Case Study Analysis Guidelines and Rubric

  

IT 380 Module Three Case Study Analysis Guidelines and Rubric

Overview: This case study analysis will help you analyze a cybersecurity scenario and identify which principles were violated. Each skill in this paper is an essential part of the final project and accompanying milestones in this course.

Prompt: Use the articles from the Module Three required resources to analyze the cyber security occurrence, determine which principles were violated, and recommend appropriate policies to prevent recurrence.

Scenario: In February 2015, as many as 80 million customers of the nation’s second‐largest health insurance company, Anthem Inc., had their account information stolen. This compromise affected customers in at least 14 different states where Anthem provided services.

The hackers gained access to Anthem’s computer system and got information including names, birthdays, medical IDs, Social Security numbers, street addresses, email addresses, and employment information including income data. Both current and former customers were exposed during this breach.

So, while this was an attack against a medical provider and it resulted in a massive data breach, regulatory requirements were not sufficient to help prevent this breach. Because no actual medical information appears to have been stolen, the breach would not come under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, which govern the confidentiality and security of medical information.

Based on the Test Out sections from this module and the additional module resources you have reviewed, your paper should address the following critical elements:

 Identification of cyber security principles that were violated and rationale of cause

 Analysis of cryptography that would have helped prevent this breach

 Recommendation of additional policies that would have been useful to mitigate the breach or even prevent the breach

Rubric

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper should be submitted as a 2‐ to 3‐page (in addition to the cover and reference pages) Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12‐point Times New Roman font, and one‐inch margins. All sources must be cited in APA format.

Critical Elements

Exemplary (100%)

Proficient (90%)

Needs Improvement (70%)

Not Evident (0%)

Value

Identification of Cybersecurity Principles That Were Violated

Meets “Proficient” criteria and correctly identifies which principles were violated with empirical supporting examples

Correctly identifies which principles were violated with supporting examples

Identifies which principles were violated but supporting examples have gaps

Does not identify a single principle

30

Analysis of Cryptography and Prevention

Meets “Proficient” criteria and analysis demonstrates keen insight of cryptography and prevention methods

Analysis demonstrates accurate knowledge of cryptography and prevention methods

Analysis demonstrates knowledge of cryptography but needs additional information to support prevention ideas

Does not analyze the cryptography and prevention methods

30

Policy Recommendation

Meets “Proficient” criteria and recommendation demonstrates understanding of policies that would remedy the situation appropriately

Recommends policies to ensure proper resolution of scenario

Recommends a single policy to remedy situation but recommendation has gaps in strategic implementation

Does not recommend any policies

30

Proper Use of Writing, Mechanics, and Grammar

Paper is free of errors in organization and grammar with applicable sources cited

Paper is mostly free of errors of organization and grammar; errors are marginal and rarely interrupt the flow; cites applicable sources

Paper contains errors of organization and grammar but errors are limited enough so that assignments can be understood; cites applicable sources

Paper contains errors of organization and grammar making the content difficult to understand

10

Total

100%

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Ethical Case Study

 

Ethical Case Study Project Guidelines

Overview

You write a case study based on your own experience related to an ethical issue within an organization; or you may choose to write about an emerging ethical issue within your current or planned industry. The case study can be fully anonymous to protect those within your organization, and you may choose to identify your role in the case study or not. Your case study will be submitted for a grade in parts throughout the term with the entire final document as the last deliverable. Please review these general tips and guidelines. How to approach writing your case:

• Assume you are one of the leaders in the organization. Write with clarity and confidence on the topic based on what you have learned prior to and during this course.

• Pretend that the audience reading this case study knows nothing about the situation or ethical philosophy, decision-making, etc. Provide enough detail to give readers enough information to draw conclusions, but remain succinct.

• Explain, as needed, the context, evaluate the evidence, and make a decision concerning the appropriate course of action, and support your conclusion through arguments and counter-arguments.

• Take a clear and decisive position – What would you do in this case? What ethical decision-making framework did you use? What most influenced your decision?

Formatting Requirements

The formatting of this document should be as follows:

• Use consistent formatting throughout (12 pt font, Times New Roman, single-spaced).

• Do review your paper thoroughly for grammatical issues and typographical errors!

• Use cover page and references

• Cite your sources (do not use Wikipedia or Blog, etc.) and list them in a reference page per APA style.

• At minimum 5 resources that are published no more than five years ago. Choose scholarly resources (i.e., peer-reviewed journal, sources from your industry/organization, and (sparingly) the textbook.

• 9-12 body pages (single-spaced, not including cover page and references).

Project Timeline

• Week 3: Choose an ethical issue and a topic. See the assignment for details.

• Week 4: Part 1 and Outline of Case

• Week 5: Part 2

• Week 6: Part 3

• Week 7: Final Document

• Week 8: Final Presentation

Ethical Case Outline

Part 1: Describe the case (3-4 pages):

• Identify the parties involved, their rights, their responsibilities

• Identify the salient ethical and/or legal issues of the case

• Identify the relevant factual issues, conceptual issues, social constraints, and any additional information necessary for an accurate understanding of the case.

• If needed, conduct research about the issue from multiple perspectives and include relevant ethical theory, legal requirements, and technical details about the case to ensure that the case can be solved.

• See OWL Sample Outlines for formatting information.

Part 2: Critically analyze the case (3-4 pages):

• Identify the primary “ethical dilemma (or question)” in the case.

• Formulate possible courses of action.

• Discuss any role that information technology or context played in creating the special circumstances of the case.

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of those actions.

• Analyze different courses of action, are they based on a consequential or non-consequential approach? Are these courses of action ethical?

• Weigh the pros and cons of each action.

Part 3: Solve the case (3-4 pages):

• Indicate which course of action you would choose, and why. If you were personally involved in the scenario, you can detail what you DID do compared to what you WOULD do given what you have learned in this course.

• Provide your own opinions: do not rephrase the opinions of others, create your own, unique viewpoint based on your ethical philosophy, ethical decision-making framework, and the context and scenario of the case.

• Clearly demonstrate and explain how the pros of your solution outweigh the cons.

• Use the facts of the case and supporting resources to convince your readers of the soundness of your ethical point of view

Final Document

• All parts due as one cohesive document.

• Be sure to have addressed any issues or concerns that were brought to your attention from each individual part.

Final Presentation

• Create a 8-10 minute narrated presentation that is limited to 10 slides

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DATABASE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

IT 8100 DATABASE ARCHITECTURE IT 8100 

 DATABASE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

 Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 

“Whole Sale Food Market”

3

Department Department Department

Product

Code Code

Aisle

Number Number

Price Price

Unit of Unit of Unit of Measure Measure

Produce Produce Produce

4081

1

0.35

lb

Produce Produce Produce

4027

1

0.90

ea

Produce Produce Produce

4108

1

1.99

lb

Butcher Butcher

331100

5

1.50

lb

Butcher Butcher

331105

5

2.40

lb

Butcher Butcher

332110

5

5.00

lb

Freezer Freezer

411100

6

1.00

ea

Freezer Freezer

521101

6

1.00

ea

Freezer Freezer

866503

6

5.00

ea

Freezer Freezer

866504

6

5.00

ea

Whole Sale Food Market Whole Sale Food Market Whole Sale Food Market Whole Sale Food Market Whole Sale Food MarketWhole Sale Food Market Whole Sale Food Market

User View 1 User View 1 User View 1 User View 1 User View 1 User View 1 User View 1 -Price Update List Price Update List Price Update List Price Update List

5

Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF Normalize User Views and Create a Final 3NF solution

UNF

1NF

2NF

3NF

CHALLENGES CHALLENGES

Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market” Group Activity 1 “Whole Sale Food Market”

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Report Writing Management Concepts

Report Writing

Management Concepts

Academic Writing and

Issues & Aims

1.

Report writing:

i.

The brief

ii.

What is a report?

iii.

Structure of this report

iv.

Layout of a report

2.

AOB

The Brief

•

Question 1: Outline Sony’s organisational

structure and provide an explanation of why the

organisation is structured in this way.

•

Question 2: Outline how Aravind eye hospital

applies the principles of ‘Scientific Management’

and why .

The Brief

•

TASK

•

This is an assignment in which you apply business

and management theories to a particular

organisation

•

Review how the management concepts have

been applied in the particular organisation and

why

•

Minimum of 6 sources: 5 academic & 1 non

academic (such as websites, newspapers, etc.)

What is a Report?

Purpose

•

A report is not just a discussion of different ideas or

theories

•

A report is a formal written document written for a

specific audience/s which aims to:

•

inform clearly and accurately about something

that has happened

•

inform clearly and accurately about something

that needs to be solved

•

provide clear and accurate information which can

then be acted on in some way

Structuring your Report

“We do not store experience as data,

like a computer: we story it”

(Winter 1988)

Structuring your Report

•

Suggested Structure (1,500 words):

•

Title page

•

Executive summary

•

Table of contents

•

Introduction

•

Describe the specific management concept/theory (organizational

structure or scientific management)

•

Provide background (context) information on the organization (Sony or

Aravind )

•

Outline how/why Sony or Aravind applies the specific management

concept/theory at their organisation,

•

Conclusion

•

References

•

Appendices (for any extra tables, graphs, etc...)

Title Page

This should show:

–

The title

–

Your name

–

Your personal identifier (NB: this should also be at

the top of every sheet.)

–

An explanation of what the report is on and who it

is for, e.g. ‘An External Environment Analysis

Report for [tutor's name]

–

The date

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary should contain:

I.

The purpose of the report

II.

The major findings

III.

The main conclusions

Example

Executive Summary

•

This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the current and

prospective profitability, opportunities and risks of the UK ice cream

industry. The report also outlines different strategic decisions made by

the main companies (Unilever/Walls birds Eye, Nestle/Lyons Maid and

Mars) in the industry. It finds that the two most important decision

made were the decisions by Unilever to supply CTN’s with freezer

cabinets, and Mars’s decision to enter the market with their chocolate

bar ice cream. The report concludes with an update of the market

showing how consumers’ tastes have changed to become more health

conscious and how the positions of the companies have changed.

Example

Executive Summary

•

In groups, read the executive summary below. Is it good? How

might you improve it?

•

This report analyses the business environment of Easyjet at multiple

levels. Firstly, the report analyses the competitive environment in the

airline industry, with a focus on short haul service providers.

Secondly, the report analyses the strategies that Easyjet is using to

effectively compete in the industry, not only domestically but

internationally. Lastly, the report analyses the factors that have

contributed to the internationalisation of the company.

Table of contents

This should show

–

The full list of sections within the report

(including any appendices, reference or

bibliographic lists; etc.)

–

The page number on which each section

begins

An Example

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ……………………………………………………………….…..3

2. IKEA Background.................................................................3

3. The internal and External environment of IKEA................4

3.1 External environment…………………………...5

3.2 Internal environment…………………..………...7

3.3 PEST Analysis of Internal Environment…...9

4. Limitations of Report……………………………………………………..11

5. Conclusions / Recommendations…………………………………..12

6. Bibliography……………………………………………………………………13

7. Appendices………….……………………………………………………..….15

Introduction

This should give a succinct explanation of

the

aims/context of the report , and should include

brief details of any information necessary for the

reader to understand it, e.g. industry size ;

structure ; main activities ; scope of the report

limitations ; methods used

Introductions should include brief breakdown of

report structure

Example Introduction

Once considered a luxury for the rich due to its high costs, eye care in India was

revolutionised by the establishment of Aravind Eye Care hospital. This is representative

of an unconventional self sustainable business model redefining the dynamics of eye

care industry by providing high quality eye care at affordable prices ( Ravilla and

Ramasamy , 2014). Numerous studies provide evidence as to how Aravind eye care

network has successfully boosted its efficiency from two to seven times by

implementation of Mcdonaldisation to its social business enterprise.

Structured into three different segments, this report will firstly describe a brief theory

of Mcdonaldisation and its four key components. Secondly, it will discuss how the

founder of Aravind developed his idea of starting up this social enterprise, the

establishment of this business and its current business operations. Thirdly, there will

be a critical evaluation of how Aravind eye hospital has been able to adapt this unique

process of fast food restaurant chains into its business model derived from George

Ritzer theory of Mcdonaldisation to achieve its goal “ to offer quality eye care at a

reasonable price ” Rangan , 2009). Finally, this report will establish an indication of

whether or not Aravind was able to successfully adapt to this unique process of fast

food restaurant chains into its business model to achieve his vision.

Example Introduction

Introduce the topic

Once considered a luxury for the rich due to its high costs, eye care in India was

revolutionised by the establishment of Aravind Eye Care hospital. This is representative

of an unconventional self sustainable business model redefining the dynamics of eye

care industry by providing high quality eye care at affordable prices ( Ravilla and

Ramasamy , 2014). Numerous studies provide evidence as to how Aravind eye care

network has successfully boosted its efficiency from two to seven times by

implementation of Mcdonaldisation to its social business enterprise.

Structured into three different segments, this report will firstly describe a brief theory

of Mcdonaldisation and its four key components. Secondly, it will discuss how the

founder of Aravind developed his idea of starting up this social enterprise, the

establishment of this business and its current business operations. Thirdly, there will

be a critical evaluation of how Aravind eye hospital has been able to adapt this unique

process of fast food restaurant chains into its business model derived from George

Ritzer theory of Mcdonaldisation to achieve its goal “ to offer quality eye care at a

reasonable price ” Rangan , 2009). Finally, this report will establish an indication of

whether or not Aravind was able to successfully adapt to this unique process of fast

food restaurant chains into its business model to achieve his vision.

Once considered a luxury for the rich due to its high costs, eye care in India was

revolutionised by the establishment of Aravind Eye Care hospital. This is representative

of an unconventional self sustainable business model redefining the dynamics of eye

care industry by providing high quality eye care at affordable prices ( Ravilla and

Ramasamy , 2014). Numerous studies provide evidence as to how Aravind eye care

network has successfully boosted its efficiency from two to seven times by

implementation of Mcdonaldisation to its social business enterprise.

Structured into three different segments, this report will firstly describe a brief theory

of Mcdonaldisation and its four key components. Secondly, it will discuss how the

founder of Aravind developed his idea of starting up this social enterprise, the

establishment of this business and its current business operations. Thirdly, there will

be a critical evaluation of how Aravind eye hospital has been able to adapt this unique

process of fast food restaurant chains into its business model derived from George

Ritzer theory of Mcdonaldisation to achieve its goal “ to offer quality eye care at a

reasonable price ” Rangan , 2009). Finally, this report will establish an indication of

whether or not Aravind was able to successfully adapt to this unique process of fast

food restaurant chains into its business model to achieve his vision.

Example Introduction

focussing on purpose and structure

Once considered a luxury for the rich due to its high costs, eye care in India was

revolutionised by the establishment of Aravind Eye Care hospital. This is representative

of an unconventional self sustainable business model redefining the dynamics of eye

care industry by providing high quality eye care at affordable prices ( Ravilla and

Ramasamy , 2014). Numerous studies provide evidence as to how Aravind eye care

network has successfully boosted its efficiency from two to seven times by

implementation of Mcdonaldisation to its social business enterprise.

Structured into three different segments, this report will

firstly describe a brief theory

of Mcdonaldisation and its four key components. Secondly , it will discuss how the

founder of Aravind developed his idea of starting up this social enterprise, the

establishment of this business and its current business operations. Thirdly , there will

be a critical evaluation of how Aravind eye hospital has been able to adapt this unique

process of fast food restaurant chains into its business model derived from George

Ritzer theory of Mcdonaldisation to achieve its goal “ to offer quality eye care at a

reasonable price ” Rangan , 2009). Finally , this report will establish an indication of

whether or not Aravind was able to successfully adapt to this unique process of fast

food restaurant chains into its business model to achieve his vision.

Example Introduction

focussing on purpose and structure

Activity

Put the sentences below in the correct order to create a coherent

introduction to the topic of a report on the smartphone market:

•

The market can be described as an oligopoly as there are around six

mobile phone companies in the UK which control the whole industry

and regulate prices.

•

Competition within the UK mobile phone market has increased in the

last few years; one reason is the introduction of the smartphone

(Clark, 2011).

•

Furthermore, the offered products the handsets and services of the

mobile phone industry show similar characteristics.

Introduce the general topic

Solution:

Competition within the UK mobile phone market has increased in the

last few years; one reason is the introduction of the smartphone

(Clark, 2011). The market can be described as an oligopoly as there

are around six mobile phone companies in the UK which control the

whole industry and regulate prices. Furthermore, the offered

products the handsets and services of the mobile phone industry

show similar characteristics.

Introduce the general topic

Main Body of the Report

•

This is where you present your main account of the

problem or issue you are writing about.

•

It should be based on analysis, not intuition, e.g. avoid

writing “We feel that...”

•

You must back up what you write with evidence and/or

argument . This means using a range of relevant sources in

your writing e.g. appropriate theory, extracts from the

company annual report, news reports from credible and

authoritative newspapers, extracts from industry reports

etc.

•

All evidence must be referenced appropriately

Today

Aravind has grown to eleven hospitals and is performing over 408,220 surgeries,

a great indication of how effectively the process of Mcdonaldisation has been

implemented. The majority of treatments were serviced to the poor either free or at a

heavily subsidized rate ( Aravind Eye Care System, 2016). Aravind was also able to stay

self sustainable by being highly productive: using the latest technologies in spite of the

fact that it had only 30% of its patients paying. Aravind’s major sources of income were

his paying patients undergoing cataract surgery, sales of ophthalmic products and

Aravind’s training activities through which 90% of its money is self generated,

depending only on 10% from charities ( Rangan , 2009). However, despite the fact that

Aravind is expanding rapidly, it is still facing some fundamental management difficulties

wherein even after using modern and improved infrastructure in one of its hospital

situated in Tirunelveli, it is experiencing problems to stay self sufficient ( Rangan , 2009).

Main Body of the Report

Analytical Paragraph Structure

Topic sentence

Evidence, examples & explanation

(from your research)

Critically evaluate what you’ve just said

(so what?)

Main Body of the Report

Analytical Paragraph Structure

Conclusions

–

This is where you sum up the general conclusion/s you have

reached, such as "The very low staff morale is a result of an

autocratic management style".

–

Don't confuse conclusions (where you draw together the

threads of the preceding discussion to make some overall

point/s) with recommendations (where you say what should be

done about the conclusions you have reached).

Conclusion

All things considered,

Aravind has established an eye care system, which is pushing boundaries

in health care by providing high quality eye care treatments at affordable prices to the unaided

masses of India. Aravind has shown us that by strategic implementation of Mcdonaldisation to

its business model, which encompasses use of assembly line process that enables it to improve

its efficiency, to making self made eye care products reducing its functioning costs, and to

practicing unique Human resource management such as recruitment of local rural women, a

social enterprise can stay self sustainable and at the same time achieve growth. However, every

organization has some inevitable problems, Aravind is facing some difficulties but continual and

consistent effort is being put to improve its business model. Conclusively by using this clever

organizational technique Aravind eye care has been able to boost its efficiency from two to

seven times making it a leading business model in health care business.

Example conclusion

List of References

This is the list of sources referred to directly in your

report. You must give full details here of all the

sources you have used in your report.

Reference List

Aravind

Eye Hospitals (2016) Aravind Eye Care System. Available at:

http://www.aravind.org/default/clinicscontent/hospitals [Accessed on 02 12 2016].

Byronetics

(2006) Aravind Eye Care. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cjnNPua7Ag [Accessed on 03 01 2017]

Do, A.T.,

Ilango , K., Ramasamy , D., Kalidasan , S., Balakrishnan , V. and Chang, R.T. (2014)

'Effectiveness of low vision services in improving patient quality of life at Aravind Eye Hospital',

Indian journal of ophthalmology, 62(12), pp. 1125 1131.

Gray, R. (2008) 'Inspire and innovate: Developing world: Respite for sore eyes:

Aravind has

grown from an obscure clinic in southern India to the largest eye care facility in the world. And it

still treats patients for free. How?', The Guardian (London, England), 7.

Appendices (if any)

•

This is where you place any information whose inclusion is not central

to the main body of the report but which explains, amplifies or puts

in context the arguments and evidence you have presented there.

•

Its main purpose is to allow you to include important information

that, if it were included in the main body of the report, would

interrupt the flow of the argument you are developing there.

•

Any material in an appendix does not count towards the word length

for the report, nor will it attract any marks.

•

Examples of material suitable for an appendix include:

•

set of complex figures or statistics

•

supporting documents, e.g. extracts from company reports

Layout of your Report

•

the report should look like a single coherent document

•

consistency of visual style [e.g. font, line spacing,

underlining of headings]

•

justify margins

•

the report should read like a single coherent document

•

Sections should be linked (“bridging”)

•

information needs to be unified

•

attitude / approach to information needs to be unified

•

writing style needs to be consistent

•

Remember your cover page

•

Remember simple aesthetics

Read More

Management Research

 

ASB 4115 Management Research

Individual Mid-Terms Assignment (40% weighting)

2500 words - due 20th March 2020 before 4pm

The assignment consists of and introduction, conclusion and three short essays

Part 1:

Define and describe a systematic review of academic literature and explain its process. 750 words

Part II

Identify types of qualitative research strategies and explain how they are used for business and management research.

750 words

Part III

Critically compare and contrast different types of mixed methods research including triangulation design and offer examples of application in business and management research.

750 words

Suggested structure of your Assignment

 Introduction: (125 words)

o A summary of what you have done in the main body in order to achieve the assignment aims (relating to Part I, Part II and Part II).

 Main body Part I: (750 words)

o Start off with defining/ identifying/ describing the key terms as per question

o Explain/ critically describe/ compare and contrast the key terms as per assignment requirement

o Use figures/ illustrations/ models from theory/ textbook etc to support your discussion

 Main body Part II: (750 words)

o Start off with defining/ identifying/ describing the key terms as per question

o Explain/ critically describe/ compare and contrast the key terms as per assignment requirement

o Use figures/ illustrations/ models from theory/ textbook etc to support your discussion

 Main body Part III: (750 words)

o Start off with defining/ identifying/ describing the key terms as per question

o Explain/ critically describe/ compare and contrast the key terms as per assignment requirement

o Use figures/ illustrations/ models from theory/ textbook etc to support your discussion

 Conclude the assignment: (125 Words)

o Summarise the key points you have made pertaining to Part I, Part II and Part III and how your key points have met the assignment objectives.

 The assignment should cite literature throughout.

 References linking to the citations should be included at the end of your work. References are excluded from the word count.

Marking Guidelines

1

Submitted on time 20th March 2020

2

2500 words +/- 10%

3

Includes a front cover WITH NAME, EMAIL AND BANNER NO

4

Introduction that summarises what you have done in the main body in order to achieve the assignment terms of assessment (relating to Part I, Part II and Part II).

5

Main section that includes answers to three parts (I, II & III

PI

PII

PIII

6

Each part defines/ identifies/ describes the key terms as per question

7

Each part Explains/ critically describes/ compares and contrasts the key terms as per assignment requirement

8

Each part uses figures/ illustrations/ models from theory/ textbook etc to support discussion. These are accurately referenced, clear and relevant to discussion.

9

Conclusion that summarises the key points you have made pertaining to Part I, Part II and Part III and how your key points have met the assignment objectives.

10

Harvard Style References; consistent, free from errors and includes textbooks, journal articles etc

Any other Comments:

Agreed Mark Awarded:

1st marker

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Production of a PhD Proposal

 

Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Media

Coursework Specification Cover Sheet

Module Details

Module Code

IMAT5120

Module Title

Research Methods

Component Tutor/s

None

Assessment Description

Assessment 1: Production of a PhD Proposal. The detailed description of

Assessment 1 is as attached.

Submission Details

Date Issued to Students

Monday 18th November, 2019

Submission Date

Friday 10th January 2020 at 23:59 UK time

Submission Information

Submit soft copy to Turnitin on the module Blackboard shell

Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Media – Course work Specification

Module name: Research Methods

Module code: IMAT5120

Title of the Assignment: Assessment 1: Production of a PhD Proposal

This coursework item is: Summative

This summative coursework will be marked anonymously No

The learning outcomes that are assessed by this coursework are:

LO1: Critically appraise a research method and justify its application to appropriate research problems

LO2: Write a research proposal which demonstrates an understanding of the research process and its

application to a given research problem.

LO3: Identify and critically discuss professional, legal, managerial and ethical problems associated with

the development and execution of a research project

This coursework is: Individual

If other or a mixed ... explain here:

This coursework constitutes 90% to the overall module mark.

Date Set: Monday 18th November, 2019

Date & Time Due: Friday 10th January 2020 at 23:59 UK time

Your marked coursework and feedback will be available to you on:

If for any reason this is not forthcoming by the due date your module leader will let you know

why and when it can be expected. The Head of Studies (headofstudies-tec@dmu.ac.uk )

should be informed of any issues relating to the return of marked coursework and feedback.

Note that you should normally receive feedback on your coursework by no later than four

working weeks after the formal hand-in date, provided that you met the submission deadline.

Friday

7th

February

2020

When completed you are required to submit your coursework to:

Submit soft copy to Turnitin on the module Blackboard shell in the assessments section for this

module. Be aware that this mechanism checks the submitted work for similarities between the works

of other students (including previous work submitted for different modules in this or other

Universities) and published material.

Late submission of coursework policy: Late submissions will be processed in accordance with

current University regulations which state:

“the time period during which a student may submit a piece of work late without authorisation and have the

work capped at 40% [50% at PG level] if passed is 14 calendar days. Work submitted unauthorised more

than 14 calendar days after the original submission date will receive a mark of 0%. These regulations apply

to a student’s first attempt at coursework. Work submitted late without authorisation which constitutes

reassessment of a previously failed piece of coursework will always receive a mark of 0%.”

Academic Offences and Bad Academic Practices:

These include plagiarism, cheating, collusion, copying work and reuse of your own work, poor

referencing or the passing off of somebody else's ideas as your own. If you are in any doubt about

what constitutes an academic offence or bad academic practice you must check with your tutor.

Further information and details of how DSU can support you, if needed, is available at:

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/academic-offences.aspx

and http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/bad-academicpractice.

aspx

Tasks to be undertaken:

To develop a research proposal in a subject of your choosing that would take a PhD student three years. The

content of the proposal should follow the following format (indicative):

 Title plus author information

 Summary - Statement of the problem and succinct outline of proposed research

 Background - Review of the literature

 Proposed work

◦ Aims and Objectives

◦ Rationale

◦ Methodology

◦ Programme of Work - Work Packages

 Professional, legal and ethical issues associated with the proposed research

 Relevance to Beneficiaries – Identify and evaluate potential economic and social impact, as well as

possible (commercial or scientific) risks problems of the proposed research

 Research Management Plan

 Justification of Resources

 Gantt chart showing the project management, timing and deliverables of each work package

Deliverables to be submitted for assessment: YOU MUST USE LATEX FOR YOUR

PROPOSAL - maximum length is 6 A4 pages (including references) with a minimum margin of

2cm in all sides, with the Gantt chart provided an additional 7th A4 page.

How the work will be marked: Marked by the Module Leader

Module leader/tutor name: Shengxiang Yang

Contact details: syang@dmu.ac.uk

De Montfort University, Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Media

IMAT5120 Research Methods, Assignment 2 - Production of a PhD Proposal

Criterion Reference Grid

Learning Outcome Criterion & Weight 0-44 45-49 50-59 60-69 70-100

LO2: Write a research

proposal which

demonstrates an

understanding of the

research process and

its application to a

given research

problem.

C1. Structure and

Presentation

10%

Poor structure and

presentation;

unacceptable

grammar/spelling.

Exceeds 4+1

pages.

Evidence of attempt to

structure the review but it is

inadequate; Presentation

poor, descriptive rather

than critical; poor

grammar/spelling. Exceeds

4+1 pages.

Structure and

presentation are

acceptable but there is

room for improvement; a

number of

grammatical/spelling

errors.

Good structure and

presentation with only

a few minor errors.

Faultless structure and

presentation.

C2. Research

Question

understanding and

contextualisation

20%

Little or no attempt

to understand &

contextualise the

research question.

Literature review

extremely thin or

non-existent.

Very restricted idea of what

the research question was

about. An attempt to

provide the context for the

research question, but the

attempt was too weak to be

worthy of a pass. Literature

reviewing attempted, but

very weak overall in breadth

and depth of coverage.

Basic understanding of

what the research

question was about. A

sufficient attempt to

contextualise the

research, with a

literature review that

covers the main topic,

but with significant

areas for improvement.

Good understanding of

what the research

question was about.

A reasonable attempt to

contextualise the

research, with literature

review that has no

major

weakness/omissions

Excellent overall

understanding of what

the research question

was about.

Contextualisation is

successfully achieved,

with literature review

complete and critical in

nature.

C3. Clear Aim and

Objectives

10%

Aim and objectives

are not stated

clearly and are not

specific in nature,

leaving room for

ambiguity. No link

with tasks and

deliverables.

An attempt to provide the

aim of the proposed study,

with specific objectives that

fail to identify in a

reasonable way the specific

issues proposed to

examine to get the aim; the

link with tasks and

deliverable is not explicitly

provided.

Aim clearly indicated the

central thrust of the

study, and objectives

identify in a reasonable

way the specific issues

proposed to examine to

get the aim; the link with

tasks and deliverable is

not well explained.

Aim clearly indicated

the central thrust of the

study, and objectives

identify in a reasonable

way the specific issues

proposed to examine to

get the aim; the link

with tasks and

deliverable is well

explained.

Aim clearly indicated

the central thrust of the

study, and measurable

objectives identify in a

reasonable way the

specific issues

proposed to examine to

get the aim; the link with

tasks and deliverable is

well explained, and

these last can be easily

assessed against the

set of objectives.

C4. Rationale &

Methodology

10%

Weak or no attempt

to explain why the

proposed project is

of sufficient

timeliness and

An attempt to provide an

explanation of timeliness

and novelty of the proposed

project. Choice of

methodology was

A reasonable

explanation of the

timeliness and novelty

of the project is

provided. A reasonably

A good explanation of

the timeliness and

novelty of the project is

provided. A very

appropriate

An excellent rationale

for the proposed project

is provided, and

rigorous & complete

methodology evident,

novelty. No

justification to

support

methodology

selection of any

substance.

attempted but was not

wholly suitable and poorly

justified.

methodology in place for

most of the research

process, with a fair

justification for its

selection.

methodology in place,

with minor weaknesses

within the methodology

/justification.

completely justified.

C5. Plan of Work:

work packages,

timing,

deliverables,

dissemination,

Gantt chart.

20%

Methodology either

was not planned or

was incomplete

and/or

inappropriate.

Methodology plan omits

one or more significant

activities.

Attention to detail is almost

non-existence.

Attention to detail is

evident in some aspects

of the plan. No serious

weakness but still some

room for improvement.

Attention to detail is

evident in most aspects

of the plan – only one

or two minor

weaknesses.

Excellent attention to

detail.

LO3: Identify and

critically discuss

professional, legal,

managerial and ethical

problems associated

with the development

and execution of a

research project.

C6. Identification &

consideration of

professional, legal

and ethical issues.

10%

No or weak

identification &

consideration of

professional, legal

and ethical issues.

An attempt to identify &

consider professional, legal

and ethical issues, but not

wholly suitable.

A reasonable attempt to

identify & consider

professional, legal and

ethical issues, but with

significant areas for

improvement in more

than one area.

A good attempt to

identify & consider

professional, legal and

ethical issues, but with

room for improvement

in one area.

An excellent

identification &

consideration of

professional, legal and

ethical issues.

C7. Identify and

evaluate potential

economic and

social impact, as

well as possible

(commercial or

scientific) risks

problems

10%

No or weak

identification &

evaluation

provided.

An attempt to identify &

evaluate potential economic

and social impact, as well

as possible (commercial or

scientific) risks problems,

but not wholly motivated.

A reasonable attempt to

identify & evaluate

potential economic and

social impact, as well as

possible (commercial or

scientific) risks

problems, but with

significant areas for

improvement in more

than one area.

A good attempt to

identify & evaluate

potential economic and

social impact, as well

as possible

(commercial or

scientific) risks

problems, but with

room for improvement

in one area.

An excellent

identification &

evaluation of potential

economic and social

impact, as well as

possible (commercial or

scientific) risks

problems

C8. Research

Management Plan

5%

No plan provided

or badly thought

and not justified.

An attempt to provide a

reasonable explanation of

how the project will be

managed.

A reasonable

explanation of how the

project will be managed.

A good explanation of

how the project will be

managed.

An excellent

explanation of how the

project will be managed.

C9. Justification of Resources 5% No or very little details provided, with no proper justification given.

Some details of the resources requested to undertake the project are provided, but fail to justify them properly.

The resources requested to undertake the project were reasonably justified.

The resources requested to undertake the project were justified well but not entirely.

The resources requested to undertake the project were properly justified.

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Final Project Guidelines and Rubric

Overview

The final project for this course is the creation of a proposal, project plan, and system design document. The project is divided into two milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Three and Five. The final product will be submitted in Module Seven.

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:

 Analyze real-world problems critically for their potential to be solved with information technology systems

 Propose information technology systems solutions that address organizational problems and meet stakeholder needs

 Determine system requirements, constraints, and necessary resources through analysis of information technology problems

 Integrate appropriate tools, techniques, and technology into information technology solution designs and project plans

 Develop illustrative project plans that communicate project objectives, work breakdown structures, project schedules, and milestones for successful completion of information technology projects

Prompt

Businesses need practicing information technology professionals who can design and implement information systems solutions to address organizational information technology needs and gaps. The assessment for this course will allow you to demonstrate the critical skills required for professional practice, including skills necessary to discuss potential information technology solutions, organize projects, communicate status, mitigate risks, and facilitate adoption of newly developed information technology systems. Your project will demonstrate that you are able to extend your coursework to manage the design and planning of an information technology project, and in the next course, to successfully implement a solution demonstrating professional expertise. You will need to demonstrate self-directed work, but also a willingness to receive and utilize feedback.

You will select a case from one of the provided case studies in the HBR coursepack:

 GasBuddy: Fueling Its Digital Platform for Agility and Growth

GasBuddy is an established app-led company in the travel app industry. They are facing competitive pressure that has led a new management team to make changes across areas of culture, digital platform, and product line. These changes are tested during the events of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

 Parentune.com: Partnering Parents

Parentune is in the service industry, networking parents in any stage of parenting to experts. Growing competition and the changing needs of millennial parents have forced the CEO to evaluate their plan for continuous improvement.

 Aadhaar: India's 'Unique Identification' System

This case looks at the challenge facing the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). With no existing method for identity verification on a national level, the UIDAI was tasked with the issuing 1.2 billion unique IDs by 2020. The case focuses on the implementation of an unprecedented technology project. as well as changing minds in a bureaucracy.

 The UK National Identity Card

This case looks at the attempt by the UK government from 2002–2010 to relate citizenship with a national identity smartcard. This is relevant today in relation to information systems theory.

 F-Secure Corporation: Software as a Service (SaaS) in the Security Solutions Market

This case describes F-Secure, a “Software as a Service” business that entered an established industry with a disruptive new service model.

Analyze the organizational challenges or problems within your selected case study. The problem scenario should represent an opportunity for you to put your best effort forward to demonstrate your highest level of competence and professionalism as an information technology practitioner. You are encouraged to select a case study that aligns with your target industry goals and is within the area of information technology that most interests you: web design and development, software development, database management, data analytics, network planning and maintenance, cybersecurity, information assurance, software development, and so on. You are encouraged to be creative, imaginative, and innovative when selecting your project and think about potential implementation in IT 420.

Once you have selected your case study, you will determine what problems or challenges within the organization can be solved with an information systems or technology solution, and you will create a proposal that outlines your recommended solution, design your solution, and create a project plan. You will use the design and project plan to guide your implementation process during IT 420, when you will implement your information system solution.

You will now submit your finalized proposal, project plan, and system design. These deliverables will be used to direct the implementation effort in your next course, IT 420. If the scope of your planned project is not fully implementable due to constraints on time and resources, you will need to prepare to deliver at the end of the next course a prototype, simulation of the information system vision, or a detailed projection of what a fully implemented system would look like. This projection of a fully implemented system is expected to be much more detailed than a system design.

Prompt I: Proposal

Your proposal will be submitted in Module Seven, separately from the other two deliverables. Your project plan and system design will be submitted together in Module Seven, and should communicate a problem to be solved by your proposed information technology solution.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

I. Project Proposal: The project proposal should contain enough detail so that relevant stakeholders (who will vary, depending on your topic of interest) can determine if the proposed solution is feasible and will address the needs or gaps in the current operating environment.

A. Problem Statement: Craft a clear, accurate problem statement that highlights the information technology-related aspects of the challenges that you are facing.

B. Significance: Analyze the significance of this problem and what a solution could mean to you, the company or group, and the discipline or area of interest within information technology. In other words, describe the significance that this project has to your discipline or area of interest within information technology and your development as a practitioner. This will be your chance to sell this project idea, so that it is exciting for your imaginary stakeholder audience, and also for your real-world instructor, peers, and potential employers.

C. Objectives: Describe the scope, goals, and objectives of your project. If you are addressing only a part of the overarching problem, state this in this section. Make sure that your objectives are reasonable (i.e., could be accomplished without exorbitant resource usage, an irrational timeline, etc.).

D. Deliverables: Propose your overall solution, highlighting the key deliverables that you will create to solve the problem or challenge the statement.

E. Methodology: Establish the methodology and techniques that you intend to use throughout the design phase of your project, with support as to how each is appropriate for the situation.

F. Risks: Analyze the problem and your own solution proposal to highlight any risks that may prevent successful completion of your solution design. Include risks that result from the project not fulfilling the objective to solve the information technology problem. In other words, what risks are present and how would they impact the potential for a successful information technology solution?

Prompt II: Project Plan and System Design

Your project plan and system design will be submitted together in Module Seven, and should communicate a problem to be solved by your proposed information technology solution. These deliverables will be used to direct the implementation effort in your next course, IT 420.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

I. Project Plan: The project plan will be drafted early in the course but further refined as you develop the system design. This way, the work breakdown structure and tasks identified in the design in need of development are added to the project plan.

A. Work Breakdown Structure: Clearly communicate a logical work breakdown structure for stakeholders to ensure successful completion of the project. Identify all tasks and artifacts to be developed.

B. Timeline: Illustrate the overall project timeline, identifying start and finish dates, major milestones, and any other relevant data points during the design and implementation of the project/solution. (Implementation should happen in IT 420, the implementation course.)

C. Dependencies: Clearly communicate any dependencies between tasks or resources for ensuring successful communication of needs.

D. Use of Tools: Professionally document project plan using Microsoft Project or Excel.

II. System Design Document: Although you will individually develop your recommended information technology project, the project design should contain enough detail to support another skilled information technology practitioner in implementing the solution. Determine a reasonable scope for your project so that it can be implemented within the timeframe of the IT 420 course. The following sections should be included:

A. Introduction: Articulate the overall purpose and scope of the system design in terms of addressing the problem or challenges identified in your proposal.

B. Requirements: Determine all relevant and necessary system requirements based on analysis of the problem faced. The requirements should be written as “system shall” statements that are testable and include functional, design, security, safety, and performance requirements.

C. Constraints: Determine the constraints of the system design and any assumptions made in terms of the problem being solved.

D. Resources: Identify necessary resources—hardware, software, servers, virtual desktop resources, and so on—that are required to complete the project, based on analysis of the problem being solved.

E. System Overview: Describe the overall design in terms of the integration of tools and technology for successfully constructing your solution. In this section, you should describe the high-level design and architecture, making sure that details are congruent with the type of project you are working on. For example, use of case and class diagrams would need to be included if your project focused on a software application, website wireframe, screen mock-ups for a web application, and so on.

F. Documented Detailed Design: Your detailed design should illustrate and annotate all important details to be developed of the system and its components, interfaces, subsystems, and more. It further breaks down the high-level design into small enough chunks to be properly implemented. The detailed design should align with the work breakdown structure in the product plan. The detailed design should inform the tasks identified and included in the project plan.

Milestones

Milestone One: Draft of Project Proposal

In Module Three, you will submit the draft of your project proposal. This proposal will include a problem statement, analyze the significance of the problem, describe the scope, goals, and objectives of the project, propose an overall solution, establish the methodology and techniques to be used in the design phase, and propose solutions for risks. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.

Milestone Two: Draft of Project Plan and System Design Document

In Module Five, you will submit the draft of your project plan and system design document. The project plan will include a work breakdown structure, timeline, dependencies, and tools to document the project plan. The system design document will include an introduction, system requirements, constraints of the system design, necessary resources, a system overview, and documentation of the design. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.

Prompt I Final Submission: Project Proposal

In Module Seven, you will submit your final project proposal. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This submission will be graded with the Prompt I Final Project Rubric.

Prompt II Final Submission: Project Plan and System Design Document

In Module Seven, you will submit your final project plan and system design document. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This submission will be graded with the Prompt II Final Project Rubric.

Final Project Rubrics

Prompt I Rubric

Guidelines for Submission: Your executive proposal should be approximately two to three pages in length and written in professional language with APA formatting.

Critical Elements

Exemplary (100%)

Proficient (85%)

Needs Improvement (55%)

Not Evident (0%)

Value

Proposal: Problem Statement

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen ability to establish problem statements that can be understood by various stakeholders, describes the issues in a unique or innovative perspective, or sets the boundaries for effective solution design

Crafts a clear, accurate problem statement highlighting the information technology-related aspects of the challenges faced

Crafts a problem statement highlighting the information technology-related aspects of the challenges faced, but with gaps in accuracy, detail, or clarity

Does not craft a problem statement highlighting the information technology-related aspects of the challenges faced

10

Proposal: Significance

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences ability to articulate analysis in persuasive terms for gaining stakeholder support or tying the issue to greater contexts

Analyzes the significance of the problem and what a solution could mean to the company or group as well as the discipline or area of interest within information technology

Analyzes the problem and what a solution could mean to the company or group, but fails to connect the significance to the larger context of the discipline, or vice versa

Does not analyze the problem and solution

10

Proposal: Objectives

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen insight into planning or assessing appropriate scope and goals for successful design

Concisely and accurately describes the reasonable scope, goals, and objectives of the project

Describes the scope, goals, and objectives of the project, but with gaps in accuracy, superfluous detail, or unreasonable aspects

Does not describe the scope, goals, and objectives of the project

15

Critical Elements

Exemplary (100%)

Proficient (85%)

Needs Improvement (55%)

Not Evident (0%)

Value

Proposal: Deliverables

Meets “Proficient” criteria and the scope, goals, and objectives are written using a highly professional tone and format; the connectedness between the scope, goals, and objectives is clearly articulated

Proposes the overall solution, accurately and comprehensively highlighting key deliverables needed to successfully solve the problem statement

Proposes the overall solution, but fails to accurately or comprehensively highlight the key deliverables needed to successfully solve the problem statement

Does not propose an overall solution

15

Proposal: Methodology

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen insight into best application of established methods or evidences integration of unique creative approaches

Establishes the methodology and techniques to be used throughout design with support regarding how each is appropriate for the situation

Establishes the methodology and techniques to be used throughout design with support, but lacks necessary detail or fails to discuss the appropriateness of each

Does not establish the methodology and techniques to be used throughout design

30

Proposal: Risks

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen insight into the nuances of risk mitigation in IT project proposals and planning

Analyzes the problem and solution proposed to highlight any risks that could prevent successful project completion and how they could impact the project

Analyzes the problem and solution proposed to highlight risks but with gaps in detail, logic, or connections to the impact of the project

Does not analyze the problem and solution proposed to highlight risks

10

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

10

Total

100%

Prompt II Rubric

Guidelines for Submission: Your project plan and system design should be approximately 10–15 pages in length. Use Visio (or a comparable design tool) for illustrative design documents, as well as Microsoft Project or Excel for the project planning aspects of your submission.

Critical Elements

Exemplary (100%)

Proficient (85%)

Needs Improvement (55%)

Not Evident (0%)

Value

Project Plan: Work Breakdown Structure

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences sophisticated understanding of the nuanced communication needs of various stakeholders relevant to the scenario

Communicates a logical work breakdown structure that clearly identifies tasks and artifacts for stakeholders to ensure successful completion of the project

Communicates a work breakdown structure that identifies tasks and artifacts for stakeholders, but with gaps in logic, clarity, or detail that could prevent successful completion of the project

Does not communicate a work breakdown structure that identifies tasks and artifacts for stakeholders

6

Project Plan: Timeline

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences a high level of detail and is drawn in a professionally formatted manner

Comprehensively illustrates the overall project timeline for design and implementation of the project

Illustrates the overall project timeline for design and implementation of the project, but with gaps in detail

Does not illustrate the overall project timeline for design and implementation of the project

6

Project Plan: Dependencies

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen insight into the nuanced relationships between needs, requirements, tasks, and available resources

Clearly communicates any dependencies between tasks and resources for ensuring successful communication of needs

Communicates dependencies between tasks and resources , but with gaps in detail or clarity that prevent successful communication of needs

Does not communicate dependencies between tasks and resources

6

Project Plan: Use of Tools

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences exceptionally advanced or successful use of tools for project planning

Project plan is documented professionally using an appropriate tool

Project plan is documented, but with gaps in professional delivery or use of an inappropriate tool

Does not document project plan with a tool

6

System Design Document: Introduction

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences keen insight into the nuances of scoping system design projects

Articulates the overall purpose and scope of the system design in terms of addressing the needs and challenges identified in proposal

Articulates the overall purpose and scope of the system design but lacks detail or specificity regarding the needs and challenges identified in proposal

Does not articulate the overall purpose and scope of the system design

25

System Design Document: Requirements

Meets “Proficient” criteria and the description is communicated using a highly professional tone

Determines relevant, necessary, and testable system requirements based on problem analysis

Determines system requirements, but not based on problem analysis or lacks relevance, necessity, or testability

Does not determine system requirements

6

Critical Elements

Exemplary (100%)

Proficient (85%)

Needs Improvement (55%)

Not Evident (0%)

Value

System Design Document: Constraints

Meets “Proficient” criteria and is exceptionally thorough and detailed in determining constraints

Accurately determines the constraints of the system design and any assumptions made in terms of the problem being solved

Determines the constraints of the system design and any assumptions made in terms of the problem being solved, but with gaps in accuracy

Does not determine the constraints of the system design and assumptions made

5

System Design Document: Resources

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences sophisticated understanding of required resources without indicating superfluous resources

Identifies necessary resources required to complete the project, based on analysis of the problem

Identifies necessary resources required to complete the project, but does not base conclusions on analysis of the problem or is not comprehensive in identifying resources

Does not identify necessary resources required to complete the project

5

System Design Document: System Overview

Meets “Proficient” criteria and descriptions is exceptionally thorough, comprehensive, and well-articulated

Accurately describes the overall design and architecture of solution in details congruent with the type of project being designed

Describes the overall design and architecture of solution, but with gaps in details or in a manner incongruent with the type of project being designed

Does not describe the overall design and architecture of solution

5

System Design Document: Documented Detailed Design

Meets “Proficient” criteria and evidences advanced, professional, or exceptionally creative illustration of design

Detailed design accurately and clearly illustrates and explains important aspects of the system, its components, interfaces, subsystems, and more to be developed

Detailed design illustrates and explains important aspects of the system, its components, interfaces, subsystems, and more to be developed, but with gaps in accuracy, detail, or coverage of necessary items

Does not detail and explain important aspects of the system, its components, interfaces, subsystems, and more to be developed

25

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy to read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

5

Total

100%

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Management Information Systems

BUS 7700 Management Information Systems

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: N/A

Course Description:

Examines the use of computer information systems in business organizations with emphasis on how

information technology supports business functions and aids managerial decision-making. Explores

current trends and emerging technologies.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the primary business applications of information systems.

2. Understand the strategic importance of information systems and communications technologies

in business development and operation.

3. Conceptualize information needs.

4. Locate, retrieve and interpret data from different information sources.

5. Apply information from different sources to managerial decision-making, problem solving and

organizational change processes.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze, integrate, and apply theories, research, and techniques to plan and serve effectively

within one’s professional field of study.

a. Create comprehensive business strategies and envision potential futures that integrate

organizational functions in achieving sustainable competitive advantage.

b. Possess knowledge of current theory and techniques of the major business disciplines.

c. Effectively utilize quantitative analysis methods to identify salient information and

trends in data.

d. Develop key research questions, access relevant information, evaluate information and

its sources critically, and synthesize and apply that information.

2. Acquire knowledge of laws, ethics, and values and apply this knowledge to make decisions

appropriate to one’s professional practice.

a. Appraise social responsibility and ethical situations, questions, and issues and select

best practices for ethical business decision-making.

3. Communicate effectively as professionals.

a. Design, plan, execute and evaluate communication methodologies at organizational,

team, and individual levels.

Affective Learning Outcomes

Last Review/Revision: November 2016

Lead Faculty: Marylou DeWald

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the value of continued personal and professional

development.

a. Assess the value of continued learning and propose a plan for personal and professional

development.

5. Model Ottawa University values and culture by practicing mutual respect, encouragement, and

support within and beyond the learning community.

a. Cultivate and manage personal and professional relationships and resources. Build

upon these resources to accomplish organizational goals.

Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa

University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance,

vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

M Sc PROJECT MANAGEMENT

 

Assignment 2-Project Planning

 

Submission date 3^rd May 2020, midnight

 

You must adhere strictly to the limit on the pages specified for each question. Writing beyond the specified limit will be ignored.

 

Marks will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• Your understanding of the main themes of the lectures.
• Evidence that you have read additional material and refer (using references) to the contributions from relevant authors in the field.
• Clear structure and presentation of the MS-Project outputs and their analysis.

Report Submission

·         You should submit on the Blackboard, No extension is given

·         Report should be submitted in .doc or .docx format, no pdf, .xls or other format is not accepted.

·         File name of the submission should include student’s first and last name

·         All output from MS Project should be exported to your assignment document. No Excel or Project files are accepted.

 

 

The Assignment is worth 50% of the module.

 

PART 1                                                       (Max marks 25% of the total marks)

 

A Teesside PLC has won a contract to work on a major Project to start on 1^st October 2019. As a Project Manager you need to develop and analyse the planning schedule for this project using MS-Project. Your project team has identified major activities of the project, their dependency and resources needed to run each activity (see Appendix 1).

 

Appendix 1 provides information about the project, which includes project logic (activity links and their relationship – finish to start (FS), start to start (SS), and start to finish (SF)), activity durations, resource allocation and work breakdown structure (WBS).

 

You have been asked to perform the following planning and scheduling processes using Microsoft Project 2012 or later version.

 

A: CPM & WBS (Max marks 10% of the total marks)

 

1.      Draw a Gantt-Chart and CPM network for the project. Calculate early start (ES), early finish (EF), late start (LS), late finish (LF) and total float (TF) based on As Soon as Possible (ASAP) method and identify critical path.

 

2.      Draw WBS for the project (must include Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4) and discuss the importance of WBS as a Project Management tool. (250 words)

 

3.      Explain why identification of the critical path is important? Also comment on the changes to the Critical Path, if the project is developed using As Late as Possible (ALAP) method. (250 words)

 

 

                                                                                                                    

B: Resource Planning (Max marks 10% of the total marks)

 

1.      Produce and draw smoothed resource histograms for the skilled labour resources used in the project. Critically assess the output identifying the maximum units of each resource required for this project. (250 words)

 

2.      Carry-out resource levelling for Unskilled resource only (do not use automatic resource levelling) and discuss how activities might be delayed beyond LST to cater for the limits on Unskilled resources as a result of levelling. Consider resource pool for unskilled resources as 7 units per day. (250 words)

 

3.      Explain and discuss the process of resource levelling. (250 words)

                                                                                                                    

 

C: Cost Analysis (Max marks 5% of the total marks)                                   

 

1.      Calculate the cost of each activity in the project (level 3). Consider the standard cost of a skilled labour as £10/hr, unskilled labour as £5/hr and equipment as £25/hr.

 

2.      Produce cumulative cost-time curve for the project.

 

Note:

• Start the project on 1^st October 2020.
• Use default UK working calendar (i.e. Saturdays and Sundays are non-working days, 8 working hours in a day, bank holidays should be considered as non-working days)
• Use resource unit as decimal.
• Use fixed duration and set unit as days.
• Clearly identify each part of the answers to the questions.
• Use header and footer to clearly indicate what the chart or graph is showing.

 

PART 2                                                          (Max marks 25% of the total marks)

 

4D Planning

 

1.      Use Synchro Pro software and link the Building Project planning data with the given 3D CAD Building Model. Use both Assignment2.1.xml and Assignment2.2.xml with Assignment2.dxf. You will have two different models to review.  Identify issues and conflicts with the proposed plans and changes. You should provide the pictures of the visualisation on your assignment. Briefly discuss the linking procedure carried out. (250 words).

 

2.      Define 4D planning. Discuss the purpose and benefits of 4D systems as a Project Management tool in an Engineering industry (500 words)  

Appendix 1                            Details of activities, relationships & resources for the Project

 

Level 1	Work Packages (Level 2)	Activity Description (Level 3)	(Level 4)	Immediate Predecessors	Type of Relationship	Lag (Days)		Duration (Days)	Equipment/day (numbers)	Skilled Worker / day (numbers)	Unskilled Worker / day (numbers)
						+	-
P R O J E C T X Project Start date 01/10/2020             P R O J E C T X Project Start date 01/10/2020	Project Start	-	-	-	FS	-	-	0	-	-	-
	Activity A	A1	-	Project Start	FS	-	-	10	3	2	3
		A2	-	A1	FS	-	-	9	2	2	3
		A3	-	A2	FS	-	3	23	1	1	4
		A4	A4a	A3	FS	-	8	13	1	2	2
			A4b	A4a	FS	1	-	7	3	3	3
		A5	A5a	A4b	FS	-	-	24	1	3	3
			A5b	A5a	FS	-	1	5	1	2	2
		A6	A6a	A5b	FS	-	-	15	2	3	3
			A6b	A6a	FS	5	-	6	2	3	3
		A7	A7a	A6b	FS	-	-	20	2	3	3
			A7b	A7a	FS	3	-	17	2	1	1
	Activity B                             Activity B	B1	B1a	B1b	FS	6	-	17	4	1	1
			B1b	A7b	FS	-	-	11	2	1	1
			B1c	B4a	FS	-	-	23	2	-	2
				B4b	FS	-	-
		B2	B2a	B2b	FS	-	-	28	3	2	2
				B1a	FS	-	4
			B2b	B1b	FS	-	-	21	1	1	2
			B2c	B1c	FS	-	-	16	3	-	3
		B3	B3a	B3b	FS	-	-	12	3	4	1
				B2a	FS	2	-
			B3b	B2b	FS	-	-	13	3	3	3
			B3c	B2c	FS	2	-	19	3	-	3
		B4	B4a	B4b	FS	-	-	37	3	3	3
				B3a	FS	-	-
			B4b	B3b	FS	-	-	12	3	3	3
			B4c	B3c	FS	-	-	15	3	-	3
	Project Completion	-	-	B4c	FS	6		0	-	-	-

 

 

Learning Outcome

 

Knowledge & Understanding

- Systematically acquire a comprehensive and critical understanding of project management principles, project models and planning.

-  Interpret knowledge of current planning practice and demonstrate originality in the knowledge together within visualisation understanding of how planning techniques are used to interpret the engineering projects.


Cognitive & Intellectual Skills

- Evaluate commercial risks through understanding of the basis of planning risk including multi constraint techniques.

- Integrate and synthesise the theory and practice to resolve the planning conflicts in engineering projects.

- Make logical and argued conclusions on 4D visualisation and project costs.


Practical & Professional Skills

- Synthesise complex customer and user needs and ensure fitness for purpose by demonstrating technical calculation skills on engineering project cost, logical visualisation and propose collective suggestion.

 

 

 

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School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

Assessment Feedback Sheet

 

STUDENT
ID		Name
MODULE
Code		Leader
Title
ASSESSMENT
Title				Weighting

 

HIGH QUALITY INDICATORS	GRADE/CLASSIFICATION					POOR QUALITY INDICATORS
	A Excellent 1st	B Very Good 2i	C Good 2ii	D Satisfactory 3rd	F Fail

 

Structure: Clearly structured report with appropriate use of tables, graphs, diagrams and subsections.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Poorly structured report with inappropriate or missing tables, graphs, diagrams.
Literature Review: Comprehensive review of literature relevant to study with a detailed knowledge of subject area demonstrated.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Little or no evidence of literature review, may be irrelevant to the study and limited knowledge of subject area demonstrated.
Methodology: Correct justification of methodology demonstrating an understanding of values and limitations of the method.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Poor justification of methodology with no understanding of values and limitations of the method.
Technical Design: Detailed design combined with appropriate technical analysis.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Limited detail in design and an inappropriate technical analysis.
Discussion/Conclusions: Clear discussion of findings with logical conclusions based on evidence and a competent critical analysis.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Discussion of findings is poor or missing, conclusions are not supported by the evidence and no critical analysis.
Presentation: Excellent layout, conforms to all technical specifications with clear expression of ideas and appropriately presented.	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	Poor layout, does not conform to technical specifications with no clear expression of ideas and inappropriately presented.

A = 100-70%, B = 69-60%, C = 59-50%, D = 49-40%, F = 39-0%

ENGLISH AND PRESENTATION (the following areas need care and attention)
Grammar	☐	Paragraphing	☐	Citation	☐
Spelling	☐	Figures and Tables	☐	References	☐

 

 

Further Comments
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