Wednesday 24 June 2009

Session Five: Assignment One Question

The first design principle ~ Reducing redundant data by dividing info into subject-based tables

The database of Products and Suppliers we used in our lab exercise divides info into subject-based tables. For example, if we want to select the fields to be included in the report. From the Product table, we can choose Product Category, Product Name, Selling Price, Quantity on Hand and Reorder Level. From the Supplier table, we can choose Company Name which is the name of the supplier for that product. Then, we group the report according to Product Category and sort the data in each product category by Product Name afterward. Therefore, these subject-based tables help to reduce redundant data.

The second design principle ~ Helps supporting & ensuring the accuracy & integrity of the info

Since the database is not mixed information of two different objects, like orders and customers in a single table, that helps supporting and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of those information. As a result, any decisions are made will not contain incorrect information.

Monday 22 June 2009

Session 4: Assignment One Question

An example of Internet marketing which is particularly effective ~ Eu Yan Sang

http://www.euyansang.com/

Eu Yan Sang (EYS) is a famous company in Asia which engages in promoting the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its aim is clear by mentioning "Caring for Mankind". In order to make people knowing the importance of TCM, the web-site introduces EYS's long history and numerous awards and even it is going to celebrate its 130th Anniversary. This gives customers confidence indeed.

In addition, products introduction and its online store provide convenience for customers to place their orders on-line. At the same time, its modern design really changes the image of TCM which was old-fashioned before. That draws closer the distance between the company and the customers. The column "Management Q&A" asking for feedback and comments. That helps to build good relationship between management & the users.

In fact, due to strong competition in the market & the trend of consuming TCM, new products are introduced to the market from time to time. It's importance to announce it publicly. Before, EYS mainly promoted the products on TV, newspapers, posters...etc. But now, via the web-site, customers can browse the info easily. All these elements enhance the sales and even the image of the company. Thus, Internal marketing is a way out to establish its TCM kingdom in the near future.

An example of Internet marketing which is ineffective ~ Muji

http://www.muji.com.hk/store_chin.asp

Muji is a company come from Japan which mainly sells stationery, clothes, furniture...etc. However, its Internet marketing is not user-friendly & doesn not offer a convenient way for customers. The front page only shows all shops' address & a contact channel for customers' enquiry by sending email. However, the web-site of Muji in Taiwan provides more useful & detailed info for customers to search, such as, latest update, recent activities & promotions, shop address, products introduction, the history of Muji...etc. Even it provides a way for customers to give their personal opinions. In order to enlarge HK market nowadays, the web-site of Muji in HK should be re-designed and put more functional elements on the web-site as Taiwan & Japan do. At the same time, the Internet marketing should bring out a message for its target market, i.e. simple is Muji's theme which is unique and special and like no others.

This act can really help to build consumer's confidence and a right image of the company. From time to time, the theme of the company will be sank in people's hearts. When they think about simple design, they will think about Muji at once. In long run , caring for customers is vital in any business.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Session 3: Assignment One Question

1. (a) Making a reservation
It includes customers' personal info, such as name / gender / date of birth / contact no. / date of departure and arrival / ticket type (either single trip or round trip) / destination / amount & payment method

(b) Using frequent flyer miles
Needs to confirm / check the accumulated flyer miles points (current and those still valid from the past record) that can be used. And how many flyer miles points the customers can get when they use the frequent flyer miles scheme for their next destination.

(c) Completing a flight
The airline can get the feedback/ opinion from customers after taking the flight by filling in a questionnaire. At the same time, information like email address and contact no. for further follow up or promotion in the future.

Through different contact points, such as by telephone, emails and on-line services, information from CRM provides data and analytical tools for answering questions about customers, e.g. how frequent the customer buys a plane ticket? / who are our most profitable / loyal customers? / in what ways do our customers feel better in our services or products? All these info can help to build close relationship with customers, i.e. to know & meet their needs. Info from CRM is not only good for company to make analysis but also it allows company to do the best to provide good service. That will keep more loyal customers. In a long-run practice, more profit can be generated.

2. It saves time and cost to integrate the sales, marketing and customer support function using a single software package and a centralized database. The data or info will be the latest version and can be shared. It builds efficiency & increases the productivity among the departments as the staff can get the first-hand info. Also, customer service requests can be assigned and managed easily.


Session Two: Assignment One Question

1. Sales department and Warehouse within the company are integrated within the Order-to-Delivery process.

2. The steps are as follows:
i/ Sales manager receives Order from the customer
ii/ Using SAP Business One to access real time inventory data to confirm the item whether is in stock
iii/ Alert the warehouse and then the warehouse manager receives the sales order alert
iv/ The Pick & Pack feature in SAP Business One
v/ Print out delivery note and packing slip for the shipment
vi/ The software can update the order step
In conclusion, SAP Business one automates the Order-to-Delivery process and streamlines the entire operation.

3. Before implementing an ERP system, it takes time to re-engineer some of existing business processes & it involves fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of jobs. Time is needed. The stability of the ERP system needs to be tested at the very beginning and the practice should keep on from time to time. Numerous trials should be carried out, too. And the design /layout should be on a tailor-made basis in order to meet the actual needs of the business. Of course, apart from time & above other issues, the system is costly to implement. For a small business, the owner may consider how much (s)he can afford / invest. Also, the nature of the business is one of the elements to consider. Lastly, the structure (the size) of the business needs to be considered as well. If it is too small, it is better to implement in the future when the business gets more stable and become bigger.

Monday 1 June 2009

Session 1: Assignment One Question

Name: Lam Shuk Chi, Gi Gi
Student I.D.: 10424987

Octopus
http://www.octopuscards.com/

The appearance of Octopus is to make everyday life easier. The information systems put the theme into practice by offering Octopus products, such as On-Loan Octopus, Sold Octopus, Octopus Watch, Octopus Ornaments…etc. In order to be operational excellence, information of indicating where to get the above items, place to use and how to reload the Octopus are user-friendly. In addition, users can do online shopping and the payment can be settled by credit card on ePayLink's payment platform. In fact, Octopus reaches different aspects of our daily life as it is available at over 2,000 different service providers. Indeed, it brings convenience and makes our daily life easier.

In order to enlarge its territory, information systems play an important role by acting as a security access system for over 100,000 residents and employees of those private housing estates and offices. As each Octopus has a unique ID number, cardholders only need to register their Octopus at the management office, and the ID will be stored in the central security system. Authorized holders simply hold their Octopus over the reader at the door/gate to enter the building. They no longer need to memorize any access code or carry another access card. That saves a lot of time and manpower. Apart from that, Octopus has been introduced into the school environment as well. Students can now use Octopus to buy food at tuck shops and kiosks, for roll call and for miscellaneous school payments.For me, I experience the benefit of using Octopus. Indeed, it makes my daily life easier. Undoubtedly, information systems play an important role behind-the-scenes.