Module 2 – CaseTHE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT ANDSOCIO-TECHNICAL BALANCEAssignment OverviewThe Case for this Module involves the lessons that we teachand learn about systems analysis and design and how tocope with the real world of real systems. Three articles arecommended to your attention. The first is a good generalsummary of the lessons we have been discussing on how ITmanagement integrates with successful systems design; it isan on-line presentation, but you can download it if you wishto study it in more detail:McSweeney, A. (2011) Integrating It Frameworks,Methodologies And Best Practices Into It Delivery AndOperation. Slideshare. [PPT presentation]. Retrievedfromhttp://www.slideshare.net/alanmcsweeney/integrating-itframeworks-methodologies-and-best-practices-into-it-delivery-andoperation-3528481But what are IT managers actually learning? Does it fit inwith what we have been talking about? Check out thefollowing articles, as you will find out when you hit the jobmarket!Dillon, A. (2000). Group dynamics meet cognition: combiningsocio-technical concepts and usability engineering in thedesign of information systems. in E. Coakes,. et al. (Eds.)The New Socio Tech: Graffitti on the long wall.London: Springer-Verlag, pp 119-126. Retrievedfromhttp://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~adillon/BookChapters/sociotechnical.htmlGrudin, J. (2009). The development of interactive systems.Retrieved fromhttp://research.microsoft.com/enus/um/people/jgrudin/past/Papers/IEEE91/IEEE91.htmlFinally, here is a very thoughtful blog post regardingeducation and the real world; it is cast more in terms ofcomputer science than IT management, but the same issuesare involved. Be sure to read through the commentsfollowing the basic post, to get a sense of the range ofreactions and ideas provoked by this discussion:Sommerville, I. (2011) Computer science education and thereal world. Thoughts on software and systems engineering.Retrievedfrom http://se9book.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/computer-scienceeducation-and-the-real-world/Case AssignmentRead the assigned readings, supplemented if you wish withmaterial from the optional readings and perhaps thesupplementary background as well, and even other outsidereading you might find by yourself to be useful. Then write ashort paper stating your position on the question:"What do information technology managers need toknow about how to improve the systems developmentprocess through joint optimization? Why?"Your paper should be short (5-6 pages, not including coversheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structuredas a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner.You are expected to:Begin this paper by stating your position on this question clearlyand conciselyCiting appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take thisposition. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Then presentthe best evidence you can, again citing appropriate sources, against yourposition — that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to youroriginal position.Finally, review your original position in light of thecounterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut youroriginal statement.By the end of your paper, you should be able tounequivocally re-affirm your original position.You will be particularly assessed on:Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structureyour paper accordingly.Your informed commentary and analysis — simply repeating whatyour sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology ofsystems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected tobe familiar with this language and use it appropriately.Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to theassigned readings and other source material to support your arguments.Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APAformatting and style guide (see optional readings for Module 1) for theproper formats. General Case and SLP Paper Writing GuidelinesAssignment Expectations (50 points total)Length: Follow the number of pages required in theassignment excluding cover page and references. Eachpage should have about 300 words.Assignment-driven criteria (25 points): Demonstratesclear understanding of the subject and addresses all keyelements of the assignment.Critical thinking (10 points): Demonstrates masteryconceptualizing the problem. Shows analysis, synthesis, andevaluation of required material.Scholarly writing (5 points): Demonstrates writingproficiency at the academic level of the course; addressesthe Learning Outcomes of the assignment.Quality of references (4 points) and assignmentorganization (3 points): Uses relevant and crediblesources to support assertions. Assignment is well organizedand follows the structure of a well-written paper.Citing sources (3 points): Uses in-text citations andproperly formats references in APA style.Privacy Policy | Contact
