IS-535 Managerial Applications of Information Technology - Applied Research project

Course Home - Applied Research Project

Deliverables
Topic Selection
General Expectations for your Final Paper
Final Paper Rubric
Citation Help

Applied Research Project Topic Selection: Review the list of possible topics and consider which you would like to research. Identify a company or which the topic would apply. You can use the Week 1 Q&A thread to pose any questions you may have about the research project. Post your chosen topic for my approval in the (required but ungraded) Discussion topic entitled "Applied Research Project" in Week2. You will be given feedback to make sure that you're on the right track for this assignment. If there are still questions regarding the project, the Q&A discussion in Week 3 will accommodate our continued discussion about the project.

Applied Research Project Submission: Submit your assignment to the Week 6 Research Paper Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. (200 points)

Week 1 Applied Research Paper Assignment: Topic Review 

Read the following description and possible topic choices.

Week 2 Applied Research Paper Assignment: Topic Selection (ungraded but required)

Choose your research project topic and prepare a brief description of your proposed topic. Post your proposed title and brief description in the Week 2 Applied Research Project discussion topic. Your description will be reviewed, and you will then receive feedback and approval of your topic choice. You do not have to select one of the listed topics. If there is an information systems topic that you would like to write about that is not listed, let the instructor know. The appropriateness of the topic will be evaluated.

Applied Research Project Details and Topics

You have been asked by the executive committee of your company to give a report on the strategic implications of information technology on your business over the next three years.  Here are brief steps that can help in forming how you will complete the project:

-find a business need that can be satisfied with technology
-research available options
-assess solutions based on decision criteria
-recommend and justify your solution

This report will be written with the intention to submit it to the executive committee. The executive committee has identified a number of potential research topics (not intended to be all inclusive) that include:

• Information Superhighway
• Internet
• Internet2
• Strategic e-commerce
• Broadband
• Internet Legislation including taxation
• Internet security
• IS Management
• Outsourcing
• ASP's
• Business Process Reengineering
• ERP
• CRM
• SCM
• Website Development
• Linux
• Corporate Applications
• Information Security
• EIS
• Expert Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• DSS
• Groupware
• Intranets/Extranets
• Telecommunications and Networks
• Gigabit and higher networks
• SAN's
• Video Conferencing
• VoIP
• Wireless networking
• IS Acquisitions
• Cost Justification Methodology
• Total Cost of Ownership
• Systems Development Life Cycle
• Prototyping
• Weighted Criteria Analysis
• Miscellaneous
• Computer Ethics
• Virtual Reality
• Multimedia
• Telecommuting
• Data Security
• International Issues
• Computer Based Learning
• Technology
• Wireless Broadband
• 64 Bit Microprocessor and associated chip sets
• Portable Computing trends
• End User Software/Applications
• Database trends
• Operating System trends
• Office Suite trends
• Project Management trends

Pick a topic from one major area and subcategory. Then choose a specific company (either one you work for or one you have researched) and prepare a written report using APA format. You may find information about APA in the Syllabus. The HUB 2.0 Student Resources center contains a variety of guides for APA which may be helpful as well.

The paper needs to include a recommendation on what strategic action to take relative to the topic selected as well as the impact on the selected company over a three year time frame. The paper should follow this general outline:

I. Definition of the subject

II. Brief background of the company you have chosen

III. Discussion of Current Business Issues (the issues would be addressed by your chosen topic)

IV. Discussion of Proposed Solution (how the chosen topic addresses the business issues described)

V. Recommendations for the Executive Committee (supported by strategic impact of topic over a three year time frame)

VI. Attachments

i. Reference List
ii. Exhibits of any material that can be used to support assertions made or facts presented in the paper.

The paper should follow the APA style of citing references and should include no fewer than five reference citations.

Use the library available through DeVry and other credible resources on the Internet.

The paper should be between 8-10 double-spaced pages (excluding title page, abstract, bibliography and attachments). 8 to 10 pages of content correlates to 2,000 to 2,500 words.

Reference direct quotations and paraphrased material from your research appropriately via APA style.