Activity 4: Processes
Activity Four illustrates the importance of understanding the business process. Controlling operations and technologies plays an important part in the growth of a business; it is important that an entrepreneur pays close attention to how their business works and how performance can be improved so that they are in a position to take it forward and manage growth.
About this case study
The case study illustrates the importance of understanding the business process. Controlling operations and technologies plays an important part in the growth of a business; it is important that an entrepreneur pays close attention to how their business works and how performance can be improved so that they are in a position to take it forward and manage growth.
In this activity you will:
- Find out about the theory of managing processes within a business
- Meet Sophie our fourth entrepreneur and learn about her business challenges
- Hear the advice of the business professionals
- Provide your advice through an online poll
- Hear what Sophie actually did
- Check your understanding
- Relate the learning to your own business ideas
Having completed this activity you will be able to:
- Understand how business operations can be mapped
- Have thought about different approaches to managing information systems
- Apply your understanding to support your own business growth
Controlling operations and technologies
In this lecture Dr. Stephen King focuses on the growth of a business, considering the importance of both business processes and information systems. This session will help you develop an understanding of how a business works as well as highlighting some of the challenges facing entrepreneurs as their businesses grow.
Steve poses three questions at the end of the video:
1. What are the key processes for a website design company?
2. How does the website business differ from the fashion retailer in terms of business processes?
3. What are the challenges to the website design company in terms of managing growth?
Sophie's Business Challenge
In this case study the entrepreneur has a challenge regarding how to grow her business. Sophie has identified a number of options for taking her business forward and she is asking you to consider these options and discuss your thoughts with your fellow learners.
Watch the video case study and then, having considered the importance of business processes and information systems for a successful company, decide what you think Sophie should do.
Having reached your decision move on to the next step where our four advisers give their response.
Advisers' View
Each adviser has provided their thoughts on how Sophie should move her business forward.
What do you think?
Our entrepreneur needs your help! Having watched the case study and adviser videos it’s time for you to vote for the option(s) you think our entrepreneur should choose.
Sophie's Decision
Sophie Tregellis: Top Collar
In this video Sophie explains which options she chose and why. Are you surprised by her choices?
If you would like to know more about Sophie you can access her profile and business website at www.topcollar.co.uk.
Check your Understanding
Check your understanding by completing our short online quiz. You can download the answers once you have completed the questions.