Introduction For Project
Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project
Project Purpose:
The Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project gives you an opportunity to thoroughly and deeply analyze an information system and make value-added recommendations for an organization.
Project Stages and Structure/Content Requirements:
This project includes four stages. Stage 1 - Topic Approval and Introduction (due in Module 2), Stage 2 – Information Systems (due in Module 4), Stage 3 – Analysis (due in Module 6), and Stage 4 - Final Project (due in Module 8). Your instructor will provide feedback to your submissions in each stage. Use that feedback to improve and enrich your project and submit your best work in Module 8.
Stage 1 (due in Module 2) requires that you identify an organization and an information system to study. It is recommended that you immediately try to identify them in Module 1.
Stage 2 (due in Module 4) and Stage 3 (due in Module 6) require information you have to obtain from one or more interviews or from multiple literature resources. It is recommended that you immediately try to arrange interviews with one or more people who know more about the information system than you do or start to research literature from reliable resources. The idea is for you to learn more about the information system than you currently know.
Your final project will include the following five sections and corresponding sub-sections:
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the project
1.2 Overview of organization (mission, brief history, brief description of the main products or services provided by the organization, etc.)
1.3 Overview of information system to (system name, system type, system goal, etc.)
2. Information System (include at least four, ideally five or more sub-sections)
2.1 Context of system usage (How is this information system used in the organizational structure? What business process/(es) does it support? What are its relationships with other information systems in the organization? Etc.)
2.2 Strategic role of the information system (How does this system support the mission, strategy, and/or management decision making of the organization?)
2.3 Main functions of the information system
2.4 Users of the information system
2.5 Training, support, and maintenance of the information system
2.6 Risk management of the information system
2.7 Any other aspects of the information system you would like to describe
3. Analysis (include at least 3.1 and 3.2 sub-sections)
3.1 Advantages of the information system (e.g., values added to the organization, cost, efficiency, reliability, ease of use, “talks to” other information systems, etc.)
3.2 Limitations and risks of the information system
3.3 Any other analysis you would like to conduct regarding the information system
4. Recommendations (Based on your analysis, develop recommendations related to this information system to add values to the organization. This may include how to improve the usefulness and ease of use of the system, how to reduce user resistance, how to improve user training effectiveness, development of value-added initiatives that utilize this system, development of risk assessment and mitigation strategies, assessment of the impact of emerging IT/IS trends on the future of this system and the organization, etc.)
5. Conclusions (Draw thorough, insightful, rational and meaningful conclusions based on previous sections.)
Interview/Reference Requirements:
The course textbook and/or course notes will not count toward the minimum required references.
For the Information System Section:
Preferably, most of the information in the Information System section should come from one (ideally two or more) interview(s) with someone in the IS function in the organization.
If you have chosen an organization where you are not able to arrange interviews, use at least four (ideally five or more) up-to-date literatures from reliable resources including academic journals, industry magazines and the organization’s own publications to gather information for the Information System Section.
For the Entire Project:
If you have conducted interviews to gather information, you should use at least four (ideally five or more) up-to-date literatures from reliable resources including academic journals and industry magazines to support your points in the final project submission.
If you did not conduct any interview, you should use at least four (ideally five or more) up-to-date literatures from reliable resources including academic journals and industry magazines to support your points in the final project submission in addition to the literatures you used in the Information System section. Altogether, you should use at least eight (ideally ten or more) reliable literatures in your final submission.
Format and Length Requirements:
Although there is no specific page limit, it would be hard to believe that a paper less than 12 pages can cover the topics in depth. A limited amount of data may be included in the text of the paper as Figures or Tables. In a paper of this size, there should be no more than one or two items, each less than a half a page in length. If you wish to include additional data, examples, forms, reports, etc., you should include them as appendixes. In addition to that, you should provide title page, abstract, and references.
Follow APA style to format your paper and citations appropriately.
Academic Integrity:
Note that a special online search tool will be used to identify improperly indicated quotations. A common rule of thumb is “If you copy three or more words in a row, they should be in quotation marks.” Direct quotations that are not properly formatted are considered plagiarism and will result in a zero grade for the assignment. The purpose of this project is for you to learn more about information systems and to show what you have learned. Although you are expected to have quotations and citations in your paper, they are not to be an excessive part of your paper. No more than 10% of the body of your paper should be direct quotations.
Module 1 - Work on Stage 1 and Prepare for Stage 2:
1) Read the Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project Instruction document.
2) Start to identify the organization and an information system used in the organization.
3) Start to arrange interviews.
Module 2: Stage 1
Topic Approval (10 points) and Introduction Section (20 points) (due in Module 2)
Choose an organization. It could be the organization where you work at. On the other hand, it could be an organization for which you can find information from public resources. Choose an information system that is utilized in this organization.
By Wednesday of Module 2, student must post a brief informal statement regarding the organization and the information system that will be studied for purposes of initial discussion with your instructor and classmates. Once your instructor approves your topic (10 points), proceed to the next step.
By Sunday of Module 2, a written statement should be submitted to the Assignment Link. A minimum of one-page of text written in APA format is expected. This assignment will be the beginning section of your final project, i.e., the Introduction Section. See what this section should include in the above outline.
The Introduction Section of this project will be evaluated using the following rubric. You are expected to carefully review it and use it as a supplemental instruction to develop your report.
Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project – Instruction Section Rubric (20 points)
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectations |
Meets Expectations |
Partially Meets Expectations |
Does Not Meet Expectations |
|
Introduction - Content 15/20 points |
15-13.5 points |
13.5-12 points |
12-9 points |
9-0 points |
|
|
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. It provides accurate, clear, detailed information and a thorough understanding of the organization and the information system at a high level. |
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. It provides accurate information and a good understanding of the organization and the information system at a high level. |
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. Some information is missing. Minor clarifications need to be made. |
The student does not address all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. Key information is missing or inaccurate. |
|
Communication and Style 5/20 points |
5-4.5 points |
4.5-4 points |
4-3 points |
3-0 points |
|
|
The student presents a submission that models standards used in scholarly literature. The submission is free of all spelling, grammar and APA format errors. All references are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is exceptional and extremely well organized with the usage of headings and transitions. |
The student presents a submission with a few minor errors in spelling, grammar and APA format that do not interfere with understanding. All references are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is clear, concise and well organized. |
The student presents a submission with some errors in spelling, grammar and APA format. References are appropriately cited in most cases. Attempts are made to organize the material presented. |
The student presents a submission that includes multiple spelling, grammar and APA format errors. References are not appropriately cited in most cases. The writing is unprofessional manner, unorganized and lacks focus.
|
|
Total points |
20-18 |
18-16 |
15-12 |
12-0 |
Module 3 - Work on Stage 2:
1) Start to conduct interviews and/or literature review
2) Start to write the Information System section
Module 4: Stage 2 – Information System (50 points) (due on Sunday in Module 4)
This assignment will continue the development of your Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project. In Stage 2, complete the Information System Section. See what this section should include in the above outline.
Preferably, most of the information in the Information System section should come from one (ideally two or more) interview(s) with someone in the IS function in the organization.
If you have chosen an organization where you are not able to arrange interviews, use at least four (ideally five or more) up-to-date literatures from reliable resources including academic journals, industry magazines and the organization’s own publications to gather information for the Information System Section. The course textbook and/or course notes will not count toward the minimum required references.
Follow APA style to format your paper and citations appropriately.
This assignment will be evaluated using the following rubric. You are expected to carefully review it and use it as a supplemental instruction to develop your report.
Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project–Information System Section Rubric
(50 points)
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectations |
Meets Expectations |
Partially Meets Expectations |
Does Not Meet Expectations |
|
Information System - Content 30/50 points |
30-27 points |
27-24 points |
24-18 points |
18-0 points |
|
|
The student presents five or more aspects (in five or more subsections) of the system. The student creates a thorough, accurate and detailed description of the system from multiple perspectives. |
The student presents four aspects (in four subsections) of the system. The student creates a thorough and accurate description of the system. |
The student presents three aspects (in three subsections) of the system. The student attempts to create a thorough and accurate description of the system. Minor information pieces are missing. Clarifications need to be made. |
The student presents two or less aspects (in two or less subsections) of the system. Key information is missing or inaccurate. |
|
Interview/ References 10/50 points |
10-9 points |
9-8 points |
8-6 points |
6-0 points |
|
|
For interview: Two or more interviews have been conducted, which provide rich, relevant and accurate information about the system from multiple perspectives.
For non-interview: Five or more references are utilized that are relevant and appropriate. All references provide leading edge information. All references are from reliable sources that are relied upon by professionals in the Information System/Information Management fields. |
For interview: One interview has been conducted, which provides rich, relevant and accurate information about the system.
For non-interview: Four references are utilized that are relevant and appropriate. All references provide current information. All references are from reliable sources. |
For interview: One interview has been conducted, which provides relevant information about the system without details.
For non-interview: Three or two references are from reliable sources and provide relevant and appropriate information. The other reference(s) is missing, not from a reliable source, or is dated, inaccurate, or lacks of clear relevance. |
For interview: One interview has been conducted, which does not provide much relevant information about the system.
For non-interview: No reference is cited, or references cited are not from reliable sources, are dated, inaccurate, or lack of clear relevance. |
|
Communication and Style 10/50 points |
10-9 points |
9-8 points |
8-6 points |
6-0 points |
|
|
The student presents a submission that models standards used in scholarly literature. The submission is free of all spelling, grammar and APA format errors. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is exceptional and extremely well organized with the usage of headings and transitions. |
The student presents a submission with a few minor errors in spelling, grammar and APA format that do not interfere with understanding. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is clear, concise and well organized. |
The student presents a submission with some errors in spelling, grammar and APA format. References/ interviews are appropriately cited in most cases. Attempts are made to organize the material presented. |
The student presents a submission that includes multiple spelling, grammar and APA format errors. References/ interviews are not appropriately cited in most cases. The writing is unprofessional manner, unorganized and lacks focus.
|
|
Total points |
50-45 |
45-40 |
40-30 |
30-0 |
Module 5 - Work on Stage 3:
1) Start to write the Analysis section
Module 6: Stage 3 – Analysis Section (50 points) (due on Sunday in Module 6)
This assignment will continue the development of your Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project. In Stage 3, complete the Analysis Section. See what this section should include in the above outline.
You may analyze the system based on the information gained from the interview(s), the literatures, and your own knowledge of the system. Support your points with detailed evidence and research. More literatures from reliable resources will be helpful for the analysis.
Follow APA style to format your paper and citations appropriately.
This assignment will be evaluated using the following rubric. You are expected to carefully review it and use it as a supplemental instruction to develop your report.
Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project–Analysis Section Rubric(50 points)
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectations |
Meets Expectations |
Partially Meets Expectations |
Does Not Meet Expectations |
|
Analysis 40/50 points |
40-36 points |
36-32 points |
32-24 points |
24-0 points |
|
|
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations, risks (and any other aspects) in a comprehensive and in-depth manner with sufficient details from multiple perspectives. All points are relevant, logical and well supported by evidence and research. |
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations and risks in a comprehensive and in-depth manner. All points are relevant, logical and supported by evidence and research. |
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations and risks. The analysis is not comprehensive or in-depth. Some points are logical and supported by evidence and research. |
No or few system’s advantages or limitations/risks are analyzed. Points are not logical or not supported with evidence or research. |
|
Communication and Style 10/50 points |
10-9 points |
9-8 points |
8-6 points |
6-0 points |
|
|
The student presents a submission that models standards used in scholarly literature. The submission is free of all spelling, grammar and APA format errors. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is exceptional and extremely well organized with the usage of headings and transitions. |
The student presents a submission with a few minor errors in spelling, grammar and APA format that do not interfere with understanding. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is clear, concise and well organized. |
The student presents a submission with some errors in spelling, grammar and APA format. References/ interviews are appropriately cited in most cases. Attempts are made to organize the material presented. |
The student presents a submission that includes multiple spelling, grammar and APA format errors. References/ interviews are not appropriately cited in most cases. The writing is unprofessional manner, unorganized and lacks focus.
|
|
Total points |
50-45 |
45-40 |
40-30 |
30-0 |
Module 7 - Work on Stage 4:
1) Revise the Introduction, Information System and Analysis Sections based on instructor feedback
2) Start to write the Recommendations and Conclusions sections
Module 8: Stage 4 – Final Project (120 points) (due on Saturday in Module 8)
This assignment will complete your Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project. In Stage 4, you will revise the Introduction, Information System and Analysis Sections based on instructor feedback. You will also complete the Recommendations and Conclusions Sections. See what these sections should include in the above outline.
Use at least four (ideally five or more) up-to-date literatures from reliable resources including academic journals and industry magazines to develop the Recommendations and Conclusions Sections. The course textbook and/or course notes will not count toward the minimum required references.
Follow APA style to format your paper and citations appropriately.
This assignment will be evaluated using the following rubric. You are expected to carefully review it and use it as a supplemental instruction to develop your report.
Information System Analysis and Recommendation Project – Final Submission Rubric (120 points)
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectations |
Meets Expectations |
Partially Meets Expectations |
Does Not Meet Expectations |
|
Introduction 5/120 points |
5-4.5 points |
4.5-4 points |
4-3 points |
3-0 points |
|
|
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. It provides accurate, clear, detailed information and a thorough understanding of the organization and the information system at a high level. |
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. It provides accurate information and a good understanding of the organization and the information system at a high level. |
The student addresses all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. Some information is missing. Minor clarifications need to be made. |
The student does not address all three components of the Introduction section, 1) Purpose of project, 2) Overview of organization, 3) Overview of information system. Key information is missing or inaccurate. |
|
Information System 20/120 points |
20-18 points |
18-16 points |
16-12 points |
12-0 points |
|
MBA PO 1, 4 |
The student presents five or more aspects (in five or more subsections) of the system. The student creates a thorough, accurate and detailed description of the system from multiple perspectives. |
The student presents four aspects (in four subsections) of the system. The student creates a thorough and accurate description of the system. |
The student presents three aspects (in three subsections) of the system. The student attempts to create a thorough and accurate description of the system. Minor information pieces are missing. Clarifications need to be made. |
The student presents two or less aspects (in two or less subsections) of the system. Key information is missing or inaccurate. |
|
Analysis 20/120 points |
20-18 points |
18-16 points |
16-12 points |
12-0 points |
|
MBA PO 1, 4 |
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations, risks (and any other aspects) in a comprehensive and in-depth manner with sufficient details from multiple perspectives. All points are relevant, logical and well supported by evidence and research. |
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations and risks in a comprehensive and in-depth manner. All points are relevant, logical and supported by evidence and research. |
The student analyzes the system’s advantages, limitations and risks. The analysis is not comprehensive or in-depth. Some points are logical and supported by evidence and research. |
No or few system’s advantages or limitations/risks are analyzed. Points are not logical or not supported with evidence or research. |
|
Recommendations 40/120 points |
40-36 points |
36-32 points |
32-24 points |
24-0 points |
|
MBA PO 1, 4 |
The student develops multiple exemplary, insightful, and innovative recommendations related to the information system to add values to the organization. All factors discussed in the project are taken into consideration to make the recommendations. |
The student develops multiple insightful and innovative recommendations related to the information system to add values to the organization. Most key factors discussed in the project are taken into consideration to make the recommendations. |
The student develops some recommendations related to the information system to add values to the organization. The recommendations are loosely tied to key factors identified. |
The student develops unrealistic or irrelevant recommendations that may add insignificant value to the organization. The recommendations ignore most key factors identified. |
|
Conclusions 10/120 points |
10-9 points |
9-8 points |
8-6 points |
6-0 points |
|
|
The student displays a thoroughly reasoned, insightful, and meaningful conclusions based on previous section. |
The student displays reasoned and meaningful conclusions based on previous section. |
The student displays almost adequate conclusions based on previous sections. |
The student displays only a minimal conclusion. |
|
10/120 points |
10-9 points |
9-8 points |
8-6 points |
6-0 points |
|
MBA PO 8 |
Five or more references (if interview has been conducted) / Ten or more references (if no interview has been conducted) are utilized that are relevant and appropriate. All references provide leading edge information. All references are from reliable sources that are relied upon by professionals in the Information System/Information Management fields. |
Four references (if interview has been conducted) / eight references (if no interview has been conducted) are utilized that are relevant and appropriate. All references provide current information. All references are from reliable sources. |
2-3 references (if interview has been conducted) / 4-6 references (if no interview has been conducted) are from reliable sources and provide relevant and appropriate information. The other reference are missing, not from a reliable source, or are dated, inaccurate, or lacks of clear relevance. |
No reference (if interview has been conducted) / three or less references (if no interview has been conducted) are cited, or references cited are not from reliable sources, are dated, inaccurate, or lack of clear relevance. |
|
Communication and Style 15/120 points |
15-13.5 points |
13.5-12 points |
12-9 points |
9-0 points |
|
MBA PO 3 |
The student presents a submission that models standards used in scholarly literature. The submission is free of all spelling, grammar and APA format errors. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is exceptional and extremely well organized with the usage of headings and transitions. |
The student presents a submission with a few minor errors in spelling, grammar and APA format that do not interfere with understanding. All references/ interviews are appropriately cited in direct and indirect manners. The writing is clear, concise and well organized. |
The student presents a submission with some errors in spelling, grammar and APA format. References/ interviews are appropriately cited in most cases. Attempts are made to organize the material presented. |
The student presents a submission that includes multiple spelling, grammar and APA format errors. References/ interviews are not appropriately cited in most cases. The writing is unprofessional manner, unorganized and lacks focus.
|
|
Total points |
120-108 |
108-96 |
96-72 |
72-0 |
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