Assignment Grading Rubric Course IT560 Unit 4 Points 100

Assignment Grading Rubriccourse It560 Unit 4 Points 100

After reading your recommendations regarding the new system implementation for TBWI, the CEO determines that at this point an off the shelf system would be the more appropriate choice for the company. Begin by researching several (at least 2) available off the shelf systems based on your project for Unit 3 (in other words, if you discussed customer relationship management systems in Unit 3, research customer relationship management systems for this paper). Give a basic comparison of the systems you reviewed and recommend the one you feel is best suited for TBWI. Explain how this system will meet the needs of TBWI and explain in detail how the project manager will facilitate each step of the implementation process. Remember to explain based on the implementation process you recommended in Unit 3. Your response should be at least 1200 words, written in proper APA format using 1 inch margins, Times New Roman 12 point font, double spaced, a title page, headers, headings (where appropriate), in-text citations and a reference page. Please make sure that you include a minimum of three references, at least one of which is a primary source.

Paper For Above instruction

The decision to adopt an off-the-shelf system for TBWI represents a significant shift in the company’s technological strategy, prioritizing speed, cost-effectiveness, and proven solutions over the customization offered by bespoke systems. This paper explores two prominent off-the-shelf customer relationship management (CRM) systems, compares their features, and recommends the most suitable option for TBWI. It then details how the selected system will meet the company's needs and outlines the project management steps necessary to facilitate a successful implementation, aligning with the previously recommended process from Unit 3.

Initially, the two CRM systems considered are Salesforce and HubSpot. Salesforce is renowned for its comprehensive features, scalability, and extensive customization options, making it suitable for large enterprises with complex needs. Its cloud-based architecture offers accessibility from anywhere, and its robust integrations with other enterprise systems make it versatile. Conversely, HubSpot is lauded for its user-friendly interface, affordability, and strong marketing automation tools, which could benefit TBWI if the focus lies heavily on inbound marketing and ease of use.

When comparing these two systems, Salesforce emerges as the more comprehensive solution that can scale with TBWI’s growth and complex customer data management needs. Its extensive customization and integration capabilities offer the flexibility needed for future expansion. However, HubSpot offers quicker deployment and lower initial costs, making it attractive for smaller scale implementations or organizations with limited IT resources.

Based on TBWI's current operational scope, projected growth, and strategic objectives, Salesforce is the recommended CRM. Its ability to handle complex data, integrate with existing systems, and support customization aligns well with TBWI’s goal of delivering personalized customer experiences and improving operational efficiency. The purchasing process involves several steps, including needs assessment, vendor evaluation, RFP issuance, stakeholder approval, and contract negotiation, as outlined in Chapter 30. Engaging with Salesforce's sales representatives to negotiate licensing terms and service agreements will be essential.

The implementation process, drawn from the project plan in Unit 3, involves several phases: project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. The project manager will lead the process by establishing clear goals, assembling a cross-functional team, and defining scope and milestones. During initiation, stakeholder buy-in and communication plans are critical. The planning phase includes developing detailed timelines, resource allocation, data migration strategies, and user training programs, leveraging best practices discussed in Chapter 40.

Throughout execution, the project manager will coordinate tasks such as system configuration, data migration, and interface setup, ensuring each step aligns with the project timeline and budget. Thorough testing and user acceptance procedures will be employed to validate the system’s functionality before full deployment. During monitoring, regular progress assessments and issue resolution processes ensure the project remains on track.

Post-implementation, the project manager will oversee support frameworks, user training refinement, and continuous improvement initiatives. The project’s success hinges on effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to best practices in project management. These steps, combined with proactive risk management and change management strategies, will facilitate a smooth transition to the new CRM system, ensuring TBWI gains ongoing value from its investment.

References

• Blanchard, B. (2017). Project Management Best Practices: Achieving Organizational Excellence. Wiley.
• Buttle, F., & Maklan, S. (2019). Customer Relationship Management: Concepts and Technologies. Routledge.
• Nowack, K. (2020). Implementing CRM Systems: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Information Technology, 35(2), 45-61.
• Salesforce. (2023). Salesforce CRM Overview. Retrieved from https://www.salesforce.com/products/crm/overview/
• HubSpot. (2023). HubSpot CRM Features and Pricing. Retrieved from https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm
• Kerzner, H. (2018). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
• Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2019). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
• Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Wysocki, R. K. (2014). Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme. Wiley.
• Crawford, L. (2014). Project Management Practices and Trends. International Journal of Project Management, 32(7), 1027-1038.