3 sources 96

Morse, R., Brooks, E., & Mason, M. (2018, September 9). How U.S. News Calculated the 2019 Best Colleges Rankings. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from usnews.com: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings

Summary:

This article describes U.S. News’ system for calculating 2019 college rankings. It gives detailed definitions of considered attributes and the percentage weight each attribute is given during calculations.

Assessment:

The source is credible because it is primary. It reports information created and owned by the entity writing it, meaning there is no speculation. Additionally, U.S. News is a trusted reference for ranking data, often used by high school counselors and colleges wishing to promote certain programs. The article is objective, reporting only facts about the ranking process.

Reflection:

I plan to use this source to argue how the proposed Supply Chain Information Systems Committee (SCISC) will specifically increase Fox’s ranking in U.S. News. I chose U.S. News because it was the source of the recent MBA scandal. If the SCISC helps improve other rankings categories, perhaps some of the damage done to the school’s reputation can be mended.

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Fatland, A. (2014, November 10). Why universities and corporations need strategic partnerships. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141110153212-3758357-why-universities-and-corporations-need-strategic-partnerships

Summary:

The author explains that historically, corporations only interacted with universities in the form of large one-time donations. However, as trends change, strategic partnerships have begun to emerge. Companies no longer give, they invest, and universities are pushed to improve education standards to meet the high demands of corporate America, not academia. He argues the best way to foster these partnerships is through time and sharing a common mission.

Assessment:

At the time the article was written, the author, Anson Fatland, worked as the Associate Vice President for Economic Development and External Affairs at Washington State University. This position would have required expertise in collegiate-corporate relations, making him a credible and useful source of knowledge on the subject. His article is subjective but is supported with facts gathered by the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO).

Reflection:

I plan to use this source to aid arguments supporting the need for increased corporate relations, a need the SCISC would fulfill. Although there are several logical arguments that can be made in favor of it, I concluded it would be necessary to have an expert’s opinion to make my proposal as strong as possible.

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Frolund, L., Murray, F., & Riedel, M. (2017, December 6). Developing Successful Strategic Partnerships With Universities. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from sloanreview.mit.edu: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/developing-successful-strategic-partnerships-with-universities/

Summary:

Three MIT researchers conducted a four-year study analyzing the development and success of corporate-university relationships. From their findings they compiled an article presenting a number of strategies and trends associated with successful partnerships. In addition, the authors put forth a series of six questions that businesses should ask themselves before forming a partnership with a college.

Assessment:

MIT is one of the most prestigious universities on the globe, making a research project conducted by them inherently credible. The data is objective, but the interpretation of it inevitably shows some of the interpreter’s subjective bias.

Reflection:

I plan to use the research findings in this article to present trends in the realm of corporate-university partnerships. Although the article mainly lists strategies for businesses searching partnerships with colleges, it provides valuable insight into the attributes companies look for in a relationship. Using this information, I can propose accurate ways to effectively recruit and retain corporations to join the SCISC.

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Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business. (n.d.). A Look Back...Penn State Smeal Supply Chain Program. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from smeal.psu.edu: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr/documents/a-look-back-penn-state-smeal-supply-chain-program

Summary:

This report, compiled by the Smeal College of Business, chronicles the history of Penn State’s supply chain program from its inception in the 1950s to the modern day. It also describes, in depth, the creation, history, and current functions of the Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR).

Assessment:

This report is credible because it is a primary source created by a reputable and accredited university. No organization would know Penn State’s history better than the university itself. The report is objective, both in its narrative of history and description of CSCR functions.

Reflection:

My vision for the SCISC is based on the success of Penn State’s CSCR. A detailed report of the history and functions of a similar organization to the one I am proposing will provide invaluable guidance when it comes to forming policies on structure, timeframes, and logistics.

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Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. (2018, April 13). Computer and Information Systems Managers. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from bls.gov: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm

Summary:

This website is a compilation of employment data regarding computer and information systems managers assembled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Assessment

This website is credible and useful because it is a primary source—the BLS internally collects and analyzes data continuously concerning employment. It is also a government agency, meaning it is supervised and monitored by the highest powers in our country. The source is objective, reporting only raw data and research results.

Reflection:

I plan on using this source to promote the strength and high growth rate of the information systems job market. If the job market can be proven to be solid, it makes the case for a Supply Chain and Information Systems Committee more sound than other unions between Fox academic disciplines.