The Clarion School for Boys: Making Information Systems Investments

Case Study: Making Information Systems Investments- Clarion—Milwaukee
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Statement of precise objectives
The aim of the long range IS plan is to implement changes after investments in the proposed information system since the staff are not using the IS more often as it was hoped. The staff has long relied on the AS/400 system, but there is a need for upgrading the system, while the Board needs to approve the IS investments (Brown et al., 2012). The responsibilities related to the information system are shared by the staff and it is proposed that there be training for the staff to who will be assigned specific duties as the IS system is upgraded.
Analysis of current and future environment, including business, information technology, and user information
At the moment, Clarion-Milwaukee is relying on the AS/400 system, but the IBM company longer supports this system ,meaning that in case of a break down the IS support staff and third parties would need to find out where there are performance gaps (Brown et al., 2012). There is a need for new software upgrades to ensure more efficiency and improved performance. The initial investment costs may be high, but the rights are worth it. This would also require a restructuring of the IS in place where the IS staff then have specific duties related to the IS system. Additionally, there is a need to purchase new personal computers given the need to have software upgrades that work on better performing computers.
Proposed information technology action plan, including hardware, applications, personnel, network, and facilities
The investment in new personal computers is just one of the aspects to achieve the strategic objectives. Additionally, a team consisting of system designers will be assembled to plan implementation of the new system, with the team also consisting of the representatives from various departments. The rationale for this is that the planning phase needs to take into account the user needs of different departments. Communication is an important aspect to achieve the intended objectives, and feedback will be provided to the stakeholders and staff. Since there is a need for cooperation among the staff members, they are to be fully informed about the new system and thy will rely on user guides and expert opinion when they encounter difficulties. Better integration of the networking system is necessary where the servers and clients will have knowledge on IS, and a user can access a file and application from any computer.
Resource and funding needs justification
The need for approval for any project requiring more than $25,000 informs the decisions choosing the new investment projects. There will be enhanced automation capabilities, and for the users, it will be easier to access the required information. This includes focusing on usability of the information and improving the availability of this information. For the funders, the importance of this project is that there will be enhanced services and effective use of the resources, since access to information will be easier. The commitment of the staff of the implementation of IS system is crucial to success, and justification for funding the project is that it wi...