Ornamental Doors Inc. Essays - Economy, Business, Management

Ornamental Doors Inc. Ornamental Doors Inc. Summary of Important Facts Ornamental Doors Inc. (ODI) has shown great innovation in the decorative door and window market. Through superior customer relations and an excellent R & D department, ODI has achieved exceptional sales and customer satisfaction. The marketing and research department has helped ODI stay ahead of the competition and foresee future customer needs and trends. Their competitive advantage has been lower production and manufacturing costs due to their timely acquisition of assets. A recent internal study has shown that the needs of information services have changed, but ODI has yet to update the department. Problem The problem is that executive management under estimates the importance of involving Information Services (IS) in their strategic planning. The lack of a formal strategic plan for IS has resulted in poor management of resources. ODI has resisted the beneficial use of micros, which in turn could hamper the creativity of the marketing department. The company has also failed to implement and enforce an updated and structured set of controls and procedures. The current Vice President of IS, Melinda Morris, has failed to efficiently manage and plan the use of current resources. Melinda has taken a micro-management style to the IS department instead of evaluating the ?big picture.? Decision Although executive management has been lackluster with regards to IS planning, this situation can be changed once they have a clear understanding of the impact that IS can have on the overall business functions. Executive management has taken a relevant first step in recognizing Morris as a top-level executive. She is part of the executive committee and she is included in business strategy discussions. Upper management also respects her management style and technical expertise. However, executive management now needs to recognize IS as an integral part of ODI. A formal IS strategic plan is needed and should be incorporated into the overall business strategy. This would create stronger Information Service resources that management could then use to maximize their competitive advantage. Analysis The executive management team lacks the direction required to involve IS in long term strategic planning. Although, the executive committee has included the VP of Information Services they have failed to incorporate any formal IS long-term planning. Since information analysis and transfer is so valuable in today's economy, ODI must allocate sufficient resources in the planning process for IS. In order to ensure success, below are three alternatives that ODI could successfully utilize. The first option allows Melinda Morris, along with a research assistant, to develop a formalized IS strategic plan by researching the IS departments of other companies in similar industries and reviewing their respective procedures/policies. There are several advantages to this option. 1. Melinda could gain insight into what has already been proven effective. Since Melinda has some knowledge of the company and has worked with the other vice president's, she is also the ideal candidate to develop a plan for incorporation of required technology. 2. Through in-depth analysis, Melinda can gain from the experience of competitors in avoiding costly mistakes. At present, though ODI is financially stable, management would not have to waste time and funds on trial and error testing of various hardware and software components. 3. A resistant executive team would be more easily convinced, if presented with a successful working system. 4. Ms. Morris's management skills have been acknowledged by her team mates ? if she displays the same expertise in her field of IS, the executive committee would be receptive to her ideas. 5. This analysis should also help Ms. Morris in understanding the IS needs and functions of the other ODI departments. There are also a couple of disadvantages to this option. 1. Methodologies that have been successfully implemented for other companies are not sure-fire solutions for all companies and may not work for ODI. 2. The systems that have been implemented by other companies may not be compatible with ODI's policies and procedures and may not be applicable to their situation. A second alternative would be to hire an outside consultant and have them review the current practices and make suggestions for improving the management of information resources. The advantages of this option are: 1. The outside consultant can bring in experience and would be able quickly assess and provide solutions ODI. 2. Because they would be considered