
operations. You, as an intern will assist Julie. You are eager for the chance to
make a good impression in your first professional job.
Background
At their initial meeting, Julie and Ryan discussed some initial steps in
planning an information system. The next day, they worked together on a
business profile, drew an organization chart, discussed feasibility issues, and
talked about various types of information systems that would provide the
best support for the company’s operations. Their main objective was to carry
out a preliminary investigation of the new system and report their
recommendations to Online Tutors top managers.
After the working session with Ryan, Julie reviewed her notes. She knew
that Online Tutors president, Mary Montgomery, wanted the new tutoring on
demand service, but she did not remember any mention of an overall
strategic plan for the company. Julie also wondered whether the firm had
done a SWOT analysis or analyzed the internal and external factors that
might affect an information system for the new service. Because the new
service would be so important to the company, Julie believed that Online
Tutors, should consider an enterprise resource planning strategy that could
provide a company-wide framework for information management. After she
finished compiling her notes, Julie listed several topics that might need more
study and called Ryan to arrange another meeting the following day.
Tasks
Create a professional looking document to address the issues noted below.
Be sure that you have corrected all spelling and grammar errors and clearly
label all sections of the report.
1. Perform Internet research to find out as much as you can about Online
services similar to what is planned. Using this background, conduct a SWOT
analysis with at least three entries in each area.
2. What fact-finding techniques should you considered during the preliminary
investigation?
Resources
SWOT Analysis
1. SWOT Examples
2. Fact finding techniques
3. 10 Questions to Ask When you Design or Redesign a Process
4. Key Questions When Planning a Computer System
Example: Patient Portal: Assignment
Requirements:
The score will be zero if you are not met any of the following requirements:
Submit the Assignment as a Word Document.
There is a heading with your name and description of the assignment at
the top.
The assignment addresses the request from Mary Montgomery.
Item Points
Label every section of the assignment clearly. 3
Layout is clear and easy to read. 3
There are no spelling or grammar errors. 4
The SWOT table is a 2×2 grid and addresses the system the client
has requested.
4
Show at least 3 strengths in the SWOT table. 6
Show at least 3 weaknesses in the SWOT table. 6
Show at least 3 opportunities in the SWOT table. 6
Show at least 3 threats in the SWOT table. 6
Good Fact Finding Summary of the request and what is needed. 6
Take at least 3 next steps that should be. 6