Assignment task:

Scenario:

You’re employed as the Better Building’s senior project director/manager and you have recently completed your Master of Project Management. You have been tasked by the Chief Construction Executive (CCE) with investigating the ‘best practice’ information systems (IS) used to manage similar businesses. You are in the process of investigating various business information systems when CCE says that she wants you to prepare a management report for the senior leadership team’s next meeting. Some members of the senior leadership team have expressed some concerns about moving away from their current business practices and processes.

Task:

Write a management report of explaining (with reference to the course brief): (Note: the word count excludes references)

(a) the business value proposition of using best practice information systems,

(b) how the business information systems could support the various business functional areas, and

(c) how each business information system would or could be used by the firm’s project managers in managing projects.

Remember the audience is the senior (executive) leadership team who are NOT technology literate, so you should use appropriate business language and refrain from using project management, construction, or technical jargon. [Hint: “information systems” is plural not singular. Select at least two (2) business information systems from slide 25 in week 1.] 

Submission Requirements:

o File format: family name BUSM4409 A1.pdf (The report MUST be submitted as a pdf file)

o Referencing: Referencing: Use Harvard to complete a reference list at the end of the case study.

o The assignment should contain no less than 6 references

o These sources should be based around a mix of academic publications such as books, texts and peer-reviewed conference proceedings, journal papers, and industry journals, NOT internet references such as blog sites and must be correctly referenced in-text as a mix of direct quotations and paraphrases and listed at the end of your document in a Harvard compliant reference list.

o Ensure that the font size and style you choose can be easily read. It is recommended that if you use Arial as your font, the minimum font size should be 10 point. If using Times New Roman the minimum font size should be 12 point. Type your work using 1½ line spacing.

o The course name and number, your name and student number should be stated clearly on the front cover page and include page numbers in the footer.

o Please include the following statement on the front of your submission: “I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the Assessment Declaration “ (No assignment cover sheet is required when submitting via Turnitin.)

This case study is an exercise in critical thinking as a project manager

The following course brief is to be used as the baseline company for assignments 1:

Course Brief Better Buildings Australia (BBA):

Background:

Better Buildings is a family owned business located in Geelong, Victoria Australia. Better Buildings commenced operations as a humble house builder in Geelong in 1970 initially working from an office located in the family garage. In early 2000 Better Buildings turned their attention to the commercial construction sector. Better Buildings are unrestricted registered builders in Victoria, servicing primarily the commercial building sector in the districts surrounding Geelong. Their capabilities include new builds, design and construct, property maintenance, renovations and refurbishments. Their dedication to each client, has been the backbone of their business model. Better Buildings are considered a quality and reliable builder who offer a complete suite of building services, but also understood the importance of fast quotes, strict handover dates, quality finishes and minimum disruption to operations.

Scenario:

You have been working for Better Buildings Australia (BBA) since leaving secondary school at Geelong and have recently completed your Master of Project Management. You have been offered an opportunity to take up a role as a Junior Construction Manager. Better Buildings Australia (BBA) is an old-style family-based firm that is owned and managed by its original founders who are some-what “technophobic” and have not openly embraced technology to aid the business operations. They stick to the old traditional methods of managing and delivering a construction. The firm is having trouble delivering the projects on time and within budget partly due to the growing volume of projects and partly due to the poor management of important information. The founders have become very concerned about the firm’s reputation and future business opportunities. The founder’s children are preparing to take control of the firm and are very interested in how technology can help them regain control of the business, re-establish their reputation and grow the firm. The only technology used by Better Buildings Australia (BBA) is an old copy of Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word and Excel and Hotmail. All business functions are supported by either manual processes or basic and simple use of office automation applications like Excel or Word. Note: Better Buildings Australia (BBA) is a fictitious company and is not modelled on any existing companies.

Report Writing Check List:

Before submission, please ensure you have

o Understood all the required elements for the assignment and completed them

o Read the marking guide (rubric) at the end of the assignment brief

o Followed instructions for naming the file

o Completed a spell check o Created a single document to upload

o Completed a reference list on the assignment, where you have cited other work in your assignment.

o Are the purpose and aims clear?

o Have the readers needs considered?

o Are the main points included? 

o Are the points supported by evidence?

o Is all the information relevant to the purpose?

o Is there any (unnecessary) repetition?

o Is the order logical?

o Are the headings and numbering clear?

o Is the information presented clearly?

o Do figures add up?

o Is there a good use of graphics?

o Is the language clear and easy to understand?

o Is the style formal?

o Is the tone suited to the purpose?

o Are the any unnecessary words or phrases?

o Is the grammar and punctuation correct?

o Is the spelling ok?

o Are the conclusions and recommendations clearly linked to the purpose and based on findings?