Management Information Systems - Generating Business Term Paper Options

TERM PAPER OPTIONS 1. Case Study Write Up The term paper is a detailed analysis and write-up of any one or two of the cases we studied. Choose the case(s) that interest(s) you most and creatively design the format of your paper. The paper should include the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Additional information on the firm or the issue from public sources. Answers to the questions for the case. The business model schematic for the firm (if applicable). Your prediction of the success of the business model for the firm in the case (if applicable). 5. A discussion of the critical success factors and core competencies for the business model in general (if applicable). 6. Your analysis of the lessons for management from the case(s). 2. Information Technology Project Proposal Identify an emerging trend in Information Technology relevant to your (an) organization and write a convincing project proposal for your (the) CEO. The proposal should include: a. b. c. d. e. f. Business case for the new technology. Brief description of the technology. Shortcomings of the existing method. Cost, time, and feasibility estimates. Justification for the investment. Challenges of implementation. Examples of potential areas of information technology are: bar coding, , electronic funds transfer, intranets, electronic markets, automatic voice response (AVR), web conferencing, web services, CRM, or wireless technology. Emphasis should be placed on clear, brief presentation of the issues. 3. Case Study of a Particular IT Implementation Write a case study of an actual implementation of IT in any organization or industry. The case can concentrate on any interesting aspect of the use of the IT. Cases concentrating on the following have been interesting in the past: a. The decision process to invest in IT. b. The link between IT and business strategy. c. d. e. f. The difficulties and successes of actually implementing IT in the work place. The costs and benefits of an IT implementation. The way work changed with the new system. A stakeholder analysis for inter-organizational systems. The case should concentrate on one particular aspect of the IT implementation rather than tell the whole story. Typically, the first two-thirds of the case study describes the situation whilst the last third analyses the events, drawing conclusions and making recommendations. Often the analysis draws on a concept, model, or framework covered in the course. 4. Measuring the Impact of IT Perform a study of an existing information system in an organization to determine its financial impact. Typical questions are: Was the system a good investment? Did the system impact income, sales, productivity, or labor costs? Did the system have other financial impacts? How was the system cost justified? Lessons learned for future IT investments. 5. A Reach and Range Infrastructure Analysis The Reach and Range framework is a useful tool for infrastructure analysis for senior management use. Perform an analysis of the current reach and range (Weill & Broadbent, Chapter 4) of the IT infrastructure of your (any) organization. Perform a strategic analysis and assess what changes will be necessary to the reach and range of the IT infrastructure in the next five years. 6. Architecture It is often challenging for firms to incorporate both the business and technical considerations in the process for setting architectures. Why is IT architecture so difficult for large firms? What architecture approaches would you recommend to large firms? 7. An Essay (up to 2500 words) The information age is upon us. This will bring with it great improvements and opportunities but also threats and dislocations. The boundaries between firms will fade, more information will flow faster, privacy will be invaded, and jobs will change. Other jobs will disappear forever. A distinction will occur between those who are information rich and those who are disadvantaged by being information poor. Discuss. OR "Information systems departments are a thing of the past. Decentralized IT expenditure has already passed 50% of the total IT dollars and will continue to increase. There will be little if any role for the IS department to play". Discuss. 8. Critique the IT Governance Arrangements Perform an analysis and provide a consulting report on the suitability of the IT Governance arrangements in an enterprise. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the arrangements and make recommendations. 9. Any other project Any other project related to the course and of interest to the student can be chosen. Students choosing this options are advised to submit a proposal.