Introduction
Al Tayer Group is a diversified company that operates more than 5380 stores worldwide with over 492000 employees. The company continues to expand its operations and this increases its customer coverage. It however continues to experience business problems in the course of this expansion. These problems have had a significant influence on the company’s business structure, company culture, organizational structure, as well as its financial status. The main objective of this paper is to understand how Al Tayer Group can solve business problems using information systems.
Main text
Al Tayer Group manages complex networks with its suppliers and customers due to the various businesses it operates. Information systems play an important role in managing complex networks by providing information required by the supply chains. The systems will also provide the necessary communication links between partners in supply chains. Information systems will enable the company to attain global coordination with the ultimate aim of attaining operational flexibility (Laudon &Laudon, 2007).
Solving business problems using an information system entails a four-step process: problem identification, solution design, choice, and implementation (Laudon & Laudon, 2007). For Al Tayer to effectively solve its business problems, the company has to first identify its exact problem and causes. Possible actions on what can be done regarding the problem should be developed based on the available resources of the company. Possible problems that may affect a business include inability to meet business needs, unclear business strategies, and fluctuations in interests.
In solution design, many possible options should be developed to give a wide range of alternatives to choose from. The business problem may need to be solved using various mechanisms for it to be eliminated. Solutions will therefore need to be integrated with other options to provide the required effects. A suitable solution should be developed that will address a specified issue. The solution should be cost-effective, easy to implement and solve problems of the company amicably (Wilson, 2001).
Various factors have to be considered before making a choice. The cost of the developed solution, length of time available for implementing the solution, and its feasibility based on the available skills and resources in the company must be given great consideration. The company has to consider whether necessary skills required to implement the solution are available. This will help in choosing an appropriate solution that is easily comprehended therefore ensuring the problem is solved.
In the implementation process, outcomes of the preceding processes will be measured in a continuous process to determine whether the solution developed is contributing towards solving the problem (Wilson, 2001). Outcomes of the process will be measured to identify whether set objectives and expected change have been realized. Monitoring and evaluation will also be carried out to ensure the problem-solving process complies with all the measures put in place.
Conclusion
The four-step process of problem-solving is the best step that can be utilized by Al Tayer to solve problems realized in the company strategy. Information systems provide solutions to challenging business problems or issues that face the company. The company should first identify its business problems and then move towards determining the best approaches that can be applied to solve them. Follow-up should be done to determine whether or not its objectives have been met. Al Tayer will effectively solve its business problems through the application of this process.
References
Laudon, C. K. & Laudon, J. (2007). Essentials of Business Information Systems. New York, NY: Prentice Hall.
Wilson, B. (2001). Soft Systems Methodology: Conceptual Model Building and Its Contribution. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.