CSM Assignment

1. Project Description: The module lecturer shall select a local company.

You will also need to research the company’s current and historical business and Information Technology (IT) developments in journals, magazines and websites.

You will certainly need to go far beyond your lecture and tutorial notes to carry out this assignment effectively.

You should state clearly any assumptions, give references for any information sources you use, justifying any assumptions and recommendations you make.

Your assignment is to produce a research report aimed at a mixed readership, in terms of level of technical and managerial knowledge including the following sections:

2. As a group

(a) Company’s Strategy

i). Provide a brief description of the company’s background and its current business plan including its location, sourcing and distribution strategies. ii). Analysis of the current Information Systems architecture and describe how it may have contributed to the organisations business strategy. iii). Provide an analysis and critical report on the company’s above current business and IT strategies.

This section will consist of a maximum 1500 words. This section addresses Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

3. As an individual:

(b) Environmental Analysis

Building on the work done in Section (a):

i). Carry out an environment and industry analysis for their product or services using any business tools of your choice. Clearly show the threats facing the company and the opportunities that it may be able to exploit in the future.

ii). Recommend changes, developments and additions to the company’s business strategy that could result from your above analysis.

iii). Produce an outline design for the company’s future Information Systems Strategy including the software requirements, hardware requirements and Disaster Recovery Plan based on your above business strategy.

This section will consist of approximately 2,000 words. This section addresses Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.
B. Breakdown of Marks

1. Group

a) Documentation 5 %
Materials are presented professionally using correct grammar, punctuation spelling and length. Addressed report guidelines.

b) Analysis 20 %
Analysis of company current business and IT strategic plans.

c) Critical Report 15 %
Clear evidence of original ideas and critical thinking.

2. Individual

a) Research & References 10 %
Supporting research clearly explained and presented. Thoroughly lists references that are relevant to the topic.

b) Original Ideas & Critical Thinking 20 %
Clear evidence of original ideas and critical thinking.

c) Argument Coherence 10 %
Paragraphs are in a logical relation to the whole and flows logically into the next.

d) Presentation & Questions 20 %
Impression of confidence, simplicity, clarity, structure and time management of the presentation and ability to answer questions

1. Assessment

The assignment will contribute 50% towards the in-course assessment, as mentioned on the Student Assessment & Information Sheet (SAIS).

Assignment marking criteria:

Distinction

Demonstrated comprehensive research with detailed evidence. High level of analysis performed, exceptional and thorough knowledge and understanding displayed with regard to application. This includes analysis and evaluation of facts followed by results of evaluation. Documentation presented in a professional manner, following proper sequencing and flow. Displayed evidence of critical appraisal.

Credit

Adequate research conducted with fair detail of evidence presented. Moderate level of understanding, analysis and knowledge displayed. Some level of relevance included in terms of application. Moderate level of analysis and evaluation of facts followed by results comparison. Good level of documentation presented. Some level of reflection was evident in the documentation. Moderate level of critical appraisal.

Pass

Low level research conducted. Some evidence of research displayed. Basic level of understanding and knowledge analysis displayed. Satisfactory level of documentation. No evaluation and analysis of facts, no results comparison performed Satisfactory or low level of reflection displayed. No level of critical appraisal demonstrated.

2. Report Guidelines:

a) Line spacing: 1.5 lines
b) Font Size: 12 (except titles and headings)
c) Font Type: Times New Roman

C. Submission:

Details of what is to be submitted:

a) The assignment should be presented bound as a group report and separate individual reports.
b) An electronic copy (CD or disk) should be submitted with the report.
c) Members of the group are required to present (approximately 5 minutes for each member) their assignment in the class.
d) Submission deadline: May 08 , 2015 ; 7:00 pm

References: d) Submission deadline: May 08 , 2015 ; 7:00 pm