Course Project Part 2: The Research Paper

Course Project Part 2: The Research Paper

Guidelines

The purpose of this assignment is to research the technology solution category that you identified PROJECT PART 1 (PROPOSAL) of the project. Make sure your professor has already approved the technology selected. Avoid giving a detailed explanation of any specific vendors/products that you will be considering. You will do this in PROJECT PART 3 of the project.

• This paper is NOT about the organization you have selected for your project. You should not be mentioning your organization in this paper.
• The paper should be seven to nine pages (not including cover page, table of contents, bibliography and appendices), double spaced, using Times New Roman font, 12-point, using 1 inch margins, and headings for the paper format requirements.
• The paper must use at least five authoritative sources. Credible reference sources are available through the DeVry Library. But you don't have to limit yourself to this library. Please do not use Wikipedia.

The Research Paper should consist of the following.

1. Cover page
2. Table of contents
3. Introduction
   1. Half to one page
   2. Explain the purpose of this paper.
   3. Provide an overview of the contents of the paper; for example, identify sections.
4. Technology Solution Category Research
   1. Four to six pages
   2. NOTE: Here, you will perform in-depth research of the technical solution category that you identified in PROJECT PART 1 (PROPOSAL).
   3. Explain what this technology is for. What is its business purpose?
   4. Describe technical details. How does the technology work? What are the key components?
   5. Explain how this technology enables business innovation.
   6. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an important issue for organizations. CSR could be demonstrated internally (e.g., work environment/conditions) or externally (e.g., service to community). What can the organization do to demonstrate CSR with the implementation of this technology?
5. Key vendors/market players
6. Advantages
   1. Half to one page
   2. Identify the advantages of this technical solution category.
7. Disadvantages
   1. Half to one page
   2. Identify the disadvantages of this technical solution category.
8. Summary
   1. Half to one page
   2. Summarize key points
9. Bibliography
10. Appendices (optional)

The written document for this assignment should follow the APA style of citing references in the text and on the bibliography page. Make sure the sections of the paper are clearly labeled. Ensure correct spelling and grammar (use built-in tool with MS Word).

Research Paper Grading Rubric 

Category	Point	Percentage	Description
Formatting, Editing, and Cohesiveness	30	17%	Include a title page, abstract, proper citations using APA style, and a bibliography. Include an introduction based on a well-formed thesis statement. The logical order of the content will be derived from the thesis statement. The content will be properly subdivided into sections derived from the outline. In a quality paper, the conclusion will summarize the previously presented content and will complement the thesis statement from the introduction. Be free of any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Sentences and paragraphs will be clear, concise, and factually correct. Be seven to nine pages (not including cover page, table of contents, bibliography and appendices), double spaced, using Times New Roman font, 12-point, using 1 inch margins, and headings for the paper format requirements.
Introduction	10	6%	Half to One Page Explain the purpose of the paper Provide an overview of the contents of the paper, for example, identify sections
Technology Solution Category Research	80	44%	Four to Six Pages Explain what this technology is for. What is its business purpose? Describe technical details. How does the technology work? What are the key components? Explain how this technology enables business innovation. Explain how the organization can demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR could be demonstrated internally (e.g., work environment/conditions) or externally (e.g., service to community). What can the organization do to demonstrate
Key Vendors/Market Players	20	11%	Half to One Page Identify and briefly describe the major vendors who supply this technology.
Advantages and Disadvantages	20	11%	One to Two Pages Identify the advantages of this technical solution category. Identify the disadvantages of this technical solution category.
Summary	10	6%	Half to one page Summarize the key points.
Bibliography	10	6%	A minimum of five credible, authoritative resources are required.
Total	180	100%	A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements. All sections in the table of contents must be in the project to earn full credit.

Course Project Part 3: The Final Project

Guidelines

This part of the project describes how the selected technology will be implemented in the selected organization. The Final Project must be 11-14 pages in length (excluding the cover page, table of contents, bibliography, and appendices), double spaced, using Times New Roman font, 12-point, using 1 inch margins, and headings for the paper format requirements.

The Final Project should consist of the following.

1. Cover page
2. Table of contents
3. Executive summary
   1. One to one and a half pages
   2. Summarize the key points of the Final Project. Make sure you point out how proposed technology solution supports business innovation.
4. Introduction
   1. Half to one page
   2. Explain the purpose of this report.
   3. Provide an overview of the contents of the report; for example, identify sections.
5. Project Plan (TCOs E and G)
   1. One and half to two and a half pages
   2. The organization would need to create a project to facilitate the identification of needs and solution and implementation of the solution. Here, address the following issues regarding such a project for the technology you are proposing. (TCO E)
      1. Identify how many people would be on the project team to carry out the project. Briefly list each participant (e.g., project manager, network administrator, etc.) and the role of each.
      2. Identify and discuss four to six key skills that would be needed by the project manager.
      3. Identify three to four possible reasons why this project could fail.
      4. Explain any planned work that might be outsourced (if any)
   3. A project to implement a technology makes use of some type of system development methodology. Identify a system development methodology, and (e.g., waterfall, prototyping, agile, iterative, etc.) explain how you would use it for this project. Explain why you selected this methodology over others. (TCO G)
6. Organizational background
   1. Half page
   2. Give an overview of the company and its history.
7. Business problems or opportunities overview
   1. Half page
   2. This project is being done to find a technology solution to solve a business problem or to take advantage of an opportunity. Here, explain the problem or opportunity.
8. Overview of technology solution category (TCO A)
   1. One and a half to two and a half pages
   2. Give a brief overview of the technology solution category, which you discussed in the research paper (PROJECT PART 2).
   3. Explain why this is an appropriate solution for the problem/opportunity identified.
   4. Explain how this technology enables business innovation.
   5. Summarize how the organization can demonstrate CSR with the implementation of this technology.
9. Alternative solutions and recommendations (TCO D)
   1. Four to five pages
   2. Do one of the following.

1. 1. 1. If the technology category discussed in the section above can be provided by multiple vendors/companies, do the following.
         1. Select two specific products/vendors.
            1. Research and present a description and analysis of each of the products/vendors selected.
            2. Compare the selected products/vendors, pointing out similarities and differences.
            3. Recommend one of the products/vendors, and explain why it was better than the other alternative.
      2. If the technology discussed in the section above is provided by only one vendor/company only (i.e., there are not multiple products/vendors), do the following.
         1. Research and present a description of the vendor/product that provides this technology.
         2. Select one other technology category that could have possibly been used as an alternative to the selected technology category.
            1. Research and present a description and analysis of the alternative technology category.
            2. Compare the alternative technology category with the selected technology category, pointing out similarities and differences.
            3. Explain why the selected technology category was a better choice than the alternative.

1. Performance measurement plan (TCO B)
   1. Three fourths to one and a half pages
   2. Once the solution is implemented, we must be able to measure how successful the solution is in solving the problem or taking advantage of an opportunity. This measurement is generally done over a period of time. Here, you will layout a plan that outlines how you will measure the success of the solution.

1. 1. 1. Explain how data will be gathered to measure success of the solution.
      2. Explain metrics you will use as key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and why you selected these metrics.

1. Organizational impact (TCO C and F)
   1. One and a half to two pages
   2. Explain how implementation of this solution will impact business processes. Explain the changes that will take place. (TCO F)
   3. Explain how implementation of this solution will impact the organization in other ways (Will it require changes to organizational structure, personnel, etc.? Will the organization need to make changes in other areas to integrate this solution?) (TCO F)
   4. Explain how the solution will improve or support decision making in the organization. (TCO C)
   5. If your solution did not deal with a data-based system (such as enterprise system, big data, database system, business intelligence, data analytics, web analytics, data-driven website, etc.), explain how one such system could be used to improve or support decision making in the organization.
2. Summary
   1. Half to one page
   2. Summarize the main findings and future steps.

1. Bibliography
2. Appendices (optional)
3. You must use at least three authoritative resources. Credible reference sources are available through the DeVry Library. But you don't have to limit yourself to this library. Please do not use Wikipedia.
4. The written document for this assignment should follow the APA style of citing references in the text and on the bibliography page.
5. Ensure correct spelling and grammar (use built-in tool with MS Word).

Project Grading Rubric

Category	Point	Percentage	Description
Formatting, Editing, and Cohesiveness	40	16%	Include a title page, abstract, proper citations using APA style, and a bibliography. Include an introduction based on a well-formed thesis statement. The logical order of the content will be derived from the thesis statement. The content will be properly subdivided into sections derived from the outline. In a quality paper, the conclusion will summarize the previously presented content and will complement the thesis statement from the introduction. Be free of any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Sentences and paragraphs will be clear, concise, and factually correct.
Executive Summary	20	8%	One to One Half Pages Summarize the key points of the final project and point out how the proposed solution supports business innovation.
Introduction	10	4%	Half to one page Explain the purpose of this report and provide an overview of the contents of the report, i.e., Identify sections.
Organization Background	10	4%	Half page Give an overview of the company and its history
Business Problems and Opportunities	10	4%	Half page Provide an overview of the problems faced or the opportunities the organization wants to take advantage of.
Project Plan	20	8%	One and a half to two and a half pages Address TCO E: Given the organizations need to complete projects ahead of their competition, evaluate the value of project management skills needed to manage innovation projects that will improve the organizations competitive advantage in the marketplace. Address TCO G: Given an organization's goal to achieve strategic alignment and efficient management of systems development efforts, evaluate software development methodologies that supports development projects in an innovative organization. Specifically, include the following in the report: People involved on the project team Skills needed by the project manager Reasons why the project might fail System development methodology best for this project. Provide justification for selecting the methodology.
Overview of Technology Solution Category	20	8%	One and One Half to Two Pages Address TCO A: Given an organizations goals to retain or improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace, recommend innovative strategies that also take into consideration social responsibility. Specifically, include the following in the report: Overview of the project solution category. Role of selected technology in enabling innovation. Practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Alternative Solutions and Recommendations	70	28%	Four to five pages Address TCO D: Given an organizations goals to both remain competitive and to be a leader in their industry, compare and contrast strategic initiatives such as supply chain management, customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems for their ability to meet the organizations goals. Specifically, include the following in the report: Alternative solutions. Comparison of alternative solutions. Recommendation and rationale.
Performance Management Plan	20	8%	One to one and a half pages Address TCO B: Given the global marketplace in which an organization operates, evaluate various strategic initiatives to improve the organizations competitiveness and select the appropriate metrics that will assess the impact the initiatives have on the organization's competitive advantage. Specifically, include the following in the report: Process for gathering performance data. Recommended metrics and KPI's.
Organizational Impact	20	8%	One and a half to two pages Address TCO F: Given the organizations need to maintain technological superiority required to sustain an innovative and competitive business, examine the impact of technology on business processes, operational functions and the reinvention of these activities to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Address TCO C: Given an organization's need for timely and relevant information, evaluate the need for and use of enterprise systems, big data, and business intelligence that support the decision making process and how each of these technologies support innovation. Specifically, include the following in the report: Impact on business processes. Impact on organization. Role of selected solution in supporting decision making. If your solution did not deal with a data-based system (such as enterprise system, big data, database system, business intelligence, data analytics, web analytics, data-driven website, etc.), explain how one such system could be used to improve or support decision making in the organization.
Bibliography	10	4%	At least 3 reliable, authoritative sources.
Total	250	100%	A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements. All sections in the table of contents must be in the project to earn full credit.

Course Project Part 4: The PowerPoint Presentation

Guidelines

For the last part of the project, make a PowerPoint presentation for the Final Project. Please include at least five references in the slides and have a separate bibliography at the end of the presentation.

The PowerPoint presentation should consist of the following.

1. Introduction
2. Organization overview
3. Problem/opportunity overview
4. Using separate slides, explain how your project addresses the following TCOs.
   1. TCO E: Given the organization's need to complete projects ahead of their competition, evaluate the value of project management skills needed to manage innovation projects that will improve the organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Specifically, include the following.

• People involved on the project team
• Skills needed by the project manager
• Reasons why the project might fail
  1. TCO G: Given an organization's goal to achieve strategic alignment and efficient management of systems development efforts, evaluate software development methodologies that support development projects in an innovative organization.

Specifically, include the following.

• Include the system development methodology best for this project. Provide justification for selecting the methodology.
  1. TCO A: Given an organization's goals to retain or improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace, recommend innovative strategies that also take into consideration social responsibility.

Specifically, include the following.

• Overview of the project solution category
• Role of selected technology in enabling innovation
• Practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR)
  1. TCO D: Given an organization's goals to both remain competitive and to be a leader in their industry, compare and contrast strategic initiatives such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning systems for their ability to meet the organization's goals.

Specifically, include the following.

• Alternative solutions
• Comparison of alternative solutions
  1. TCO B: Given the global marketplace in which an organization operates, evaluate various strategic initiatives to improve the organization's competitiveness, and select the appropriate metrics that will assess the impact the initiatives have on the organization's competitive advantage.

Specifically, include the following.

• Process for gathering performance data
• Recommended metrics and KPIs
  1. TCO F: Given the organization's need to maintain technological superiority required to sustain an innovative and competitive business, examine the impact of technology on business processes, operational functions, and the reinvention of these activities to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Specifically, include the following.

• Impact on business processes
• Impact on organization
  1. TCO C: Given an organization's need for timely and relevant information, evaluate the need for and use of enterprise systems, big data, and business intelligence that support the decision-making process and how each of these technologies support innovation.

Specifically, include the following.

• Role of selected solution in supporting decision making
• If your solution did not deal with a data-based system (such as enterprise system, big data, database system, business intelligence, data analytics, web analytics, data-driven website, etc.), explain how one such system could be used to improve or support decision making in the organization.

1. Summarize key points. Identify next steps.

Students taking the course onsite: Make this presentation in class.

Students taking the course online: Include substantive speaker notes for each slide and add an audio track for each slide. Follow the instructions below for recording the audio track in PowerPoint 2010 or later.

1. Connect a mic to your computer.
2. Turn on and test the microphone.
3. Open MS PowerPoint.
4. Create the presentation and save.
5. Go to the slide show tab.
6. In the slide show tab, press either of the following.

• Start recording from beginning.
• Start recording from current slide.
• When you are finished with the audio for the current slide, press the right arrow to continue to the next slide.
• Continue to speak into the mic until you finish showing your slides, and press stop to stop recording.

PowerPoint Grading Rubric

Category	Point	Percentage	Description
Formatting, Editing and cohesiveness	20	20%	Formatting is appropriate for a business presentation. A quality presentation will flow in logical order. The content will be derived from the Course Project. The conclusion will summarize the previously presented content and will complement the thesis statement from the introduction. The presentation will be free of any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Bullet points will be concise.
Organizational Background and Problem/Solution	6	6%	Describe the organization and problem it faces or opportunity it can take advantage of.
Project Management	10	10%	Address TCO E: Given the organization's need to complete projects ahead of their competition, evaluate the value of project management skills needed to manage innovation projects that will improve the organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace. Specifically, include the following. People involved on the project team Skills needed by the project manager Reasons why the project might fail
System Development Methodology	10	10%	Address TCO G: Given an organization's goal to achieve strategic alignment and efficient management of systems development efforts, evaluate software development methodologies that support development projects in an innovative organization. Specifically, include the following. System development methodology best for this project Justification for selecting the methodology
Recommended Technology Solution; role in promoting innovation and social responsibility	10	10%	Address TCO A: Given an organization's goals to retain or improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace, recommend innovative strategies that also take into consideration social responsibility. Specifically, include the following. Overview of the project solution category Role of selected technology in enabling innovation Practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Compare alternative Initiatives	10	10%	Address TCO D: Given an organization's goals to both remain competitive and to be a leader in their industry, compare and contrast strategic initiatives such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning systems for their ability to meet the organization's goals. Specifically, include the following. Alternative solutions Comparison of alternative solutions
Assess effectiveness of solution	10	10%	Address TCO B: Given the global marketplace in which an organization operates, evaluate various strategic initiatives to improve the organization's competitiveness, and select the appropriate metrics that will assess the impact the initiatives have on the organization's competitive advantage. Specifically, include the following. Process for gathering performance data Recommended metrics and KPIs
Impact of solution of business process	10	10%	Address TCO F: Given the organization's need to maintain technological superiority required to sustain an innovative and competitive business, examine the impact of technology on business processes, operational functions, and the reinvention of these activities to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Specifically, include the following. Impact on business processes Impact on organization
Support of Decision Making	10	10%	Address TCO C: Given an organization's need for timely and relevant information, evaluate the need for and use of enterprise systems, big data, and business intelligence that support the decision-making process and how each of these technologies support innovation. Specifically, include the following. Role of selected solution in supporting decision making If your solution did not deal with a data-based system (such as enterprise system, big data, database system, business intelligence, data analytics, web analytics, data-driven website, etc.), explain how one such system could be used to improve or support decision making in the organization.
Summary	4	4%	Summarize the key points. Identify next steps
Total	100	100%	A quality presentation will meet or exceed all of the above requirements. All sections in the table of contents must be in the project to earn full credit.