Research Assignment

Assignment 2 Page 1

IT FOR MANAGERS

A S S IG N MEN T 2

GENERAL IN STRUCTIO N S

The theme of this research paper is Block Chain technologies. For this assignment, you must

research the theme with a focus on potential business applications of it (including yet beyond

Fintech). You must research current trends and summarize your research as a report. The

general structure of the report is as follows:

1. An introductory section about the current hype surrounding block chain technologies,

providing context for your report;

2. A description of select applications of Blockchain to business (minimum 3). Have

particularly business areas (of your interest) in mind (e.g., HR, Marketing and Sales,

Finance, Operations). You must also describe and analyze these technologies based on

their potential to be game changers;

3. The challenges for such applications to become widespread and beneficial to

companies;

4. A conclusion section (with your takeaway from the discussion).

SP ECIFIC REQU IREM EN TS

To write the report you will need to cover at least the following:

1. Your report must adhere to APA formatting;

2. You must research at least 5 recent (i.e., less than 5 years) peer-reviewed articles.

Exceptionally, highly regarded industry sources (e.g., IBM, Oracle, SAP, McKinsey,

Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini) will be accepted;

3. Other than APA formatting, the structure for the paper is not fixed, as long as there is

a logical flow of ideas. The length of the paper is not an issue, but it should not be

longer than 10 pages.

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Assignment 2 Page 2

IT for Managers – Assignment 2

Student:

Date:

REQUIREMENTS

Reference Marks

Actual Marks

Need Work Satisfactory Outstanding Exceptional

Conceptual background (based on literature review) 8 14 17 20

Understanding of main concepts and their business applications. 6 10 12 15

Analysis and discussion of potential benefits and challenges. 10 18 20 25

Personal insights and practical considerations 8 14 17 20

Editing, formatting and overall presentation 8 14 17 20

Total Marks