Case Study and Scenario #1 (Research Paper - Individual)
UMUC IFSM 441
Scenario 1: Research Paper (White Paper) for the PMO Director,
Due Week 2
Introduction
Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “XYZ Corporation Case”.
Purpose of the Assignment
This assignment gives students the opportunity to apply IFSM 441 course concepts and specifically addresses the following course outcomes (depending on research paper topic selected):
1. Evaluate the values, principles, strategies and practice of Agile tools in order to mitigate uncertainty and risk with project delivery.
2. Compare Agile versus traditional project methodologies in order to provide the best fit for the organization.
3. Apply Agile framework to meet the specific operational needs.
Your Job Title, Role, and Background at XYZ Corporation
You are a Senior Project Analyst. You report to the PMO Director. Your main role is as an analyst and advisor to the PMO Director. Your background includes a BS in IFSM from UMUC and PMP and PMI-ACP certifications. You have 4 years work experience at XYZ since joining the company after graduation. In your short career, you have shown an ability to perform good analysis and to assist management and senior management in decision support.
Overview of Scenario #1 Task Assignment
Your job responsibilities routinely call for you to write research-based white papers for the PMO, the PMO Director, and business unit executives. These white papers address particular technical
usiness topics as they apply to the XYZ’s PMO and business units. At this time, five white paper topics are assigned a high priority for expeditious development, and your assignment is to select one of the topics and develop the white paper per the PMO Director’s guidance. The five topics are as follows:
1. How to Combine the Use of Scrum and Extreme Programming at XYZ Corporation
2. How to Use Scrum Outside of Software Development Projects at XYZ Corporation
3. How to Define the Role of the Scrum Master at XYZ Corporation
4. How to Use PMBOK and Agile Concepts in the Hy
id Methodology at XYZ Corporation
5. How to Foster Continuous Innovation at XYZ Corporation
Task Requirements
1. Use a combination of popular and scholarly information sources
2. Make at least 3 citations other than the Week 1 and Week 2 required readings list.
3. See the LEO Webliography area for some tips on some good links relating to Scenario #1
4. Use the APA citation and reference guidelines
5. Present what is considered best practice to practitioner and/or scholars
6. Make your research paper like a white paper with a practical focus for XYZ Corporation
7. Make your white paper 2-3 content pages, plus a cover page and a page for references
8. Double space your white paper and follow best practices for APA (see instructor-recommended resources)
9. Present at least 5 paragraphs, including introduction, best practices, your analysis for XYZ corporation, and a conclusion
10. Make your analysis specific to how the topic relates to improving XYZ Corporation technologies, processes, or staff enablement and make recommendations if possible
11. Follow all guidelines in the provided assignment ru
ic to maximize your grade
12. Submit your assignment in LEO per the Course Syllabus
Other Guidance
See the Course Syllabus, related Course Content area files, and LEO Classroom News as needed for supporting information.
Scenario #1 Grading Ru
ic
Attribute
Full Points
Partial Points
No points
Possible Points
Points Earned
Introduction, framing, and elaboration of the selected research topic in the introductory paragraph
The research topic is accurately and interestingly introduced, framed, and elaborated, and, as well, the introductory paragraph is well presented with no e
ors in English usage or APA.
The introductory paragraph lacks sufficient focus on the research topic and supporting details and/or the introductory paragraph is not well presented or has content, English usage, or APA e
ors.
No minimally appropriate introductory paragraph is presented.
10
Best practice approaches relating to the research topic are presented in the body with APA citations and discussion
Best practice approaches relating to the research topic are effective with no e
ors in English usage or APA. Include at least 4 citations.
The presentation of best practice approaches from the literature lack sufficient focus, continuity, or weight, and/or is not well presented or has content, English usage, or APA e
ors, or less than 4 citations.
No minimally appropriate best practice approach citations from the literature are presented
40
Application and analysis of topic’s best practices and approaches to the XYZ Corporation project management environment
Best practice approaches relating to the research topic are effectively analyzed and appropriately applied (proposed or not proposed based on analysis) to the XYZ Corporation.
The analysis of the application of best practices to the XYZ Corporation lacks sufficient focus, rigor, or relevance and/or is not well presented, or has content, English usage, or APA e
ors.
No minimally appropriate analysis of best practices in the literature is presented.
40
Concluding paragraph and reference page
The concluding paragraph and reference page are appropriate, well presented, and without usage or APA e
ors.
The concluding paragraph and reference page are not appropriately presented, and/or have e
ors.
No minimally appropriate concluding paragraph and reference page.
10