Quick Sand Accounting Firm (QSAF) hires out Trainee Accountants to their various clients on outsourced basis. The Trainees Accountants work on the clients’ premises using a laptop because of a lack of office space at QSAF. They can use whatever software provided by the client. However as a consequence of this none of the Trainee Accountants use software which is compatible. To improve its services, QSAF intends to invest in a suite of compatible accounting software packages that all Trainee Accountants will use in their work. However, this will mean switching over from their existing software to the new system. Senior Partner of QSAF is concerned that this will be unpopular with the Trainee Accountants who are used to working with their own familiar software.
Required:
a) Explain how the new system will transform QSAF as a firm. (8 marks)
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The new system will:
- Change the way trainee accountants work.
- Compatible software allows workers to share ideas electronically. Change the way the company’s services are provided.
- As the Trainee Accountants can share ideas electronically, they no longer need to work together at the client’s premises.
(Any 2 points)
b) Explain the concept of the ‘virtual team’ and relate it to QSAF. (4 marks)
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Virtual teams are interconnected groups of people who may not be present in the same office or organisation but who:
- Share information and tasks.
- Make joint decisions.
- Fulfil the collaborative function of a team.
c) Explain the reasons why an organisation such as QSAF might choose a direct approach to system changeover. (8 marks)
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A direct approach may be preferred because:
- To overcome a reluctance to ‘let the old system go.
- It is cheaper and more convenient than running two systems.
- The change may be implemented before any objection is encountered.
(Total: 20 marks)