Question 1
In 2015, the NFL decided to hand out Microsoft Surface tablets to all coaches for use during games, and there are reports that in the future, they will add HoloLens devices to provide augmented reality. A HoloLens device is a high-definition, head-mounted display that allows coaches to see the plays with text and animation superimposed right on the live images. If the NFL simply handed them out without making any other formal changes in organization strategy or business strategy, what might be the outcome? What unintended consequences might occur?
Question 2
Consider a traditional manufacturing company that wanted to build a social business strategy. What might be a reasonable business strategy, and how would organizational and IS strategy need to change? How would this differ for a restaurant chain? A consumer-products company? A non-profit?
Question 3
Using the value chain model, describe how information technology might be used to provide a winning position for each of these businesses:
- A global advertising agency
- A local restaurant
Question 4
Use the resource-based view as described in this chapter to describe how information technology might be used to provide and sustain a winning position for each of these businesses:
- A mobile applications provider
- An insurance company
- A web-based audio book service
Question 5
Mary Kay, Inc., sells facial skin care products and cosmetics around the globe. The business model is to provide one-on-one, highly personalized service. More than 500,000 Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) sell in 43 markets worldwide. Each IBC runs his or her own business by developing a client base and then providing services and products for sale to those clients. The IBCs were offered support through an e-commerce system with two major components: mymk.com and Mary Kay InTouch. Mymk.com allows IBCs to create instant online sites where customers can shop anytime directly with their personal IBC. Mary Kay InTouch streamlines the ordering process by automatically calculating discounts, detecting promotion eligibility, allowing the IBCs to access up-to-date product catalogs, and providing a faster way to transact business with the company.
a. How would organizational strategy need to change to respond to Mary Kay's new business strategy?
b. What changes would you suggest Mary Kay, Inc. managers make in their management systems in order to realize the intended benefits of the new systems? Specifically, what types of changes would you expect to make in the evaluation systems, the reward systems, and the feedback systems?
Question 6
Why might an employee resist the implementation of a new technology? What are some of the possible consequences of asking an employee to use a computer or similar device in his or her job?