Advanced information system in business

Instructions:
• Your descriptive answers for the questions that are listed below will be evaluated based on content (breadth, depth,
accuracy, relevance, quality, ability to look at multiple perspectives before drawing a conclusion, ability to synthesize
with other readings or experiences where applicable, etc.) and readability.
• Your answers must be mainly based on the articles/cases in the readings packet, and class discussion posts. Where
applicable explanations and relevant references to past or current events, and work experiences are encouraged.
• Wherever applicable, cite references (e.g., title of article, page #, and the first/last few words quoted from the
reading etc.) to justify your answer, (even if the question does not ask for a citation). Clear shortcuts for citations
are acceptable (e.g., Alibris, page 3, last line, section labeled ‘Interloc become Alibris’, “Wow, It’s a near miss, …”).
• Unless explicitly specified in a question, there is no minimum or maximum page limit for the answers. Where
applicable, do not make the answers extremely brief in such a way that it lacks depth or breadth. Providing multiple
perspectives/reasons would imply the answer has breadth. Justifying one of those perspectives/reasons would
imply that the answer has depth on that perspective. Also, do not go too much overboard and make the answers
too lengthy.
• Ensure that your answers do not have poor writing style, spelling, or grammatical errors, inconsistent remarks, poor
logical flow, and parts that are difficult to comprehend.
• You are strongly encouraged to use different formatting features (e.g., bold font, bullet points) to improve/ensure
readability of your answers. Points may be allotted for using formatting features effectively. Ensure that your
answer is not just a list of bullet points and incomplete sentences.
• Please use 1-inch margins, 12 or 14-size fonts, and 1.5 line spacing.
• Ensure that the question number (e.g., 1(b)) is listed in the left margin before answering the question. Include at
least one empty line between two answers (e.g., between answer for 1b and 1c). Include page breaks as needed.
For example, do not have the first line of an answer appear on one page and the rest of the answer on another page.
Please note that penalty points are likely to be allotted for not following instructions provided in this document.
Questions:
Refer to the Alibris case, and provide descriptive answers:
1. Should Manley accept the investor’s offer? Should Alibris continue with the Oracle ecommerce product or
should they switch to Thunderstone’s product? Did Alibris, Oracle, and Thunderstone survive? Justify your
answers.
2. Do you think legacy IT issues are applicable only to well-established firms like Tektronix, or do you think younger
companies like Alibris may encounter legacy IT issues even within the first five, ten or fifteen years of their
operations?