Business Case Analysis

IT Concepts to Business Decisions
Case 4.2 Business Case: Carnival Seeks to Keep Passengers Happier at Sea with IoT, NFC and Edge Computing
A case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and discussing the specific case questions below, develop your proposed solution by following these five steps:
Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the principles and concepts of the course module which apply to the situation described in the case study.
Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the module. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course module. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.
Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation.
Complete this initial analysis and then read the case study questions that follow here. Typically, you will already have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case.
___________________________________________________________________
Case Study Questions:
Why did Carnival Cruise Line think the OceanMedallion would help increase their cruise sales?
What is the services component of the OceanMedallion called and what technologies does it use?
On how many Carnival cruise ships is the OceanMedallion used?
What services does the OceanMedallion Class offer to passengers?
What benefits do passengers enjoy from using an OceanMedallion?
Your well-written report should be 4-5 pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. To make it easier to read and therefore grade, make sure you clearly delineate each section of your answer so it can be matched with the relevant question. Use Saudi Electronic University academic writing standards and APA style guidelines, citing at least two references as appropriate. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Business Case Analysis:

1. Read the Case Study Thoroughly:
   • Carefully read the entire case study about Carnival Cruise Line’s implementation of the OceanMedallion technology. Identify the main issues and key details related to the business decisions being made. Keep track of any technological concepts that are part of the module you’re studying, such as IoT (Internet of Things), NFC (Near Field Communication), and edge computing.
2. Identify Key Issues:
   • As you read, note the key issues Carnival is facing, as well as the underlying causes. These could be related to customer satisfaction, sales growth, or operational challenges that the company is aiming to address with technology.
   • Focus on relevant information: Make sure you are only selecting the facts that directly relate to the concepts you’re supposed to discuss, such as the integration of IoT or the customer experience onboard.
3. Propose Solutions or Actions:
   • Based on your understanding, suggest actions that would address the key issues identified. For example, you might suggest strategies for leveraging the OceanMedallion more effectively to improve customer engagement or discuss the advantages of using edge computing in the travel and hospitality sector.
4. Answer the Case Study Questions:
   • Question 1: Why did Carnival Cruise Line think the OceanMedallion would help increase their cruise sales?
     • Provide an answer by discussing how the OceanMedallion technology enhances the passenger experience, improves operational efficiency, or creates a competitive edge in the cruise industry. Consider the role of personalized services and how it could attract more customers.
   • Question 2: What is the services component of the OceanMedallion called, and what technologies does it use?
     • Identify the specific name of the service component of the OceanMedallion. Discuss the key technologies involved, such as IoT, NFC, and edge computing, explaining how they work together to provide value.
   • Question 3: On how many Carnival cruise ships is the OceanMedallion used?
     • Provide the relevant statistic from the case study. This is likely a factual question, but be sure to clarify how this number fits into the broader discussion of Carnival’s investment in technology.
   • Question 4: What services does the OceanMedallion Class offer to passengers?
     • Outline the services provided to passengers through the OceanMedallion system, such as personalized onboard experiences, easy access to ship amenities, or faster service delivery.
   • Question 5: What benefits do passengers enjoy from using an OceanMedallion?
     • Discuss the benefits of using this technology from the passenger’s perspective. How does the OceanMedallion improve their cruise experience, and how does it contribute to customer satisfaction?
5. Format Your Report:
   • Introduction: Briefly introduce the case study, providing context and an overview of the key issues.
   • Body: Address each of the five questions with detailed, well-organized responses. Make sure each section clearly matches the relevant question and use appropriate examples from the case study.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from your analysis and provide any final thoughts on the effectiveness of the OceanMedallion system.
6. APA Style and Referencing:
   • Cite at least two academic sources in APA style. You can use sources related to IoT, NFC, edge computing, or customer service in the cruise industry to support your points.
   • Ensure you follow the Saudi Electronic University’s academic writing standards for clarity and coherence.
7. Final Review:
   • After completing your report, proofread for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Make sure your document is clearly structured and easy to read.
   • Ensure your answers are well-supported with examples, and your references are correctly cited in APA style.
8. Submission:
   • Once your report is complete, submit it on time according to the assignment guidelines, and ensure that it meets the required length (4-5 pages) excluding the title and reference pages.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to effectively analyze the Carnival Cruise Line case study and present your ideas in a well-organized and thoughtful report. Good luck!