This Graduate Research Paper (GRP) will describe and analyze an information system within a business or organization. It should include with recommendations or suggestions for possible improvements.
The paper will be written in APA style writing format you are to use and cite at least four literature sources (year 2010 and lower) In addition, at least one interview is recommended. At least five sections, with headings, are also required.
To help guide through the process of writing the paper, it has been divided into several components or assignments, each due at the end of each week, respectively as follows:
1. Request for Approval of GRP Topic
2. GRP Hardware
3. GRP Software
4. Final GRP
The idea is that by the time you get to the final GRP, you've already written and received initial feedback on much of it.
Request for Approval of GRP topic
Post a brief informal statement regarding the information system that will be studied for purposes of initial student discussion.
GRP Hardware
This assignment will continue the development of your GRP paper and should include things such as brand CPU's, servers, networks; their speed and amount of storage; number and type of end-users, etc. You must identify all the major hardware elements (components) of the information system, describe the function of each, and evaluate how well the element is performing that function. Preferably, most of the information should come from an interview with someone in the IS function at your workplace. This is not to be a list of specifications but a narrative providing and explaining the specifications along with a beginning analysis of the hardware elements.
GRP Software
This assignment will continue the development of your GRP paper and focus on the software components of your information system. It should include things such as operating system; type of application software; programming language of software (if available); degree of customization of software; inputs and outputs to program (s); storage format of data (if available) ; end-user training in use of software; etc. Preferably, most of the information should come from an interview with someone in the IS function at your workplace. But, also feel free to obtain information from end-users and from your own experience.