Case Study

Case Study Assignment

Carmen Calderon

University of Phoenix

GEN 480 - Interdisciplinary Capstone Course

Facilitator Scott Dion

August 3, 2006

Case Study Assignment

PART ONE: ANALYSIS

1. Describe all assumptions seen in any documents provided.

a. Kelly:

1. In order to make the August deadline, only one feature can be implemented to the existing

prototype.

2. The employees in the marketing department aren't aware of product mechanics.

3. Adjusting to a new product development and continuing current service is not feasible at

this time.

4. The quality of the product is more important than the release date.

b. Pat:

1. The product will have features that have not yet been tested.

2. The deadline shouldn't be a problem for our technology team.

3. An increase in the product development budget is necessary to meet the August deadline. 4. Being the first company to market their product is more important.

5. A more updated product will require less effort since a prototype already exists.

6. The company will see positive earnings within a year of product release.

c. Cliff

1. A new product must be released in order for the company to remain competitive.

2. The budget can be cut back and the company could still release the new product by the

deadline.

3. The company needs to do something now in order to reinstate itself in the market.

d. Chris

1. Adding or changing features on the prototype shouldn't be a problem for the tech

department.

2. If the company releases a new product first, it will obtain a major part of the earnings.

3. The company needs to enter different areas of the market in order to increase revenue and

become a leader in its industry.

2. Explain the arguments made by each of these people.

a. Cliff O'Connor:

Cliff believes that key changes are needed in order for the company to remain competitive in

the technology world. A more updated product needs to be created and launched by the

deadline in order to establish the company's success. Even with all the budget cuts, Cliff

believes the new product can be completed successfully and in time.

b. Pat Lambert:

Pat believes that launching the product first is more important than the quality of the product.

She states that a better product can be made the following year. She also believes that it

shouldn't be a problem coming up with a new product since the company's programmers are

the best.

c. Kelly Thomas:

Kelly believes that releasing a good quality product is more important than an early release

date just to beat competitors. He thinks that the other departments do not understand what it

takes to produce a product. Which is why he states that only one feature can be added to the

product by the release date.

d. Chris Martinas:

Chris believes that the company must become aggressive in order to remain successful. He

believes that along with a new product, the company should enter other areas in the market in order to achieve this.

3. Evaluate each argument listed above as sound or unsound and why. Indicate whether

they are emotional or logical in nature.

a. Cliff O'Connor:

Cliff's statements are sound and logical because key changes are needed in order for the

company to remain competitive. Not only does a new product need to be created, but high

returns need to increase quickly in order to establish the company's success.

b. Pat Lambert:

Pat's statements are unsound and emotional because she doesn't understand the mechanics of

a product. She believes that launching the product first is more important than the quality of

the product and an improved product can be released the following year. She also states that

since a prototype already exists, it should be a problem for the tech department to come up

with the product by the deadline. She also wants to prove to everyone that she is good at her

job.

c. Kelly Thomas:

Kelly's statements are sound and logical because of his experience with product

development, he understand what it takes to produce a good quality product. He takes pride

in his work and knows what it takes and how long it will take to come up with a quality

product.