IT 500: Final Project Guidelines and Grading Guide Overview and Outcomes The final project for this course is the creation of an IT Systems Development Project. This is a group project. You and your group will work on all the aspects to implementing a new or updated information system into a business from a project management perspective. Your group can choose a real-life implementation of one of your companies or use a scenario provided of a company thinking of implementing a new system. Your group will have to consider all aspects of an IT systems development project for your company, including an overview, an implementation plan for the IT system, a timeline and resources, and a risk management plan for your organization. Your role is to oversee this new system implementation from a management perspective while keeping in mind your learned knowledge of IT in this course. This project is divided into several milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. The final project submission consists of a Group Paper due in Module Ten and a Group Presentation due in Module Eleven. This project will demonstrate your knowledge of the steps needed to implement a new information system into a business. To successfully complete this project, you will be expected to apply what you have learned in this course and should include several of the following course outcomes and learning objectives: · Propose methods for incorporating appropriate information technologies within a contemporary organization based on their potential to create a competitive advantage in the global marketplace · Develop an information systems project that meets the needs of an organization using appropriate management methodologies, system development processes, and technological tools · Discuss systems development processes from a management perspective · Collaborate with peers to develop an information systems project · Identify the timeline and resources to allocate in an information systems development project · Analyze the risk factors and organizational change with implementing a systems development project · Identify the processes that add value to an organization with respect to information systems · Explain how information systems are used to support the major business functions Requirements Your final project must consist of the following elements: I. Overview a) Provide an overview of your company and the systems development project. Describe the industry you are working with. b) Conduct a needs analysis and a systems audit. · Why do you need a new system? · How does the current system work? Do you currently use any software or hardware? · What are the goals you are trying to achieve with the new system (e.g., increase efficiency, improve organization, reduce cost, reduce error)? c) Comment on the scope of the project. How do you think it will achieve the goals set forth? II. ...

1. IT 500: Final Project Guidelines and Grading Guide
Overview and Outcomes
The final project for this course is the creation of an IT Systems
Development Project. This is a group project. You and your
group will work on all the aspects to implementing a new or
updated information system into a business from a project
management perspective. Your group can choose a real-life
implementation of one of your companies or use a scenario
provided of a company thinking of implementing a new system.
Your group will have to consider all aspects of an IT systems
development project for your company, including an overview,
an implementation plan for the IT system, a timeline and
resources, and a risk management plan for your organization.
Your role is to oversee this new system implementation from a
management perspective while keeping in mind your learned
knowledge of IT in this course.
This project is divided into several milestones, which will be
submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold
learning and ensure quality final submissions. The final project
submission consists of a Group Paper due in Module Ten and a
Group Presentation due in Module Eleven.
This project will demonstrate your knowledge of the steps
needed to implement a new information system into a business.
To successfully complete this project, you will be expected to
apply what you have learned in this course and should include
several of the following course outcomes and learning
objectives:
· Propose methods for incorporating appropriate information
technologies within a contemporary organization based on their
potential to create a competitive advantage in the global
marketplace
· Develop an information systems project that meets the needs

2. of an organization using appropriate management
methodologies, system development processes, and
technological tools
· Discuss systems development processes from a management
perspective
· Collaborate with peers to develop an information systems
project
· Identify the timeline and resources to allocate in an
information systems development project
· Analyze the risk factors and organizational change with
implementing a systems development project
· Identify the processes that add value to an organization with
respect to information systems
· Explain how information systems are used to support the
major business functions
Requirements
Your final project must consist of the following elements:
I. Overview
a) Provide an overview of your company and the systems
development project. Describe the industry you are working
with.
b) Conduct a needs analysis and a systems audit.
· Why do you need a new system?
· How does the current system work? Do you currently use any
software or hardware?
· What are the goals you are trying to achieve with the new
system (e.g., increase efficiency, improve organization, reduce
cost, reduce error)?
c) Comment on the scope of the project. How do you think it
will achieve the goals set forth?
II. Implementation Plan

3. a) Systems Analysis (Note that depending on your project, not
all of the below questions will apply)
· What hardware and software is needed?
· How many users will this affect?
· Is this a global solution?
· What kinds of tools will be used for development?
· Can an existing platform (network, servers, computers, etc.)
be reused?
· Is a database needed? If so, which one will you consider?
Why?
· Is this a new software application or will it be replacing an
existing one?
· Will you purchase an off-the-shelf product? Will it be
beneficial to build a specific system?
III. IT Systems Design and Development (Note that depending
on your project, not all of the below questions will apply)
· If you are going to purchase an off-the-shelf product, describe
how it will be implemented into your current system.
· If you are going to build a system, will it need programming?
· How will your IT system connect to your current system? Will
you need to obtain additional hardware?
· What reporting is needed?
· Is additional training needed internally?
· Is there ample staff, or will consultants be needed?
b) Testing
· Will a standard testing mechanism be used, such as use cases?
· At what point will the users be involved in the testing?

4. · Who will sign off on the testing?
· Will there be a development and production environment?
c) Training
· Who needs to be trained?
· When will the training take place? Where?
· Will special applications be needed for training (customized
training videos, web videoconferencing, consultant training)?
d) Implementation
· What is the implementation schedule?
· Will you use a sample test or a prototype?
· What strategy will be used for implementation (a full roll-out,
a phased approach)?
· Who needs to sign off before the system goes live?
e) Maintenance
· Who is responsible for ongoing maintenance?
IV. Project Plan
a) Timeline for the Implementation Plan
· What is the timeline for the project?
· What are your major milestones and deliverables?
· Use a visual timeline or a Gantt chart if appropriate (not
required).
b) Resources

5. · What resources will you need (both products and services)?
· Will you use an internal team?
· Will you need a systems analyst, systems designer,
programming, or an entire consulting team?
· Will you outsource implementation and training (hire a
consultant)?
V. Organizational Change
a) Risk Management
· How will this affect your company (loss of staff, convincing
stakeholders of the impact)
· What are some of the areas of risk for your project?
· What is your contingency plan?
Deliverable Milestones
Milestone
Deliverables
Module Due
Grading
1
Topic Due
Three
Not graded; for instructor approval only
2
Update Due
One-page summary, including company overview, needs
analysis, and systems analysis
Five
20 points for submission; feedback incorporated as part of the
Group Paper Rubric
3
First Draft of the Paper
Must include at least Parts I, II, and III from the requirements

6. above
Eight
50 points for submission; feedback incorporated as part of the
Group Paper Rubric
4
Final Group Paper
10–12-page report, not including cover page and references;
must include all requirements above
Ten
Graded separately using the Group Paper Rubric. This final
paper is worth 200 points.
5
Group Presentation
8–10-slide presentation, summarizing the main points
Eleven
Graded separately using the Group Presentation Rubric. This
final presentation is worth 100 points.
Group Paper Rubric
Requirements of submission: This paper must follow these
formatting guidelines: double spacing, 12-point Times New
Roman font, one-inch margins, APA citations. Paper should be
10–12 pages, not including cover page and resources.
Instructor Feedback: Students can find their feedback in the
grade book as an attachment.
Critical Elements
Distinguished
Proficient
Emerging
Not Evident
Value
Milestone Submission and Incorporation of Feedback
Meets Emerging requirements and addresses all instructor
feedback through incorporation or clarifying questions/dialogue
with instructor

7. (9-10)
Meets Emerging requirements and incorporates some of the
instructor’s feedback throughout the progression of the project
(8)
Student completes and submits all milestones by the due date
(7)
Student submits incomplete milestones or does not submit by
the due date
(0-6)
10
Comprehensive Final Product
Addresses all parts of the four requirements of the final product
directly (that are relevant for the project topic) and includes
additional elements that logically enrich and extend
(27-30)
Addresses all parts of the four requirements (that are relevant
for the project topic) of the final product directly
(24-26)
Addresses all parts of the four requirements (that are relevant
for the project topic) of the final product either directly or
indirectly
(21-23)
Does not address all of the requirements (that are relevant for
the project topic) of the project
(0-20)
30
Collaboration (partly based on Group Evaluation Form data)
Meets the requirements of Proficient, and the group effectively
communicates to establish order, processes, and/or leadership

8. (23-25)
Group members specialize the tasks/elements and provide
feedback on each other’s work to maintain collaboration and
ensure equitable contributions
(20-22)
Group members make equitable contributions to the project
(18-19)
Group members do not make equitable contributions to the
project
(0-17)
25
Use of IT Concepts
Applies at least four IT-specific concepts in authentic ways
(14-15)
Illustrates at least three IT-specific concepts with accurate
details
(12-13)
Describes at least two IT-specific concepts with accurate details
(11)
Avoids IT-specific concepts and only focuses on project
management
(0-10)
15
Integrative Learning
Makes simple connections among ideas and experiences to
effectively synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex
situations
(9-10)
Makes simple connections among ideas and experiences to
synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations

9. (8)
Makes simple connections among ideas and experiences to
synthesize learning
(7)
Is not able to make simple connections among ideas and
experiences to synthesize learning
(0-6)
10
Mechanics
No errors related to organization, grammar, citations, and/or
style
(9-10)
Errors of organization, grammar, citations, and/or style are
marginal and rarely interrupt the flow
(8)
Errors of organization, grammar, citations, and/or style are
limited enough that the project is still able to be understood
(7)
Errors of organization, grammar, citations, and/or style make
elements to understand
(0-6)
10
Earned Total
Comments:
100%
Group Presentation Rubric
Requirements of submission: This group presentation requires

10. 8–10 slides and should summarize the paper.
Critical Elements
Distinguished
Proficient
Emerging
Not Evident
Value
Content:
Inquiry and Analysis
Includes almost all of the main elements and requirements;
provides in-depth analysis that demonstrates complete
understanding of multiple concepts
(32-35)
Includes most of the main elements and requirements; provides
in-depth analysis that demonstrates complete understanding of
some concepts
(28-31)
Includes some of the main elements and requirements; provides
in-depth analysis that demonstrates complete understanding of
minimal concepts
(25-27)
Does not include any of the main elements and requirements;
does not provide in-depth analysis
(0-24)
35
Organization
Slides are organized in a logical way that complements the
central theme; transitions are well-paced to create a natural and

11. engaging flow
(18-20)
Slides are organized in a logical way and transitions are paced
so that the material is easily accessible
(16-17)
Slides are organized mostly in a logical way and transitions are
paced so that the material can be understood with focus and
effort
(14-15)
Slides are organized in a way that is illogical OR transitions are
paced so that the material cannot be understood
(0-13)
20
Critical Thinking
Draws insightful conclusions that are thoroughly defended with
evidence and examples
(18-20)
Draws informed conclusions that are justified with evidence
(16-17)
Draws logical conclusions, but does not defend with evidence
(14-15)
Does not draw logical conclusions
(0-13)
20
Visual Appeal
There is a consistent visual theme that helps enhance
understanding of the ideas; includes multiple types of media
(14-15)
Original images are created using proper size and resolution
that enhance the content; includes more than one type of media
(12-13)

12. Visually depict topic and assist audience; images are proper size
and resolution
(11)
Graphics are unrelated to content and cross over each other.
Distracting, busy, and detract from presentation
(0-10)
15
Teamwork
Demonstrates effective interactions with team members and
makes numerous quality contributions to team discussions and
tasks
(9-10)
Demonstrates moderately effective interactions with team
members and makes some quality contributions to team
discussions and tasks
(8)
Demonstrates minimal interactions with team members and
makes minimal quality contributions to team discussions and
tasks
(7)
Does not demonstrate effective interactions with team members
and does not make quality contributions to team discussions and
tasks
(0-6)
10
Earned Total
Comments:
100%
Principles of an Effective Presentation: (referenced in the
rubrics under Critical Element “Addressing the Context”)

13. · You may utilize a product such as Microsoft’s PowerPoint,
Adobe Captivate, Prezi or Google Presentation to create your
presentations.
· There are various template designs that you can find on the
web for your presentation. However, first consider your
presentation from the perspective of your audience prior to
selecting a specific style. Distracting backgrounds, large blocks
of text, all uppercase fonts, elaborate font styles, grammatical
errors and misspellings are distracting. Be consistent with the
style of text, bullets, and sub-points in order to support a
powerful presentation that allows your content to be the focus.
· Each slide should include your key point(s). Do not place
large blocks of text on the visual. Your presentation is not a
means of presenting a short paper. In an actual presentation you
would not “read” from your slides but rather use them as
prompts.
· Any notes or narration you would use in delivering this
presentation to a group should be listed in the “notes” section of
the slide.
· References should be listed at the bottom of the slide in
slightly smaller text.
· Use clip art, AutoShapes, pictures, charts, tables, and
diagrams to enhance but not overwhelm your content.
· Be mindful of the intended audience and seek to assess the
presentation’s effectiveness by gauging audience
comprehension (when possible)
Below are some links that offer helpful tips and examples for
developing your presentations:
Making PowerPoint Slides

14. Beyond Bullet Points: The Better Way to Use PowerPoint
Really Bad PowerPoint and How to Avoid it
· Suggest two (2) circumstances under which criminal
defendants would be entitled to an attorney. Specify two (2)
critical stages of the criminal proceedings at which defendants
may exercise their right to counsel. Provide a rationale for your
response.
· Suppose someone you know is a suspect in a crime and has
been taken into police custody for questioning. Justify the need
for an attorney at this point in order to preserve the suspect’s
right against self-incrimination, as guaranteed by the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Provide a rationale for
your response.
· From the e-Activity, examine three (3) standards that you
found in the preamble for the ABA Model Code of Professional
Responsibility. Assert the primary reasons why you believe that
each one is important for effectively regulating the actions of
attorneys. Provide specific examples to support your rationale.
· Take a position on whether or not a defendant can be
convicted solely from ineffectiveness of counsel. Support your
position with examples of the role that ineffective counsel has
played in the outcome of trials.
This is the e-activity below
Go to the American Bar Association (ABA) Website and review
the ABA Model Code of Profession Responsibility located at
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/
resources/lawyer_ethics_regulation/model_rules_for_lawyer_dis
ciplinary_enforcement/preamble.html.
Portion for group project
Systems Analysis: I select to provide my group with the
Systems Analysis for the following mock company below:
This week we have a milestone ad it is worth 20 points for each
of us. We need to do a one page summary, including company

15. overview, needs analysis, and systems analysis.
We will use a company like Best Buy and name our software
INTRUST (INventory TRacking System). The store can carry 3
products like TV's, Tablets and Computers and more because
that will be very in depth and difficult. So basically we will be
implementing our new INTRUST system to track the inventory
of these 3 products because the old one is no longer useful.
Please include the following:
II. Implementation Plan
a) Systems Analysis (Note that depending on your project,
not all of the below questions will apply)
• What hardware and software is needed?
• How many users will this affect?
• Is this a global solution?
• What kinds of tools will be used for development?
• Can an existing platform (network, servers, computers,
etc.) be reused?
• Is a database needed? If so, which one will you consider?
Why?
• Is this a new software application or will it be replacing an
existing one?
• Will you purchase an off-the-shelf product? Will it be
beneficial to build a specific system?