Analyzing a business problem that can be addressed with data.
In this activity, you’ll identify a business problem that can be addressed with data. You’ll explain how to link the client systems to produce data that can address the problem. You’ll also practice communicating with stakeholders using what you’ve learned about MIS and decision-making processes. Finally, you’ll draft an executive summary addressed to your supervisor recommending one reporting tool.
Directions
Read the Dirt Bikes USA case study in your eText and respond to the following prompt. You can read the Dirt Bikes USA case study found in MyMISLab.
Begin your executive summary by describing the business goals of the sales and marketing department and Dirt Bikes USA.
Next, describe what data would be required to position Regina and her team to achieve these goals.
Conclude by explaining your choice in terms of its real-world usefulness for the organization. Provide a rationale for your choice’s benefits for the sales and marketing department and the entire organization.
Your rationale should be supported by evidence from the case study reading and use other course materials.
As you write, be certain to use professional and clear language appropriate for an audience with a limited technical background. Provide citations for any evidence used to support your rationale.
Sample Solution
The business goals of the sales and marketing department at Dirt Bikes USA are to increase overall sales, create new customer relationships, and build customer loyalty. To achieve these goals, Regina and her team need to have access to data that will help them understand the current state of the company’s market share as well as customers’ buying habits and preferences. This information could be collected through a variety of means such as surveys, interviews, focus groups or even online analytics from their website. In addition, Regina also needs to analyze past sales data in order to identify trends over time as well as any potential areas for improvement in terms of product quality or pricing. All this information combined would position her team with the necessary insights needed for developing effective campaigns aimed at achieving their desired objectives.
Moreover, it is also important for Regina and her team to leverage technology tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software that can enable them to more effectively track customer activity across different channels including email marketing campaigns or phone calls. Deploying these types of technological solutions can help provide a single source of truth by compiling all relevant customer-related data into one central database which makes it easier for teams like hers to have an overview on how they are performing against their goals while making any necessary adjustments if needed. Ultimately then, having access to accurate data is what will be required if Regina hopes to successfully lead her department towards meeting its core objectives – providing her with actionable insights on how best allocate resources towards achieving long-term success.
