Business Information Systems

a) Imagine you are a systems analyst trying to understand Kitchen Appliances R Us. This is a business made up of many departments (Accounting, Marketing, Warehousing, Sales, Insurance, Deliveries etc). It is owned and operated by George and Georgina Black supported by a small number of staff. There are many manufacturers who supply appliances and many loyal customers. Kitchen Appliances R Us buy appliances from the major manufacturers and sell them at a profit to their customers.

Systems analysts often use a set of system characteristics to understand organisations. Define the following system characteristics, and give an example of each system characteristic from the description of Kitchen Appliances R Us above (3 MARKS)

Interrelated Components (give a Definition and an Example): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Outputs (give a Definition and an Example): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stakeholders (give a Definition and an Example): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b) In the space provided, draw a “Rich Picture” that captures the key features of the Kitchen Appliances R Us business, including the situation at the business as described in words as follows (4 MARKS):

Kitchen Appliances R US is a specialist white goods store established by George Black and his wife Georgina. They run the business from an office and have leased a warehouse where they stock a supply of kitchen white goods (ovens, stoves, range hoods, fridges and dishwashers). George handles the sales and purchasing of products whilst Georgina is responsible for other office duties (such as accounts and deliveries) essential to the running of the business. They have additional supporting staff.
George has chosen to stock a limited range of manufacturers and sells them at discount prices. Goods are stored in the warehouse, and delivered to customers via an external courier service. George and Georgina use a number of different couriers depending on the number and size of products to be delivered and the availability of couriers.
While some of his business comes from retail customers, George is trying to focus on trade purchasers, as these customers are more likely to make repeat purchases. However, he notes that they are much more likely to buy cheaper products, whereas retail customers may buy either the cheaper lines or top of the range products. Some statements from some of the people interviewed include:

George: “I am concerned about our profits. Georgina’s chaotic accounting system doesn’t help me make key decisions that affect our profits.”

Georgina: “I am constantly arguing with the courier service. They lose things”

The “Westinghouse” Manufacturer: ”George wants to only stock the cheaper products. Ours are more expensive!”

The “Modern Homes” Trade Customer: “I’m always arguing with Georgina – my orders are never delivered on time.”

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