Draft Coursework Assignment Brief Semester: C16 Module Code: PM304 Module Title: Information Systems Management Programme Undergraduate: Business Management, Management with Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management with Information Systems, Economics, Law with Management Level: Level 6 Awarding Body: University of Plymouth Module Leader Dr Wegene Demeke Format: Report Presentation: No Any special requirements: Word Limit: 2,000 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway) Deadline date for submission: Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment No Submit to Turnitin by 2:00PM 15th August 2016 Understand how and why database systems are specified, designed, implemented, tested, maintained and used. Analyse an organisations' requirements for data storage and information gathering and how managerial decisions are influenced. Evaluate the concept of database management and the technical responsibilities of a database administrator. This assignment is worth 50% of the total marks for the module Percentage of marks awarded for module: Candidates must clearly label their ID Number on additional separate reference, formula or answer sheets. Assignment Task Information System is playing a significant role by providing a new business model for competitive advantages, and for better decision making. Your task is to write a report critically evaluating the role played by database systems and on how it is used as a source for business intelligence and analytic tools for improved decision making, and knowledge management in an organisation of your choice. Your report should be persuasive and should present balanced views. Your report should cover: Background information  Describe capabilities of database management systems  Evaluate the challenges and benefits of data management systems  Critically evaluate the technical, ethical and legal challenges database presents for an information systems manager Information relevant to your organisation  Assess how the database is used as a source for business intelligence and analytics tools for improved decision making and knowledge management in an organisation of your choice.  Assess on how non-relational databases and cloud databases provide opportunities and challenges to your selected organisation when compared to using traditional database systems. It is important that you do not simply define this area of knowledge, but instead apply it, using case studies. Deliverables You must submit a report of 2000 words +/- 10% to Turnitin. Marking Criteria First: In order to achieve a First class mark, your report should confidently discuss and critique the impact of improved knowledge based and intelligent data support systems, elements of the business intelligence environment and the associated ethical, legal and technical challenges. Case studies should be applied and used to underpin a persuasive argument. Your essay should be clearly structured and make use of a range of appropriate references, approached critically. 2.1: In order to achieve a 2:1 grade, your report should critically evaluate the main elements of the business intelligence environment and the associated analytics capabilities, defining the types of knowledge based systems that are available to improve decision making. Your report will evaluate the associated ethical, legal and technical challenges. Case studies will have been used to underpin your arguments, with strong links. Your report should be clearly structured and make use of a range of appropriate references and referencing style. 2.2: In order to achieve a 2:2 grade, your report should highlight the main elements of the business intelligence environment and the associated analytics capabilities. Your report will describe the associated ethical, legal and technical challenges. Case studies will have been used to underpin your arguments, with some links stronger than others. Your report should be clearly structured and make use of a range of appropriate references and referencing style. Pass: In order to achieve a pass, your essay should review the main elements of the business intelligence environment and the types of decision making system available. Your report will list the associated ethical, legal and technical challenges. Case studies will have been used to underpin your arguments, with weak but relevant links. Your report should be clearly structured and make use of appropriate references and referencing style. Fail: Students that receive a 'fail' grade is in part due to demonstrating gaps in knowledge and understanding of the material at this level. Work will possibly contain significant inaccuracies and/or unsubstantiated generalizations. Case studies will not have been used, or applied with much errors. How to structure the assignment report Title Page Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date. Table of Contents A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible. Introduction This should show that you have fully understood the brief and that you are going to cover everything required. Findings and Analysis  This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections.  The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential.  Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the most complex ones as an appendix. Conclusions These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here. Recommendations Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action. References Please use The Harvard System for all references. Bibliography It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but has not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading was undertaken balanced and a variety of courses utilised. Appendices Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.