Boeing Case Answers
Questions
1. Why would a large and complex company like Boeing employ off-the-shelf application-specific software for accounting, human resources, supply chain management and other core business processes? And why do they choose to own, host and operate all of their own software rather than to for example outsource payroll to ADP Corporation or sales force management to Salesforce.com?
a. Boeing probably uses off-the shelf application specific software for their core business processes because those software are readily available on the market and don’t need to be reproduced. b. There is no need for them to make their own software for things that there are already software available for. c. They probably already have enough on their hands to develop and maintain their software. d. Staff wouldn’t need as much training if they were required to use software that they are already familiar with using. e. They probably choose to own, host, and operate all of their own software because it would cost less for their company to do so that way. If they were to outsource payroll to ADP Corp. it might cost more for them to do so.
2. On the other hand, why would Boeing develop in-house some of the software applications used in conjunction with its products?
a. If the software were developed in-house the software would be customized to fit the specific needs that the company would need the software to do. b. The software would be able to get the exact information that is needed. This would result in a faster working pacing because the staff wouldn’t have to go through a lot of steps to find the information that is needed.
3. What are the pros and the cons for establishing a limited list of general purpose software products that employees may use within Boeing?
|Pros |Cons |
1. Why would a large and complex company like Boeing employ off-the-shelf application-specific software for accounting, human resources, supply chain management and other core business processes? And why do they choose to own, host and operate all of their own software rather than to for example outsource payroll to ADP Corporation or sales force management to Salesforce.com?
a. Boeing probably uses off-the shelf application specific software for their core business processes because those software are readily available on the market and don’t need to be reproduced. b. There is no need for them to make their own software for things that there are already software available for. c. They probably already have enough on their hands to develop and maintain their software. d. Staff wouldn’t need as much training if they were required to use software that they are already familiar with using. e. They probably choose to own, host, and operate all of their own software because it would cost less for their company to do so that way. If they were to outsource payroll to ADP Corp. it might cost more for them to do so.
2. On the other hand, why would Boeing develop in-house some of the software applications used in conjunction with its products?
a. If the software were developed in-house the software would be customized to fit the specific needs that the company would need the software to do. b. The software would be able to get the exact information that is needed. This would result in a faster working pacing because the staff wouldn’t have to go through a lot of steps to find the information that is needed.
3. What are the pros and the cons for establishing a limited list of general purpose software products that employees may use within Boeing?
|Pros |Cons |