Structured Systems Analysis and Design 10-12 page Research Project

Research Project

Structured Systems Analysis and Design

BACKGROUND 1

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS 1

WRITING GUIDELINES 2

GRADING CRITERIA 3

SUBMITTING YOUR PROJECT 4

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C o n t e n t s

C o n t e n t s

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BACKGROUND

During your study of Structured Systems Analysis and Design, you’ve learned how to organize and access informa- tion strategically. This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned by doing some research for a real-life information system situation.

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS

For this project, you’ll write a paper explaining recommenda- tions you would make in a systems analyst capacity for obtaining the requisite software and/or services from the software source identified. Include at least three references to online resources to support your arguments for or against any specific products or configurations. Use professional articles, reputable government or business sources, or any reputable online resources.

Scenario

You’ve been hired to create a new information system for a local sporting goods store. The store has three retail locations—one in your hometown and two locations in neighboring towns, one of which has recently opened—and a warehouse that also houses the repair depot. Since customers can go to the repair depot and pick up, drop off, or pay for repairs, the proposed system needs to be put into place at all four store locations. The system must also interface with the store’s website to allow customers to order products and services online. The current system is mainly paper-based,

Structured Systems Analysis and Design

Structured Systems Analysis and Design 2

with a functional but older Microsoft Access database system installed on a computer at the main office to enter and store customer records electronically. All the client computers used at the stores have Windows 7 Professional installed. The initial budget for development and implementation is approximately $250,000.

The purpose of this project is to identify which of the follow- ing sources of software would be the most effective source for this proposed system given the budget and organizational constraints.

■ Information technology services firms

■ Packaged software providers

■ Enterprise solutions software vendors

■ Cloud computing

■ Open source software

■ In-house development

Present an argument for using the source you choose over the other possibilities.

Goal

This assignment is designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in your course by researching and creating an information system for a fictional business, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your written communication and research skills, as well as your critical thinking skills

WRITING GUIDELINES

1. Write a paper of ten to twelve typed pages, double-spaced, in a standard print font, size 12. Use a standard docu- ment format with 1-inch margins. (Do not use any fancy or cursive fonts.)

Research Project 3

2. Include the following information at the top of your paper:

a. Name and complete mailing address

b. Student number

c. Course title and number (Structured Systems Analysis and Design, CIS245)

d. Research project number (41873100)

3. Read the assignment carefully and address the topic suggested. Use proper citation in either APA or MLA style.

4. Be specific. Limit your submission to the topic suggested.

5. Include a reference page in APA style. On this page, list the references used in preparing the submission.

6. Proofread your work carefully. Check for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

GRADING CRITERIA

Your instructor will use the following criteria in grading your project:

■ Writes clearly and logically; paper follows a reasonable structure; makes logical and supported points in build- ing an argument: 30 points

■ Includes three or more valid citations to reputable online sources per the project requirements and/or instructor guidelines: 20 points

■ Covers basic situations and security concepts as outlined in the course: 20 points

■ Correctly uses technical terms and concepts; defines technical terms correctly and clearly: 20 points

■ Uses correct spelling and grammar: 10 points

Total: 100 points

Structured Systems Analysis and Design 4

SUBMITTING YOUR PROJECT

Follow this procedure to submit your project online:

1. Log on to the Penn Foster website and go to My Courses.

2. Click Take Exam next to the lesson you’re working on.

3. Attach your file or files as follows:

a. Click the Browse box.

b. Locate the file you wish to attach.

c. Double-click on the file.

d. Click Upload File.

e. If you have more than one file to attach, click on the Browse box again, and repeat steps b, c, and d for each file.

4. Enter your email address in the box provided. (Note: This information is required for online submission.)

5. If you wish to tell your instructor anything specific regarding this assignment, enter it in the Message box.

6. Click Submit Files.