Apply your Knowledge This section contains four mini-cases. Each case describes a situation, explains your role, and requires you to apply what you learned in the chapter. 1. Rachel’s Day Off Swimwear Rachel’s Day Off Swimwear is a successful chain of high end swimsuit boutiques. In the last six months, the firm added several new lines and opened a dozen new stores. The downside is that the company has outgrown its accounting software. The original accounting system was a package from Peachtree Software, which ran on a stand-alone PC and later on a network. Now, the firm is ready to install a new accounting package that can support current and future operations. You have been asked to implement the new system, which is called Sage 50. Tasks 1. Who should receive training on the new software, and what topics should the training cover? 2. Go online and investigate the Sage 50 product to learn whether it can import and upload existing data. 3. What changeover strategy would you suggest for the new accounting system? Explain your answer. 4. When should a post-implementation evaluation be conducted? Explain your answer. Purchase the answer to view it

1. Training on the new software should be provided to all employees who will be using the accounting system, including those in the accounting department, store managers, and any other individuals who will be responsible for inputting data or generating reports. The training should cover the basic functionalities of the software, such as entering and editing data, generating financial statements, managing inventory, and running reports. Additionally, employees should be trained on any specific features of the software that are relevant to their role, such as payroll processing or budgeting capabilities.

2. In order to determine whether Sage 50 can import and upload existing data, it would be important to visit the Sage 50 website and explore the product’s features and capabilities. Specifically, we would want to look for information on data migration or data import functions. This may involve reviewing product documentation, watching instructional videos, or contacting the software vendor directly for more information. By doing this research, we can determine whether Sage 50 provides the necessary tools to transfer data from the old accounting software to the new system.

3. For the changeover strategy, I would suggest a phased approach. This means implementing the new accounting system in stages, rather than switching over all at once. This approach allows for a smoother transition, minimizes disruption to the business operations, and allows for any issues or bugs to be identified and addressed before rolling out the system company-wide. The phased approach could involve piloting the new system in a few stores to gather feedback and make improvements, and then gradually rolling it out to additional stores over a period of time.

4. A post-implementation evaluation should be conducted after the new accounting system has been in use for a period of time, typically a few months. This evaluation is important to assess the effectiveness of the new system and identify any areas for improvement or additional training. It should involve gathering feedback from employees who use the system on a regular basis, such as store managers or accountants, as well as analyzing key metrics and performance indicators. The evaluation should also consider whether the system is meeting the original goals and objectives set for the project, such as improving efficiency, accuracy, or reporting capabilities. By conducting a post-implementation evaluation, the company can ensure that the new accounting system is delivering the expected benefits and make any necessary adjustments or improvements to optimize its use.