Business Systems and Knowledge Modelling Lab

Media Release

Sales solutions for car industry

A group of third year La Trobe University Management Information Systems students has developed a web-based sales system for automotive parts.

The system is designed to improve the sales and production process as well as broaden the customer base of Sneddon and Kingston Plastics. It was initially developed as a group project, based on industry requirements submitted by Finite Software and Sneddon and Kingston Plastics.

Student groups undertook a work-centred analysis of the company's sales and production process and proposed web-based sales and ordering system prototypes for automotive parts.

From student projects submitted, that of Simon Basile and David Glasson, was selected to be developed as a commercial prototype. It allows customers to log on to the company' site, inspect parts lists, place and monitor the progress their orders, or modify them and place new ones.

Development funding of $20,000 came from Business Victoria and the companies involved. Dr Rajiv Khosla, from the Department of Accounting and Management in the School of Business, said the project highlighted the industrial relevance of the students' course. 'It enhanced their employment opportunities and instilled a new found confidence in them with regard to industry expectations. The commercial experience has also instilled confidence in them to set up their own small IT businesses after graduation as well enhance their employment opportunities.'

– La Trobe Bulletin, April 2000