...Introduction According to Brown, C.V., Dehayes, D.W., Hoffer, J.A., Perkins, W.C., Martin, W.E. (2011), MidSouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) is a member support, non-profit organization that deals with state government on behalf of local business policies. In the early 2000’s, the MSCC, became the most powerful advocacy organization for the business community under the new leadership of President Jack Wallingford. As the growing demands of members and employees were increasing, the MidSouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) has decided to update its computing systems. The management then decided to consolidate their systems to AS/400 based system called UNITRAK. Ted Vassici has supported the systems for a significant period before Simon Kovecki was hired by MidSouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC). Simon Kovecki was in charge of implementing this new system, but he ended up with failure that left MidSouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) with lost data on the old systems, and an inoperable UNITRAK system. This case study illustrates the problems that MSCC went through after acquiring the UNITRAK system. Summary According to Brown, C.V., Dehayes, D.W., Hoffer, J.A., Perkins, W.C., Martin, W.E. (2011), Jack Wallingford, who was the President of MSCC, taught of appointing a new person who could help for the growth of revenue in the organization. Leon Lassiter who has no information technology background...
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...Jennifer Brown 9 September 2002 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce Who: Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC): Leon Lassiter: A non-profit, member supported organization that lobbies state government on behalf of local businesses. Vice President of Marketing at MSCC. Lassiter became the champion for the move to the UNITRAK system. President of Midsouth Chamber of Commerce Jack Wallingford: Ed Wilson: Ted Vassici: Vice President, Public Affairs and Operations, MSCC. Wilson asked Wallingford to spin off public affairs. Lassiter took on this role. Initial Information Systems person for MSCC. He was hired as an outside consultant. Developed and recommended systems 1992-1996(?) Information system support specialist hired for MSCC. Kovecki supported all the systems, and was charged with the technical aspects of the migration to the UNITRAK system. Simon Kovecki: Jeff Hedges: Greg Ginder: Vice President of Public Finance. Given the role of IS manager as well. President, UNITRAK What: Midsouth Chamber of Commerce needed to update its computing systems to a more modern structure to meet the growing demands of employees and members. Prior to the time when MSCC hired Simon Kovecki the computer systems were designed, installed and supported by outside consultants – including Ted Vassici, who supported the systems for a significant period in the early 90’s. Upper management had decided in the mid-90s to begin to consolidate their computer systems to an AS/400 based system...
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...Abstract Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) was created to benefit businesses within the Midsouth region. With Jack Wallingford as president MSCC became the most powerful advocacy organization in the area during the late 1980s. As the use of computer technology increased they quickly recognized the need to use technology to harness the power of information they kept. The transition of acquiring a new operation system is outline in this report. Context In writing this report on the challenges of implementing a new operational system I hope to have a better understanding of maintaining documentation and organizational structure Introduction The Midsouth Chamber of Commerce case is about the complexities when implementing a new technology system and the challenges when technology systems fail. Issues and Questions http://www.scribd.com/doc/188061109/Dag294WA1 1. Who are the key players in the case and what are their respective roles? * Leon Wallingford – President of MSCC * Simon Kovercki – System Analyst * Leon Lassiter – VP Marketing and Membership Sales * Jeff Hedges – VP Public Finance and Computer Operations * Greg Grinder – President of Uni-Track 2. Describe whether Unitrack acted responsibly. Unitrack’s software corporation acted responsibly. They designed a software program for which was purchased by MSCC. When it was recognized that this software wasn’t performing to the customer satisfaction Ginder was willing to make changes...
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...Midsouth Chamber of Commerce, Competency and Complacency A Case Study Analysis: JADE Stone Regis University Abstract Your abstract should be one paragraph and should be between 150 and 250 words. It is a summary of the most important elements of your paper. Your abstract should accurately represent your paper, be non-evaluative, coherent and readable, and concise. The abstract is a single paragraph without indentation. See The APA Publication Manual, 6th edition, p. 27 for additional details on writing an abstract. Midsouth Chamber of Commerce, Competency and Complacency: A Case Study Analysis This Midsouth Chamber of Commerce MSCC Case Study is an examination of how NOT to manage information technology. Many things went wrong in this organization’s pursuit of greater efficiency. While some of it can be attributed to natural but painful growth, basic human character and leadership flaws account most of the problems MSCC endured. I will analyze the mistakes that were made which led to internal strife, crippled productivity and decreased morale. I also want to assess the performance of Mrs. Sage Niele, their newly appointed Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. Finally, I will critique what we are told about Data Management Associates (DMA), and their contract with MSCC. Caught In The Middle Of Technology The Midsouth Chamber of Commerce had been in business for over 80 years. They knew what they were doing, and they knew how to anticipate the needs of...
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...other territory managers who are working for an organization called the (MSCC) Midsouth chambers of commerce. The organization ran into so major issues when they decided to switch over to a new computer system. The employees were having issues accessing the new computer system which was also causing issues with them even accessing the old systems. All the vice president could do for the time being was reassure that the problem was being worked on and that everyone was going to need to have some patience for the system conversion. Although Lassiter was the one who opted and pushed for this new system he soon saw that it was going to be a major issue. This new software system was causing a halt in the business flow. The new system was even causing the data to disappear, so this meant that most of the employees couldn’t get the work needed completed. So overall this wasn’t a productive work day for this company and because of this glitch it was causing them to lose money. Without the support of the other management members this software transition became chaotic. Background...
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...Oyungerel Chuluunbaatar MIS 54001 Brian Spinzig August 14 2012 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (A): The Role of the Operating Manager in Information Systems Midsouth Chamber of Commerce Company is formed in early 1900s by a group of powerful businesspeople. The company’s main operation is in transportation industry. By the late 1980s, the company became one of the most powerful businesses in Midsouth area. MSCC Company consists of marketing, operations, human resources, and finance divisions. Main administrative people within the company are Leon Lassister, vice president of marketing, Jeff Hedges, vice president of finance and Ed Wilson, vice president of operations division. Information system within the company is crucial and the company administrations continuously try to upgrade its information systems. In middle of 1996, MSCC administrations decided to hire Simon Kovecki, a young computer science graduate with no experience as system analyst in order to increase the company’s capabilities of information systems. Moreover, by 1998, MSCC’s computer operations responsibility was assigned to Jeff Hedges who had little computer background. In August 1998, Lassister decided to upgrade MSCC’s software system in order to operate more efficiently. By the beginning of 1990, Lassiter bought the program with the approval of executive committee of the board. Lassiter handed the program to Hedges and Kovecki to complete the implementation. Regarding to the new software program...
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...Case Study 1 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (A): The Role of the Operating Manager in Information Systems It was 7:30 P.M. on September 22, 2006, and Leon Lassiter, Vice President of Marketing with the Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC), was still in his office, reflecting on the day’s frustrations. Lassiter had met with four territory managers, his marketing support supervisor, and a number of other members of his staff. All were upset about their lack of access to the new computer system and the problems they were having using their old systems. Lassiter had assured them that the problems were being addressed. He stressed that patience was needed during the ongoing conversion to the new system. Now, during his private moment, Lassiter was beginning to recognize the problems and complexities he faced with the system conversion. The work of his marketing staff, who were unable to access the new computer system to handle their accounts, had ground to a halt. Even worse, something had happened to the data in most of the workstations, which meant that conference registrations and other functions had to be done manually. These inconveniences, however, were minor compared to Lassiter’s uneasy feeling that there were problems with Midsouth’s whole approach to the management of information technology. Lassiter knew that time was of the essence and that he might have to step in and manage the conversion, even though he had no information technology background. He wondered what he should...
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...Case Study 1: Midsouth Chamber of Commerce-The Role of The Operating Manager Information System Question: Something had to be done- but what? After reading the case, one continues to come up with new problems and issues along the way that are related to information technologies. The three main problems we encountered in this case are lack of IT knowledge, inappropriate planning, and ineffective and inefficient Resource Management. Each of these issues requires specific attention to fix the next problem and so forth. The solution to attack each individual problem or issue will be explained as follows. Problem #1 Attempting to manage the conversion from an old technology system to a new one without the proper knowledge or background in information technology. Solution Rather than attempting to fix the IT issue, which Leon Lassiter (Vice President of Marketing) of Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) had no knowledge about, instead he should have recognized the issue and address it to be taken care by IT experts. Most importantly he should have consulted with the experts of the matter addressing potential problems and solutions while establishing a timetable of completion of the project within reasonable, reachable, and acceptable time frame. At the same time he needs to establish a realistic expenditure budget to avoid draining financial reserves set forth for such expenses. Now, Mr. Lassiter needs to prioritize the full conversion of the new system by October. He needs...
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...Case Study 1 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (A): The Role of the Operating Manager in Information Systems Student Name: Carlos Daley Date: September 06, 2015 MGMT408 Instructor: Rene Trevino Introduction Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) was established in order to assist businesses in the Midsouth region. The MSCC grew tremendously in the latter part of the 1980s and was considered the premiere advocacy organization for businesses in the region and was headed by Jack Wallingford (President). Because of the immense growth, MSCC started using technology to cultivate the enormous information and potential of the organization. This particular case study gave a rundown of the dilemma which MSCC experienced during the implementation of the new system (UNITRAK) that they acquired to manage their operations. Background Based on the case study, MSCC computerized systems weren’t integrated, poorly maintained and without any technical support. In fact, the computerized systems were outdated and not compatible with current technology. Leon Lassiter (Vice President) played a vital role in making MSCC profitable again; however, he is not satisfied and wanted to take the organization to even higher level. The tool that Mr. Lassiter believed would take the organization into the future is an integrated computerized system that could enhance the organization core functions. However, before Mr. Lassiter pushed for the new systems; he utilized the old systems for a while, and even...
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...software, Midsouth Chamber of Commerce has continued to make incompetent management decisions, when it is related to building an IT infrastructure, for their organization. Such a lack of foresight, to properly structure a sustainable IT environment has created numerous difficulties for MSCC. In order to salvage the situation, MSCC has acquired Sage Niele to manage MSCC ‘s information systems. Niele has an impressive resume, as a previous owner/operator of a successful IS and financial business consultant company, which suggest that MSCC has finally taken the right step towards solving their IT issue’s. Niele has already started on her pursuit of saving MSCC from further disaster. Gathering information about the current IT scenario, and working with DMA, the company that is providing MSCC’s current software system, with a softer temperament, are some positive signs demonstrated by Niele,towards solving MSCC’s IS problems. From now, It is essential for MSCC to work with Niele to provide her with every opportunity to succeed, with proper oversight from the upper management .MSCC also has to be extremely careful to avoid past mistakes, or else even with Niele’s effort, MSCC will seize to exist as an organization without a proper IT infrastructure. Cleaning up an Information System debacle at MSCC Leon Lassiter, president of Midsouth Chamber of Commerce, felt the need to introduce UNITRAK software into the organization, to provide MSCC with a...
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...MidSouth Chamber of Commerce Case Study #1 MidSouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) was created to be an advocate for the business community and, under the leadership of Jack Wallingford became one of the most powerful advocacy organizations in the area. With business membership growing and staff increasing, the computer technology that was in place was no longer able to keep up with the demands of the organization. This study outlines what MSCC went through to procure and implement a new Information Technology System and the issues MSCC encountered during the implementation process. As MSCC was growing, the realization of a more advanced computer system was in dire need. As large as MSCC was, with in the organization, technology was lacking and antiquated. There was no integration with computers and many of the job duties were done manually causing delays in information routing. All IT functions were in turn outsourced by Nolan Vassici. He provided no documentation of his work, rather only provided the basic IT needs of the organization. Later on Simon Kovecki, a Computer Science graduate student, was brought into MSCC to learn and understand the software without any direction or assistance from Vassici, who was no longer in business. With Ed Wilson, the operations division manager, and with the assistance of Kovecki, they started the search for a new computer system. Lassiter, who was not technically in charge of the project, took over the duties to search for firms who were...
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...Case Study Title Name: March 10, 2013 MGMT 408 Management of Technology Resources Instructor: Introduction Midsouth Chamber of Commerce or MSCC has existed since the 1900’s. The Midsouth area was highly dependent on transportation systems and as a result of legislative decisions, many communities in the Midsouth area could not gain access to reasonable transportation services (Brown, Dehayes, Hoffer, Martin, & Perkins). This organization has withstood many changes, and it started originally as a lobbing body for transportation access issues. Then it grew in the 1930s to encompass issues that affect business such as state banking laws, industrial development, and business taxes. By the mid-1900s, MSCC, under the new leadership of President Jack Willingford, became an aggressive advocacy organization for the business community (Brown, Dehayes, Hoffer, Martin, & Perkins) Background As most business they knew that proper investment in the Information systems and Information Technology is the best way to go but they dropped the ball when it came to proper investing, they either didn’t realize or ignored the problems from the start, and there was almost no resolution and never addressed them the right way and never changed their management to comply with the changes. The correct solution is to always employ someone to specific lead the IS business function, which was done when Lassiter purchased workstations and custom software that had limited functionality...
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...Case Study Title Midsouth Chamber Of Commerce Case Study Date 1/12/2013 Course Mgmt of Technology Resources Instructor Robert Burdwell MSCC or otherwise known as the Midsouth Chamber Of Commerce has existed since the 1900’s. This organization has withstood many changes, and it started originally as a Lobbing body for Transportation access issues. Then it grew in the 1930s to encompass issues that affect business such as: state banking laws, industrial development, and business taxes. The last era was when Jack Wallingford was in control. As most business they knew that proper investment in the Information systems and Information Technology is the best way to go but they dropped the ball when it came to proper investing, they either didn’t realize or ignored the problems from the start, and there was almost no resolution and never addressed them the right way and never changed their management to comply with the changes. The correct solution is to always employ someone to specific lead the IS business function. This was done when Lassiter purchased workstations and custom software that had limited functionality. To do this right it is hard for anyone to do by themselves, either way with this minimal functionality and short-term approach for investing in technology the time quickly came where they outgrew the IS. The first time that MSCC tried to make a move to get someone who knew what they were doing in the IS field. They hired Simon Lovecki. His first order of business...
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...MidSouth Chamber of Commerce Case Study Sulaiman Al‐Rafee MBA‐534 Signature: ……………………………………… Sunday, October 11, 2009 Introduction Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) was created to benefit of businesses within the Midsouth area. By the late 1980s, MSCC became the most powerful business advocacy organization within the area, with Jack Walingford as president. As they started using more and more computer technology, they recognized the need to use computer technology to harness the power of information they had. This case study outlines what MSCC went through when they acquired a new system to handle their operations. Case summary Computer operations at MSCC MSCC had some computer systems that were not integrated, not documented, with little supports and maintenance at the time, and the systems was not Y2K compatible. Leon Lassiter had a vision of an integrated computer system that could further help the organization in its core business (marketing, handling conferences and seminars, pushing the Legislature for new laws). They started with hiring a full‐time computer programmer (Simon Kovecki), and started looking at software packages for the organization. While Lassiter was not in charge of computer operations (Jeff Hedges was put in charge of computer operations), Lassiter pushed the organization to purchase a new system from a company called UNITRAK. It ...
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...La Cámara de Comercio de Midsouth La Cámara de Comercio de Midsouth (CSMM) fue creado para beneficiar a las empresas dentro del área de Midsouth. La Cámara de Comercio de MidSouth (CSMM) era una cámara de gran éxito y eficiente en comercio de todo el estado. Era conocida por su liderazgo y por equipo de trabajo el cual era muy efectivo para lograr sus objetivos organizacionales. Todo el comercio del estado se había beneficiado históricamente de su fuerte liderazgo. A fines de 1980, la CSMM se convirtió en la organización más poderosa en la defensa de los negocios dentro de la zona, con Jack Walingford como presidente. A medida que pasó el tiempo al utilizar la tecnología que tenían, reconocieron la necesidad de adquirir una tecnología informática nueva para aprovechar el poder de la información que tenían. Este caso de estudio se describe lo que pasó con la CSMM cuando adquirieron el nuevo sistema para manejar sus operaciones. TRANSFONDO HISTORICO A principios de 1900, el desarrollo económico en el Área Midsouth dependía en gran medida de los sistemas de transporte. Como resultado de las decisiones legislativas, muchas comunidades en la zona de Midsouth no podían tener un acceso razonable a los servicios de transporte, así se retardaba el desarrollo empresarial y económico. No habiendo nadie para representar las preocupaciones del estado al gobierno, un grupo de poderosos empresarios formaron la MSCC para presionar a la legislatura sobre el tema del acceso al transporte...
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