Business Case: Imagine You Work As A Project Manager

Business Caseimagine That You Work As A Project Manager For A Company

Imagine that you work as a project manager for a company that buys and sells used textbooks. The main sales channel is a Web application. A few customers have requested the creation of a mobile application with the ability to scan barcodes. The CEO wants you to prepare a formal business case before a decision is made on whether or not to build the mobile application. For this activity, you are free to draw assumptions on the company structure, costs, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs). However, you must clearly document each if assumed. Write a two to three (2-3) page business case in which you: Examine measurable organizational value (MOV). Identify areas of impact, the desired values, and a time frame for achievement. Suggest at least two (2) alternatives to developing a mobile application. Justify the consideration of such alternatives. Analyze the feasibility of developing the mobile application and your suggested alternatives. Define the cost of ownership of the mobile application. Define the benefits of ownership of the mobile application. Predict the return on investment (ROI) of the mobile application and your suggested alternatives. Identify risks associated with developing the mobile application. Propose a final recommendation of whether or not the organization should develop the mobile application or one of your alternatives. Use at least one (1) quality resource in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of mobile technology has transformed how consumers engage with businesses across various industries. For a company specializing in buying and selling used textbooks, integrating a mobile application with barcode scanning capabilities could significantly enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage. This business case evaluates the potential value, feasibility, costs, benefits, risks, and alternative options related to developing such an application, ultimately providing a recommendation for strategic decision-making.

1. Measurable Organizational Value (MOV)

The primary MOV for developing a mobile application with barcode scanning features revolves around enhancing customer convenience, increasing sales, and streamlining inventory management. Quantifiable indicators include a projected 15% increase in sales revenue within the first year post-deployment, a reduction of 20% in manual inventory counts, and an improvement in customer satisfaction scores by 25%. The implementation timeline for realizing these metrics is estimated to be within 12 months, aligning with development and deployment phases.

2. Areas of Impact, Desired Values, and Time Frame

  • Customer Experience: Improved ease of listing and purchasing textbooks using barcode scanning, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction. Desired value: 25% increase in customer satisfaction within 6 months.
  • Operational Efficiency: Automation of inventory checks reduces manual errors and labor costs. Desired value: 20% reduction in inventory management time over 12 months.
  • Sales Performance: Expansion into mobile commerce potentially captures more market share. Desired value: 15% increase in annual sales within 12 months.

3. Alternatives to Developing a Mobile Application

  1. Enhancing Web Platform Functionality: Invest in improving the existing web application to include features like barcode scanning via webcam and mobile responsiveness. Justification: Lower development costs and quicker implementation while maintaining a familiar interface for users.
  2. Partnership with a Third-party Mobile App Provider: Collaborate with an established mobile app developer to create a customized barcode scanning solution integrated with the current system. Justification: Leverages expertise, reduces internal development burden, and allows for rapid deployment.

4. Feasibility Analysis

The feasibility of developing the mobile application hinges on technical, operational, and economic considerations. Technologically, barcode scanning is well-supported across multiple platforms, and existing APIs facilitate integration. Operationally, staff training and system upgrades are manageable within existing workflows. Economically, estimated development costs range from $50,000 to $70,000, with ongoing maintenance costs around $10,000 annually. The alternatives—enhancing the web platform and partnering externally—offer lower upfront costs and quicker implementation, making them attractive options if immediate ROI is prioritized.

5. Cost of Ownership and Benefits

The total cost of ownership (TCO) for the mobile application includes initial development ($50,000-$70,000), testing, deployment, ongoing maintenance ($10,000/year), and periodic upgrades. Benefits encompass increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, reduced manual labor, and enhanced inventory accuracy. Over three years, projected benefits—such as a 15% sales increase and 20% reduction in inventory errors—are valued at approximately $150,000, outweighing the TCO, thereby promising positive ROI.

6. Return on Investment (ROI) and Risk Assessment

ROI calculation indicates that with an initial investment of $70,000 and annual benefits of about $50,000, the project could break even within two years, with substantial profit margins afterward. Risks include technological issues, data security concerns, low adoption rates, and unforeseen development delays. Mitigation strategies involve rigorous testing, staff training, cybersecurity measures, and phased implementation.

7. Final Recommendation

Considering the analysis, developing a mobile application with barcode scanning capabilities presents clear measurable benefits, aligned with organizational goals to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. If resource constraints or immediate ROI concerns are paramount, enhancing the existing web platform or partnering externally offers viable alternatives. However, if long-term strategic growth and competitive differentiation are priorities, the in-house development of a dedicated mobile app is advisable, provided adequate budget and infrastructure are allocated.

References

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