Premium Essay

Case Study Carlson Companies

In:

Submitted By crjenkins
Words 1473
Pages 6
Case Study 3: Carlson Companies
Cicely Jenkins
Dr. Stephen Huber
CIS505: Communication Technologies
November 24, 2013

Carlson Companies
Carlson Companies, a private company known for its existence in marketing, business, leisure travel, and the hospitality industries, has over 180,000 employees across the United States. Carlson Shared Services, the Information Technology (IT) division, provides services to its internal clients and thus must support a wide range of applications and services. In 2002, the IT division decided to implement a storage area network (SAN) that in turn would meet the six (6) goals established in order to meet the needs of a growing company. In this paper we will take an in depth look at Carlson’s implementation of the SAN by 1) assessing how the Carlson SAN approach would be implemented in today’s environment; 2) comparing the pros and cons of consolidating data on a SAN central data facility versus the dispersed arrangement it replaces; 3) evaluating the issues raised from the Carlson SAN mixture of equipment from a number of vendors and determine the management options for dealing with this type of situation; 4) justifying the reduction of administration and management of storage networking through Carlson’s IP SAN; and 5) assessing how cloud computing could be used by Carlson instead of a SAN.
Carlson SAN Approach
The Carlson SAN approach in today’s environment can be assessed by the preparation, impact and benefits obtained by Carlson in using such an approach. Carlson established six (6) essential goals reliant on data and applications that would ensure the IT services provided continued to meet the needs of a growing company. In order to meet those goals, implementing a storage area network (SAN) that “provided a reliable, highly scalable facility to accommodate the increasing demand of its users” (Stallings, 2009) was

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Term Paper

...Week 7 Case Study 3 Darren Ross Strayer University Professor Danielle Babb CIS 505 Communications Technologies November 22, 2015 Abstract Carlson Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Carlson enterprises include a presence in the marketing, business and leisure travel, and hospitality industries. The IT division, Carlson Shared Services, acts as a service provider to its internal clients. They support a wide variety of user applications and services. The IT division uses a centralized data processing model to meet business operational requirements. The central computing environment includes an IBM mainframe and over 50 networked HP and Sun servers. The mainframe supports a wide range of applications, including Oracle financial database, e-mail, Microsoft Exchange, Web, PeopleSoft, and a data warehouse application. This paper examines the case study in the textbook regarding Carlson Companies. I will assess how the Carlson SAN approach would be implemented in today’s environment, compare the pros and cons of consolidating data on a SAN central data facility versus the dispersed arrangement it replaces, and evaluate the issues raised from the Carlson SAN mixing equipment from a number of vendors and determine the management options for dealing with this type of situation. I will also justify the reduction of administration and management of storage networking through Carlson’s IP SAN, and assess how cloud computing could be used...

Words: 1204 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Cis 505 Case Study 3

...CIS 505 Case study 3 week 7 Carlson Companies Prof Name Matthew Anyanwu Student name Sajid Mehmood Date 08/16/2015 Carlson Companies * Assess how the Carlson SAN approach would be implemented in today’s environment. In the same way as other IT staff confronted with exponential stockpiling development, Norman Owens understood a couple of years back that his organization was set out toward a test on the off chance that it didn't begin uniting its stockpiling assets onto a stockpiling territory system (SAN). Owens, a stockpiling system designer and expert with Carlson Companies, addresses a crowd of people of his associates at Storage Decisions 2003 as of late about his organization's merging endeavors. (While not so much a commonly recognized name, Carlson Companies is a global vicinity behind such understood retail and lodging networks as TGI Friday's and Radisson inns and resorts. Before solidifying onto a SAN, Owens' imparted administrations gathering upheld an arrangement to one centralized computer and 26 servers, where the greater part of the servers were working diligently supporting the organization's Oracle Financials database under HP/UX. This course of action took care of 14TB of information, more than 54 SCSI and 8 ESCON associations. "It resembled a point-to-point SCSI arrangement," Owens said, noticing, "There were a ton of links." When they required more stockpiling, "We'd simply go purchase another casing. After the organization requested that his gathering...

Words: 1555 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Dashman

...Dashman Company WriteWork Essays & Writing Guides for Students Worried about plagiarism? Read this. Login | Help Essay Topics Area & Country Studies Essays (1,432) Art Essays (7,007) Businesss Research Papers (18,264) Humanities Essays (11,304) Literature Research Papers (31,867) History Term Papers (13,753) Law & Government Essays (5,824) Science Essays (9,902) Social Science Essays (16,816) Writing Guides How to write a book report How to write a research paper How to write an essay Search Search over 115,000 essays Go Worried about plagiarism? Get ideas & start writing References & research topics How to outline your essay Improve writing and grades Close Businesss Research Papers (18,264) › Management (5,798) › Management Planning & Decision Making (602) Dashman Company Essay by elgonzz, University, Master's, October 2008 www.writework.com/essay/dashman-company 1/6 3/27/13 Dashman Company download word file, 2 pages 5 1 reviews Downloaded 13 times Keywords plants, world war, case study, gap, bridging the gap 0 0Like 0Tweet This case study is based on the situation that prevailed in a company during the II world war. It was the period when America entered the war. The Dashman Company was one of the major suppliers of equipments to the US. Armed Forces. As a result of forecast in the purchase made by the20 units which worked as an autonomous body, Mr. Post was appointed to coordinate the purchasing activity by Mr. Mason, the president of the company. Mr...

Words: 1167 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Costco

...CASE STUDY 8 CARLSON COMPANIES STORAGE SOLUTIONS Carlson Companies (www.carlson.com) is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, with more than 171,000 employees in more than 150 countries. Carlson enterprises include a presence in marketing, business and leisure travel, and hospitality industries. Its Carlson Hotels Worldwide division owns and operates approximately 1,075 hotels located in more than 70 countries. Radisson, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Carlson are some of its hotel brands. The hotel loyalty program is named Club Carlson. The Carlson Restaurants Worldwide includes T.G.I. Friday’s and the Pick Up Stix chains. The company registered approximately $38 billion in sales in 2011. Carlson’s Information Technology (IT) division, Carlson Shared Services, acts as a service provider to its internal clients and consequently must support a spectrum of user applications and services. The IT division uses a centralized data processing model to meet business operational requirements. The central computing environment has traditionally included an IBM mainframe and over 50 networked Hewlett-Packard and Sun servers [KRAN04, CLAR02, HIGG02]. The mainframe supports a wide range of applications, including Oracle financial database, e-mail, Microsoft Exchange, Web, PeopleSoft, and a data warehouse application. C8-1 In 2002, the IT division established six goals for assuring that IT services continued to meet the needs...

Words: 1575 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Carlson Companies

...Case Study 3: Carlson Companies By: _______________ CIS 505 Professor: _________________ _____________ University May 23, 2013 Assess how the Carlson SAN approach would be implemented in today’s environment. Like many IT staff faced with exponential storage growth, Norman Owens realized a few years back that his company was headed for a challenge if it did not start consolidating its storage resources onto a storage area network (SAN). Owens, a storage network engineer and consultant with Carlson Companies, spoke to an audience of his peers at Storage Decisions 2003 recently about his company's consolidation efforts. (While not necessarily a household name, Carlson Companies is an international presence behind such well-known retail and hotel chains as TGI Friday's and Radisson hotels and resorts. Before consolidating onto a SAN, Owens' shared services group supported a configuration with one mainframe and 26 servers, where most of the servers were hard at work supporting the company's Oracle Financials database under HP/UX. This arrangement handled 14TB of data, over 54 SCSI and 8 ESCON connections. "It looked like a point-to-point SCSI solution," Owens said, noting, "There were a whole lot of cables." When they needed more storage, "We'd just go buy another frame. After the company asked his group to take on more responsibilities for its global IT storage operations, Owens and his coworkers decided now was the time to look at a more consolidated approach. Enter...

Words: 1495 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Qualitative vs Quantitative

...Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research Methods Martin Berkshire Indiana Tech Abstract This paper will discuss the varying thoughts of utilizing a qualitative approach to research versus a quantitative approach. It will look at scenarios from different aspects of the business world and compare the use of both approaches. Not all of the articles feel the same way about the research methods. Tauber (1987), is very clear on his take that qualitative research should be able to stand alone from quantitative research. While Carlson and Gold (2008), suggest that combining the two forms of research can lead to superior results. Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research Methods There are many types of definitions for the term Qualitative Data, according to Anderson, Sweeney, Williams (2008) “qualitative data is considered labels or names used to identify an attribute of each element.”(18) They go on to say that qualitative data can be either nonnumeric or numeric in nature and can use either the nominal or ordinal scale of measurement. The site BusinessDictionary.com defines qualitative data as “data that approximates or characterizes but does not measure the attributes, characteristics, properties, etc., of a thing or phenomenon. Qualitative data describes whereas quantitative data defines.” While the definitions of qualitative data vary, the definition of quantitative data remains fairly consistent. Quantitative data is defined as “numeric values that indicate...

Words: 1535 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Carson Manor Case Study

...report, an outside consulting company to offer proposals as to how they would methodically go about their research; the chosen company will be based on the cost of their study and the expected savings that come from their recommendations, as well as previous experiences and references. 2. What are the basic issues? (Please list at least 4 and explain each with one sentence) (6 pts) The key issue seems to be cost, first and foremost. Carson Manor’s costs were approximately 14% higher than state averages on a per-bed basis, something which clearly needs to be addressed. Another key issue is the bureaucracy within the structure of the command chain; there is a convoluted hierarchy and this could have a negative impact on the efficiency of operations for Carson Manor as decisions take a long time and there may be a lack of responsibility as there are many groups and boards which make decisions, rather than an individual manager which may be the case at a private institution. There hasn’t been a form of classification of care requirements for patients, therefore the facility isn’t being as efficient as it could and in fact the report seems to indicate that the level of care currently available isn’t at the level which patients require. Another issue is the cost of the study to take place and the actual practicalities of the implementation of new strategies to aid problem areas. 3. Which consultant should be recommended for the Carson Manor Study? Please justify your choice...

Words: 931 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Dsqd

...UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT Marketing Channels 4060 – Mr. Lipe Instructor: Mr. Jay Lipe      (I’d prefer Mr. Lipe over Professor Lipe) E-mail: lipex011@umn.edu    (preferred method of contact) Phone: (612) 625-3335 Office: CSOM 4-125     Office Hours: Tue 9:45pm-11:15am (20 minute slots; details on sign ups below) Thu 9:45pm-11:15am (20 minute slots; details on sign ups below) Please see notes on office hours below. Teaching Assistants (TA) Kelsi Doran, dora0075@umn.edu (Section 001) Kendell Poch, kendell.poch@gmail.com (Section 002) Course Objectives Most brands today make their offerings available through multiple distribution channels. And increasingly, the strength of a brand’s channel structure directly impacts the brand’s value and how it differentiates itself. Brands that 1) Select the right channel partners 2) Monitor their efforts and 3) Modify behaviors, will distinguish themselves competitively. Issues facing channel managers today include multichannel marketing, managing channel conflict, disintermediation, and push vs. pull marketing efforts in the channel. 1. Marketing Channels is an advanced elective that addresses many of the strategic areas of the marketing channel management. The learning outcomes for this class are: 1. Identify key industry practices in channel design. 2. Describe how organizations create value through the distribution of their offerings 3. Analyze complex inter...

Words: 3102 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Business Ethics

... Introduction For at least 20 years, HealthSouth represented a new concept in health care. Its founder, Richard Scrushy was the embodiment of the American dream. His rise was meteoric, yet ultimately the empire he created collapsed due to fraud of his creation. Richard Scrushy Represented the American Dream Richard Scrushy came from humble beginnings. He was born in Selma, Alabama, dropped out of high school, married, and fathered two children. He worked in manual labor jobs, even managing a gas station, until he enrolled in the University of Alabama and completed a degree in respiratory technology (Solomon, Carrns & Terhune, 2003, March 20). After he worked as a respiratory technician for several years he began a company of...

Words: 3204 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Cultural Issues and Ethics in International Business

...in this subject, your staff, or one who is qualified to do so, you should also have access to the most significant aspects of foreign trade, logistics, and the impact. Companies are not limited to conduct private and government operations locally, but also with other countries. Precisely what we call international business is the relationship between an organization and its external world (Maddox, 1993). This type of activity also involves foreign trade and international, which includes transactions such as exports, imports, investments, or financing that are performed worldwide. Among the success factors that can be mentioned in the international business operations are competitiveness, financial support between the parties and logistics. This aspect is very important because when the actors involved are from different countries or regions, the business success is more complicated. In analyzing the economy, we must review the dimension that transcends the borders of a country, i.e. which addresses the problems international economic purposes (Maddox, 1993). The importance of international relations in trading, politics or culture has reached a global level, a deeper meaning that one cannot speak only about goods but also exchange programs of integration. The international economy requires to study the problems of international economic transactions. Therefore, when we talk about international economy is talking about the international trade factors. International...

Words: 1481 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Business Ethics

...individuals or groups, but whoever makes them will be influenced by the culture of the company. The decision to act ethically is a moral one; employees must choose what they think is the right course of action. This may require declining the route that would lead to the largest short-term profit. Ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility can bring considerable advantages to a business. Ethics and ethical behavior are very high priorities for companies today (Davis 2004; Weber 2006). Although codes of ethics are tools that are frequently used as one of the efforts to promote ethical behavior, research suggests that there may be a great deal of room for enhancement of existing codes (Kitson 1996; Blodgett and Carlson 1997; Moyes and Park 1997; Hume, Larkins and Iyer 1999; Schwartz 2001). The aim of this paper is to recognize and discuss ways to improve the code of ethics of an corporation. Blodgett and Carlson reviewed twenty-nine business codes of ethics and concluded that "the codes often contained unclear references to acting ethically, then give widespread compliance lists which operate mainly to forbid breach of current laws"(1997, 1369). Schwartz (2001) in his research based on fifty-seven in detail interviews at four large Canadian companies point out that not many respondents could provide examples of situations in which they acted differently due to code of ethics. These studies propose that existing codes of ethics are not likely to have a major impact on decisions...

Words: 1095 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Resear Papaer

...Copyright 074%5751/92$5.00+.0 0 1992 Pergamon Press Ltd. Case INTRODUCING ACCOUNTING - A COMPREHENSIVE CASE APPROACH SOUTHERN Marvin L. Carbon METHODIST UNIVERSITY 3. Warren Higgins UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SOUTHERN Virginia L. Lewis METHODIST UNIVERSITY Abstract: The paper presents a 4-part case study designed to be used in introducing the subject matter of financial accounting to undergraduate students, to MBAs, or to executives in a participative and intuitive fashion. Part 1 introduces the theoretical constructs of accounting (e.g., the entity, revenue recognition, valuation) and the fundamen~Is of balance sheet prepamtion, part 2 the topic of income measurement, part 3 the subject of cash flows, and part 4 the recording of tmnsactions in worksheet format. As the setting for the case is a mythical barter economy in the high mountains of ChateIe, the student is forced to put aside preconceptions of accounting as a mere set of procedural rules and to think (and rethink} choices and issues in the manner of an intellectual puzzle. The parts are solved sequentially, with common solutions agreed upon before the undertaking of the next piece. The final section of the paper presents plausible solutions. For years, accounting educators have sought a genuinely new and more effective way of introducing the subject matter of accounting. This was a significant concern of the Study Group on Introductory Accounting (1971) sponsored by the Price...

Words: 5320 - Pages: 22

Free Essay

A Case Study on Olx

...Institute of Management Mayurbhanj Complex, Nongthymmai, Shillong – 793 014  Nov. 2014     TABLE OF CONTENT Topics Page No. List of Figures……………………………………….................................. 5 List of Tables………………………………………................................... 6 Glossary…………………………………………………………..………. 7 Case……………………………………………………………………….. 8 Annexure 1 …………………………………………………….…………. 11 Annexure 2 ……………………………………………………………….. 12 Annexure 3………………………………………………..……………… 14 Annexure 4………………………………………………..……………… 15 Abstract We have used the Xerox methodology for benchmarking, with some slight modifications that place more emphasis on the planning and analysis phases which are thought to be more relevant to the stage of Total Quality Management. Benchmarking is defined as either internal or external, i.e. competitive, generic, or functional, and we can apply the Xerox methodology to both. We found internal benchmarking very useful initially as it enabled familiarization with the benchmarking process throughout the company and encouraged cross functional communication. It also enable people to make their benchmarking errors within the company. The external benchmarking has been mainly competitive and generic. Much of the benchmarking in manufacturing has been competitive as this is where similar processes are being carried out, and there is a collective realization that there is more benefit in working together in certain areas. The approach to competitive benchmarking...

Words: 3399 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Business

...The United States exists in a capitalistic economy meaning that private enterprise is based on fair competition, economic freedom, and private ownership therefore; business is the heartbeat of our economy. Everything from manufacturing, health care, sales, and agriculture involves business in some way. Businesses provide jobs and produce goods and services that we depend on every day (What Role Does Business Play in Our Economy..?). They pay state and federal taxes to the government on their services provided. The taxes paid by businesses and the people employed by them allow the government to function. Looking at businesses in this way you can clearly see that business is a pivotal part of the economy. Within our economy two types of business organizations exist: for-profit and nonprofit. A for-profit organization will produce goods or services in the hopes of making revenue off its products. Most organizations you think of today are probably a for-profit establishment. Organizations that are classified as not-for-profit or nonprofit often operate under the guise of the emotional appeal of compassion but can also become major economic engines. They are business like establishments but unlike a for-profit business, their primary goals do not include making monetary profits. For profit businesses operate to generate revenue under the idea to have more profit than loss at the end of the day. Unlike for- profit businesses, nonprofits are organizations that are classified...

Words: 1532 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

An in-Depth Study of Counseling in Organizations: Causes and Implications

...Running head: WORKPLACE COUNSELING An In-depth Study of Counseling in Organizations: Causes and Implications Goh Chong Ying Student ID S10063597D Ngee Ann Polytechnic An in-depth study of counseling in organizations: Causes and implications According to Carroll (1996), in current workplace situation, workers are working longer hours than before with no additional capital support and there might be chances that employees are doing the same amount of work with lesser pay, hence many employees face a high level of stress (p. 1). Many tried to overcome it. At the same time, employers and health professionals are also trying to help the employees in searching for new methods in handling stress and unavoidable after effects (Carroll, 1996, p. 1). There are many benefits for employers to be more concern on both the physical and mental health of the workers. Companies, who have healthy employees, tend to do well. It will increase the profits of the company and improve the superiority of the goods and services. Thus, Carroll (1996) reported that an increase is seen in providing amenities for workers to keep themselves fit physically and mentally (p. 3). According to Carrol (1996), some organizations provide internal counseling, external counseling, and education for workers in stress management (p. 3). In this report, causes, effectiveness and benefits of counseling will be covered. Firstly, one of the reasons why counseling is necessary in a workplace environment is depression...

Words: 1944 - Pages: 8