FAQ
Burton Snowboards - 2000
Note that these responses are not official additions to the questions; only explanations of what is required to answer them. Be sure you read the question and understand it fully before answering.
Question 1B and 1C. The specific examples refers to the one in the case or specific examples that we have to develop?
Specific examples for Burton in the systems described in the case. These are either found in the case, or you must infer from other facts in the case (and so indicate).
Question 2. Any suggestions on how to answer this?
I suggest that you (1) define the term, (2) state your answer, and (3) relate the facts in the case to the specific elements of the definition to support your answer. Include specific examples, if appropriate.
Question 3. In class you mention that we should use the expression online instead of real time. The Burton case uses "real time" in many examples. Shall I use online instead of real time, or for this particular case it would be ok to use "real time"?
The phrase "real time" has no accepted meaning; it should not be used by you in writing a case - and when using online, you should be very clear which aspect is online.
Question 3C. How do I support them?, based on advantages and disadvantages? With facts and recommendations?
These questions are a very important part of the course. They relate to your being able to relate the theory in the course (the first part of each of those questions) to a practical application. Just re-listing the advantages or disadvantages from an earlier part is not the question. Put yourself in the position of someone working for the company. Did the company make the right choice or not? Why?
You need to relate the company's specific situation at that time to the particular approach. For example, what were their goals? how much time did they have? what were they trying to accomplish? were particular disadvantages or advantages of great importance to them? why? How did each of these things relate to the approach they chose.
Question 4A. There are many problems listed in the book. Can I just choose any of them?
You must state specific potential security problems that would be reasonable to worry about in this specific situation. Your explanation must include support for why you think they could be a significant problem for Burton.
Question 4B. Do I just need to state the names of the two solutions?
No. For each (separately) you need to explain what they do, what security problems they are solving and generally something about how they do that.
- 07/01/2003 last updated 08/07/2004 -