Each student will review the case description [provided in Canvas] and perform related online research. A case report will be prepared which analyzes the case and addresses specific questions.
General
For the case assignment, you will investigate the firm’s problem[s] as they relate to Information Systems and prepare a written paper for the case. The individual case must be completed by each student and submitted for grade by the due date listed in the course schedule. The individual case assignments are noted on Canvas under Upload Assignments.
The case analysis and discussion needs to address the main issues in the case related to information systems. Assume you are a consulting group and are giving advice to the CIO and other senior IS managers and they are the audience for your analysis report. Read the rubric carefully and make sure you understand the requirements for “exemplary performance”.
Format:
The report should be up to 5 pages using Times New Roman font size 12, double or 1.5 spaced in MS Word format.
Use appropriate 1-inch margins, headings and sub-headings to correspond to the sections mentioned below
DO NOT leave any blank lines between sections, paragraphs or headings
Use the following naming convention for your document: [Last name][First initial][IndCase] [Example: GudiAIndCase.docx where docx is the MS Word extension].
Sections:
Executive summary – a couple of short paragraphs which summarize the remainder of the report
Background – use this section to lead in to your Problem Statement; identify symptoms, critical factors and the current state
Problem Statement – a succinct statement of the problem/dilemma/issue, preferably in a single declarative sentence; be careful to identify the real problem and not the symptoms of the problem
Analysis – apply models, course content, and outside research to support your position; logically discuss options, implications and tradeoffs
Recommendations and Conclusions – these should be your recommendations regarding how the organization should deal with the problem; they should be fully supported by the Analysis section
Appendices – References and Charts – does not count towards the 5 pages
Citations must be referenced according to APA style.
Appropriate references: This is a library research paper and you must use at least 3 different sources, not including textbooks. These sources should be company websites, industry sources, journal articles, periodicals, such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and so on, and governmental sources such as the SEC. Wikipedia and other similar sources are not to be used in this course.
Rubric:
Earning maximum points in each box in ‘PROFICIENT’ column and / or points in columns to the right of ‘PROFICIENT’ meets standard.
<<<<<<<<<< less quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . more quality >>>>>>>>>>
Performance Criteria
Basic [2 pt]*
Developing [3.25 pts]*
Proficient [4.0 pts]*
Accomplished [4.5 pts]*
Exemplary [5 pts]*
Score
Identifies and describes problem/s effectively
Does not state problem[s] or identify symptoms, critical factors and current state in Background discussion.
Somewhat states problem[s] in multiple sentences. May identify symptoms, critical factors and current state in Background discussion.
States problem[s] in multiple sentences. Identifies symptoms, critical factors and current state in Background discussion.
States problem[s] clearly in one sentence. Identifies symptoms, critical factors and current state in Background discussion.
States problem[s] clearly and concisely in one sentence. Effectively and completely identifies symptoms, critical factors and current state in Background discussion.
Applies Information Systems management models
Does not apply IS models, course content, and outside research to support position.
Applies some IS models, course content, and outside research to support position.
Applies IS models, course content, and outside research to support position.
Applies most IS models, course content, and outside research to support position.
Completely and effectively applies IS models, course content, and outside research to support position.
Analyzes case, and recommends actions
Does not discuss options and/or implications and tradeoffs. May not support position with research.
Somewhat discusses options, implications and tradeoffs logically. Some research supports position.
Discusses options, implications and tradeoffs logically. Supports position with research. Flows smoothly into Recommendations
Discusses most options, implications and tradeoffs logically. Position well- supported with research. Flows smoothly into Recommendations
Completely and effectively discusses options, implications and tradeoffs logically. Fully supports position with research. Flows smoothly into Recommendations.
Uses effective writing organization and format
Does not communicate in clear, logical, and grammatically correct language. Does not use primary research sources and/or incorrect APA format.
Communicates in ambiguous, and/or and grammatically incorrect language. Uses marginal primary research sources and/or partially correct APA format.
Communicates in clear, logical, and grammatically correct language. Uses adequate primary research sources and correct APA format.
Communicates in exceptionally clear, logical, and grammatically correct language. Uses substantial research sources and correct APA format.
Communicates in exceptionally clear, logical, and grammatically correct language. Uses significant primary research sources [at least 3 excluding textbook] and correct APA format.
OVERALL GRADE [20 total possible points]*:
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