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Bachelor of Arts Degree Information & Technology Management ITM APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT HANDBOOK The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul, a university of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humankind, and for the enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. The vision of Concordia University is to be an exemplary Christian university. INTRODUCTION, OBJECTIVES, REQUIREMENTS Introduction Welcome to the adventure of creating your own project! To direct your thoughts on the ITM Applied Research Project (ARP), we invite you to reflect on a few focused statements:             choose a project of passionate interest to YOU challenge yourself to grow & stretch choose to enhance your personal and career growth start with the abstract, less concrete take that nebulous concept and apply it consider a methodology that will stretch you or your organization follow a process; its important apply your creativity; that’s more important fear of having you follow the explicit makes it difficult to write this guide crafting your project may not parallel the written example don’t overestimate the size and scope; many students do follow the guidance of your Project Coordinator The ITM Research Project (ITM Project) challenges you to apply and synthesize knowledge, skills, and concepts you’ve learned in your courses into a project with a broader scope. For example, you may well apply your growth in understanding organizations, software development, database management, problem-analysis, human-centered issues, and concerns related to information technology to your final product. Learned skills might include your use of effective verbal skills, cooperative work skills, writing skills, organization and planning, and computer competencies. It is advisable to begin the process of choosing an organization, topic areas, and specific project opportunities as early as possible. This will give yourself time to do a proper analysis of the problem and the cultural climate surrounding it. Topics for your ARP will often fit into one of three Project Options. Please read through the Project Options section to stimulate your ideas. These Options can provide great fodder for a conversation with your ARP Project Coordinator. Note implications. When you talk over options for your ARP with your project coordinator, discuss two things: 1. ARP Topic 2. Methodology (Waterfall, Agile, or a transition) 2 Objectives The overall purpose is to teach you a method of approaching information processing problems and conducting the research and analysis to solve those problems. As you do that, you will learn to:             Provide a solution that supports a strategy deployed by the organization Recognize and analyze problems and opportunities. Improve skills in applying structured systems analysis to solve system problems or business opportunities. Utilize a methodology to manage the project process Evaluate hardware and software design capabilities and limitations. Develop writing skills. Improve oral presentation skills. Incorporate human and psychological factors in systems implementation. Prepare and complete formal documentation of a system. Create a positive change in the organization or community for which the system is designed. Write a short business plan. Perform a cost justification or analysis. 3 Requirements The ITM Project requires that you formulate an actual problem and meet these requirements: 1. Be organized to MEASURE SUCCESS and THOROUGHLY ANALYZE a problem that makes a positive, realistic impact upon the organization or community within which it is conducted. Purely academic studies are not acceptable. 2. Demonstrate that you’ve synthesized the learning gained from the ITM program. To utilize a visual metaphor, your project should go “a mile wide and a foot deep” in applying the concepts you’ve learned in your coursework. 3. Be approved in writing by your Project Coordinator using the Project Charter/Scope and Cost Benefit Analysis templates (see Appendix A or found separately in Blackboard). Drafts of the following required deliverables will be submitted during the following courses. They are REQUIRED parts of the final presentation and paper …  ITM402 Strategic Project Management of IT i. Project Charter/Scope statement ii. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) iii. Cost-Benefit Analysis iv. Project Schedule v. Before & After Process Flow diagrams (e.g. Use-Case, Data-Flow, etc.) vi. Risk Register vii. Quality Management Plan 4. Demonstrate that you’ve spent time reflecting on the experience (see Reflections section). 5. Utilize clearly tabbed sections, outlined subheadings, supporting text, documentation, and graphics to make it easy for your audience to read and follow. When in doubt, format should default to APA 6th edition formatting (especially double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt.). 6. Final ARP Presentation (20% of final grade) & Paper (80% of final grade) will be delivered during the ITM440 Applied Research Project II. Please look under the PMI Waterfall or PMI Agile sections for specific rubric requirements. 7. Depending on whether you choose PMI Waterfall or PMI Agile your paper will be structured as follows: a) PMI Waterfall: Be structured to address your research, issues, and/or experiences with each of the following five phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (see PMI Waterfall Section: The Systems Development Life Cycle, for more information): a. Phase I: Planning/Survey b. Phase II: Analysis 4 c. Phase III: Design d. Phase IV: Implementation e. Phase V: Operation and Support b) Be structured to address your research, issues, and/or experiences with each of the following in the PMI Agile Method by doing the following:  Planning  Themes, Epics and User Stories  Product Backlog  Sprint Planning  Estimate User Stories  Implementation via Sprints  Close Each Sprint and Repeat the Next Sprint  Close Project  Continue the Same Process for ongoing Product Upgrades and Changes 5 Reflections To help in writing the Reflections section of the report, you should keep notes of your experiences and what you learned from these experiences. Some of the items that you may wish to record include: Typical Analysis Experiences. Describe typical experiences encountered during the the analysis of the problem. Give particular attention to the ones related directly to the people in your project. Atypical Experiences. Describe the atypical but interesting encounters you faced in the preparation of this document. Success. Describe the accomplishments of this project. What factors contributed to the success? What items/processes worked well? What was new to you that worked well? Problems Encountered. Describe any problems or setbacks you have encountered. What factors contributed to the problems? What steps did you take to solve the problems? Personal Impact. Describe your own thoughts and feelings about the project at this stage. Success Expectations. How successful do you predict your project to be in terms of its major outcome objectives? What do you plan to do about it? In addition to the preceding measures, it is expected that you will keep emails, notes and records of all activities during the development of your project. Keeping these records and notes can be accomplished by using a project management software or similar electronic recording system. Make notes each day you work on the project. You may wish to reserve a separate section of your notebook in which to maintain a log of hours spent. This section is exciting to write because it really becomes YOU! This is the only time that you may write in a more personal style and communicate your feelings about your project experience. 6 PROJECT OPTIONS SAMPLE OPTIONS Ultimately, the option you choose for your project is left to be negotiated for approval between you and your ITM Project Coordinator. To stimulate your thinking and discussion, we have outlined three general topical options: Option One: Software Development Project – Waterfall & Agile Option In Option One, after a thorough evaluation of the organizational context and a preliminary analysis of the system, a software intervention is developed to address the chosen problem. Although it may start with software, it also involves hardware, additional software, network, professional services (analysis, consulting, training, installation, troubleshooting, and implementation) and maintenance. Complete plans for implementation and maintenance are also provided. This option is applied in any combination of the following three alternatives: 1. Adapt Existing System. The organization in question has an existing information processing system that needs to be upgraded. In this option the student proposes, designs, and implements changes to existing programs, files or databases, and/or existing documentation to achieve the problem objectives. 2. Develop Custom Software. The organization in question has an existing information processing system and the selected problem can effectively be addressed with in-house software tailored to the unique needs of the organization and its users. This option is a variation of number 1 above. The difference in this option is that the software program is new. This option may involve an existing system that requires major modifications. 3. Acquire Commercial Package. The organization in question has an existing information processing system and the selected problem or problems can be best handled with a commercial package. It is assumed that implementation of commercial software (primarily database and accounting packages) may involve some customization to fit the organization’s needs. Option One Sample Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Upgrade data base program. Upgrade wording processing to desktop publishing capability. Write custom database program. Acquire commercial database program. Appraise and use an artificial intelligence system 7 6. Design and implement an internet or intranet Web site. 7. Design a help desk system that tracks problems and capabilities 8. Conduct an RFP process for a new or upgraded hardware and/or software system. 9. Review internet security for your site; researching and proposing changes. 10. Compare hosting a WEB, FTP, and e-commerce site in-house vs. an internet service provider (ISP) with respect to investment, return, control, access, security, maintenance, etc. 11. Develop travel expense reporting and tracking system for the sales department. 8 Option Two: Infrastructure Project – Waterfall and Agile Option Option Two applies to those settings in which office systems are totally or predominately manual. An Option Two project will propose introducing information technology into the organization to address a specific problem. While many of the requirements in Option Two are identical to Option One, the application is different in degree and scope because it requires a work-flow analysis that results in altering an existing process. As with Option One projects, there will be choices about what computer software are implemented, including choices about: Develop Custom Software. Once the organization in question has selected an information processing system, one possibility is that the selected problem can effectively be addressed with in-house software tailored to the unique needs of the organization and its users. This option may involve modeling or acquiring an existing system that requires major modifications. Acquire Commercial Package. Once the organization in question has selected an information processing system, the selected problem or problems can be best handled with a commercial package. It is assumed that implementation of commercial software (primarily database and accounting packages) may involve some customization to fit the organization’s needs. Telecommunication and networking needs for the new systems must also be considered. Option Two Sample Projects 1. Automation of: Accounting, Inventory, Quality Control, Plant Operation Job Shop Work Allocation, Project Management. 2. Office automation: acquire PCs and train staff in the use of standard software. 3. Customer call and tracking. 4. Help desk system. 5. Sales contact management. 6. Order expediting system. 7. Systems configuration; models and option. 8. Document management systems. 9. Automated fax system for accounts receivable. 9 Option Three: Business Process Redesign Project (Waterfall Only) Option Three involves the reevaluation and redefinition of organizational structures and processes to take advantage of a technology. The focus is on process not product. The key concept in this option is that technology should serve in the role of enabler rather than be the focal point of any business process redesign project. Usually the scope of a BPR project involves critically analyzing major processes within the organization that affect multiple departments. The student may work for a company that is not fully utilizing its information processing capabilities to increase productivity, control inventory, enhance customer service, or increase sales. The solution may not be technological but a change in management attitudes, or in the fundamental procedures used to accomplish a task, or in the organizational structure. The problem is thoroughly researched and analyzed and a comprehensive plan is developed and submitted to address the identified problem(s). Time constraints will generally restrict the scope of Option Three projects to a limited area such as office functions. In very few instances a student, or team of students, may be able to focus on a more complex area such as a marketing process. Office redesign can include implications for marketing, accounting, finance, sales, and information processing. Functions for redesign could include:      Business communications Problem-solving structure and processes Decision-making structure and processes Order processing structure and processes Strategic planning structure and processes Option Three attempts to answer the question: “How does an organization increase service and quality and stay competitive?” The option challenges the assumption that underlying processes upon which information technologies were implemented must still be sound and appropriate. Are there processes that can be removed, reduced, or improved? The outcome is a recommendation for a major change in how business is accomplished. Option Three Sample Projects Analysis of business processes, policies, and organizational framework of: 1. A management or production structure. 2. Marketing and sales. 3. Business accounting and finance. 4. Inter or intra-office communications. 5. Inventory maintenance. 6. Human resources management. 7. Refocus of organization for industry changes, customer size shifts, buying patterns. 8. Opening a new branch office for sales or support. 9. Selecting and implementing an ERP or MRP system. 10. Determining pre-sales and post-sales technical and support departments and people. 10 PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (PMI) WATERFALL METHOD ARP Presentation & Paper Requirements Score ARP Presentation (20% of final grade) Opening ……………………………………. 30 %  Professional First Impression  Opening story or focusing event to illustrate need  Statement of opportunity/problem  Business strategy  Company background (e.g. mission statement, corporate objectives, org chart)  Measurable objective Engaged audience ……………………… 20 %  Energy, personality  Audience connection (e.g. word choice, eyes, voice, visuals)  Personalized to audience Visuals ……………………………………… 20 %  Graphics to illustrate concept  Succinct statements  Sans-serif font  Text/background color/contrast Content ……………………………………. 20 %  Development/description/visuals of SDLC Phases, interviews, outcomes  Before & After Process Flow Diagrams (e.g. Use-Case, DataFlow Diagram, etc.)  Required deliverables o Stakeholder analysis o Connection to Business Strategy and Industry/Competitive Analysis o Cost-Benefit Analysis o Work Breakdown Structure o Project Schedule o Risk Register o Quality Management Plan Closing……………………………………… 10 %  What’s next/undone?  Summary  Reflections 11 Comments SCORE ARP Paper (80% of final grade) Professionalism ………………………… 30 %  style (clear, logical, well developed)  document formatting and layout  graphics to illustrate concept  grammar, punctuation, spelling  demonstrated research (minimum 5 references) Executive Summary Phase 1 Survey/Planning …………… 15 %  Opening story to illustrate need  Statement of opportunity/problem  Measurable objective  Company mission/background  Connection to Business strategy  Interviews/Problem clarification  Stakeholder involvement Phase 2 Analysis……………………….. 15 %  Interviews/Requirements gathering  Requirements listing  Before & After Process Flow Diagrams (e.g. Use-Case, Data-Flow Diagram, etc.)  Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)  High Level Project Schedule (Gantt chart)  Estimated Cost/Benefit Analysis spreadsheet  Analysis of Options (e.g. In-House vs. Outsource vs. Do-Nothing; AND/OR vendor comparison matrix)  Risk Register  Quality Management Plan Phase 3 Design …………………………. 10 %  Input, Output (e.g. screens, reports)  Hardware/Network specs  Software specs (e.g. Relational Diagram)  Security, Backup plans Phase 4 Implementation ……………. 10 %  Project Schedule (Gantt Chart)  Training  Documentation  Test Plan reports  Contingency Plan  Software/Hardware Cutover plans Phase 5 Operation and Support … 10 %  User input, maintenance reports  Means of measuring success Conclusion, Appendices … 10 %  Progress on objective  Reflections  Research References (minimum of 5)  Full Charter/Scope (see template) 12 Comments THE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE Introduction In today’s dynamic, fast-paced business environment, companies need a method to handle the continuous stream of new demands. The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) or Waterfall approach gives us a method and phased process to follow that approaches problems not only systematically, but strategically. Skip a step in the process and costly decisions may be made, driven more by the seductive nature of technology and less by the strategic needs of the business. Agile methods may be used to complement this approach. The SDLC is a proven cycle (Figure 1) of phases that can apply to a variety of business models, regardless of the nature and timeline of the problem. What follows is a listing of the phases outlined in the SDLC, with sample topics and content to consider in each phase. For clarity and organization in your ITM Research Project, you are strongly encouraged to include a tabbed section of experiences and/or planned considerations for each phase of your project life cycle, organized in the following order: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Planning/Survey Analysis Design Implementation Operation and Support Planning/ Survey Operation and Support Analysis Implementation Figure 1 13 Design Phase 1: Survey/Planning An important part of beginning any project is identifying the problem and determining if time invested will be worthwhile. During this phase, the project coordinator clearly identifies the issues and needs surrounding the project. By taking time to know the mission, strategic plan, and administrative structure of the organization, the pro…

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