System Design Issues

Discussion 1:

Information Technology Security

Research the Ashford online library and other reputable sources (reputable technical periodicals) regarding information technology security. Give two examples of organizations that have identified security as a priority and briefly explain how the organizations designed systems to solve the problems identified. From your research on information technology security and the concepts presented in the text, what is the impact of information technology security on the systems design process? What key factors need to be addressed in the development cycle before systems construction and implementation? After?

Discussion2:

System Design Issues

If a project is poorly designed and constructed, will a well-planned and well-executed implementation effort help the project to succeed? Will a well-designed and well-constructed system overcome a poor implementation effort? Can you give an example of a project, system, or product that has overcome design or implementation problems?

Project:

Systems Analysis Report

Your systems analysis report will consist of several steps. Use the following situations to create your analysis. Include all components in one seamless report. Your final report must be 10 – 15 pages, double-spaced, and in APA format.

You are working as a system designer for a company that manufactures heavy-duty power tools used by contractors. Every month, your regional sales and service centers batch together the hard copy repair orders for work performed under warranty. They are sent to headquarters, where they are run through a legacy mainframe batch process. A report is then generated, which the engineers analyze for signs of any problem trends in the new models. The company’s CEO has decided that this process is far too slow in today’s highly competitive business environment and wants to replace the legacy system as soon as possible with something more contemporary.

To begin this assignment, research and prepare the following:

Prepare an estimated cost for client-server system alternative as illustrated in Figure 11-2.
Identify at least three candidate system solutions and describe them in a candidate systems matrix using Figures 11-6 and 11-7 as examples.
Prepare a feasibility analysis matrix, using candidate system solutions you identified and described above. Use Figures 11-8 and 11-9 as your template, but choose the weighting factors that you feel would be most appropriate in this situation. For purposes of this exercise, you may provide an estimate of the economic feasibility.
Once the feasibility analysis matrix has been complete, write the feasibility report to executive-level managers, using the appropriate format shown in Figure 11-10.

Include all documents, charts, and graphs you created in preparation for this report in your final report. Your report should include sufficient detail to demonstrate how you obtained your information and arrived at the conclusions and recommendations.

Writing the Systems Analysis Report:
The Paper:

Must be 10 – 15 double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a cover page that includes:
Student’s name
Course name and number
Title of paper
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
Must include at least three scholarly sources as reference. The textbook may be used as an additional reference.
Must use APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center to document all sources.
Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

System Design Issues

Discussion 1:

Information Technology Security

Research the Ashford online library and other reputable sources (reputable technical periodicals) regarding information technology security. Give two examples of organizations that have identified security as a priority and briefly explain how the organizations designed systems to solve the problems identified. From your research on information technology security and the concepts presented in the text, what is the impact of information technology security on the systems design process? What key factors need to be addressed in the development cycle before systems construction and implementation? After?

Discussion2:

System Design Issues

If a project is poorly designed and constructed, will a well-planned and well-executed implementation effort help the project to succeed? Will a well-designed and well-constructed system overcome a poor implementation effort? Can you give an example of a project, system, or product that has overcome design or implementation problems?

Project:

Systems Analysis Report

Your systems analysis report will consist of several steps. Use the following situations to create your analysis. Include all components in one seamless report. Your final report must be 10 – 15 pages, double-spaced, and in APA format.

You are working as a system designer for a company that manufactures heavy-duty power tools used by contractors. Every month, your regional sales and service centers batch together the hard copy repair orders for work performed under warranty. They are sent to headquarters, where they are run through a legacy mainframe batch process. A report is then generated, which the engineers analyze for signs of any problem trends in the new models. The company’s CEO has decided that this process is far too slow in today’s highly competitive business environment and wants to replace the legacy system as soon as possible with something more contemporary.

To begin this assignment, research and prepare the following:

Prepare an estimated cost for client-server system alternative as illustrated in Figure 11-2.
Identify at least three candidate system solutions and describe them in a candidate systems matrix using Figures 11-6 and 11-7 as examples.
Prepare a feasibility analysis matrix, using candidate system solutions you identified and described above. Use Figures 11-8 and 11-9 as your template, but choose the weighting factors that you feel would be most appropriate in this situation. For purposes of this exercise, you may provide an estimate of the economic feasibility.
Once the feasibility analysis matrix has been complete, write the feasibility report to executive-level managers, using the appropriate format shown in Figure 11-10.

Include all documents, charts, and graphs you created in preparation for this report in your final report. Your report should include sufficient detail to demonstrate how you obtained your information and arrived at the conclusions and recommendations.

Writing the Systems Analysis Report:
The Paper:

Must be 10 – 15 double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a cover page that includes:
Student’s name
Course name and number
Title of paper
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
Must include at least three scholarly sources as reference. The textbook may be used as an additional reference.
Must use APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center to document all sources.
Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.