Outsourcing business processes Essay -- Globalization essays, research

Re-appropriating Business Processes Rundown This paper catches the most unmistakable administrations and issues related with the present re-appropriating condition. Redistributing is the cutting edge business term for having different organizations achieve fundamental business forms as opposed to doing them inhouse. While redistributing has consistently been a significant business choice, present day specialized abilities are quick making re-appropriating a basic prerequisite in serious, cost cognizant ventures. In any case, our ongoing involvement in psychological oppressor challenges shows that a subsequent look is expected to guarantee that redistributing dangers are as yet satisfactory. This paper (1) benchmarks old style (however current) re-appropriating techniques to give a beginning stage, (2) notes what data framework administrations are being redistributed, (3) gives instances of how those administrations were being advanced and utilized, with certain remarks on fear based oppressor related dangers, and (4) shows how the specialists propose that re-appropriating, in the event that it is solid and secure, ought to be tended to in contracts (motivations). A familiarity with these fundamental parts of re-appropriating is imperative to the business expert or specialist. Benchmarking Modern Outsourcing Charles L. Gay and James Essinger (2000) give not just a nonexclusive (non-cutting edge) system inside which to see present day, innovative re-appropriating, they likewise give this structure from the British viewpoint, regularly utilizing United States organizations as models. They list various advantages and dangers of re-appropriating, just in a roundabout way considering fear based oppressor acts, and they investigate the distinctive business connections that apply in the realm of re-appropriating. In light of their points of view, we can presume that redistributing is a very much grown yet in addition complex theme, one that is frequently over streamlined and, in this manner, is regularly inappropriately executed. In any case, in light of the British structure, one should see the various and rapidly developing cutting edge extrapolations of re-appropriating as less scary and, likewise, less unsafe from a business viewpoint, at any rate as view from their pre-September thinking. With a couple of rather evident rules set up, a business specialist (surely a data innovation business advisor) ought to have the option to prescribe to a customer what parts of the customer's business can and ought to be redistributed. The specialist can likewise be useful in choosing a fitting wellspring of thos... ...centive. Along these lines, motivating forces ought to be seen as business interests in which the arrival on the assets contributed is required to make the speculation advantageous. Motivating forces are probably going to build cooperative attitude and urge the two gatherings to disregard unimportant issues, bringing about a success win circumstance. Serious offers from outsourcers are bound to win the agreement if their proposition reflects great business speculation motivating forces. Sorts of motivator incorporate corresponding business activities, for example, pooling center abilities (synergism). For instance, EDS re-appropriated its system to WorldCom, and WorldCom re-appropriated its data innovation capacities to EDS, expanding the measure of business and business productivity for the two organizations. (Drinking spree, 2000) Another kind of impetus is a joint endeavor built up to seek after another thought. Each organization applies its best ability and endeavors and offers in the benefits. This kind of motivator can be introduced such that makes the counseling costs give off an impression of being zero, despite the fact that the specialist will partake in the benefits coming about because of the joint endeavor. The way to deal with agreements and motivating forces covers the way that a respective redistributing contract has been built up.

Academic Problems Facing College Students Physical Education Essay

Scholarly Problems Facing College Students Physical Education Essay Post-auxiliary training is confronting numerous issues today. One of the most critical issues is that understudies are not set up for the scholarly requests of school, which can prompt disappointment, horrible scores and non-culmination. Broadly, scholastic readiness is inadequate (Moore, 2006). Idaho has seen this issue and is attempting to defeat the difficulties (Idaho State Board of Education, 2009). School enlistment of youthful grown-ups in Idaho has seen a slight drop since 1990. In examination with national midpoints, a moderately less number of youthful grown-ups in Idaho are joined up with postsecondary training. In addition, just 43% of the individuals who register to school can effectively finish a college degree inside a time of six years (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2008). One program post-optional foundations have grasped in Idaho is double enlistment, a program that urges secondary school understudies to go to school courses simultaneous wi th secondary school courses for secondary school and school acknowledge, otherwise called double credit. This investigation will endeavor to inspect the viability of the double enlistment program in Idaho, explicitly if taking an interest in double enlistment influences a student’s first year school GPA, and maintenance. Proclamation of the Problem The issue being considered is the blended discoveries on the adequacy of double enlistment programs in impacting school accomplishment among first-time understudies. Double enlistment has been thought of as a suitable method to decrease secondary school drop outs and increment school enlistments. Advantages of the double enlistment programs are enhancing the educational plan of secondary schools with school courses (Jacobson, 2005), and introduction to the rigors of school while in secondary school makes an increasingly effective undergrad. Notwithstanding the nearness of result examines, too little is thought about how double cred it enrolment influences school results among the individuals who register first time to school. This examination will endeavor to inspect the viability of the double enlistment program in Idaho, explicitly, if taking an interest in a double enlistment program relates with a student’s first year school GPA and maintenance. Hugeness of the Study This examination adds to the absence of writing on double credit programs and their effect of school achievement. The motivation behind this examination is to decide if cooperation in double enlistment courses in secondary school influences the scholarly encounters of first-time refresh. Establishments currently urge understudies to co-take a crack at postsecondary foundations for credits. Truth be told, double credit courses are among the most well known instructive projects today. The advantages of double credit enlistment are entrenched in institutional writing. The fundamental advantage of double credit enlistment is that secondary school understudies has a higher probability of registering into school following secondary school graduation and towards effective fruition of a postsecondary degree. Establishments will profit by this examination since it will give information that could illuminate practice and usage regarding double credit programs. School managers can be all the more satisfactorily educated regarding how results of double credit courses are interceded by factors, for example, sexual orientation, ethnicity or financial status. The information from this investigation can be utilized to educate choices identified with how double credit projects can be made increasingly compelling. This could give premise to changes in the plan or usage of double credit projects to turn out to be increasingly open and progressively helpful for all.

Why I havent posted in forever

Why I haven’t posted in forever I am taking 5 minutes out of my life just to let you all know why I dont exist. I dont exist, because this is my to-do list: No joke. Its an entire sheet of loose-leaf paper. With 2 exceptions, every item on that list must be completed within 1 week. Starred items must be finished today. Speaking of starred items, I between taking that photo 3 minutes ago and writing the first 2 lines of this entry, I remembered another one. But Ive run out of actual lines on the sheet, and had to squeeze it into the margin. I hope youll notice that I actually added a section labeled fun. Basically I decided that if my to do list looks like that, I might as well add GET OFF CAMPUS to it, to keep myself from going insane. Unfortunately, one of the fun items has the description Let someone else do it. No joke. Anyway, Im going to get back to my list now that Ive given you the proof of how completely hosed I am. (hosed = MIT slang for being so busy that your to-do list takes up an entire sheet of looseleaf paper) But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The reason all of these things need to be done by next Thursday is because I will be spending Thursday night packing for my week long trip to Paris and Rome. And now you know why Spring Break exists. To keep us all from going crazy.

Pricing the Aqualisa Quartz Free Essay Example, 1500 words

Since the Aqualisa Quartz is an innovative new product, Aqualisa priced the product higher as a premium item. The Quartz Standard is 850 pounds and the Quartz Pumped is 1,080 pounds. This makes it the highest product sold by Aqualisa. It also makes it the highest money maker for the company, but only when sold. If Aqualisa Quartz was marked down, consumers might feel they are getting a bargain and quality. As it stands, only showrooms with wealthy customers feel they can afford the Aqualisa Quartz. Since Aqualisa Quartz is not a brand name, the sales do not cross over the distribution channels. Cutting the price for regular consumers would be a must for this venture. Consumers are not familiar with the new technology of Aqualisa Quartz. This makes them more skeptical, especially with the high prices mentioned above. Consumers want a bargain. Quality goods for a cheap price make consumers buy. Without knowledge of the new technology, consumers can only understand the showe rs they are familiar with. Thus consumers are skeptical of showers that do not have a long self life. The key to making consumers less skeptical is more information about the Aqualisa Quartz. The more the public knows about the Aqualisa Quartz, the more likely the consumer is to understand the benefits and pricing of the new shower. We will write a custom essay sample on Pricing the Aqualisa Quartz or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page One alternative is a workshop for plumbers. Once plumbers understand the time saving method of the Aqualisa Quartz and the quality, they would recommend it to more consumers. The half day spent installing the Aqualisa Quartz will help the plumbers do more jobs and increase their profits. Especially since Aqualisa Quartz is so easy to install, a plumber s apprentice can be sent. The plumber receives the same pay with a less skilled worker.

Symptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders Essay - 2089 Words

Abstract This Paper Will Discuss Anxiety Disorders. What is Anxiety Disorders? How to Diagnose Anxiety Disorders. How to treat Anxiety Disorders. Anxiety Disorders risk factors. Signs and symptoms of Anxiety Disorders. And the history of Anxiety Disorders. There are many types of anxiety disorders that include panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Post-Traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. Anxie-ty is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem or making an important decision. I choose this topic because one it was a very appealing topic for me; the second reason I choose this topic is because I suffer from an anxiety disorder, as well as a skin picking disorder called Excoriation disorder or com-pulsive skin picking, which I will also discuss because I believe it fits under the anxiety disorder and OCD umbrella. Anxiety Disorders and Personality Anxiety disorders can cause a person distress that can interfere with a person s ability to lead a normal life. An anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness. People with anxiety disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older 18% of U.S. Population and 25% have intense anxiety at some point. AnxietyShow MoreRelatedSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders1295 Words   |  6 PagesAnxiety Disorder Many people experience anxiety and nervousness from time to time, typically about a near event, something with an uncertain outcome, problem at work, or making an important decision. It is a normal human emotion and a normal part of life, however, anxiety disorders are not and they are very different. Anxiety disorders are psychiatric disorders which are very serious mental illness. People with anxiety disorders experience overwhelming and constant worry and fear. It often don’tRead MoreAnxiety Disorder : Symptoms And Symptoms1063 Words   |  5 PagesAnxiety is a feeling we can all relate too, some worse than others. Believe it or not, anxiety can be a normal feeling. The emotion you get before an exam, new job interview, or going on the first date, that is anxiety. There are differences in normal anxiety and pathological (abnormal) anxiety. Normal anxiety should last for a short amount of time and cause some discomfort. Now if the anxiety starts to become prolonged and caus es the person to become incapacitate, that is when it becomes pathologicalRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders1586 Words   |  7 PagesWorried? Nervous? The distinction between anxiety disorders and â€Å"normal† anxiety is not always certain. Everybody gets anxious or worried from time to time, when speaking in public or in front of the class to give a speech or from financial problems. Sometimes anxiety can be so overbearing that it can start to control your life. Here are twelve signs you might have an anxiety disorder: Excessive worry, sleeping problems, irrational fears, muscle tension, chronic indigestion, stage fright, self-consciousnessRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders1262 Words   |  6 Pagessociety anxiety plays a huge role in our daily lives. Imagine being in front of a crowd of people feeling nervous, anxious, and even avoiding eye contact? Many people experience these symptoms of anxiety. There are many different types of anxi ety disorders. Catching early signs of complications can lead to better treatment and acknowledgment. Gaining knowledge about anxiety and some of the different types of Anxiety Disorders, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder can beRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of An Anxiety Disorder Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pageslikely experienced anxiety. You know, that feeling you get in a nerve-wracking situation; such as speaking in front of an audience or having a stressful job. This is a normal feeling for many but when you are at the constant state of anxiety or have the feeling recur or prolong for an excessive amount of time, this is when a problem is present. An excessive feeling of worry and panic is a good sign of an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder can be so crippling that physical symptoms may occur. ThereRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder1264 Words   |  6 Pagesfeelings and the feelings don’t pass, then it’s time to talk to a doctor about possibly having a type of anxiety disorder. There are seven types of anxiety disorder and they include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Foa, Edna Andrews, Linda Wasmer, 2006). Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when a person has an excessive or obsessive feeling of being worried and the feeling just won’tRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders Essay1352 Words   |  6 Pages10 Sept 2016 Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.? Affecting more than 40 million adults nationwide. Here is my next question. What exactly is a anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a mental illness that creates constant fear and worry which can be overwhelming or debilitating. There is a difference between normal, everyday anxiety and an actual anxiety disorder. Normal anxiety is caused by stress, usually this kind of anxiety can be helpful by motivating youRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders1665 Words   |  7 PagesAnxiety Disorders With having so many natural explanations for the potential development of a mood disorder, do anxiety disorders also have natural components? The study conducted by Balik, et al. (2014) didn’t only contain findings of PMS and mood disorders; they also found evidence relating PMS to anxiety disorders. They reported that â€Å"more than half of women with PMS have a history of anxiety† (p 373). Does this mean that PMS is indicative of an anxiety disorder or is it the other way aroundRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders1193 Words   |  5 PagesAnxiety Disorder â€Å"Anxiety refers to the brain response to danger, stimuli that an organism will actively attempt to avoid† (Beesdo, Knappe, Pine, 2009, p. 1). Both children and adolescence are at risk of anxiety disorders; it is known that it is the most frequent disorder of these age groups. The classification can be found in a DSM or ICD (Beesdo, Knappe, Pine, 2009). In children, the separation from normal anxiety to pathological anxiety is difficult to assess. Some examples of normal anxietyRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders2055 Words   |  9 PagesAnxiety is something that everyone has experienced at least once in their lifetime. For example, people feel anxious when they’re waiting for something, or when they’re worried for someone, but there is a big difference between having â€Å"anxiety† and suffering from an anxiety disorder. Nowadays people tend to consider anxiety a normal condition that everyone is eventually going to experience during their life. However, it’s important to understand that anxiety is a serious mental disorder and needs

American Bureaucracy and Its Budgetary Decisions Free Essays

A Budget is a management tool that is an expression of planned expenditures and revenues. â€Å"Budgets serve many important functions in government. In one sense, budgets are contracts annually agreed on by the executive and legislative branches that allow executive agencies and departments to raise and spend public funds in specified ways for the coming fiscal year, as stated by Stillman in â€Å"The American Bureaucracy† He also says that budgets impose a mutual set of legal obligations between the elected and appointed officers of public organizations with regard to taxation and expenditure policies, therefore, is a legal contract that provides a vehicle for fiscal controls over subordinate units of government by the politically elected representatives of the people. We will write a custom essay sample on American Bureaucracy and Its Budgetary Decisions or any similar topic only for you Order Now Budgetary decisions are made, according to Rubin in her book The Politics of Public Budgeting, by envisioning governments as â€Å"not merely technical managerial documents† but rather â€Å"they are also intrinsically and irreducibly political. † Her ideas are similar to that of general budget concepts over balancing expenditures and revenues, but differ in fundamental ways according to Stillman. The open environments within which budgets are developed, the variety of actors involved, the constraints imposed as well as the emphasis on public accountability, give budgets special and distinctive features in the public sector. † The differences between microbudgeting and macrobudgeting are just what their prefaces imply. â€Å"On the one hand there are a number budget actors, who have all individual motivations, who strategize to get what they want from the budget. The focus on the actors and their strategies is called microbudgeting. They do not bargain with one another over the budget. They are assigned budget roles by the budget process, the issues they examine are often framed by the budget process, and the timing and coordination of their decisions are often regulated by the budget process, according to Rubin. She goes on to say that actors are not free to come to budget agreements alone. They are bound by the environmental constraints. There are decisions that they are not permitted to make because they are either against the law, the courts disagree, or previous decision makers have bound their hands. Budgetary decision making has to account not just for budgetary actors but also for budget process and the environment. This more top-down and systematic perspective on budgeting is called macrobudgeting. † Budget strategies are affected by environment, budget process, and individual strategies, all of which influence the outcomes. The level of certainty of funding influences strategies as well. â€Å"Attention will focus on what is available now, and going after whatever it is, whether it is what you want or not, because what you really want may never show up and hence is not worth waiting for. â€Å"The effect of different strategies on the outcomes is hard to gauge. It seems obvious, however, that strategies that ignore the process or the environment are doomed to failure. Budget actors have to figure out where the flexibility is before they can influence how that flexibility will be used. Strategies that try to bypass superiors or fool legislators generally do not work; strategies that involve careful documentation of need and appear to save money are generally more successful. † There are four phases of a budget cycle; environment, process, individual strategies, and outcomes. In this causal model, or schema, the environment, budget process, and individuals† strategies all affect the outcomes. â€Å"The environment influences budgetary outcomes directly and indirectly, through process and individual strategies. The environment influences outcomes directly, without going through either budget process or individual strategies, when it imposes emergencies that reorder priorities. † The environment influences the budget process in several ways, including the level of resources available, the format of the budget, and the degree of centralization of decision making. â€Å"Environment in the sense of the results of prior decisions may also influence process. † â€Å"Changes in process take place in response to individuals, committees, and branches of government jockeying for power; in response to changes in the environment from rich to lean, or vice versa; in response to changes in the power of interest groups; and in response to scandals or excesses of various kinds. â€Å" How to cite American Bureaucracy and Its Budgetary Decisions, Essay examples

Canyon Ranch free essay sample

Health Resorts (or â€Å"The Company†) was created in 1979 to be an inspirational and motivational place where clients could relax, get away, and take control of their own healthier lifestyles. As of 2004, Canyon Ranch was unquestionably the industry leader when it came to the luxury portion of the spa industry. Lack of potential entrants in a niche market, scale economic practices (development of cosmetic line), and a strong US economy are just a few of the reasons why The Company has continued to thrive despite engaging in archaic, inefficient IS strategy. New competitors, economic downturns, and the emergence of substitutes are now a very real threat to The Company’s current position. Should The Company wish to remain the industry leader in their respective market, they must begin to utilize IT as a competitive force. In order to do this, The Company must undertake the following initiatives: 1. Upgrade existing IT architecture and infrastructure to a company-wide modular system. 2. Adopt and interface a hospitality oriented CRM system. 3. Use the information gathered from the CRM to initiate a targeted marketing campaign. The existing IT architecture and infrastructure is decentralized and inefficient. In fact, The Company is still using paper as means of transporting data from department to department. In addition to centralizing IT systems, The Company should add new modules to their existing system (POS, MIS, DDS, Reservation Interface, etc. ) and upgrade their existing CLS system in order to promote two-way communication, and free flow of data. In doing this, The Company will move the IT strategy from that of a support function to a more aggressive, competitive function. The Company is not doing all it can to collect important customer information. Given their respective services (Spa, Medical/Nutritional, Cosmetics, etc. ), The Company has access to very personal information about their customers. Many industries do not have access to such information or they must pay a lot for it. For Canyon Ranch, however, this information is part of their business. As such, they should be utilizing the best possible CRM solutions to gather and retain this data. In an attempt to thwart emerging competitors and cope with a down economy and substitutes, The Company must do whatever it can to maintain customer loyalty as well as appeal to a new demographic of potential clients. Armed with the sensitive information gathered from a new CRM system, The Company could launch a comprehensive marketing campaign aimed at increasing profits and maintaining their current market share. With the alternatives we set forth in the coming report, Canyon Ranch stands to provide a better customer experience, create new market opportunities, and be more efficient and profitable overall. Synopsis Canyon Ranch (or â€Å"The Company†) has long been at the top of the luxury spa marketplace. Their emphasis on quality and unique array of guest services has put them far ahead of competitors and helped them forge a solid block of repeat clientele. In the 21st century, however, Canyon Ranch is facing two big challenges: a down economy and an onslaught of competitive forces in the luxury spa marketplace. The Company offers an array of services and luxuries that, at current, no other competitor can afford to offer. This will continue to be a competitive advantage for Canyon Ranch in the near term. In time, however, t competitors will equalize the playing field in regards to service amenities and, unless action is taken, The Company will begin to experience diminished returns as they hit the plateau of the â€Å"technological-S-curve.   In order to maintain their position as an industry leader, Canyon Ranch must take on new initiatives aimed at creating value to their existing and potential customer base. SWOT Analysis Upgrade Existing IT Analysis of current IT As a result of the old IT strategy (support of the operational systems) there was no IT director until 1996. Even after the position was created and â€Å"IT was viewed as increasingly strategic† there have not been major changes made. The IT is decentralized and the resorts and spas are working independently. Only the Computerized Lodging Systems (CLS) and some basic Decision Support Functionality in form of reports are shared. In 1999 some functionality to store Customer Data was implemented at the Berkshires location via a system that tracks customer preferences (Guestware). Although this system is in place, the Program Coordinators and key employee positions that service the customer do not have any IT support. They are, in fact, still working on paper basis. Figure 1: Old IT System The IT of the Company is neither effective nor efficient. It does not support and cannot support the operational processes and can only be used for basic tactical or strategic support. Furthermore, the current IT achievement potential is not very high, since the system cannot be upgraded easily. The current systems, even if used with adjusted business processes, cannot help achieve future success. Therefore we rate the IT infrastructure only supportive and in means of efficiency and effectively it is strategic wastage, respectively strategic overexpansion. Figure 2: Situation Analysis of IT Infrastructure The general vision should be to upgrade the system to maximize efficiency and customer support. The Company should not implement an aggressive IT strategy nor a momentum strategy (do nothing). Therefore a moderate IT strategy is suggested. Because IT is not THE competitive advantage for The Company, there is no need to build a brand new system but instead buy modules and interface them with the CLS. This is advantageous as The Company owns the source code. Suggested new System To address the problems The Company is facing the IT strategy has to be aligned with the business strategy and some improvements must be made to The Company’s IT system. First, The CLS system has to be upgraded to a new version. This version needs to support modern interface and network technology. A modular system would provide these necessary functionalities. If a new systems needs to be implemented in the future (e. g. medical information systems) this modular architecture would allow an easy implementation. On this basis seven different systems are suggested to be implemented and connected to the central CLS mainframe. All systems have to support a modular architecture and modern interface and network technology. All suggestions are already in order of positive evaluation (see below). 1. Customer Relationship Management System * A Customer Relationship Management System needs to be implemented. Such a system can be bought easily. But The Company should not buy any system just to have it. The decision has to be considered carefully from the aspects of both technical support and management. Management aspects will be addressed at a later point. Technical aspects are that the CRM System must support modern interface and network structures; this so two-way communication with the CLS System will be guaranteed. Furthermore it should be easily integrated with other modular systems The Company might implement either now or in the future. 2. Point of Sales System * Point of Sales (POS) Systems are a must for modern companies. A modular system should be acquired by The Company. Interfaced especially with a Data Warehouse and MIS/DSS Systems it would support both operational and strategic matters. 3. The integrated Guestware System * Since this system is already implemented in one location it can be used as a prototype for the company wide implementation of this system. If there is the possibility to obtain information about possible interfaces or API’s from the programming company, this system would provide synergies with the CRM. 4. Program Coordinator System * To support the key position between company and customer, all of the spa program coordinators should be able to put important customer information into the system while communicating directly with the customer. Wireless technology and an interface to the central CLS system and therefore especially to the CRM System would support this key position significantly. 5. Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) * These systems can significantly support The Company. Decision Support Systems help decision makers to solve unstructured or semi structured problems. They can be used to support tactical and operational management. The MIS can support the management through intelligent reporting. Because some functionalities in this field are already implemented, this system should be similar to existing systems to reduce the cost of training of personnel. 6. Reservation Interface for Customers It should be convenient for all customers to make a reservation. For that matter, a special Reservation Interface for mobile devices and the website should be accessible. This system needs to have access to the CLS or should be part of it. 7. Data Warehouse with connected intelligent systems (e. g. Business Intelligence Systems) * Data Warehouse Techniques have advanced significantly over the last decade. To use and benefit from this tec hnology, a Data Warehouse should be implemented in addition to the CLS. The aggregated data can be used to support the management in many kinds. This will create big synergies with the MIS and DSS systems because these systems can be fed by intelligent techniques. The following image shows the possible modular system architecture for The Company’s infrastructure: Figure 3: Proposed IT Architecture Evaluation of Suggested System This IT architecture would support the whole company from its operational needs to its strategic needs. The modular architecture would allow The Company to make easy changes in future if there are changes in the business or if the business is expanded. This would provide the Company with an IT Infrastructure of the type weapon to face future threats. With the suggested System, The Company’s processes can be optimized and paper will not interrupt any more the digital business procedures. The Companies IT would be in a Balance: Figure 4: Projected Analysis of IT Infrastructure Enhancing the CLS is a must for the Company to stay in business with the threats of substitutes and new entrants to the market. The different modules attached to the main system will be evaluated in two manners. On the one hand they will be rated in Benefits vs. Risks, on the other hand the fit of the systems into the business strategy and the IT architecture is rated. The third dimension (the size of the bubbles) shows the estimated amount of capital for the realization of the projects in comparison to the other projects. Please see the diagrams on the following page: Figure 5: Benefit vs. Risk Analysis Figure 6: Strategy Fit vs. Architecture Fit Analysis For explanation of the factors evaluated in both figure 5 and 6, please refer to Appendix A. Customer Relationship Management At current, The Company is collecting data about guest stays and guest preferences in order to enhance the customer experience during a stay. To do this, The Company is using a standalone application called Guestware. Guestware does not integrate well with The Company’s current CLS system and cannot be accessed on a company-wide basis. In addition to this, the Guestware system does not aide in transmitting the information it gathers to the various levels of management throughout The Company. In conjunction with upgrading the current CLS system, The Company should invest in a high-quality, hospitality oriented CRM system. This system would be one of the new modules added to the proposed IT structure as discussed in the previous section and would be fully integrated in the modular design. Here are some basic functions of the proposed CRM: * Automate and capture reservation information across multichannel contact points for services * Generate and recognize pricing and service information * Enhance customer recognition and loyalty programs * Acquire and maintain data capture for analysis and decision making * Integration and consistency in aid of superior customer service * Support management and enhance quality Automate personalized thank-you, confirmation and cancellation messages * Strengthen customer service * Track and manage inventory Given these proposed functions, it is imperative that the CRM system interface directly with the PMS system so that data stored in the CRM can move out and data collected from other modules (POS, MIS, Reservation System, etc. ) can move in and be stored without probl ems. The CRM system should also work hand-in-hand with The Company’s existing Centennial Membership program. In doing so, the discounts and perks that are offered can be custom tailored to each individual customer and their respective tastes. In addition, the information gathered from the CRM will allow the company to come up with a formal recognition and reward program aimed at further gratifying their very best customers. Forging this sort of â€Å"personal† relationship with customers is a significant way to add value to their experience and encourages them to not only return to Canyon Ranch, but to also explore other services offered by The Company. Here is a rundown of how CRM will increase the company to client relationship: * Automate basic business processes (marketing, sales, service) * Analyze client behavior and influence business and operational strategies * Allow for communications with clients on multiple communications channels * Streamline communication between organizational team and management to ensure a quality client service experience and follow up Value is created for both the customer and company by implementing a CRM system. By increasing the overall experience for the customer, value is created for the customer. When customers spend more money, value is created for the customer. It is important to note, however, that this value is created only if the CRM is part of a cohesive IS design overhaul. The CRM, partnered with updated CLS code and IT modules will create a positive synergistic effect for Canyon Ranch and allow them to take on goals aimed at retaining their position as a market leader and expanding their customer base. Marketing and Advertising Implementing the proposed IS strategy and adopting a comprehensive CRM system will allow The Company to collect and organize a large amount of data. As such, this data should be used to initiate a targeted marketing effort. This is imperative to The Company’s continued success as it will allow them to expand their customer demographic as well as retain their existing customer base. Marketing to Men Initial marketing efforts should be geared towards men, who appear to be a rapidly growing segment of The Company’s existing customer base. The detailed information collected by the CRM system would allow The Company to market to men based on their interests, needs, and preferences in an appropriately masculine manner. The male spa customer has different needs and also has a different image to maintain. Information collected from feedback and preference surveys used in conjunction with basic stay information will let The Company create a sort of niche experience for male clientele. Men are rapidly becoming more health and beauty conscious. A recent report by Global Industry Analysts projects that the male grooming product industry will exceed $33. 2 billion by the year 2015. [1]   It is imperative that Canyon Ranch is at the forefront of this new opportunity given the amount of data they have regarding this particular market sector. While male grooming products are gaining in popularity, â€Å"spa vacations† can still be considered a taboo amongst men. The goal of the market effort is to make the Canyon Ranch experience less taboo amongst prospective male clients. Currently, the Canyon Ranch website is dominated by pictures of women enjoying relaxing and sensual spa services. The Company should include more pictures of men enjoying the services as well. It is also important for the Company to make the golf and sports training package a more prominent presence on the website. Additionally, discount golf and sports training packages should be offered to loyal clientele. Email Canyon Ranch is not a company that advertises on television or by way of print media. In fact, Harley Mayersohn (VP of Marketing) has indicated that Canyon Ranch is a word-of-mouth referral business. That said, The Company must increase the marketing for repeat customers. A strong e-mail marketing campaign to existing clients is an excellent way to do this. With the vastly updated CRM system, The Company will be able to send out customized e-mails to each client throughout the year to keep in touch, offer new services, help them book their next trip, etc. According to a study by Get Response, an email marketing company, the travel and spa industries had the 2nd and 3rd highest â€Å"open rates† of all major industries from the period of July 2009 to December 2009. [2] â€Å"Open rate† simply means someone opening an email rather than deleting it outright. This bodes well for Canyon Ranch as their â€Å"open rate† should be even higher when marketing to existing clients. New Geographic Markets Targeted marketing will also give The Company an opportunity to draw new customers from different geographical areas as well. At current, The Company draws a majority of its clientele from the eastern United States. As competitors emerge, it is fair to say that some of these eastern based clients may go to different brands. As such, The Company must recognize the fact that there are many members of their key demographic located throughout the US. Demographic analysis of data capture from the CRM system will allow The Company to expand their draw from growing markets like the Southwest and existing high net-worth markets like central California. Loyalty and Rewards Program At current, The Company only offers a Centennial Membership program to their very best customers. While this is indeed a great means of customer retention, it is short sighted in that it excludes a larger portion of their customer base. Working in conjunction with the existing email marketing efforts, the loyalty program would offer incentives to repeat customers as well as rewards for customer who, by word of mouth, encourage their friends or relatives to come to Canyon Ranch. Conclusion Canyon Ranch has been the industry leader in the destination spa market. As the first major player on the scene, The Company was able to firmly establish their business and, for decades, enjoyed a market place virtually free of direct competition. Times, however, have changed and The Company faces new challenges from competitors, and market forces that are beyond their immediate control. Their dated IT strategy will continue to hold them back unless they make changes to their IT architecture/infrastructure, embrace a comprehensive CRM system, and undertake new.