From your reading of the chapter case, which of the following ...

[jerry coleman]

From your reading of the chapter case, which of the following best describes the challenge Unilever was facing as a global company?
 
  A) inadequate information for managerial decision making
  B) lack of buy-in for global systems by foreign units
  C) too many systems in too many data centers, making it difficult to process transactions in a timely fashion
  D) poor governance of global systems
  E) managing a global supply chain

Question 2

Discuss the role and influence the user plays in software development.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[AmberC1996]

Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

The user is the primary focus of software development. Whether a new information system succeeds or fails largely depends on the roles of users. Building successful information systems requires close cooperation among end users and information systems specialists throughout the systems development process. If users are heavily involved in the development of a system, they have more opportunities to mold the system according to their priorities and business requirements, and more opportunities to control the outcome. They also are more likely to react positively to the completed system because they have been active participants in the change process. Incorporating user knowledge and expertise leads to better solutions.
The role of the user in the development of software depends on the method of development used. In SLDC work, end users are limited to providing information requirements and reviewing the technical staff's work. In prototyping, users are involved throughout development, through the use and review of iterative steps of the prototype. In end-user development, the users themselves create the system. Users are typically more involved also in RAD, through the use of prototyping and JAD. In joint application design, end users and information systems specialists work together in an interactive session to discuss design.

[jerry coleman]

TYSM

[olderstudent]

Excellent