Business Plan for a Growing Organization
Explore how small, large, and global organizations use information systems. You will look at the following systems and describe how they change as an organization increases in size and global reach.
The systems are:
Accounting
Interoffice and intraoffice employee communications
Email
Document storage
Webserver (Online presence)
Cybersecurity
Asset Management
Now, write a business plan for an organization that is just starting and will grow to support larger local and global operations. It is important to remember that some systems will be beyond the financial commitment of the small organization as it gets up and running. Thus, it is important to think about systems that can be leveraged while a small organization that will need to be scaled up or replaced when the organization achieves major milestones (large within a single country and global reach).
Business Plan for a Growing Organization
Executive Summary
This business plan outlines the strategic approach for a small organization that aims to grow and support larger local and global operations. The organization will start small, leveraging cost-effective information systems while planning for future scalability and the need for more advanced systems as it achieves major milestones. The key focus areas include accounting, employee communications, document storage, webserver, cybersecurity, and asset management.
Company Overview
The organization is a technology consulting firm that provides innovative solutions to clients in various industries. It will initially operate locally and gradually expand its operations to cater to larger markets within the country and eventually establish a global presence.
Objectives
Establish a strong foundation by implementing efficient and scalable information systems from the beginning.
Enable seamless communication and collaboration among employees, both within the office and across different locations.
Ensure secure storage and retrieval of important documents and data.
Create an online presence through a robust webserver to showcase the organization’s capabilities and attract potential clients.
Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and maintain client trust.
Efficiently manage company assets to support growth and expansion.
Systems Implementation Strategy
Accounting
Start with a basic accounting software package to manage financial transactions, invoicing, and basic reporting.
As the organization grows, transition to a more comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that integrates various financial processes, including payroll, accounts payable, and budgeting.
Interoffice and Intraoffice Employee Communications
Begin with a cost-effective communication system, such as a cloud-based messaging platform, to facilitate real-time communication and collaboration among employees.
As the organization expands, implement an integrated collaboration suite that includes features like video conferencing, document sharing, and project management tools.
Email
Initially, utilize free or low-cost email services to meet basic communication needs.
As the organization scales up, transition to a professional email service that offers enhanced security, storage capacity, and integration with other systems.
Document Storage
Utilize cloud-based storage solutions to store and share documents in the early stages.
As the organization grows, consider implementing a document management system that provides advanced features like version control, access permissions, and document workflow automation.
Webserver (Online Presence)
Begin with a simple website hosted on a shared server to establish an online presence.
As the organization reaches major milestones, invest in a dedicated webserver or cloud hosting services to accommodate increased traffic, ensure faster loading times, and support e-commerce capabilities if applicable.
Cybersecurity
Implement basic security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular data backups from the start.
As the organization expands, enhance cybersecurity measures by investing in advanced threat detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, and employee training programs to mitigate potential risks.
Asset Management
Utilize spreadsheets or basic asset tracking software to manage company assets initially.
As the organization expands, implement a comprehensive asset management system that allows for centralized tracking of assets, maintenance schedules, depreciation calculations, and procurement processes.
Financial Considerations
Allocate a reasonable budget for each information system based on its importance and immediate needs.
Consider leasing or subscribing to software and hardware solutions instead of making large upfront investments.
Continuously monitor the organization’s financial performance and reassess information system requirements at major milestones.
Conclusion
This business plan outlines the strategic approach for a small organization to grow and support larger local and global operations. By leveraging cost-effective information systems initially and planning for scalability, the organization can establish a strong foundation for future growth. With efficient accounting practices, seamless employee communications, secure document storage, a robust webserver presence, strong cybersecurity measures, and effective asset management, the organization can effectively navigate its expansion journey while maintaining competitiveness in an evolving business landscape.