Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices Cases in Management Education Jason Chen, Ph.D. Professor of MIS Gonzaga University Spokane, WA

Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices Why Case Studies? Case describe actual business situations. In that respect, dealing with cases is very much like dealing with the problems that managers encounter daily.

Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices Objectives of Case Studies Cases help us sharpen our analytical skills Cases and case discussions provide students a focal point for an exchange among students of the lessons of experience. Cases are useful for developing sets of principles and concepts that can be applied in practice. Case studies generate a high degree of involvement in the learning process. –promote rigorous thinking –develop communication skills Act as being a manager: problem solving –intellectually, politically, and socially –sense of fun and excitement

Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices Strategy Development Situation Analysis –SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) –Porter’s Model etc. Objectives Strategies Implementation Analyze how the IT has been applied within the case and future consideration. N

Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices The First Case Study Swimming in the Virtual Community Pool with PlentyofFish – online social networking sphere.

Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. & Dr. Chen, Information Systems – Theory and Practices Discussion Issues 1. What is the nature of competition in this industry? Describe and explore your answer with the following: (see details in the syllabus) 2. Does Frind have a solid, sustainable business model for PlentyofFish (in other words, was he good or lucky, or both)? Describe and illustrate your answer with the following: (see details in the syllabus) 3. Based on the findings/answers stated from (2) above, what is the best model going forward? Describe and explain your answer clearly and thoroughly. 4. What Information Technology (IT) should he invest in for the site? (Hint: Cost/Benefit analysis) Analyze how the IT has been applied within the case and future consideration.