List The System Requirements With Examples For Each Category

List the system requirements, with examples for each category. Review the information that Susan gathered, and assume that she will add her own ideas to achieve more effective outputs, inputs, processes, performance, and controls.

Personal Trainer Inc. aims to develop an advanced information system for its new fitness supercenter in Toronto. Based on the comprehensive fact-finding activities conducted by Susan Park, the system requirements can be categorized into outputs, inputs, processes, performance, and controls. Each category addresses specific functions and features necessary to optimize operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and improve member engagement.

Outputs

Outputs refer to the information produced by the system, which supports managerial decision-making, operational workflows, and customer service. For this fitness center, key outputs include:

  • Daily Sales and Activity Reports: Similar to current reports, but enhanced with detailed analytics such as revenue per activity, member participation rates, and trend analysis to identify popular services. For example, a report highlighting the increase in personal coaching sessions over the past month.
  • Monthly Financial Statements: Comprehensive profit and loss statements for each activity, including break-even analysis, profit margins, and cost comparisons, to inform management on profitability.
  • Member Performance and Activity Logs: Personalized reports that track members’ attendance, engagement levels, and preferences.
  • Operational Reports: Staff schedules, instructor hours, and part-time staff management reports.
  • Real-time dashboards: Interactive visual displays showing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as membership growth, revenue targets, and activity utilization rates to facilitate quick decision-making.

Inputs

Inputs are the data entered into the system to generate outputs. Enhancing input quality and quantity will support better analysis and reporting. Examples include:

  • Membership Data: Expanded member information capturing preferences, activity history, health goals, and communication preferences beyond basic personal info.
  • Transaction Data: Detailed charge slips with scannable ID card data, service selections, real-time updates on activity participation, and payment details.
  • Staff and Instructor Data: Information regarding part-time instructors, their schedules, certifications, and performance evaluations.
  • Member Feedback and Preferences: Data collected through surveys, emails, and activity logs to tailor services and marketing.
  • Operational Data: Equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and room bookings to optimize resource allocation.

Processes

Processes are the procedures and workflows managed by the system, including member management, transaction processing, and reporting. For effectiveness, they should be streamlined and integrated:

  • Membership Management: Automate membership enrollment, renewals, and modifications, including tracking of membership types and preferences.
  • Billing and Payments: Generate accurate charge slips, process payments via multiple channels (mail, online, in-person), and reconcile accounts automatically.
  • Activity Booking and Logging: Enable members to book classes or sessions online, with real-time updates to activity logs and instructor schedules.
  • Analytics and Trend Analysis: Use data analytics to identify profitable activities, member engagement trends, and opportunities for targeted promotions.
  • Security and Data Validation: Ensure member data integrity through validation routines and secure authentication, including barcode or RFID scanning for charge slips or member IDs.

Performance

System performance should support high availability, quick response times, and scalability. Examples include:

  • System Uptime: 99.9% uptime to guarantee uninterrupted access during operational hours.
  • Response Time: Less than 2 seconds for member transactions and report generation to enhance user experience.
  • Scalability: Capacity to handle increasing membership numbers, transaction volume, and transaction complexity without performance degradation.
  • Data Storage: Adequate storage capacity for detailed member profiles, transaction histories, and operational logs, with provisions for future growth.

Controls

Controls safeguard system accuracy, security, and compliance:

  • Access Controls: Role-based permissions to restrict sensitive data (e.g., payroll, member health info) to authorized personnel.
  • Audit Trails: Maintain logs of data modifications, transaction entries, and system accesses to ensure accountability.
  • Data Validation and Error Checks: Automated routines to prevent duplicate entries, incorrect data, and fraudulent activities.
  • Backup and Disaster Recovery: Regular backups of all data with recovery plans to prevent data loss.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to data privacy laws (GDPR, HIPAA) and financial regulations.

Additional Considerations

To fully realize these requirements, Susan should incorporate user-friendly interfaces, mobile access capabilities, integration with existing systems like BumbleBee accounting software, and real-time alerts for critical events such as overdue payments or equipment issues. Cloud-based deployment could enhance scalability and disaster recovery, supporting the planned global expansion.

References

  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (16th ed.). Pearson.
  • Turban, E., Volonino, L., & Wood, G. (2018). Information Technology for Management: Digital Strategies for Insight, Action, and Sustainable Performance. Wiley.
  • Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management (12th ed.). Pearson.
  • Kroenke, D. M., & Boyle, R. J. (2017). Using MIS (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Osterweil, L. (2017). Information Systems Development: Methods in Practice. Springer.
  • Venkatesh, V., & Bala, H. (2008). Technology Acceptance Model 3 and a Research Agenda on Interventions. Decision Sciences, 39(2), 273-315.
  • Rainer, R. K., & Prince, B. (2019). Introduction to Information Systems. Wiley.
  • Cash, J., & Clark, A. (2018). Big Data in Healthcare: Creating Data-Driven Business Strategies. ITNOW, 60(2), 15-17.
  • Reimer, T., & Kohli, R. (2018). Designing Healthcare Data: A Practical Guide. Springer.

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