Strategic Information Management Essay

Zara’s IT expenditures are low by fashion industry standards. The spectacular benefits reaped by Zara from the deployment of technology have resulted from targeting technology investment at the points in the value chain where it has the greatest impact, and not from the sheer magnitude of the investment. This is in stark contrast to Prada’s experience with in-store technology deployment.

ASOS is an international fashion retailer, which offers an extensive line of products, varying from high street to

Information Management System (IMS) refers to a database that integrates financial and other information in organizations from different levels of management and produces regular reports. Starbucks is one of the firms that have implemented IMS. This paper describes IMS for Starbucks, its impact on competitive edge and how it helps to coordinate supply chain partners and to monitor inventory levels. The paper also explains why managing information is better than moving products.

Hence, technology is bettering reliability and speed with which information is divulged (Porter, 1980). Hand-held computers or PDA’s are utilized by Zara to collect information on consumer needs between retail stores and the factory in La Coruna. This along with regular telephone conversations between store managers and marketing specialists are one of the reasons that Zara’s information network is so effective. The utilization of PDA’s can be done by any company; it is Zara’s determination not to allow important information to fall by the wayside that assists with its success. PDAs are connected to the store 's point-of-sale (POS) system, enabling managers to see how garments rank by sales. In as little as an hour, managers can send information that combine the hard data captured at the POS intermixed with acumen on what customers would like to see. All of this data allows Zara to design and produce styles and orders based on feedback rather than guesswork. Hence, Zara avoids costly overproduction and the consequent sales and mark-downs that are so widespread in the fast fashion industry (Rohwedder and Johnson, 2008).

For the simulation my company name was H Company. Below you will find the results to the 8-year simulation. H Company has been highlighted in the majority of screen-shots.

Maximum Possible Points: The maximum number of points you may earn for this assignment is 50.

The purpose of this assignment is to make us capable to argue our claims with evidences. Moreover, it also learnt to be aware of the other side of the argument by writing the counter argument.

Strategic Planning is one of the most fundamental factors in the success of an organization. This research project will discuss the importance of strategic planning as well as the different components of strategic planning. Many organizations fail to accomplish their goals and tasks due to the lacking of strategic planning. In order for their businesses to be successful, organizations need to be well informed about how the strategic planning process works.

The Spanish retail chain Zara has unique supply chain management practices that enable it to gain a competitive advantage over other fashion retailers in the industry. Zara’s rapid response time enables the firm to quickly respond to changing fashions while deliberately under producing products. This strategy, which is supported by competencies in logistic management, design and information systems, allows the company to maintain less inventory and higher profit margins and is a key factor to Zara’s success. The firm should continue to add value by seeking new opportunities to expand in the retail market and maintain their sustainable growth.

An additional method Zara utilizes to ensure the right product is produced is to constantly monitoring the sells at every store in real time through the use of computers. Sells managers are the individuals that play out this strategy. When the clothing sells well or does not sell well, they can quickly let the designers know to swiftly create new designs (“Case 3-4. Continued Growth for Zara and Inditex”, 2013). However, the competition is changing their strategies in an attempt to successfully compete with Zara. The methods that Zara has implemented to ensure fast fashion is truly fast has pressured the competition into reducing their lead times on stocking their stores (Hayes & Jones, 2006).

Keeping in mind that part of Zara and Inditex’s strategy is to give ordering power to the store manager, Zara needs to simplify the process for all involved while not taking control away from the manager. Currently, store managers and employees need to use their PDA, which has a small screen and can be difficult to type on. Employees in charge of their designated section of the store are to compile a list of items that need to be ordered. This order is then transmitted to the manager who combines the list, double checks it and then sends it off to the head office. Not only is this all done on the PDA but it is done by a number of employees and must be done twice a week. With an improved system, this process could be streamlined so it is not only less labour intensive but also more accurate in terms of numbers ordered. Limiting numbers ordered can be very important in an organization that tries to limit their inventory. Next is a similar problem with data transmissions that must be sent to head office on a daily basis. An employee must walk about with a disk to each POS location, collecting the day’s data, before finally combining the information on the machine that is connected via modem and sending it off to head office. This again is time consuming for the employees and is a process that could vastly benefit from drastic improvement.

C) managers should receive a high bonus for the piece rate work of their employees

The strategic management process is sometimes improperly perceived as a unidirectional flow of objectives, strategies and decision parameters from management to the employees. In fact, the process should be highly interactive since it is designed to stimulate input from creative, skilled and knowledgeable people working at every level of the business.

As CEO of IBM, Samuel J. Palmisano used the momentum of the success gained under the leadership of Louis Gestner to steer the business in a new direction. Sam intends to restore the organization to the former status it held as a technological leader with an admirable company culture. Palmisano's plan calls for the reorganization of the executive management board, restructuring of incentive programs, and an emphasis on collaboration across all divisions. Establishing closer relationships between researchers and clients is also a key factor in creating new opportunities for growth for IBM. E-business on demand is the new initiative at the heart of Palmisano's strategy for the growth of IBM's Global Services. E-business will transform

Operational management processes in a firm involves overseeing, formulating and reformulation of the operations of a business. The processes are meant to ensure efficiency in administering resources whilst ensuring there is effective management of client’s specifications and or directions. This is achieved by adding value to the firm’s processes. Such achievements are experienced when a firm embarks in directing its physical and or technical functions towards enhancing its development, production and manufacturing. These should be pre-determined and controlled by market opportunities if a company is to reach its ultimate production levels. Their realisation adds up to ensuring the future of a firm, offering operational