Interactive Poster Session April 22, 2019: Introduction To B

Interactive Poster Session April 22 2019introduction To Business An

Seeking Even Faster Growth, an E-Commerce Company Stumbles Case study is from the NY Times, posted in Poster Session folder on Blackboard You and your partners are running your own consulting firm in Boston, and you win the bid to help JIMMY BEANS WOOL solve for a critical business problem. What is your recommendation for the most efficient and effective path forward for Jimmy Beams Wool? Laura Zander is your main client and Executive Sponsor. Your team will need to create a Poster Board that concisely addresses the work of a business analyst, and describe to them your recommendation.

Include samples from at least six of the areas below. More than six samples are encouraged: · Stakeholder Analysis and Map · Elicitation Steps Taken · Key Requirements Collected, Organized and Prioritized · Approach to Verify and Validate Requirements · Elicitation Technique(s) used, illustrating the results · Swimlane Diagram · RACI Chart · Fishbone Diagram · Force Field Analysis · Risk Register · Communication Plan

Paper For Above instruction

Jimmy Beans Wool, a prominent player in the e-commerce retail space specializing in knitting and sewing supplies, faced a significant business challenge driven by rapid growth ambitions and an evolving market environment. As consultants, our objective is to analyze the situation comprehensively, identify critical requirements, and recommend a clear, feasible path forward that aligns with the company's strategic goals and operational capabilities.

Understanding the core business need is paramount. Jimmy Beans Wool aims to expand its customer base and increase sales volume through enhanced online engagement and streamlined operational processes. The primary stakeholders include the company’s founder Laura Zander, management team, employees, existing loyal customers, new target markets, suppliers, and logistics partners. An initial stakeholder analysis reveals that fostering internal and external relationships, ensuring operational efficiency, and delivering superior customer experience are central to achieving sustainable growth.

Stakeholder Analysis and Map: Mapping stakeholders highlighted their influence and interest levels, guiding communication priorities. For example, internal stakeholders such as management and staff possess high influence and interest, necessitating regular engagement. External stakeholders like suppliers and customers need tailored communication strategies focusing on service levels and supply chain transparency, respectively.

Elicitation Steps Taken: Our team employed structured interviews, surveys, and observation to gather insights from stakeholders. We conducted management interviews to understand operational constraints and customer surveys to identify desired improvements. Workshops facilitated consensus on key requirements, prioritizing features that would directly impact customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Key Requirements Collected, Organized and Prioritized: The essential requirements included an integrated inventory management system, real-time order tracking, improved website usability, and scalable logistics solutions. Requirements were organized into functional and non-functional categories, then prioritized based on impact, feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals. A MoSCoW prioritization approach was utilized to distinguish ‘Must Have’ from ‘Should’, ‘Could’, and ‘Won’t’ requirements.

Approach to Verify and Validate Requirements: Verification involved stakeholder reviews and prototype testing to ensure technical accuracy and user acceptance. Validation was achieved through scenario-based testing and pilot programs, ensuring the solutions met real-world needs. Continuous feedback loops facilitated iterative refinement of requirements, reducing scope creep and ensuring project focus.

Elicitation Techniques Used, Illustrating the Results: Techniques included interviews, brainstorming sessions, and the use of UML diagrams to model processes. For instance, UML activity diagrams mapped the order fulfillment process, facilitating discussions and identifying bottlenecks, which informed subsequent requirement prioritization.

Swimlane Diagram: A swimlane diagram visualized the order processing workflow across departments—sales, warehouse, shipping, and customer service—highlighting overlapping responsibilities and potential delays, thus supporting process reengineering efforts.

RACI Chart: Developed to clarify roles and responsibilities, assigning accountable, responsible, consulted, and informed parties for each task. This transparency improved coordination and accountability in implementing new systems.

Fishbone Diagram: Used to identify root causes of delays in order fulfillment. Factors such as inventory mismanagement, system downtimes, and staffing shortages were analyzed, directing targeted process improvements.

Force Field Analysis: Analyzing driving and restraining forces, we identified strengths such as technological readiness and customer demand, contrasted with barriers like budget constraints and staff resistance. Strategies to reinforce support and mitigate resistance were recommended.

Risk Register: Key risks identified included technology integration challenges, supplier disruptions, and adoption resistance. Mitigation plans such as phased rollouts, contingency planning, and change management communication were developed.

Communication Plan: A structured plan outlined stakeholder communication channels, frequency, and content. Regular updates via meetings, emails, and dashboards ensured transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the project.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, our recommendation is for Jimmy Beans Wool to implement an integrated e-commerce platform featuring real-time inventory management and order tracking, supported by process improvements in logistics and customer service. This approach minimizes disruptions, enhances customer experience, and scales efficiently to support strategic growth plans. Emphasizing stakeholder involvement, rigorous requirements validation, and proactive risk management will ensure successful implementation. Continuous communication and change management strategies will foster organizational buy-in and sustain improvements, ultimately positioning Jimmy Beans Wool for accelerated and sustainable growth.

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