BUSN320 Final Exam

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BUSN320 -

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Information Systems

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Oct 30, 2023

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Q1. In approximately 250 words, explain how architectures are pivots between business- oriented design and technology-oriented design of e-Business scenarios. As the landscape of information systems grows in complexity, the development of architecture within networked e-business systems has become increasingly vital in the field of information systems. This architectural framework acts as a high-level blueprint, offering insights into the internal structure of these systems, thus aiding in their design, redesign, configuration, and maintenance (Grefen, 2016). On the business front of networked e-business, there's a rising demand for automated support to enhance e-business operations' functionality. Simultaneously, there's a parallel emphasis on the quality of these e-business systems, as they hold a mission-critical status for numerous organizations. This duality creates a challenging balance between the requirements for functionality and quality. From a technological perspective in the realm of networked e-business, a similar pattern emerges. The evolving e-business systems require technology to advance to meet the growing demands for functionality. As technology advances, it becomes more intricate when integrated into these systems, necessitating a robust structure to ensure its seamless operation. The absence of such structure could lead to a lack of cohesion among these interconnected technologies, further accentuating the tension between different technologies and the necessary structure. To effectively manage the synergy between business and technology, it's imperative to establish clear and abstract structural frameworks. These frameworks ensure that each component remains independent of specific, concrete decisions made on both the business and technology fronts (Grefen, 2016). This independence helps maintain the stability of these structures over time and establishes an interface between the business-oriented (B and O) aspect and the technology-oriented (T) aspect within the BOAT framework. The architectural element serves as the pivot point between the two, bridging the gap between the business and technology facets of the BOAT framework. Grefen, P. (2016). Beyond E-Business: Towards networked structures (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315754697 Q2. In approximately 250 words, explain why it is important to choose points in time wisely when analyzing past and future developments. When examining the evolution of a networked e-business scenario over time, the temporal dimension serves as a crucial analytical tool, allowing for a comprehensive understanding and definition of its development and progression (Grefen, 2016). This temporal perspective

enriches the analysis and design process, providing insights into both the retrospective, or past, and prospective, or future, aspects of the scenario. In retrospect, when assessing the historical development of a networked e-business scenario, we pinpoint two distinct moments in time (Grefen, 2016). These moments are characterized as the "past" and the "now." The "past" denotes a specific point in time when the e-business scenario existed in a well-defined state. Meanwhile, the "now" represents a stable moment, typically within the last month relative to the current timeframe. To gain an overview of the scenario, we apply a BOAT classification and analysis to both of these temporal reference points. This facilitates the identification and comparison of significant differences or changes between the two periods, helping us determine whether the present scenario has replaced the former scenario from the past. When forecasting future developments in a networked e-business scenario, we incorporate three distinct points in time (Grefen, 2016). These points encompass the "now," the "near future," and the "far future." As previously described, the "now" represents the current moment. In addition to this, the "near future" signifies a time frame typically spanning one year from the current "now." Lastly, the "far future" extends into a time frame ranging from five to ten years beyond the current "now." For the current moment, the same BOAT analysis methodology is applied, mirroring the approach used in past development analysis. However, when examining the "near" and "far" future scenarios, a BOAT analysis is conducted in relation to the direction a business envisions for its design process, aiming to guide the design process more effectively. The implementation of a well-devised strategy has the potential to drive substantial growth and profitability (Frederiksen & Pope, 2023) . When selecting specific points in time for the analysis of past and future developments, it is essential to exercise careful consideration (Grefen, 2016). Choosing temporal reference points involves a preference for looking at the "far future" to identify design possibilities through forward-thinking, thereby avoiding the constraints associated with current situational dependencies. Once a design direction is established for the "far future," a scenario for the "near future" can be formulated by bridging the design process between the envisioned "far future" e-business scenario and the existing "now" e-business scenario. This strategic approach facilitates forward-looking design and planning. Grefen, P. (2016). Beyond E-Business: Towards networked structures (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315754697 FREDERIKSEN, L., & POPE, J. (2023, June 21). A Game-Changing Business Development Strategy to Achieve Consistent Growth - Hinge Marketing . Hinge Marketing. https://hingemarketing.com/blog/story/business-development-strategy-a-high- growth-approach

Q3. In approximately 250 words, explain why business strategy provides the "umbrella" for a set of concrete business models. An organization's strategic approach revolves around a set of specific business models, as articulated by Grefen (2016). These organizations can engage in individual e-business scenarios or participate in multiple such scenarios. In the realm of business organizations, these e- business scenarios are interconnected, just like the business models that underpin them. These multiple e-business scenarios and their associated business models collectively fall under the overarching concept known as the "umbrella business strategy." When we delve into the realm of a business strategy, we establish a relationship between the tangible business models and a specific company, as elucidated by Ovans (2015). This concept reveals that a business organization can have connections to various markets, each housing multiple business entities. Furthermore, a single business strategy can be adaptable to multiple markets. When we associate concrete business models with a company, it becomes evident that these models can be applied across numerous e-business scenarios, with these scenarios comprised of multiple sets of business models. Additionally, these e-business scenarios find their place within distinct markets, with each market accommodating a multitude of scenarios. A business strategy paints a comprehensive picture that encompasses various business models, as highlighted by Grefen (2016). Given the differing time horizons linked to a business strategy and individual business models, it is imperative to precisely specify the strategic approach in terms of the external positioning of a company and the internal organizational structure, as viewed through the lens of the BOAT framework. These aspects should be designed for reusability across multiple e-business scenarios falling under the umbrella of a single strategy. Failure to achieve reusability would compel organizations to reconstruct structures and information systems with the advent of each new scenario, potentially hampering the agility and efficiency of the organization. Grefen, P. (2016). Beyond E-Business: Towards networked structures (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315754697 Ovans, A. (2015, January 23). What Is a Business Model? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/01/what-is-a-business-model

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Q4. In approximately 250 words, explain why a good e-Business analyst or designer must always consciously balance between separation and integration of aspects. As we've learned throughout our course and in our exploration of Grefen's work, "Beyond E- business: Towards Networked Structures," it's evident that the domain of networked e-business is highly intricate and demands a clear separation of concerns to comprehensively grasp its content (Grefen, 2016). To accomplish this, we are presented with a three-dimensional space for categorizing e-business scenarios. Furthermore, the BOAT framework serves as a conceptual tool, forming the foundation for distinguishing these facets of networked e-business in both analysis and design, with the objective of separating concerns (Pfisterer, 2016). These tools become essential for e-business analysts and designers, aiding in their efforts to gain a deep understanding of these scenarios. While recognizing that the various facets of the BOAT framework interact significantly in networked e-business, it is equally crucial to appreciate the connections between these facets. This can be achieved by mapping the four aspects of the BOAT framework and employing the BOAT Element Dependency Diagram (BEDD), which identifies the most critical elements in these aspects and their interdependencies, providing a comprehensive view of a scenario. In the context of networked e-business, the integration of the BOAT framework aspects is another pivotal factor, ensuring consistency in analysis and design (Grefen, 2016). The capability of analysts and designers to effectively and accurately use these tools is paramount for gaining a complete understanding of the intricacies inherent in each e-business scenario. Employing an iterative approach to analysis and design that clearly delineates between separation and integration, and adeptly alternating between these two modes, is a valuable strategy for addressing the complexities encountered in networked e-business scenarios. When navigating the intricate landscape of networked e-business, it is imperative for skilled e-business analysts and designers to continuously strike a conscious balance between the separation and integration of these facets within networked e-business scenarios. Grefen, P. (2016). Beyond E-Business: Towards networked structures (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315754697 Pfisterer, D. (2016, April 2). Business Model Design and Architecture for the Internet of Everything . MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2224-2708/5/2/7