To identify Critical Success Factors for SIMONGEM@AOL.COM the following should happen:

1. Identify organisational objectives.
2. Identify factors critical to obtaining objectives.
3. Identify decisions that are key to these factors.
4. Identify information needed for these decisions.
5. Develop IS to supply the information.

Levels of CSFs

These are disadvantages of CSFs.  The following affects the quality and acceptance of CSF results:

• CSF can be limited because there is no underlying theory compared to other methods.

• There is potential for interviewer to have biased opinions, because CSF results depend on interviewer knowledge of the business (Davis, 1979).

• There is potential for managers to accidentally ignore CSFs in favour of simple models of the firm (Davis, 1980).
• Executives can misunderstand the CSF concept, which would mean some managers do not contribute meaningfully.

List of Critical Success Factors for SIMONGEM@AOL.COM

• Timely Delivery
• Automobile Industry
• Image
• High Quality Dealer Network
• Reputation
• Cost Control
• Compliance with safety standard
• Product quality and sales  

Timely Delivery

Simongem@aol.com will need timely delivery to deliver components on time to customers to ensure that they are as good as or better then their competitors.  Because SIMONGEM@AOL.COM specialise in distributing car components and accessories it is vital that the car manufacturers and the retailers know they can deliver on time, otherwise they will lose business to competitors. 

Parts are ordered specifically when needed, which are delivered quickly to customer.    A plan for investments in hardware, software, and staff training will be needed to improve resources for Timely Delivery.  SIMONGEM@AOL.COM could then improve the efficiency of functional departments, which is crucial for timeliness. 

Automobile Industry

A new corporate strategy may need to be introduced, so that SIMONGEM@AOL.COM can allocate resources more efficiently and understand the nature of competitive forces.  Discovery and developing of innovations with partners in the automobile industry could mean opportunities for new customers and new products.  Partnerships share data, information, also share investment costs and risks in new technology. SIMONGEM@AOL.COM should research threats from competitors.

Image

SIMONGEM@AOL.COM need a strong image to sell and be recognised internationally.  Good image can help maintain a competitive advantage.  If staff cannot answer customers’ questions then they might go to a competitor, which will lessen their image.  It is invaluable that SIMONGEM@AOL.COM can use the same customers when they produce new accessories and components for new cars.  The image that SIMONGEM@AOL.COM give manufacturers and retailers should indicate a high standard for:

·        The quality of SIMONGEM@AOL.COM products.

·        The service they provide. 

Rival competitors will want a superior image to SIMONGEM@AOL.COM.  To deal with this SIMONGEM@AOL.COM should train staff; this is vital if SIMONGEM@AOL.COM are to portray a good image to their existing customers and find new customers.

High Quality Dealer Network

Because conditions are always changing, to survive as a high quality Dealer SIMONGEM@AOL.COM will have to keep their philosophy of upgrading computers to achieve high revenues.  Management can communicate through the Dealer Network with other organisations to control staff resources and control similar small projects.   This will increase the client’s insight of SIMONGEM@AOL.COM.

Reputation

SIMONGEM@AOL.COM will have to maintain the reputation of success.  SIMONGEM@AOL.COM management need to consider factors such as complaint response if they want to keep their good reputation.    The reputation of the company is relevant to the sales they make. If SIMONGEM@AOL.COM doesn’t sell the required amount of products than they will have to bear the costs and the reputation will go down.

Cost Control

By controlling the prices correctly SIMONGEM@AOL.COM can receive more revenue and establish a market foothold.  SIMONGEM@AOL.COM should invest in the necessary consultants to help SIMONGEM@AOL.COM invest in new industries.  But SIMONGEM@AOL.COM needs to control this cost, as external consultants are expensive.  To have better costs then competitors is vital.  

Compliance with safety standard

The highest priority should be SIMONGEM@AOL.COM to educate consumers about the safety products SIMONGEM@AOL.COM sell. SIMONGEM@AOL.COM will have to conform to safety regulations.  Letting customers know that the products they sell are compliant with safety standards means they can produce and sell more. 

Product quality and sales 

The environment can be a factor in performance of product sales.  CSFs for SIMONGEM@AOL.COM products could be minimise the length of time a part is kept in stock.  Managers have to make decisions on how to use their market resources to optimise sales.  The use of sponsor can help gain success for SIMONGEM@AOL.COM.

References

Ward, John & Griffiths, Pat, (2000) “Strategic Planning For Information Systems”, 2^nd Edition Wiley,