No, Thanks, I’ll Use a Spreadsheet

Group BMicale BaptisteRobert KuhlClaudia MurciaAdeniyi Omotayo Deborah Stroud

MGS 3040-03Chapter 5

 1. To what extent do you agree with the opinions presented here? To what extent are the concerns expressed here justified? To what extent might they be due to other factors?

We do not agree with the opinions represented here

• A spreadsheet has limited capability to accomplish the tracking goal Spreadsheets or Simplicity?  

• Databases can be used for advantage in both small and large businesses

• Databases provide a standardized format for all sales reps to use

• Database technology could enhance communication with customers and provide other useful information to promote sales

To some extent, the concerns here are justified because:

• The car salesperson is not familiar with databases and its uses

• Salesperson did not buy into the benefit of innovation

To a great extent they are due to other factors such as:

• Previous experience using a database did not provide expected results

• Car dealership did not have a standardized process for keeping track of customers and customer car care interest data

2. What problems do you see with the way the car salesperson stores address data? What will he have to do if he ever does want to send a letter or an email to all of his customers?

The problem we see in the way hestores address data is:

• It is stored in a notes columno Along with extra phone numberso Email addresses o Spouse names o Last time he contacted them

• Data not easy to search for • Possible data duplication• Cannot easily generate a list of

addresses

If he wants to send an email or letter he would have to:

• Look at notes for each customer to find address or email information

• Enter each address manually into the body of the letter or email

3. From his comments, how many different themes are there in his data? What does this imply about his ability to keep his data in a spreadsheet?

There are four main themes

• Name • Phone number• Car interests • Notes

• Unfortunately, notes contain other information or themes such as:o Extra phone numberso Address datao Email addresseso Spouse Nameso Last time calledo etc

It implies that his ability to keep the data in a spreadsheet is inadequate

• Data may not be accurate or current• The salesperson is not very organized• He is happy with the status quo

o Not interested in improving, himself, the company, or the quality of his work

o He does not consider things from a company or peer perspective

4. Does the concern about not sharing data relate to whether or not he uses a database?

• No• Whether he uses a database or

spreadsheet, that data does not need to be shared by all.

• Different levels of access could be set-up in the database for each salesperson, management, etc

5. Apparently, management at the car dealership allows the salespeople to keep their contact data in whatever format they want. If you were management, how would you justify this policy? What disadvantages are there to this policy?

We could not justify this policy and in turn these are the advantages because:

• Employees need to keep proper track of records.

• We need to share our documents with others

• We need to be able to reach out to our customers w/out reinventing the wheel each time.

We could not justify this policy and in turn these are the advantages because:

• Employees need to keep proper track of records.

• We need to share our documents with others

• We need to be able to reach out to our customers w/out reinventing the wheel each time.

6. Suppose you manage the sales representatives and you decide to require all of them to use a database to keep track of customers and customer car interest data. How would you sell your decision to this salesperson?

We would sell our decision to require all to use a database for tracking customers and their car care interests by:

• Showing them the advantages of using the database versus individual spreadsheetso Ease of use o How it would improve their ability to make and

manage their sales and customers Reduced sales research time Provide real-time accurate customer data and lists Automation of email and letter distribution

o Offer training on how to use the database to their advantage Increased sales and commissions

7. Given the limited information this scenario, do you think a database or a spreadsheet is a better option?

We believe that the best option is using the database

• Provides business intelligence (BI)• Provides organized and accurate

information to the people that need it• Allows updates made by one individual to

be seen by all• Allows for “level” reporting• Provides automation

o lists, emails, letters, etc 

o