Assignment Brief

Assume that you have been selected as a Business Analyst and you are given a task to study an
organization of your choice and to come up with a solution to achieve productive business results.

Following are the chapters that you must address via the management report;

Chapter 1 - Profile for the Organization

You have to select an organization of your choice and assume that you work for that organization.
Now you must prepare a brief profile of the organization evaluating information needs of the
different functional areas. (LO 1.1)

Clearly state their Vision, Mission, Values, employee base, financial strength, market information,
product base, and different functional areas by understanding their organization’s information
needs based on the organization’s purpose through a realistic study using 400-500 words. (M 1.3)

Chapter 2 –Various Information Systems and Trends

2.1. Describe different types of information systems(LO 2.1)

You must use relevant theories and models (M 2.1)
2.2 Evaluate the suitability of information systems for different functional areas of the
organization as you have identified above. (LO 2.2)
2.3. Investigate current trends in using information systems applications to solve business
problems related to the organization that you have selected to study .(LO 2.3)

Chapter 3 - Using information systems to produce management information

3.1. Identify an organizational problem of the above organization and discuss how an
information system could be used to generate valid, accurate and useful information solve
that problem. (LO 3.1)

3.2. As a contingency plan evaluate alternative methods of solving the problem (LO 3.1)

You must critically comment whether the solution is feasible to the organization that you are
studying (D1.3)and also must discuss relevant features that must be there in the system you
are suggesting in a creative manner. (D3.7)

In order to do this you have been asked to submit a Management Report with all evidences from the
organization in a word count of 2000-2500 words using Harvard referencing and proper
documentation guidelines. (M3.1)

The overall management report that you aim to submit must not contain any directly copied and
pasted bulk contents from the internet without acknowledgement or from other’s assignments. It
must be an individual reflection demonstrating autonomy/independence throughout the report.
(M2.7, D2.1)

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 Assessment Criteria(Students are not authorized to modify or write anything on below)

Possible Achieve
Outcomes/Criteria for PASS Feedback
evidence d
LO1Understand information needs within different functional areas of organizations
1.1 Evaluate the information Chapter 1 Selected an organization of choice effectively
needs of the different and prepared a brief profile of the organization
functional areas of an evaluating information needs of the different
organization functional areas.

LO2 Be able to compare information systems

2.1 Describe different types of Chapter Described different types of information systems
information systems 2.1 effectively.

2.2 Investigate the current Chapter2. Evaluated suitability of information systems for
trends in using information 2 different functional areas of the organization
systems applications to solve selected.
business problems

2.3 Evaluate the suitability of
information systems for
different functional areas of an
organization
Chapter2. Investigated current trends in using information
3 systems applications to solve business problems
related to the organization that has been
selected to study.

LO3 Be able to use information systems to produce management information

3.1 Use an information system
to generate valid, accurate and
useful information for a given
problem
Chapter3 Identify an organizational problem/s of the
above organization and discussed how an
information system could be used to generate
valid, accurate and useful information solve that
problem.

3.2 Evaluate alternative Chapter3 As a contingency plan the learner has evaluated
methods of solving the alternative methods of solving the problem
problem.

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Grade Descriptor for MERIT Possible evidence Achieve
d
M1 Identify and apply Chapter1 -The learner has clearly stated the selected
strategies to find organization’s Vision, Mission, Values, employee base,
appropriate
solutions financial strength, market information, product base, and
different functional areas by understanding their
M1.1An effective approach organization’s information needs based on the
to study and
organization’s purpose through a realistic study using 400-
research has been
applied 500 words.
M2 Select / design
appropriate
methods /
techniques
Chapter 2 -Used relevant theories and models in IS
M2.1 Relevant theories
and techniques
have been applied
M2.7Appropriate learning Chapter 2 -As an appropriate learner, the overall
methods/techniqu management report submitted does not contain any
es have been directly copied and pasted bulk contents from the internet
applied without acknowledgement and they are not from other’s
assignments.

M3 Present and Overall report –The documentation has been submitted by

communicate the learner based on the appropriate structure and the
appropriate learner has adhered to the proper formatting guidelines.
findings
Contains all evidences from the organization in a word
M3.1 The appropriate count of 2000-2500 words using Harvard referencing and
structure and
proper documentation guidelines.
approach has been
used.
Grade Descriptor for Possible evidence Feedbac
DISTINCTION k
D1 Use critical Chapter3 - The learner has critically commented
reflection to whether the solution is feasible to the organization
evaluate own selected to study
work and justify
valid conclusions

D1.3 Self-criticism of
approach has
taken place

D2 Take Chapter 3 - Suggested solution is an individual

responsibility for reflection demonstrating autonomy/independence
managing and
organizing throughout the report.
activities

D2.1autonomy/independenc

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 e has been
demonstrated
D3 Demonstrate Chapter3 - Discussed relevant features that must be
convergent / there in the system the learner has suggested in a
lateral / creative
thinking creative manner.

D3.7effective thinking has

taken place in
unfamiliar
contexts.
Strengths: Weaknesses:

Future Improvements & Assessor Comment:

Assessor:

Signature: Date: ____/____/______

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Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Internal Verifier:

Signature: Date: ____/____/_____

Grading Grid
Learning Outcomes M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3
Chapter 1 LO1.1 M1.1
Chapter 2 LO2.1 LO2.2 LO2.3 M2.1
Chapter 3 LO 3.1 LO 3.2 D1.3 D3.7
Overall M2.7 M3.1 D2.1
document

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 Statement of Originality and Student Declaration

I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely to use another’s work and to present
it as my own without attributing the sources in the correct way. I further understand what it
means to copy another’s work.

1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.

2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of the Edexcel UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiaries or copy another’s work in any of the
assignments for this program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspects of my program, will be
my own, and where I have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the
correct way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding
agreement between myself and Edexcel UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is
not attached to the attached.

Student’s Signature: …………………………… Date:.………………

Contents
1. Cargill’s Food city...............................................................................................................13

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 1.1. Vision............................................................................................................................14
1.2. Mission..........................................................................................................................14
1.3. Values...........................................................................................................................14
1.4. Board of Director...........................................................................................................15
1.5. Financial Highlights.......................................................................................................16
1.6. Our Products and Services.............................................................................................17
1.7. Functional area of Cargill’s Food city.............................................................................18
2. Types of Information System...............................................................................................20
2.1.Geographical Information System (GIS)..........................................................................21
2.2.Transaction Processing System (TPS)..............................................................................22
2.3.Management Information System (MIS)........................................................................23
2.4. Management Reporting System (MRS)..........................................................................25
2.5. Executive Support System (ESS)....................................................................................25
2.6. Decision Support System (DSS)......................................................................................26
2.7. Executive Information System (EIS)...............................................................................27
3. Trends of Cargill’s.................................................................................................................28
3.1. Improve of a KMS..........................................................................................................28
4. Problem of Cargill’s Food city...............................................................................................29
5. Reference.............................................................................................................................30
6. Gantt chart...........................................................................................................................31

Figure 1 Board of Directors......................................................................................................15

Figure 2 Types of Information Systems....................................................................................20

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Figure 3 Transaction Processing System (TPS)..........................................................................22
Figure 4 Management Information System (MIS)....................................................................23
Figure 5 Management Level System........................................................................................24

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Chapter 1 - Profile for the Organization
You have to select an organization of your choice and assume that you work for that organization.
Now you must prepare a brief profile of the organization evaluating information needs of the
different functional areas. (LO 1.1)

Clearly state their Vision, Mission, Values, employee base, financial strength, market
information, product base, and different functional areas by understanding their organization’s
information needs based on the organization’s purpose through a realistic study using 400-500
words.

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Cargill’s Food City

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 CARGILS FOODCITY

1. Cargill’s Food city

“Cargill’s Food city has been taken 4th place most valuable brand in Sri Lanka and The
most retail brands in the island, research of brand finance Lanka.

Cargill’s Food city has been recognized for its innovation in taking
super marketing to the masses. It has also earned the highest Brand Equity in the Asia
Pacific region, with NTUC fair Price Singapore coming second according to the 2004
survey on shopper Trends by ACNielsen.

Being the only retail networks with its own out-grower network Cargill’s Food City is
proud of its ability to give the highest possible price to suppliers even as it provides
nutritious high quality goods to the consumer at the lowest possible price.

The retail chain is geared with over 232 outlets spread across the island covering 23
districts”

(WWW.Cargillsceylon.com)

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1.1. Vision
“To be a global corporation role model in community-friendly national development”

1.2. Mission
“Serve the rural community, out customer and all other stakeholders, through our core
business-food with love and other related business, based on the three:

 Reducing the cost of living

 Enhancing youth skills
 Bridging regional disparity

By enhancing local and global markets”

1.3. Values
 Integrity – Our world is our band.
 Excellence – Making Cargill’s the best at whatever it does.
 Growth – Creating opportunities for individuals and our business.
 Teamwork –Pooling individual knowledge and skills through effective
communication to build Shared success.
 Long – Term view having the patience and foresight to build sustainable
businesses for the long haul.
 Desire to complete – Seeking to win on an open level playing field.

(WWW.Cargillsceylon.com)

1.4. Board of Director

Managing Director
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 Sales and Production Human Resources Finance
Marketing Director Director Director
Director

Management
Production Manager Accountant

Quality Manager Financial Accountant

Employee Employee Employee Employee

Figure 1 Board of Directors

1.5. Financial Highlights

“The year 2011 brought mixed economic prospects to the business environment. On the
one hand during the year Sri Lanka rationalized its economic targets and continued to
steer key sectors towards rapid growth. The economy advanced at a record 8.3% the
highest in its post-independence history sustaining the anticipated growth momentum of
the new environment”

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“The private sector led investment drive picked up pace on the back of infrastructure
development and extensive state facilitation for large investment projects with tourism as
a focal point”

(WWW.Cargillsceylon.com)

1.6. Our Products and Services

Products

Cargill’s Magic –

“Cargill’s Magic is the number one dairy ice cream in Sri Lanka. Cargill’s Quality
Dairies, which produces Magic ice cream, milk and milk shakes, is the first and only
dairy product”

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Cargill’s Kotmale –

“Kothmale is a leading brand in the dairy sector known for highest quality products at a
reasonable price, having entered the market three decades ago”

Cargill’s Kist –

“Kist is one of the most trusted brand names in Sri Lanka known by generations for its
true Sri Lankan flavors and high standards of quality”

Kist Knuckles -

Kist Biscuits -

Cargill’s Lanka Milk -

Services

Cargill’s banking

Food Services

Farmer Services

(WWW.Cargillsceylon.com)

1.7. Functional area of Cargill’s Food city

 HR Department
 Sales and Marketing Department
 Production Department
 Customer Services

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  Finance and Accounts
 Administration

Human Resources

HRM organize functions deals, with people compensation hiring, performance,

management, organization, development wellness; satisfy employee motivation, benefits,
communication and training.

HRM is the function within an organization of requirement of, management of and giving
direction for the people who work in company.HRM can be use for line managers.

Sales and Marketing Department

Marketing is process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and wants
through making and changing products and goals.

They motivate everyone in the company to distribute high quality and superior good for
their customers their aims to give best services and satisfying the needs of its customers.

Chapter 2 –Various Information Systems and

Trends
2.1. Describe different types of information systems(LO 2.1)
You must use relevant theories and models (M 2.1)

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2.2 Evaluate the suitability of information systems for different functional areas of the
organization as you have identified above. (LO 2.2)
2.3. Investigate current trends in using information systems applications to solve business
problems related to the organization that you have selected to study.(LO

2. Types of Information System

Information system is a Successful organizations large and small leverage available
technology to manage business activities and assist in making decisions. They use
information system to collect data and process it according to the needs of the analyst
manager or business owner.

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 Executive
Information
system (EIS)

Management Decision Support

System (MIS) System (DSS)

Transaction
Processing System
(TPS)

Figure 2 Types of Information Systems

 Geographical Information System (GIS)

 Management Information System (MIS)
 Decision Supporting System (DSS)
 Transaction Processing System (TPS)
 Knowledge Management System (KMS)
 Executive Information System (EIS)

2.1. Geographical Information System (GIS)

GIS helps to analyze huge amount of data and compile data at once in a single database.
So it is very easy and essential to have a GIS in the Organization. And also GIS basically
the purpose of GIS is to capture, store manipulate, analyze, manage and present all types
of geographical data.

GIS can have many uses such as neither forecasting, Sales analysis, production
forecasting and land use planning etc….

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GIS basically lets to query or analyze a database and reserves and result in the form of
some kind of map. We can identify the data visualization system as special parts of GIS.
It helps GIS by formally charts, graphs and maps which are related to information.

GIS gives you the power to:

 Create maps
 Integrate information
 Visualize scenarios
 Present powerful ideas
 Develop effective solution

2.2. Transaction Processing System (TPS)

This system basically use for the purpose of Transactions. Under Transaction a business
or an organization can occur events such as sales, deposits, purchases, withdrawals,
refunds and payments, in business field all the information regarding the sold products
are taken into process by the Transaction system. So the business of the organization is
very easy and clear to find the selling information and calculations by getting help from
the transaction process system. In every Transaction processing system, we can identify a
processing cycle. It is as follows,

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Stages of Transaction Processing

Five Stages of Transaction Processing

 Data Entry
 Processing
 Database Maintenance
 Document And Report Generation
 Inquiry Processing

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

Data Entry Transaction Reporting

Processing Generation

Inquiring
Database

Figure 3 Transaction Processing System (TPS)

2.3. Management Information System (MIS)

This Management information system provides the information, which is necessary for
the managers and business professional in making day-to-day decisions.

This process is used by managers to take special use in decision making by using their
networked workstations .the MIS is used to provide some types of products to managers
from them there we can identify 4 major reporting alternatives.

 Periodic Scheduled Reports – or a scheduled (daily, weekly, and monthly).

 Exception Reports – Automatically produced when a situation is unusual or
requires management action.

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  Demand Reports – Gives certain information at a manager’s request.

Advantages of MIS

 Time Saving
 Efficiency
 Accuracy
 Companies are able to identify their strength and weakness due to the presence of
revenue reports.

Computer Science

Accounting Operational
Research
Management
Information

Management Behavioral Science

Figure 4 Management Information System (MIS)

Support monitoring, controlling, decision-making and administration by middle

management.

Group Served

Senior Manager
Strategic level

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 Middle
Management level
Management

Operational
Operational
Management
level

Sales and
Functional Areas Manufacturing Finance and Human
Marketing and production accounting Resources

Figure 5 Management Level System

2.4. Management Reporting System (MRS)

Management reporting system (MRS) helps the management in decision making by
providing them with reports and different statistical tools.

2.5. Executive Support System (ESS)

Executive Support System helps the senior executives in the organization in decision
making through advanced graphics and communication.

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2.6. Decision Support System (DSS)
Decision support System is a major type in information system because it is the most
important part in an organization as decisions are the effective source in succession an
organization. This supports managers and the top level employee. In decision making
process.

Hera we can identify a basic types of analytical models which are involved in
decision support system they are:

 What – if Analysis

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  Sensitivity Analysis
 Goal Seeking Analysis
 Optimization Analysis

In DSS there is a special process called data mining. Here the purpose it to refer to the
data which are stored long thermally. Managers used to take decision from such past
happened situation a thruway the special software called data mining. Advantages of DSS

 Improves performance and effectiveness of the user.

 Allows for faster decision making.
 Reduces the time taken to solve problem.
 These combine to save money.
 Helps automate various business systems.
 Has been seen to improve collaboration and communication within groups.
 Reduces training time because the experience of experts is available within the
program algorithms.

2.7. Executive Information System (EIS)

Executive management system is specially used by the top level managers and
executives. This system contains the features of both the Management Information
system and decision support system. This systems main aim is to product top executives
with immediate and easy access to information should the organization strategic
objectives normally EIS produce the use of graphical user interface.

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As this EIS is used by the top level managers it has a standards value most of the serious
decisions and management side involve in the EIS process. This system’s main goal is to
meet the needs of top level management.

3. Trends of Cargill’s
Artificial intelligence (AI) is field of science and technology based on discipline such as
computer science, biology, psychology, linguistics, mathematics, and engineering’s
major thrust of artificial intelligence is the simulations of computer functions normally
associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning such as reasoning, learning, and
problem solving.

This system is used by Cargill’s organization to manage their knowledge they can share
their knowledge and take business decision. The knowledge management system can

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help. They are deciding their future success and problem and get solution. This
Knowledge Management System frequently takes from of best practices, policies, and
business solutions at the projects, team business unit, and enterprise levels of the
company. In many companies, enterprise information portals are the entry to corporate
intranets that serve as their knowledge management system.

3.1. Improve of a KMS

 Improved Performance
 Competitive advantages
 Innovation
 Sharing of Knowledge
 Integration
 Continuous improved by:
 Driving Strategy
 Starting new lines of business
 Solving problem faster
 Developing Professional skills
 Recruit and retain talent
 We can use communication system

This organization can use communication system. It has been very important sharing
information in many different forms in use groupware (Internet and extranet)

4. Problem of Cargill’s Food city

Cargill’s food city is company which sells different types of products. So here they can
have so many problems which are affect to the company. So many products are provided
to the Cargill’s company by different products company agents. The problem Diced by
the company in this case is when the products are placed to sell for customers. Some of
them products get expired due to the lack of stock. So the company cannot sell such
products to the customers. Because of that company have to bare a huge wastage of
products and also the currency. It is a loss to the Cargill’s Company.

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Solution

For solve this problem the Cargill’s company used to get help from the information
system. For such a problem MIS can help in a good way to solve it. Through
management information system the company can minimize the intake products
according to their monthly selling percentages. In MIS all the information’s, calculation,
and the amount they have intake in previous months use stored. So they can calculate the
amount they should in take in this month by companies with the previous months using
MIS.

So we can give an accurate solution for Risk major problem of Cargill’s company
by the help of MIS

In this problem we can use Decision Making support system

5. Reference
www.cargill.com. (). Cargill products & services. Available:
http://www.cargill.com/products/. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

www.cargillsceylon.com. (). Board of Directors. Available:

http://www.cargillsceylon.com/AboutUs/Directors.aspx. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

www.csmworld.com. (2010). Computer Systems Management. Available:

http://www.csmworld.com/. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

www.csmworld.com. (2010). Computer Systems Management. Available:

http://www.csmworld.com/. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

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www.csmworld.com. (2010). Computer Systems Management. Available:
http://www.csmworld.com/. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

Don Evans. (2014). Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Available:

www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/data/gis.htm. Last accessed 28th Nov 2014.

6. Gantt chart

GANTT CHART FOR INFORMATIOM SYSTEMS

December January
1st - 10th 10th – 20th 20th – 25th 25th – 31st 1st – 9th

Chapter 01

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Task 2.1

Task 2.2

Task 2.3

Task 3.1

Task 3.2

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