In this project, we are going to look at how we applied the structured systems analysis and design techniques that have been encountered in our textbook. We will analyze the system and management of the Blockbuster in Houston. We have asked the manager to look at the possible computerization of the member registration system and the tape rental system. We first analyze the background of the company, and this is done by a series of interviews with the manager who understands the system very well. In our project, we will uses some examples of the forms and documents which are useful.
Blockbuster operates 4,438 stores in the United States, with 3,343 corporate-owned video stores and 697 franchised-owned video stores. Blockbuster owns and operates 398 music stores in the United States. Their global strategic growth plan is to build their core business in video rental. Through expansion of their stores, self-distribution of the products, and the application of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen operations, the business will continue to create and offer new and better products and services to all members.
The Blockbuster Video Rental System is used to keep track of the number of videos a customer has rented the external entity that Customer has the most data flow to and from it. Also, the external entities where the system receives information from, or provide information to, the organization are Bank, Member, Management Department, Wholesale video tape supplier and IRS. The documents that flow into, out of, and within the organization are Membership Card, Membership Card (copy), Tape Catalogue, and Bank Deposit Slip. Moreover, the physical resources and materials, which flow into, out of, and within the system, are Deposit Checks, Money (i.e. fees and fines), and Tapes. The system links all other Blockbuster shops into a central computer here at the head office. Some data and information will flow into the Accounts Department such as membership card, bank deposit slip, and deposit checks whereas some documents will be flowed out from the Accounts Department such as tape catalogue. Besides that, fees and fines will flow into the Bank; then, Bank will provide the shop with some financial reports. Importantly, the Member borrows tapes from the Shop and then returns the tapes to the Shop. All of the above are the brief IS background of Blockbuster video shop.
The Blockbuster's name has nearly 100% brand recognition in the U.S. as a video retailer, and their mission is "TO BE THE GLOBAL LEADER IN RENTABLE HOME ENTERTAINMENT BY PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SERVICE, SELECTION, CONVENIENCE, AND VALUE". Their experience and serving members' needs are a strategic resource unmatched in the entertainment industry, and, in fact, it grows stronger every day. Their global strategic growth plan is to build their core business in video rental. Through expansion of stores, self-distribution of products, and the application of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen operations, their business will continue to create and offer new and better products and services to all members. Here's one observation of which they are sure: they believe that people all over the world share a common desire -- they like to have fun. Having fun is a "repeat business", and it's why they think entertainment will continue to be one of the growth industries of the 21st century. Within this world of ever-increasing demand, and the resulting growth of choices in content and delivery vehicles, they see a significant need for a reliable and consistent value and information so that individuals and families can make and enjoy their entertainment choices in any time. Consequently, their goal is to build on their relationships with all members and become the leading global neighborhood provider of home video.
In the information system of their video rental system, customers apply for a video rental card. Firstly, they fill out an application form and provide their identity. Then, they are provided a temporary video rental card by the staff. The original card will be mailed to the customers after a few business days. Secondly, when customers rent videos, videocassettes, and video games, they show their video rental card to the clerk and also their identity card to double-check. The clerk totals the amount of the rental fees, which is received from the customers. Every customer is given a receipt with the due date on it. Therefore, a record is created for each item rented. Thirdly, customers return videocassettes or video games. If the video is returned late, a note and the amount of the late fee is made on their record. After that, if a customer has a late fee, they are required to pay the amount the next time they rent an item or a mail will be send to them if they did not pay the fines in certain period of time. Then, the company has several special policies designed to provide a competitive edge in the video rental market. Once a while, Blockbuster will offer $1.99 for the new releases, free popcorn for the video and now the latest is that the new releases guarantee in shop and can be rented for 5 days. Other than that, Blockbuster also offers VISA credit card for the customers to apply. Customers are sent a bank statement reflecting their monthly spending as well as issuing them several free rental coupons (depending on the amount of rental for the month)In other word, the Information System affects the process of accounts department, cashier at the shops, new members' registration, tape ordering, tape borrowing and tape returning.
The Blockbuster Video Rental System will allow Blockbuster to
achieve and maximize the following goals and efficiencies:
The following objectives are used to implement the Blockbuster
Video Rental System:
| 1. Members: |
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Member Card Index: Member Card Index holds the data which obtained from a New Member when
he/she joins this club. Member Card Index consists of member details, such as member name,
data of registration, fine, etc. Membership Form: Membership Form Copy holds member details such as names, DOB, and S.S.#. when new members register to the system. EACH membership form is available for only ONE new member. |
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| 2. Tape: |
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| Tape Card Index: Tape Card Index holds the relationship between "tape borrow"
and "tape returns", and with Member. It consists of some data, such as tape status, date
of borrow and return of a certain tape. |
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| 3. Check: |
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| Filed Checks: Filed Checks holds the relationship between New Member Registration
and Accounts Department. It contains data such as check information, and then gives
"check value" and "date of the check received" (output) to the Accounts Department. |
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| 4. Payment: |
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| Cash Ledger: Cash Ledger has a relationship with Filed Checks. After Filed Checks
has provided the input of check value with Accounts Department, the Accounts Department
inputs this data to Cash Ledger. |
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| 5. Bank Deposit: |
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| Bank Deposit Slips: Bank Deposit Slips obtains "payment" from Cashier who handle
money as a member provides Cashier with fees and fines. After it has received the payment
from Cashier, Bank Deposit Slips inputs this payment amount to Accounts Department. Bank
Deposit Slips holds a relationship between Cashier and Accounts Department. |
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| 6. Accounts Department: |
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| Accounts Department: Accounts Department has a relationship with Check and
with Payment (Cash Ledger). It also holds the relationship between them. |
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