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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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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
eal-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 fo
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,
eputable 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 fo
epairs, 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 cu
ent 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 fo
this proposed system given the budget and organizational
constraints.
â– Information technology services firms
â– Packaged software providers
â– Enterprise solutions software vendors
â– Cloud computing
â– Open source software
â– In-house development
Present an argument for using the source you choose ove
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
esearch 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
. Student numbe
c. Course title and number (Structured Systems
Analysis and Design, CIS245)
d. Research project number XXXXXXXXXX)
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 co
ect spelling,
grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.
GRADING CRITERIA
Your instructor will use the following criteria in grading
your project:
â– Writes clearly and logically; paper follows a reasonable
structure; makes logical and supported points in build-
ing an argument: 30 points
â– Includes three or more valid citations to reputable online
sources per the project requirements and/or instructo
guidelines: 20 points
â– Covers basic situations and security concepts as outlined
in the course: 20 points
â– Co
ectly uses technical terms and concepts; defines
technical terms co
ectly and clearly: 20 points
â– Uses co
ect 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.
. 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 fo
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
egarding this assignment, enter it in the Message box.
6. Click Submit Files.