CIS 309 ASSIGNMENT

Topic of Interest 1
? 4-page Research Essay (Do not exceed 4 pages of written analysis or points will be deducted)
? Individual assignment
? Format: 1.5 line spacing and 11pt font. Include Works Cited at end and use APA format for citations.
Figures are required and should be included in body of your paper, but do not count towards page
minimums unless otherwise specified (example: In this paper 2 process maps are counted towards page
minimums but should not exceed ½ a page).
? Aligning Strategy, Products, and Processes
? Compare and contrast the business processes and corporate strategy/mission of 2 companies (i.e.,
public, Fortune 1000 type organizations) deemed to be in the same industry that are direct
competitors (not indirect competitors). Compare 2 companies that have a visible process that you
are familiar with (e.g. fast-food, grocery, retail, movies, etc.) that are different in some way.
Document each company’s process (process map/flowchart) and describe how the process aligns
with their corporate strategy. Describe in detail the metrics found (thru observation if necessary)
and use them to compare and contrast the organizations. Reference the sources of your research.
Should have a 1 page explanation for each company’s business process and corporate strategy that
includes metrics used to measure their process performance. Document the flow unit (customer,
product, service, etc.) of the process and describe in detail the steps of the process (2 pages total @ 16
points per page = 32 pts).
A process map for each process will be included and should take ½ page for each. Each company must
have a different process based on above requirements. Must include activities, buffers, different flow
paths, avg. queue sizes of each buffer, avg. flow time for each activity, and flow rate of the process (1
page total @ 20 points per map = 40 pts).
The last page will be your comparison of the two company’s processes and strategy. Tell me which you
believe is better and why using course content to prove your point (statements that do not have
supporting evidence will not earn credit). Describe pros/cons of each company’s process/strategy. This
will allow you to explain why you believe they have chosen their respective strategy and process
currently implemented (1 page total = 20 pts).
Include a Works Cited page at the end. Works Cited page can be on page 5; it does not count as part of
your written analysis (8 pts).
Restrictions: You may not use any of the companies described in the textbook cases and chapter
examples. Also Walmart may not be used since other courses contain case studies covering this
organization. Do not quote large amounts of text as Safe Assignment will mark that as plagiarism, but
instead put into your own words.