Case Study, Stage 4: Outline of IT Solution and Next Steps | Complete Solution

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you:
1.    Read the “UMUC Haircuts Case Study” & review “Walmart Example.”
2.    Review your instructor’s feedback on all previous assignments.

Purpose of this Assignment
This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply the concepts of this course to address the selection, planning, development, implementation and on-going management of a technology solution for the UMUC Haircuts business.  This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcome to enable you to:
•    identify and plan IT solutions that meet business objectives

Overview of Outline of IT Solution and Next Steps for UMUC Haircuts
For your Case Study Stage 1 assignment, you performed a Five Forces Analysis and justified Myra's chosen strategy for competitive advantage and the business process that she would like to improve through the application of technology.

For your Stage 2 assignment, you identified the inputs, processing and outputs of Myra's selected business process.  Those inputs, processing and outputs form the functional (business) requirements for an IT system to improve the process.  

In Stage 3, you identified the IT requirements by evaluating their applicability and importance in a new system to be implemented to improve the identified business process for UMUC Haircuts.  
Following your analysis of the business environment and the business and IT requirements, Myra Morningstar has decided to move ahead and implement an IT solution.  She has asked you to identify an IT solution and explain what the steps would be to implement it.  For this assignment, you will develop an annotated outline that identifies an appropriate IT solution and the next steps to implement the solution.  Resources to assist you in developing the annotated outline follow the Assignment Instructions below.

In Stage 4, you will prepare an annotated outline of your proposed IT solution and the next steps in the implementation of that solution.  The next steps will include:  project management, system development life cycle, process changes, training and measurements of success as they apply to the process being improved and the IT solution you are proposing.  

Since UMUC Haircuts is a small business, Myra should take advantage of a Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud-based system that has already been developed and is maintained and operated by a vendor.  You should do some research and find a vendor-provided solution that will support the process that is being improved.  Refer to the process model and your Stage 2 inputs, processing and outputs that define the business requirements; and refer to your Stage 3 IT requirements as you select an appropriate solution.  Consider the cost of the solution as you make your choice, so that your recommended solution will be affordable for Myra.
Assignment:  Outline of IT Solution and Next Steps

Your annotated outline will define and explain the IT solution you are proposing and address each of the next steps shown below that UMUC Haircuts will take to implement your technology solution.

I.     Project Description:  
A.     Introduction
1.    Strategy for competitive advantage: (just name the strategy)
2.    Business process to be improved: (just name the process)

B.    Proposed solution and IT components needed to implement the project
1.    Selected system
a)     Identify the vendor and the system you selected to improve the process at UMUC Haircuts.
b)    Explain why you selected that system over others, including how it best meets the business requirements (see Stage 2) and IT requirements (see Stage 3) of UMUC Haircuts.  Explain if/how cost was a factor in your selection.

2.    Major hardware needed – list the hardware components that Myra will need to install at UMUC Haircuts in order to implement your proposed solution.

3.    Facility requirements – identify where Myra should place the hardware.

4.    Telecommunication needs - identify what kind of telecommunications will be needed for the solution, including local connectivity inside UMUC Haircuts and internet access, if appropriate, and whether it will be used for data, voice and/or video.

C.    Business resources needed to complete the project.

1.    It Skills & Services – identify the technical skills needed to implement the solution including application knowledge, social media skills, and technology installation, and who should perform the tasks.

2.    Cost of proposed solution – you do NOT need to show the costs for the system.  Instead, you should state what aspects of your proposed solution make it cost-effective for Myra's small business.  Be sure to consider the Total Cost of Ownership, which includes the ongoing maintenance, update and replacement costs of any hardware, software, telecommunications, etc., in your explanation of cost-effectiveness.  

II.    Project Management – the system implementation is a small scale project, but it still requires project management, especially in the areas listed below.
A.    Triple constraints – explain how Myra can control the scope, schedule and cost of implementing the system.
B.    Human resource management – identify who Myra should involve in implementing the system and what function each would perform.

C.      Risk management - Identify the major risks associated with your proposed solution and what should be done to mitigate those risks (prevent them from occurring). You should include at least
 
3 risks (business risks, technical risks, project risks, security risks or implementation risks, etc.) and corresponding mitigation strategies.
III.    System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) – even though Myra is implementing a system that has already been developed and is in use by other small businesses, the phases of the SDLC still apply as there are things Myra should consider or do in each phase.  For each phase, explain what Myra needs to do to implement your proposed solution.
A.  System Investigation
B.  System Analysis
C.  System Design
D.  Programming or System Configuration
E.  Testing
F.  Implementation
G.  Operations and Maintenance
IV.    Business Process Changes – explain how the business process(es) will need to change once your technology solution is implemented (what will be done differently).
V.    Employee Training – explain the training that employees will need to use the new system effectively, and how and when it will be conducted.
VI.    Defining Success – identify at least 3 things that can be "measured" to determine if the process has been improved and other ways that Myra will know if the IT solution has helped her business.
References:
Incorporate at least one external resource (NOTE:  two or more external resources are required to receive all possible points) into your paper on an area of your choice.  An external resource is a resource other than those provided in the class or text book.   Incorporate a properly formatted APA citation in the text of your document.  Then, place an APA style list of resources in this section.  

Formatting:  

For academic writing, the writer is expected to write in the third person. In third person, the writer avoids the pronouns I, we, my, and our. The third person is used to make the writing more objective by taking the individual, the “self,” out of the writing. This method is very helpful for academic writing, a form in which facts, not opinion, drive the tone of the text. Writing in the third person allows the writer to come across as unbiased and thus more informed.

•    Write a short concise outline:  3-4 pages of content.
•    An annotated outline provides the basic information in full sentences, but in outline form rather than in paragraph form.  
•    You should provide all of the important facts, without the expanded discussions used in full papers.
•    Each entry should be single spaced; double spacing should be used between entries, as shown in the assignment outline above.
•    Make sure all entries in your annotated outline are complete sentences.
•    If you need to use multiple sentences for an entry, use the outline format and list them individually.  Do not write paragraphs or more than one sentence per outline entry.
•    Use at least one external resources with APA formatted citation and reference.
•    Include a title page and a reference page.
•    Compare your final work to the rubric 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.  
•    Your submission should include your last name first  in the filename:     Lastname_firstname_Stage _4

Outline Resources:

Create a document outline in Word from Microsoft:  
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/create-a-document-outline-RZ006105145.aspx?section=1

Information for creating outlines in all versions of WORD:
http://web.archive.org/web/20121015174117/http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-use-word-2010s-outline-view.html

You Tube:  How To Create an Outline in Microsoft Word     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfu1AnJappg

An outline example.  (Please note that full sentences are required for this assignment): It is recommended that you use no more than 3 levels for clarity.  Use Roman Numerals for the highest level entries.  Using the automatic outlining format in Word will help:  

GRADING RUBRIC:
Your assignment will be graded according to the rubric below.  The "right" and "wrong" answers have to do with whether or not you correctly incorporated the concepts from the course and addressed all areas of the assignment.  Your “next steps” must be defined specifically for UMUC Haircuts, addressing its operation and its environment and your proposed technology solution.  Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects.

Case Study, Stage 4 Rubric : Outline of IT Solution and Next Steps

Criteria    
90-100%
Far Above Standards    
80-89%
Above Standards    
70-79%
Meets Standards    60-69% Below Standards    < 60% Well Below Standards    Possible Points

Proposed Solution

        18-20 Points

Proposed solution is appropriate to process and case study and is convincingly justified. Clear and accurate description of proposed technology solution includes hardware, facility and telecom components, IT skills and explanation of cost effectiveness; is provided using course vocabulary.      16-17 Points

Proposed solution is appropriate to process and case study and is well justified. Concise description of proposed technology solution includes hardware, facility and telecom components, IT skills and explanation of cost effectiveness.      14-15  Points
Proposed solution is appropriate to process and case study and is justified. Adequate description of proposed technology solution is provided and includes hardware, facility and telecom components, IT skills and explanation of cost effectiveness.      12-13 Points
Proposed technology solution description may be unclear or incomplete.    0-11 Points
Project not described or description cannot be understood; or few areas covered.    20

Project Manage-ment    9-10 Points

This section includes a clear, complete, and accurate discussion of the triple constraints, human resource management, and risk management; is clearly aligned to case study and technology solution; demonstrates thorough understanding of project management course vocabulary and concepts, analysis and critical thinking.     8 Points

This section includes a clear discussion the triple constraints, human resource management, and risk management; is aligned to the case study and technology solution; demonstrates understanding of project management course vocabulary and concepts, analysis and critical thinking.     7 Points

The triple constraints, human resource management, and risk management are described and are appropriate to the case study and the proposed solution.    6 Points
The triple constraints, human resource management, and/or risk management are partially covered and/or are somewhat appropriate to the case study project; and may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.    0-5 Points
Project management components not included; very few details provided; or are not applicable to the case study or the proposed solution.    10

System Develop-ment
Life Cycle
(SDLC)    18-20 Points

The seven phases of the SDLC (system investigation, analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation, and operations & maintenance) are thoroughly covered and well aligned to the proposed solution and the case study; and clearly demonstrates an understanding of course vocabulary and concepts, analysis, and critical thinking.    16-17 Points

The seven phases of the SDLC (system investigation, analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation, and operations & maintenance) are well covered and aligned to the proposed solution and the case study; and demonstrates understanding of course vocabulary and concepts, analysis, and critical thinking.    14-15 Points

The seven phases of the SDLC (system investigation, analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation, and operations & maintenance) are included and adequately aligned to the proposed solution and the case study.    12-13 Points
All seven phases of the SDLC are not covered, and/or explanations are not aligned to the proposed solution; may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.    0-11 Points
SDLC not included; is incorrectly addressed; or demonstrates little effort.    20

Business Process
Changes     9-10 Points

The business process changes are fully and clearly explained and well aligned to the proposed solution and appropriate to the case study.     8 Points

The business process changes are clearly explained and are appropriate to the proposed solution and to the case study.    7 Points

The business process changes are appropriate to the proposed solution and the case study.    6 Points
The business process changes are somewhat appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the case study.    0-5 Points
Business process changes are not addressed correctly or are not appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the case study.    10

Employee Training    5 Points

Training plan is described in full, includes training employees require to use the system effectively and how and when it will be delivered; is well aligned to the proposed solution and to the case study and clearly demonstrates critical thinking.    4 Points

Training plan is described, includes training employees require to use the system effectively and how and when it will be delivered;  is clearly appropriate to the proposed solution and to the case study and demonstrates critical thinking.    3.5 Points

Training plan includes training employees require to use the system effectively and how and when it will be delivered; is appropriate to the proposed solution and to the case study.    3 Points
Training described includes some of training required and/or how and when it will be delivered; and/or is somewhat appropriate to the proposed solution and/or case study.    0-2 Points
Training is not addressed and/or is not appropriate to the proposed solution and/or case study.    5

Defining Success    9-10 Points

More than 3 measures of success (what will be measured to determine if the process has been improved, and if the IT solution has helped the business) are provided; measures are clearly aligned to the process, the case study and the proposed solution; and demonstrates sophisticated analysis, and critical thinking.    8 Points

At least 3 measures of success (what will be measured to determine if the process has been improved, and if the IT solution has helped the business) are provided; measures are aligned to the process, the case study and the proposed solution; and demonstrates analysis, and critical thinking.    7 Points

At least 3 measures of success (what will be measured to determine if the process has been improved, and if the IT solution has helped the business) are provided;    6 Points
Fewer than 3 measures of success are provided; and/or they are not measurable; and/or are somewhat appropriate for the solution and/or the case study.    0-5 Points
Measures of success are not provided; items listed cannot be measured; and/or measures are not appropriate to the proposed solution and/or the case study.    10

External Research    9-10 Points

Two or more sources other than the course materials are appropriately incorporated and used effectively. Sources used are relevant and timely and contribute to the analysis and support conclusions.  
References are listed and cited using APA style.    8 Points

At least one source other than the course material is incorporated and used effectively.  References are appropriately listed and cited using APA style.
    7 Points

At least one external resource is used and properly incorporated. Reference is listed and cited using APA style.     6 Points
A source other than the textbook may be used, but is not properly incorporated or used, and/or is not effective or appropriate; and/or does not follow APA style for references and citations.    0-5 Points
No external research incorporated; or reference listed is not cited within the text.    10

Outline Format    14-15 Points

Outline follows instructions provided, is professionally presented using sophisticated writing (written in third person using full sentences) and is very well organized. Very few or no errors; demonstrates correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.     12-13 Points

Outline follows instructions provided, reflects effective organization; full sentences are used; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format.     10-11 Points

Outline follows instructions and is organized; full sentences are used; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling.     9 Points
Outline is not well organized; full sentences are not used; and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors.     0-8 Points
Paper is not in annotated outline format; outline is extremely poorly written and/or does not convey the information.     15
                    TOTAL Points Possible    100