1. You have been assigned to write a formal mission statement for SWL. Start by reviewing SWL’s background in Chapter 1, then do Internet researches to find mission statements that seem clear, focused, and easy to understand. Pay special attention to Web-based and catalog retail firms to see how they approach the issue.

2. Review the preliminary investigation report to see whether all four feasibility tests were discussed in the report. Write a brief summary of your findings.

3. Review the payroll department organization information on page nn. Using this information, prepare an organization chart for this group. In Word 2010 and Word 2007, click the Insert tab on the Ribbon, then Smart Art, then Hierarchy.

4. Rick asked you to investigate other firms that offer payroll processing services. Perform an Internet search using the term “payroll processing services.” Try your search both with and without placing quotes around the phrase and notice what happens. Based on your search results select an example of a payroll processing firm and write a brief report to Rick. Include the firm’s name Web address, and services offered.

SWL outsources the company’s payroll processing to an outside firm called Business Information Systems (BIS). SWL’s payroll department submits data to BIS, which uses its own hardware and software to produce employee paychecks and generate payroll reports. BIS performs payroll processing for dozens of companies. Contractual agreements between BIS and its customers identify specific information processing services and prices. SWL’s information technology department is located at the company headquarters in Raleigh and reports to the vice president of finance. The IT staff is responsible for SWL’s mainframe computer and supports the company’s Web site and the inventory, marketing, customer order entry, and accounting systems.