IT 700 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric Overview As the final stop in your journey toward your Master of Science in Information Technology, you will complete a capstone project that integrates the knowledge and skills you have developed in previous coursework and over the duration of the term by working to solve an information technology problem. To do this, you will develop a project proposal that identifies the problem you plan to solve. You will then design your solution and report on the implementation of your solution. You will also reflect on your project and your journey through the Information Technology (IT) program as well as how you plan to position yourself professionally. Evaluation of Capstone This capstone will be assessed somewhat differently than other courses you have taken online at SNHU. There are three separate components which will be submitted at different times during the course; however, they all operate together to comprise the whole capstone experience and are not assessed separately. You will be evaluated on all three as a unit in determining whether you have demonstrated proficiency in each outcome. Your work is expected to meet the highest professional standards. This assessment will evaluate your mastery with respect to the following outcomes: · Develop innovative and agile, computer-based solutions to business problems through a systems analysis approach and technology integration and application · Design a plan for implementing and monitoring solutions that incorporate core information technologies, concepts, and methods appropriate for secure information use across an enterprise · Collaborate and communicate effectively in a variety of environments through situational awareness and audience analysis · Develop an implementation plan for systematic information risk assessment for change management plans and processes within enterprise business and information technology environments · Using computational logic and critical analysis, construct ethically sound, technology-informed procedures to ensure legal compliance and maintain security within enterprise information technology environments Prompt To simulate a real work environment, your capstone project will progress from developing a project proposal, to reporting on the design and creation of a project solution, to reflecting on the capstone experience. As you can see, writing is an important part of this capstone experience. IT professionals are not typically known for being great writers; however, successful IT professionals employ quality communication skills. The proposal, report, and reflection are opportunities for you to exhibit your superior written communication skills. Working individually and with feedback from peers and your instructor, you will analyze a real-world problem that can be solved with information technology. The problem needs to have significance to your chosen discipline (database design, software progra ...

1. IT 700 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric
Overview
As the final stop in your journey toward your Master of Science
in Information Technology, you will complete a capstone
project that integrates the knowledge and skills you have
developed in previous coursework and over the duration of the
term by working to solve an information technology problem.
To do this, you will develop a project proposal that identifies
the problem you plan to solve. You will then design your
solution and report on the implementation of your solution. You
will also reflect on your project and your journey through the
Information Technology (IT) program as well as how you plan
to position yourself professionally.
Evaluation of Capstone
This capstone will be assessed somewhat differently than other
courses you have taken online at SNHU. There are three
separate components which will be submitted at different times
during the course; however, they all operate together to
comprise the whole capstone experience and
are not
assessed separately. You will be evaluated on all three as a unit
in determining whether you have demonstrated proficiency in
each outcome. Your work is expected to meet the highest
professional standards.
This assessment will evaluate your mastery with respect to the
following outcomes:
·
Develop innovative and agile, computer-based solutions to

2. business problems through a systems analysis approach and
technology integration and application
·
Design a plan for implementing and monitoring solutions that
incorporate core information technologies, concepts, and
methods appropriate for secure information use across an
enterprise
·
Collaborate and communicate effectively in a variety of
environments through situational awareness and audience
analysis
·
Develop an implementation plan for systematic information risk
assessment for change management plans and processes within
enterprise business and information technology environments
·
Using computational logic and critical analysis, construct
ethically sound, technology-informed procedures to ensure legal
compliance and maintain security within enterprise information
technology environments
Prompt
To simulate a real work environment, your capstone project will
progress from developing a project proposal, to reporting on the
design and creation of a project solution, to reflecting on the
capstone experience. As you can see, writing is an important
part of this capstone experience. IT professionals are not

3. typically known for being great writers; however, successful IT
professionals employ quality communication skills. The
proposal, report, and reflection are opportunities for you to
exhibit your superior written communication skills.
Working individually and with feedback from peers and your
instructor, you will analyze a real-world problem that can be
solved with information technology. The problem needs to have
significance to your chosen discipline (database design,
software programming, IT project management, etc.), and you
may want to
consider your previous coursework and assessments when
identifying a problem. Solving the problem should make a
positive difference for the community, for society, or globally.
Use this as the lens through which you consider the real-world
problem you intend to address.
After analyzing a real-world problem in your project proposal,
you will then design and develop your project solution, writing
a report that demonstrates your solution and explains how it
addresses the problem. As a practitioner and leader in the field
of information technology, your project solution should further
the development or use of current and emerging technologies
and demonstrate your advanced technical ability and mastery in
information technology.
Example solutions:
·
Creation of a database
·
Development of a software application
·

4. Design of a network infrastructure
·
Analysis and improvement recommendations for an existing
system or process related to information technology
·
Simulation or implementation of an information technology idea
·
Design of a technical communication system
·
Design of an information technology project management
process or framework
Capstone Component 1: IT Project Proposal
For the first of three capstone components, you will develop a
comprehensive and professional project proposal in which you
identify a real-world problem and propose an IT solution.
Innovation is key, so strive to create a unique solution or solve
a pressing problem. You should envision yourself writing this
proposal for key stakeholders, including those who would
benefit from the proposed solution. The essence of the problem
and technological solution should be clear enough for a
development team to complete implementation of the project
with minimal guidance. The proposal should exhibit graduate-
level writing, using APA style when appropriate.
The following sections must be included in your project
proposal. However, you are not limited to including only this
information:

5. 1.
Problem Statement
: Analyze the problem you identified and explain why the
problem is significant.
2.
Overview of
Solution
: Provide a clear, high-level description of your proposed
solution. The solution should use innovative ideas and apply
emergingtechnologies where appropriate (collaboration tools,
social media, cloud-based technology, mobile technology,
virtualization, etc.).
3.
Methodology
:
·
Describe the operating environment including any existing

6. technology that is used now. How will the proposed solution
replace, enhance, or be integrated with the existing system or
environment?
·
Propose an adoption plan that supports the successful
implementation of the technological solution within current
processes, architecture, and environment.
·
Explain the methodology, strategy, or approach you plan to use
to develop your proposed solution. Your approach could include
agile methodologies, creating prototypes, using traditional
project management strategies, and so on. This section should
also include frameworks and standards such as NIST, ISO,
IEEE, and COBIT, if applicable.
·
Identify risks that can impact the success of your project and
develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
4.

7. Tools
: Describe the tools and technologies you plan to use to develop
your solution, addressing data security, systems, networks, and
other ITcomponents in the design. Consider virtualization,
cloud technologies, integrated development environments,
collaborative tools, project management software, software
programming languages, simulation environments, etc.
5.
Requirements
: Document functional, security, and performance requirements
for your project at a high level. In addition, identify gaps
between anyexisting systems and the existing operating
environment, and the environment and system that you plan to
create.
6.
Compliance
(if appropriate): Identify any standards, regulations, or laws
with which your project must be in compliance. For example, if
applicable toyour project, consider FERPA, HIPAA, the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, etc.

8. Capstone Component 2: IT Project Report
For the second of three capstone components, you will imagine
that the key stakeholders for which you wrote your proposal
gave you the go-ahead to implement your information
technology solution to the problem you identified. You have
designed and developed your project solution; now you must
report to the stakeholders.
In other words, for this capstone component, you will design
and develop your project solution and then report on it. If you
implement your solution, in your report you should include a
summary of your implementation and testing. If you are not able
to implement your solution, you may develop a model,
simulation, prototype, or proof of concept as an alternative to
developing a fully implemented project. In this case, in your
report you should include a plan for implementation and testing.
Your report must provide clear evidence that your project was
implemented and tested (or is implementable and testable). This
can be achieved by documenting a demonstration of the project
in use or documenting an explanation of the model, simulation,
or prototype. Consider using video or screenshots to
demonstrate and explain your project. If the implemented

9. project is to be supplied to the instructor, you could provide a
user manual that explains how to install, configure, and run the
software. You are encouraged to submit artifacts of the project
such as diagrams, software applications, database designs, and
process documents. Make sure to include clear instructions for
accessing and using these artifacts. The design and development
of your project solution should demonstrate professional-level
knowledge and skills.
Your project report should include at least one recommendation
for future enhancements. Explain what you might add to the
project if you had more resources? What risk(s) would you need
to consider before the enhancement was implemented at some
future point in time? What would first have to happen before the
future enhancement was seriously considered?
The following sections are required in your project report,
although you are not limited to only these sections:
Project Design
Project Implementation
: If you implemented your project, describe the implementation.
If your project was not implemented, how would youimplement
it?

10. Project Test Plans and Results
: If you implemented and tested your project, describe how you
tested your project. If your project was not implementedor
tested, how would you test it?
Recommendations for Future Enhancements
Appendix
: Supporting Evidence of Project Implementation: Include your
supporting documents in this section. For example, your
screenshots or usermanual should be included here.
Capstone Component 3: Project and Professional Reflection
For the third and final component of your capstone, you will
write an essay in which you discuss the process and outcomes of
this project, as well as how your coursework culminated in the
capstone project. This may include discussions of unforeseen
problems or obstacles and any unexpected surprises. The essay
should also discuss your identified strengths as well as
problems that you encountered while completing the project.
Additionally, the essay should also explain why this project is
important to your discipline and how it could contribute to
positive social change. Finally, the essay will examine how the

11. capstone project will be useful in the job market or for
furthering your education.
You should envision this component as a personal reflection on
the capstone and your experience in the Information Technology
program as a whole. For instance, relative to the capstone, you
could discuss
what you did (or intended to do), and then consider what
worked well, what challenges you faced, and what
you would change or do differently to make your experience
better. In reflecting on your time here at SNHU, you might
discuss
where you started, where youhave ended up, or where you see
yourself going.
Note that this component is not about evaluating the capstone
itself but rather your experience within the
capstone project.
Some of the issues that you could address in the final
component of this capstone may include:
·

12. Overall, what was your capstone experience like? Focus on the
big picture.
·
What unforeseen problems or obstacles did you encounter
during your capstone experience? What challenges did you
face? What would you do differently?
·
Reflect on the significance of the capstone in relation to your
own experience at SNHU. How can you leverage your capstone
project to lead to conference papers, full-time jobs, or news
interviews?
·
What connections do you see between your capstone and the IT
program?
·
How will you apply what you have learned to your future
academic and/or professional life?

13. ·
How have your current experiences and education prepared you
for a career in the IT field?
·
What ethical considerations did you make or should you have
made during your project? Why?
·
How did this capstone support positive social change, further or
use emerging technologies, and demonstrate your strengths as
an IT practitioner?
Components
Final Project Component One
:
IT Project Proposal

14. In
Modules One and Two
, you will submit drafts of your
project proposal
; in
Module Three
, you will submit the final
IT project proposal
. You should envision yourself writing this proposal for key
stakeholders, including those who would benefit from the
proposed solution. The essence of the problem and
technological solution should be clear enough for a development
team to complete implementation of the project with minimal
guidance. Your final submission should incorporate feedback
given by peers through discussion posts and by your instructor.
Final Project Component Two
:
IT Project Report
In
Modules Four through Eight
, you will submit drafts of your
project report
; in

15. Module Nine
, you will submit your final
IT project report
. You have designed and developed your project proposal, and
now you must report to the stakeholders. You will design and
develop your project solution and then report on it. If you
implement your solution, you should include a summary of your
implementation and testing in your report. If you are not able to
implement your solution, you may develop a model, simulation,
prototype, or proof of concept as an alternative to developing a
fully implemented project. Additionally, your project report
should include at least one recommendation for future
enhancements. Your final submission should incorporate
feedback given by peers through discussion posts and by your
instructor.
Final Project Component Three
:
Professional Reflection Essay
In
Module Ten
, you will submit your
professional reflection essay
. Your essay should be written in APA format with appropriate

16. writing mechanics and should be 1–4 pages in length. You
should envision this essay as a personal reflection on the
capstone and your experience in the Information Technology
program as a whole. Your essay provides an opportunity to
discuss the process and outcomes of this project, as well as how
your coursework culminated in the capstone project. This may
include discussions of unforeseen problems or obstacles and any
unexpected surprises. The essay should also discuss your
identified strengths as well as problems that you encountered
while completing the project. Additionally, the essay should
also explain why this project is important to your discipline and
how it could contribute to positive social change. Finally, the
essay will examine how the capstone project will be useful in
the job market or for furthering your education.
Deliverable Submissions
Submission
Deliverables
Module Due
Grading

17. 1
IT Project Proposal
Three
Graded Comprehensively: IT 700 Capstone Rubric
2
IT Project Report
Nine
Graded Comprehensively: IT 700 Capstone Rubric
3
Professional Reflection Essay
Ten
Graded Comprehensively: IT 700 Capstone Rubric
IT 700 Capstone Rubric
This rubric will be applied to all components as a whole, and no
component will be assessed on its own.
The “Possible Indicators of Success” are examples for you and
the instructor of the types of concepts to look for to
demonstrate proficiency. They are neither exhaustive nor
proscriptive and should be used as guides for illustrating how
your capstone embodies the outcome. All outcomes are
weighted equally.
.

18. IT-700-01:
Develop innovative and agile, computer-based solutions to
business problems
Proficient
Not Proficient
through a systems analysis approach and technology integration
and application
100%
0%
Possible Indicators of Success
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to analyze a
real-world problem and apply information technology solutions
to the problem?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to propose
solutions that are relevant, technologically sound, and
congruent with the problem at hand?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to

19. implement appropriate tools and techniques in the development
of information technology project solutions?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to document
project requirements through systems analysis in a manner that
leads to the development of solutions?
Comments:
IT-700-02:
Design a plan for implementing and monitoring solutions that
incorporate core
Proficient
Not Proficient
information technologies, concepts and methods appropriate for
secure information use
100%
0%
across an enterprise
Possible Indicators of Success

20. Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to design
solutions that secure the IT components that are part of the
proposed system?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to
implement information technology projects through the
development of information technology solutions?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to apply
verification and validation strategies and techniques to monitor
and test the project solution?
Comments:
IT-700-03:
Collaborate and communicate effectively in a variety of
environments through
Proficient
Not Proficient
situational awareness and audience analysis
100%
0%

21. Possible Indicators of Success
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to
effectively communicate information technology problems and
solutions to key stakeholders?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to
effectively showcase professional, written communication
skills?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to make
connections between their knowledge and skills in information
technology and the needs of local or global communities or
businesses?
Comments:
IT-700-04:
Develop an implementation plan for systematic information risk
assessment for
Proficient
Not Proficient

22. change management plans and processes within enterprise
business and information
100%
0%
technology environments
Possible Indicators of Success
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to analyze
an existing operational environment and identify gaps between
existing and proposed systems?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to develop a
plan that supports successful adoption and implementation of
the technological solution within the current processes,
architecture, and environment?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to identify
risks that can impact the success of an information technology
project and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to
recommend future enhancements and identify associated risks?
Comments:

23. IT-700-05:
Using computational logic and critical analysis, construct
ethically sound,
Proficient
Not Proficient
technology-informed procedures to ensure legal compliance and
maintain security within
100%
0%
enterprise information technology environments
Possible Indicators of Success
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to apply
relevant standards, regulations, and laws to information
technology problems and solutions?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to evaluate
the ethical impact of project solutions on real world problems?
Does the capstone demonstrate the student’s ability to reflect on
ethical and social concerns and issues related to information
technology?
Comments: