GG Freightways (GGFRT) IT Decision Paper Assignment
Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “GG Freightways Case Study,” any feedback on your proposed IT project from your ITSP Part 2 assignment, and the previously assigned course materials.
Purpose of this Assignment
This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply the course concepts to develop an IT Decision Paper to explain and defend an IT project at GG Freightways (GGFRT). This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to:
Apply best practices in information technology management and governance to make, defend, and justify an IT decision.
IT Decision Paper for Your Proposed IT Project
For your ITSP, Part 2, you proposed an IT project for GGFRT. Lance, the CIO at GGFRT, has asked you to write an IT Decision Paper to explain your proposed project. He wants to use the Paper to gain approval from the Governance Board to move forward with the project. This assignment uses a format for a Decision Paper that has been tailored to the course material covered in this class. You may work for an organization that has a format for IT decision papers, and it would be a good idea for you to look at it, but it will likely be structured a little differently from this one. Each organization develops tools and techniques that will work for them.
Assignment
You will develop an IT Decision Paper, using the outline below. Each of the topics to be included in your outline is covered in the course content readings assigned thus far. In addition to the course materials, at least one external resource (resource other than those provided in the class) must be used. Two or more cited references will earn top credit. Use a separate References page to list just the references you have cited. Remember to use the APA formatting rules and correctly cite and reference your sources with APA format. Use the Grading Rubric to be sure you have covered everything.
Please use this outline to build your IT Decision Paper. Use the numbering and headings shown below.
Project Description – In two or three sentences:
(1) describe the IT project you proposed for GGFRT in Part 2 of your ITSP.
(2) Describe what major function(s) the system would perform and who would use it. (Do not provide a technical description with hardware, software, etc.)
Strategic Alignment – In a short paragraph:
(1) explain how the proposed project aligns to the business strategic objectives in Part 1 of your ITSP, and,
(2) explain how the proposed project aligns to the IT strategies in Part 2 of your ITSP.
Your proposed project must be aligned directly with at least one business strategic objective and one IT strategy shown in your ITSP.
IT Portfolio Roadmap Alignment – In a short paragraph:
(1) Briefly explain where this project fits into the IT Portfolio Roadmap you included in Part 2 of your ITSP.
(2) What functional area does it support?
(3) Where should it be included in the timeline – i.e., should it take priority or be done before another project in the IT Portfolio (with justification)
IT Architecture – In a short paragraph:
(1) Briefly explain how this project fits in with other systems in place or in development at GGFRT.
(2) Explain whether it should interface with (share data of any kind with) other systems either in place or in development, what information is being shared, and its purpose.
(3) Explain whether it replaces another system or multiple systems in use at GGFRT.
Refer to the Inventory of Current IT Projects in Part 1 of your ITSP and the IT Portfolio in Part 2 of your ITSP.
Benefits: Describe at a high level three (3) benefits the project provides to GGFRT. The benefits should correspond to the business strategies and the strategic alignment discussed in section 2 above. State the Business Strategic Objective. Then, discuss this relationship/alignment for each benefit to the Business Strategic Objective. Refer to course content readings from Week 4 on Value Attainment. External research may also be beneficial.
Please copy/paste the following table into your paper and complete it:
Benefit
Example: do not use but leave it in the table State Business Strategic Objective/Provide Explanation of Alignment of Benefit to Business Strategic Objectiven completing this section.
If the project is updating the Route Optimization/Freight Tracking System to include a package tracking feature: Better visibility for GGFRT and its customers into the delivery status of packages. Tracking freight to provide customers with better delivery dates & times
This real-time feature of package status will allow both customers and GGFRT employees to see where the package is while in transit. This will allow the customer to know where/when the package will be delivered.
1.
2.
3.
Requirements – List and briefly explain the high-level requirements for the project. First, explain the primary driver of the project (major need of the business area related to the project you have chosen) in a well-written introductory paragraph. Refer to course content readings regarding requirements (Week 7). External research may also be beneficial. Requirements were also covered in IFSM 300 (the prerequisite to be taken prior to this course; in Stage 3 requirements you noted requirements; refer to this assignment for examples). Develop ten (10) requirements for the project and include what category of the requirements below your presented requirements fit into:
Business/user requirements
IT/system requirements
At least one system performance requirement
Defining Requirements – The next step is to identify the essential requirements for your chosen project. User requirements express specifically what the user needs the system to do. This can be in terms of tasks/processes the users need to perform, data they need to input, what the system might do with that data input, and output required. System performance requirements express how the system will perform in several performance areas and security. IT/System requirements present what the system will do, i.e., the functions it must perform. They include characteristics that a product must have to meet the needs of the stakeholders and can include function or nonfunction requirements. As a member of the CIO’s organization, you will use your professional knowledge to ensure all 3 types of requirements are covered (User/Business, IT/System, and System Performance). Refer to Week 7 content on requirements. Additional research can expand your knowledge of these areas.
Once you have identified the 10 requirements, evaluate each one using the criteria below and create 10 well-written requirements statements for your chosen project.
The requirement statement:
Is a complete sentence, with a subject (system) and predicate (intended result or action)
Identifies only one requirement; does not include the words “and,” “also,” “with,” and “or.”
For User Requirements, states what tasks/processes the system will support or perform.
For System Performance Requirements, states how the system will perform.
For IT/System Requirements, states what the system will do and the functions it must perform.
Includes a measure or metric that can be used to determine whether the requirement is met (time or quantity), where appropriate.
Is stated in positive terms and uses “must” (not “shall,” “may” or “should”); “the system must xxxx” not “the system must not xxx”.
Avoids the use of terms that cannot be defined and measured, such as “approximately,” “robust,” “user friendly,” etc.
Is achievable and realistic; avoids terms such as “100% uptime,” or “no failures”.
Do not provide generic statements but relate to the needs of GGFRT and your project.
Please copy/paste the following table into your paper and complete it:
Requirement/Explanation of the Requirement (explanation should refer to the case study) Business/User; IT/System or System Performance (state one or more of these categories)
Example: do not use but leave it in the table when completing this section. The Route Optimization/Freight Tracking System package status must be available to users 95% of the time System Performance
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Cost Estimation – During the Assessment Phase, Cost Estimation consists of estimating the size and complexity of the project, not the effort required or the actual projected dollar costs. Copy the table below and place an X (or other indication) in the box that most closely describes the size and complexity of your proposed solution. Use your judgment and then write a short paragraph to introduce and explain the assessments in your table. Refer to course content readings from Week 4 on Cost Estimation, especially the Assessment Phase. Note that your project cannot have multiple sizes and complexities; the table should only contain one X.
Assessment of Project Size and Complexity
Size/Complexity Small Medium Large
Very Complex
Moderately Complex
Straightforward
Performance Measures – This section explains how GGFRT will know whether the project is achieving the benefits identified above in section 5. First, present the table with a brief paragraph discussing the solution, table that follows, and to properly evaluate benefits, they should be measurable/quantifiable. Review the benefits, and look at the requirements you identified, and come up with three (3) performance measures that will indicate the extent to which the projected benefits have been achieved. (For example, if you had identified a benefit that the project would result in more repeat customers, then a measurement for that would be the number of repeat customers with the goal that the number would increase.) Refer to course content readings on Performance Measurement. This may be a good area to do some web research. The measures should be presented in a table with an introductory sentence or two:
Benefit to Business (stated from section #5) Measure (quantifiable)
Example: do not use but leave it in the table when completing this section.
Better visibility for GGFRT and its customers into the delivery status of packages. 50% reduction in the number of packages returned for next-day delivery because of more efficient scheduling as customers can also reschedule packages when they see delivery status; or,
Increase in the number on same-day deliveries due to better communication between GGFRT dispatchers, drivers, and customers.
1.
2.
3.
System Development – Describe how you will use the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process to approach this project (the project you presented in the ITSP2). Include only the following 5 stages: Plan, Design, Build, Test, Launch. The activities in each stage may differ depending if you are building your solution or using a cloud-based solution. List the stage followed by a colon, then in two to three sentences each, explain how each stage would be handled by Lance’s IT team and who else in GGFRT should be involved in each stage. Refer to course content materials on SDLC in Week 8.
Formatting Your Assignment
Avoid quotation where possible by paraphrasing ideas and findings from your sources into both your own words and writing style. Changing a few words but including most of the wording and structure from the original text of your sources is not acceptable. Verbatim text directly from sources is not acceptable, even if cited. The work of the ideas and the writing needs to be your own. If you do use verbatim text, you must use quotation marks even if you have cited the source.
Formatting: 1” margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.
In the IT Decision Paper assignment, you are preparing the document based on the feedback from all previous assignments and scoring rubrics.
Continue to use a title page from the ITSP #1 assignment that includes: The company name, title of assignment, your name, Course and Section number and date.
Use the outline format in the assignment instructions above, for these sections:
Project Description
Strategic Alignment
IT Portfolio Roadmap Alignment
IT Architecture
Benefits
Requirements
Cost Estimation
Performance Measures
System Development
Write a short, concise paper: Use the recommendations provided in each area for length of response. It’s important to value quality over quantity.
Content areas should be double spaced; table entries should be single spaced.
To copy a table: Move your cursor to the table, then click on the small box that appears at the upper left corner of the table to highlight the table; right click and COPY the table; put the cursor in your paper where you want the table and right click and PASTE the table.
Ensure that each of the tables is preceded by an introductory sentence that explains what is contained in the table, so the reader understands why the table has been included.
Use at least two resources that are APA formatted (both in in-text citations and references). Any course content should be from the class reading content, not the assignment instructions or case study itself. For information on APA format, refer to Content>Course Resources>Writing Resources.
Begin a Reference Page for resources required for this assignment. Use APA format for your reference page.
Running headers are not required for this report; however, please include page numbers.
Writing should always be in third person.
Compare your work to the Grading Rubric below to be sure you have met content and quality criteria.
Submit your paper as a Word document, or a document that can be read in Word. Keep tables in Word format – do not paste in graphics.
Your submission should include your last name first in the filename: Lastname_Firstname_IT Decision
The “right” and “wrong” answers have to do with if you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the course content and addressed all parts of the assignment. You need to do some external research on at least one aspect of the assignment – your choice – and incorporate it and cite/reference it in APA format in your response. The project you proposed in the ITSP#2 is not as important as that it makes sense considering the course content and the Case Study. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects of the assignment.
GRADING RUBRIC:
Criterion 90-100%
Far Above Standards 80-89%
Above Standards 70-79%
Meets Standards 60-69%
Below Standards < 60%
Well Below Standards Possible Points
Project Description 5 Points
Description of the project is clear and concise, covers functions and users, and sets the stage for the remainder of the paper; demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. 4 Points
Description of the project is clear and concise, covers functions and users, and sets the stage for the remainder of the paper. 3.5 Points
Description of the IT Project includes what it does (functions it performs) and who uses it. 3 Points
Description of the project is unclear, not concise, and/or does not set the stage for the remainder of the paper. 0-2 Points
Little or no description of the proposed IT project is included. 5
Strategic Alignment 9-10 Points
Explanation of proposed project includes clear and well-supported alignment to at least one (1) business objective in Part 1 of the ITSP; explanation is very appropriate to the Case Study and clearly tied to the proposed IT project. 8 Points
Explanation of proposed project includes clear alignment to at least one (1) business objective in Part 1 of the ITSP; explanation is appropriate to the Case Study and tied to the proposed IT project. 7 Points
Explanation of proposed project includes direct alignment to at least one (1) business strategic objective in Part 1 of the ITSP. 6 Points
Explanation of business objectives and/or IT strategies are incomplete and/or are only partially appropriate to the Case Study or the proposed IT project. 0-5 Points
Explanation of Strategic Alignment is minimal or not included. 10
IT Portfolio Roadmap Alignment 9-10 Points
This section thoroughly explains the relationship of the proposed IT project to the IT Portfolio Roadmap in Part 2 of the ITSP, including a full explanation of the functional area supported, and where this project fits in the timeline. 8 Points
This section clearly explains the relationship of the proposed IT project to the IT Portfolio Roadmap in Part 2 of the ITSP, including a good explanation of the functional area supported, and where this project fits in the timeline. 7 Points
This section has an explanation of the relationship of the proposed IT project to the IT Portfolio Roadmap in Part 2 of the ITSP, including:
where the proposed project fits into the IT Portfolio roadmap; identification of the functional area it supports; and where it should be included in the timeline in the ITSP. 6 Points
This section includes only part of the required information on the relationship of the proposed IT project to the IT Portfolio Roadmap in Part 2 of the ITSP (where it fits, the functional area supported, and the timeline); and/or is not relevant to Case Study. 0-5 Points
This section minimally covers the relationship of the proposed IT project to the IT Portfolio Roadmap in Part 2 of the ITSP or does not cover it at all.
10
IT Architecture 9-10 Points
A correct and convincing explanation of the IT Architecture includes how the project fits with, interfaces with and/or replaces other systems; explanation is clearly relevant to the Case Study and the proposed project; demonstrates thorough understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 8 Points
An accurate explanation of the IT Architecture includes how the project fits with, interfaces with and/or replaces other systems; explanation is relevant to the Case Study and the proposed project; demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. 7 Points
Explanation of the IT Architecture includes: how the proposed IT project fits in with other systems in place or in development at the business in the Case Study; whether it should interface with other systems either in place or in development; and whether it replaces another system or multiple systems in use at the business in the Case Study. 6 Points
IT Architecture explanation partially covers how the project fits with, interfaces with, and/or replaces other systems; is not relevant to the Case Study or the proposed project. 0-5 Points
IT Architecture explanation is minimal or not included. 10
Benefits 9-10 Points
Three (3) or more business benefits are thoroughly and convincingly explained and are clearly stated and aligned to the business objectives and IT strategies noted above in section 2; benefits are highly applicable to and appropriate for the proposed solution and the Case Study.
8 Points
Three (3) or more business benefits are fully explained and are stated and aligned to the business objectives and IT strategies noted above in section 2; benefits are clearly applicable to and appropriate for the proposed solution and the Case Study.
7 Points
At least two (2) business benefits that the proposed IT project provides to the organization in the Case Study are stated and described at a high level. The benefits correspond to the business objectives and the IT strategies discussed in section 2 above. 6 Points
Fewer than two (2) business benefits are shown; benefits are not aligned to business objectives and IT strategies above and are not applicable to or appropriate for the proposed solution and/or the Case Study. 0-5 Points
Business benefits are minimally addressed or not included. 10
Requirements 9-10 Points
This section includes an effective and well-written introduction that is applicable to the Case Study and thoroughly and convincingly explains the primary business driver for the proposed IT project. At least ten (10) unique requirements are identified and discussed, clearly applicable to the Case Study; requirements cover items a-c in the assignment; demonstrates thorough understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 8 Points
This section includes a well-written introduction that is applicable to the Case Study and fully explains the primary business driver for the proposed IT project. At least nine (9) unique requirements are identified and discussed, clearly applicable to the Case Study; requirements cover items a-c in the assignment; demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 7 Points
This section includes an introduction that explains the primary driver behind the system (major business need). Then, at least eight (8) requirements are listed and briefly explained, applicable to the Case Study and include: (a) business/user requirements, (b) IT/system requirements; and (c) at least one system performance requirement.
6 Points
This section does not include an introduction identifying the primary driver for the system; eight (8) or fewer requirements are identified, requirements are not applicable to the Case Study, and/or items a-c in the assignment are not covered. 0-5 Points
This section minimally addresses requirements, or requirements are not included. 10
Cost Estimation 9-10 Points
This section includes an effective and well-written introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and thoroughly and convincingly justifies the assessments in the table that follows. Cost estimation table is included, with appropriate selection for size and complexity. 8 Points
This section includes an appropriate introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and provides a good explanation of the assessments in the table that follows. Cost estimation table is included, with appropriate selection for size and complexity. 7 Points
This section includes an introductory paragraph that explains the assessments and applies to the Case Study. Cost estimation table is included; selections are made for size and complexity. 6 Points
This section does not include an introductory paragraph and/or cost estimation table is included, but selection for size and complexity are not appropriate or adequately justified. 0-5 Points
This section provides little or no information on the cost estimation, cost estimation table is missing, and/or information presented does not apply to the Case Study. 10
Performance Measures 9-10 Points
This section includes an effective and well-written introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study, the proposed solution, and the table that follows. The completed table contains all required information, accurately reflecting the Case Study and the proposed solution; demonstrates thorough understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. 8 Points
This section includes an appropriate introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study, the proposed solution, and the table that follows. The completed table contains all required information, accurately reflecting the Case Study and the proposed solution; demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis, and critical thinking. 7 Points
This section includes at least one or two sentences that introduce the table. Performance Measures Table is included showing three (3) benefits and three (3) measures that are appropriate to the proposed solution and the Case Study. 6 Points
This section includes fewer than three (3) benefits and associated performance measures, measures do not align to benefits, benefits and measures are not appropriate to the Case Study and the proposed solution, and/or introduction is missing.
0-5 Points
This section provides little or no information on Performance Measures; table is missing; and/or information presented does not apply to the Case Study. 10
System Development 9-10 Points
The five (5) stages of the SDLC are thoroughly covered; explanation is tied directly to the project and to the case study; includes IT team responsibilities and appropriate involvement of others at the business in the Case Study; demonstrates thorough understanding of course concepts and vocabulary. 8 Points
The five (5) stages of the SDLC are fully covered; explanation includes discussion of the project and the case study; includes IT team responsibilities and appropriate involvement of others at the business in the Case Study; demonstrates understanding of course concepts and vocabulary. 7 Points
The five (5) stages of the SDLC are covered:
Plan, Design, Build, Test, Launch. Two to three sentences are used to explain how each stage would be handled by the team and identify others who need to be involved at the business in the Case Study. 6 Points
The five (5) stages of the SDLC are not all covered; explanations are not appropriate to the project and the Case Study; and/or do not include IT team responsibilities and/or appropriate involvement of others at the business in the Case Study. 0-5 Points
The stages of the SDLC are minimally addressed or are not included. 10
External Research 5 Points
Two (2) or more sources other than the course materials are incorporated in two or more sections of the paper and are used effectively. Sources used are relevant and timely and contribute to the analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 4 Points
At least one (1) source other than the course materials is incorporated and used effectively. Source(s) are relevant and contribute to the analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 3.5 Points
At least one (1) source other than the course materials is used and properly incorporated into the text. Reference is cited using APA style. 3 points
A source other than the course materials may be used but is not properly incorporated or used and/or is not effective or appropriate and/or is not relevant or timely and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.
0-2 Points
No external research is incorporated, or reference listed is not cited within text. 5
Report Format 9-10 Points
Report is very well organized and is easy to read. Very few or no errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format. 8 Points
Report reflects effective organization; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format. 7 Points
Report has some organization; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. 6 Points
Report is not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors. 0-5 Points
Report is extremely poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey the information. 10
TOTAL
Possible Points 100
