Skill For Computing Assignment Portable Computing Devices

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

In the era of dynamic technology and demanding business processes it has become imperative for resources to be outsourced to meet the ever changing needs of organizations. In an effort to administer to the needs of small businesses the Sales Director has decided to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its business operations by conducting exercises to identify the true requirements of currently employed sales staff. This needs analysis will justify any additional suitable devices to aid with their current limitations and improve the business process by adding value to their services and resulting in quicker customer servicing and eventual satisfaction.

In the light of the current scenario, the IT Manager is asked to facilitate sales staff with portable computing devices to fulfil the current Sales Director demands. The Manager has considered additional factors that hinder staff interaction with customers.

The company faces the distinct challenge of changing its outdated method of sales delivery to current standards that will enhance efficiency, effectiveness, professionalism and coordination with its Head Office and thus improve customer satisfaction

The company has made available the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds (£10,000) to support its sales team. The purchase of this equipment will allow its sales force to improve their image to prospective clients, facilitate report writing whilst on travel, and improve presentations to potential customers. Additionally it will eliminate the need for printed product brochures, galvanize the "first impression" to customers and ensure the sales team is equipped with the latest technology.

In essence the Information Technology manager will identify the needs of the staff, evaluate its resources and weigh its resulting specifications on an appropriate device. This device will meet the requirements of staff based on the criteria selection process.

PLAN

Introduction

Describe the assignments objective

Ascertain what the selection criteria are and what may be the possible solutions to achieve the desired result.

Appraise the possible solutions researched and compare with the selection criteria in order to attain the best fit for the identified problem

Problem Definition

The aim of the assignment is to formulate a report making appropriate recommendations for choosing a device that boasts the latest technology and will allow improved presentations to potential customers thus galvanizing the "first impression" to customers.

In order for this to be achieved:

The best solution must be sought

Research must be done on a variety of portable computing devices and a choice made based on the selection criteria.

Consider other requirements that the Sales Director might not have mentioned.

Take into consideration assumptions.

Identify Selection Criteria

List the criteria that will be used to achieve the best solution.

Process of Selection (Evaluation of Solutions)

Assess the probable solution in contrast to the selection criteria and grade them in the order best to worst fit, "1 being the best and 5 being the worst".

Statement and Details of Solution

Say which solution was chosen and explain why that particular choice was made.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

Problem Definition

The IT Manager in a multinational institution is faced with the onerous task of finding a mobile computing solution for the company he is employed by; the company has five (5) locations and twenty-seven (27) sales staff.

The problem that must be solved is how the IT Manager will use this budget of (£10,000) that is allocated, to provide the staff members in these different locations the aforementioned devices.

With the acquisition of these devices staff must be able to do presentations using projectors, send and receive email and be able to use their devices for a minimum time of ten hours.

Identifying the Selection Criteria

The items outlined here will form the basis of my selection of the relevant Device.

Price of Equipment

Choose devices of a certain price range in order to stay within the allocated budget that is to be provided.

Latest Technology

Devices must boast the latest technology available to devices of the type selected, for instance if it’s an android device the latest operating system for android must be loaded.

Connectivity

Different modes of connectivity will be considered when selecting the device, such as WIFI capability and 3G LTE technology, devices with both modes will be an asset. For example, employees on the road having to send back a report to the Head Office or the regional office will need WIFI or 3G connectivity for sending Emails or uploading data to the company’s server or downloading the latest E-brochures to their device.

Screen

Screen size and resolution is an important factor that must not be overlooked, with a larger screen size ranging from 7" to 10" it will be a lot easier on the eyes of the prospective customer and the employee, resolution plays an integral role also, a higher resolution display better details of images on the screen which will look better to all parties concerned as opposed to a low resolution display.

Synching

Synching technology comes in handy where the employee uses a compatible Smartphone, emails, contacts and other information can be synced between devices, also online syncing can be used to keep important information stored at remote sites or on the company servers.

Storage

Storage also must not be overlooked, on-board storage and expanded memory with the use of memory cards. For example: the use of on-board or expanded storage is necessary since different types of information and data will be used a fair amount of storage space is very relevant, staff must be able to access the needed data on demand.

Battery Life

Battery life of 10 hours minimum with continuous usage, when selecting any device this is a very important factor, but for this particular situation it is of uttermost importance. Assuming staff will be on the field for long hours doing presentations and sales pitches they will need to get the maximum usage from the battery as charging may not be an option when on the move.

Native Email Support

Native email support with new mail notification Is a great feature to have when on the field, for instance an important email comes in but you don’t have native email support, your only option will be to open a browser to check the message, this can significantly deplete the power source.

Portable Office Software

Portable Office Software compatible with Microsoft Office. This is necessary for the staff to have on their devices, for creating and reading word documents, creating and reading excel Spread Sheets, for viewing PDF documents, creating, editing and viewing power point slides.

Process of Selection

The process of selection was identified in the Table -Success Criteria for Different Devices shown below where Solutions were listed. The Pugh Decision Matrix was employed to assist in rating the criteria, to make the best possible decision. This matrix evaluates and prioritizes a list of options against the identified criteria.

This will allow a list options to be identified and narrowed to one suitable choice. The factors affecting the effectiveness and efficiency of the solutions were further identified and graded accordingly. The rating scale used was 1=best, 2=good, 3=moderate, 4=average and 5=least suitable.

Success criteria

Solution

Price

Latest

Technology

Connectivity

Screen

Syncing

Storage

Battery

Life

Native

Email

Office software

Total

Apple iPad

5

1

2

1

4

1

3

4

3

24

Blackberry

Play Book

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

10

Google Nexus

3

2

4

5

3

2

2

3

3

27

Samsung Galaxy

3

3

3

3

2

2

3

4

2

26

Kindle Fire

2

4

4

5

2

5

4

4

5

35

Coby Kryos

1

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

41

Table -Success Criteria for Different Devices

Statement and Details of Solution

This solution was derived based on the factors considered in the selection criteria outlined above. The detailed functionality and productivity of this device was a major contributing factor in choosing the best possible solution. It was also based on the requirements of the sales team and assumptions made by the IT Manager.

Blackberry Play Book

This is a device that complements the blackberry phone thus supporting the Blackberry PlayBook for its connectivity to the World Wide Web.This is a business grade tablet computer that boasts the latest technology. It comes with a 7" high definition display with dual cameras, 1GB memory, 16GB of storage, native email, syncing between devices and WIFI capability. The device also comes with a list of software which includes Documents To Go; this application is compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite of programs. The cost of this tablet is £93.22.

With this device the sales staff will be able to approach prospective customers with confidence, when doing sales pitches. Staff will be able to prepare reports on the go using the suite of office software that comes preinstalled on the device, using similar interfaces as the desktop applications, using the PowerPoint feature presentations can be done by connecting to a media projector. Securely send and receive Emails to the main branch or any regional offices, connect to the internet through WIFI or using the connection from a Smartphone.

Storage space were one of the major criteria, being able to store brochures electronically, memos, excel spreadsheets and various types of files.

Screen size and resolution of this device will make viewing media easy on the eyes of the sales staff and the prospective clients.

Battery life is of utmost importance to the sales staff, being on the road for long hours on end and doing many presentations, writing reports, sending emails and uploading and downloading content to the company's servers as minimum battery life of 10 hours was sought.

Budgetary constraints being an issue this decision was made by the manager, it was discovered during research that it will cost less to buy overseas as opposed to locally and ship the devices to the different regions.

Budget

Cost of each device: £93.22

Total cost of 27 devices: £2,516.94

Cost of shipping to Canada: £25.18x6=£151.08

Cost of shipping to Qatar: £ 38.42x6=£230.52

Cost of shipping to Vietnam: £ 38.42x8=£307.36

Cost of shipping to Indonesia: £ 38.42x5=£192.10

Cost of shipping to Switzerland: £ 38.42x2=£76.84

Total cost of shipping: £ 957.90

Overall cost of devices and shipping: £3,474.84

CONCLUSION

It can be determined from the criteria stipulated above that the most suitable device to assist with employee productivity and customer satisfaction was that of the BlackBerry PlayBook. This selection was based on the needs of the sales staff. The specifications and functionality of the BlackBerry PlayBook after being evaluated by the selection process resulted in this device better suited to the ever demanding needs of staff and customers. The BlackBerry PlayBook met the objectives for the Sales Director and attended to the needs of its regional offices with its synching abilities. It means that all staff can be updated in real time with transactions. The specifications of the selection criteria process assisted in identifying the exact needs for staff based on the results of Pugh Decision Matrix table and assisted in the problem solving process.