Stage 1: Strategic Use of Technology

Before you begin work on this assignment, be sure you have read the Case Study on Maryland Technology Consultants (MTC). MTC is a fictional company created for IFSM 300’s Case Study. It is also recommended that you review the additional Stages (2, 3 and 4) as well as the vendor brochure provided for Stage 4. This will help you understand the overall report and potential solution. 

Overview

As a business analyst in the Chief Information Officer’s (CIO’s) department of Maryland Technology Consulting (MTC), you have been assigned to conduct an analysis, develop a set of system requirements, evaluate a proposed solution, and develop an implementation plan for an IT solution (applicant tracking or hiring system) to improve the hiring process for MTC. This work will be completed in four stages, and each of these four stages will focus on one section of an overall Business Analysis and System Recommendation (BA&SR) report to be delivered to the CIO. 

Section I. Strategic Use of Technology (Stage 1) – The first step is to look at the organization and explain how an IT system could be used to support MTC’s strategies and objectives and support its decision-making processes. 

Section II. Process Analysis (Stage 2) – Next you will evaluate current processes and workflow and explain how MTC can use IT to improve its processes and workflow.

Section III. Requirements (Stage 3) –Then you will identify key stakeholder expectations for the new technology solution to support MTC’s hiring process and develop a set of requirements.

Section IV. System Recommendation (Stage 4) – Finally, you will review the provided Vendor brochure for a proposed applicant tracking system and explain how it meets the requirements and what needs to be done to implement the system within MTC.

The sections of the BA&SR will be developed and submitted as four staged assignments. In stages 2, 3 and 4, you will also incorporate any feedback received when the previous stage was graded to improve the effectiveness of your overall report and then add the new section to your report.  At the end of the course, you will submit a complete BA&SR document that includes all the sections and changes that resulted from previous feedback. Part of the grading criteria for Stage 4 submission includes addressing previous feedback to improve the final report. 

Assignment – BA&SR:  Introduction and Section I. Strategic Use of Technology 

Write an appropriate Introduction to the entire BA&SR Report (guidelines are provided below). Section I of the BA&SR document contains an organizational analysis and identifies ways in which an information system to improve the hiring process can help MTC, the organization in the case study, meet its strategic goals and meet the information needs of various levels of management. 

Using the case study, assignment instructions, Content readings, and external research, develop your Introduction and Section I. Strategic Use of Technology. To start, review the readings in Weeks 1 and 2. The case study tells you that the executives and employees at MTC have identified a need for an effective and efficient applicant tracking or hiring system. As you review the case study, use the assignment instructions to take notes to assist in your analysis.

Use the outline format, headings and tables provided and follow all formatting instructions below. For Stage 1, create a title page and reference page that will be used for all 4 stages.

Apply specific information from the case study to address each area.

Introduction

Begin your report with a clear, concise, well organized introduction to explain why you are writing and what is to come in the complete BA&SR report (not just Stage 1). This should briefly set the context for MTC – business purpose, environment, and current challenges related to hiring. Then specifically provide what is to come in the full report. Keep your audience in mind – this is an internal report for the CIO of MTC. Provide an introduction in one paragraph that engages the reader’s interest in continuing to read your report. 

I. Strategic Use of Technology 

A. Organizational Strategy – In this section, you should clearly present – at a broad level – what MTC’s organizational strategy is (refer to case study information), then what issues the current manual hiring process may present that interfere with achieving that strategy, and how improving the hiring process will benefit MTC and support its business strategy. (Use two to three strong sentences that explain how the system would support the strategy and justify your position with specifics from the Case Study.)  

B. Competitive Advantage – First, provide an overview of the competitive environment that MTC is currently operating in based on information from the case study. Then explain how and why MTC can use the new hiring system to increase its competitive advantage. Your explanation should demonstrate your understanding of what competitive advantage is as well as how improving the hiring process will help achieve MTC’s competitive advantage. Include how MTC can use the type of data/information that will be in the hiring system for strategic advantage. (Paragraph of 4-5 sentences)

C. Strategic Objectives– Review the four Strategic Goals presented in the Strategic Business Plan section of the MTC Case Study. The CIO has asked you to come up with an example of an objective to meet each goal and explain how a new hiring system would help achieve that objective. As you can see from the example provided in the table below, an objective is a statement that is clear (not vague) and is something that can be measured or evaluated to determine whether it has been met or not. An important part of setting goals is that they are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound). In order to evaluate whether a goal has been achieved, it’s important to be able to measure it. Consider this difference – Student wants to get a degree (non-specific and not measurable) vs. Student wants to earn a degree in Information Systems Management by May 2020. (This goal provides specific what and when.)  First, insert an introductory opening sentence for this table. Then, for each of the rows listed below, complete the table with the requested information. (Provide an introductory sentence and copy the table. Create an Objective for each of the 3 remaining Goals and explain using 2-3 complete sentences for each.) This is not about an objective to implement a hiring system or broad business goals but rather the focus is on objectives that would be supported by the use of a technology solution to support/improve the hiring process. 

  

Strategic   Goal

(from case study)

Objective

(clear, measurable and time-bound)

Explanation

(2-3 sentences)

 

Increase MTC Business   Development by winning new contracts in the areas of IT Consulting

 

Build a cadre of consultants   internationally to provide remote research and analysis support to MTC’s   onsite teams in the U. S.

EXAMPLE PROVIDED – (Retain text but remove this   label and gray shading in your report)

Increase international recruiting   efforts and employ 5 research analysts in the next 12 months. 

The new hiring system would allow applicants from   around the world to apply online, increasing the number of international   applicants. It would enable the   recruiters to carefully monitor the applications for these positions,   identify the necessary research and analysis skills needed, and screen   resumes for these key skills. Recruiters could quickly view the number of applicants and identify   when additional recruiting efforts are needed to meet the objective. 

 

Continue to increase MTC’s ability to   quickly provide high quality consultants to awarded contracts to best serve   the clients’ needs

 

Increase MTC’s competitive advantage in   the IT consulting marketplace by increasing its reputation for having IT   consultants who are highly skilled in leading edge technologies and   innovative solutions for its clients

D. Decision Making – In the reading, “How Information Supports Decision Making,” you were introduced to the information requirements of various levels of the organization. First, insert an introductory opening sentence for this section. Then, for each of the management roles listed below, complete the table with the appropriate level (as defined in the reading – one word is all that is required in this column), an example of a specific decision supported by the Hiring System to be made at that level, and what type of information from the hiring system would be needed to support that decision. Think about what information the hiring system could provide about applicants, etc., and then identify an example of a decision that might be made by each level of management. A decision is a choice or conclusion that the management might make about business operations or future planning. This is not about the decisions about implementing a new technology solution or about general responsibilities of each role. Example: A decision example could be stated as: CEO decides to expand MTC’s services to include cybersecurity. He can make this decision because the hiring system provides information that many applicants have the needed skills, certifications and experience to enable MTC to easily recruit IT consultants in this area. (Provide an introductory sentence then copy the table and insert information within, writing in complete sentences.) 

  

  

Role

Level     as defined in IS Course Reading 

Example     of Possible Decision Supported by Hiring     System

Example     of Information the Hiring System Could Provide     to Support Your Example Decision

 

Senior/Executive Managers 

(Decisions made by the CEO and the CFO at MTC supported by the     hiring system.)

 

Middle Managers

(Decisions made by the Director of HR and the Manager of     Recruiting supported by the hiring system.)

 

Operational Managers

(Decisions made by the line managers in the organization who     are hiring for their projects supported by the hiring system.)

Formatting Your Assignment

Consider your audience – you are writing in the role of a MTC business analyst and your audience is MTC and your boss, the CIO. Don’t discuss MTC as if the reader has no knowledge of the organization. Also do not reference “stage #” or “case study” – these are class terms and would not be in a business report. Use third person consistently throughout the report. In third person, the writer avoids the pronouns I, we, my, and ours. The third person is used to make the writing more objective by taking the individual, the “self,” out of the writing. This method is very helpful for effective business writing, a form in which facts, not opinion, drive the tone of the text. Writing in the third person allows the writer to come across as unbiased and thus more informed.

· Create a title page that includes: The company name, title of report, your name, Course and Section number and date.

· In Stage 1, you are preparing the first part of a 4-stage report. Use the structure, headings, and outline format provided here for your report. Use the numbering/lettering in the assignment instructions as shown below.

Introduction

I. Strategic Use of Technology

A. Organizational Strategy

B. Competitive Advantage

C. Strategic Objectives

D. Decision Making 

· Write a short concise paper: Use the recommendations provided in each area for length of response. It’s important to value quality over quantity. Assignment should not exceed 4 pages excluding title and reference pages.

· Content areas should be double spaced; table entries should be single-spaced. 

· To copy a table: Move your cursor to the table, then click on the small box that appears at the upper left corner of the table to highlight the table; right click and COPY the table; put the cursor in your paper where you want the table and right click and PASTE the table.

· Ensure that each of the tables is preceded by an introductory sentence that explains what is contained in the table, so the reader understands why the table has been included.

· Use at least two resources with APA formatted citation and reference. Use at least one external reference and one from the course content. Course content should be from the class reading content, not the assignment instructions or case study itself. For information on APA format, refer to Content>Course Resources>Writing Resources.

· Begin a Reference Page for resources required for this assignment. Additional research in the next stages will be added to this as you build the report. The final document should contain all references from all stages appropriately formatted and alphabetized. Use APA format for your reference page. 

· Running headers are not required for this report.

· Compare your work to the Grading Rubric below to be sure you have met content and quality criteria. 

· Submit your paper as a Word document, or a document that can be read in Word. Keep tables in Word format – do not paste in graphics.

· Your submission should include your last name first in the filename:  Lastname_firstname_Stage_1

  

GRADING RUBRIC:

  

Criteria

90-100%

Far Above Standards

80-89%

Above Standards

70-79%

Meets Standards

60-69%

Below Standards

< 60%

Well Below Standards

Possible Points

 

Introduction

Describes   the organization and provides an introduction to the overall Report

9-10 Points

The introduction is very effective;   is clear, logical, derived from the Case Study; and demonstrates a   sophisticated level of writing. 

8.5 Points

The introduction is clear, logical, and   derived from the Case Study. 

7.5 Points

The introduction is adequate and is   derived from the Case Study. 

6.5 Points

The introduction is not clear,   logical and/or derived from the Case Study. 

0-5 Points

Content   missing or extremely incomplete, did not reflect the assignment instructions,   showed little or no originality, demonstrated little effort and/or is not   original work for this class section.

10

 

Strategy

How the system will support the organization’s strategy as   derived from the case study

18-20   Points

The explanation   is clear, logical and fully supported using a sophisticated level of writing.

16-17   Points

The explanation   is clear, logical and supported.

14-15   Points

The explanation   is provided and supported.

12-13   Points

The explanation   is not clear, logical and/or supported. 

0-11   Points

Content missing   or extremely incomplete, did not reflect the assignment instructions, showed   little or no originality, demonstrated little effort and/or is not original   work for this class section.

20

 

Competitive Advantage

Explanation   of how the system and its data can be used for competitive advantage 

13-15   Points

Clear, complete,   logical, derived from the Case Study, and demonstrates sophisticated analysis   and writing. 

12.75   Points

Complete and accurate; derived from the case   study, demonstrates analysis and effective   writing.

10-11   Points

Explanation is   provided and related to the Case Study, may lack specifics and/or clear   logic.

9   Points

Explanation is not   clear, logical and/or supported.

0-8   Points

Content missing or extremely incomplete, did   not reflect the assignment instructions, showed little or no originality,   demonstrated little effort and/or is not original work for this class   section.

15

 

Strategic Objectives

Three objectives derived from Strategic Goals in Case Study with   explanation of how new hiring system would help achieve.

Generally, 0-5 points per objective.

13-15   Points

Objectives are clear, measurable and   time-bound and are strongly and fully explained using a sophisticated level   of writing.

12.75   Points

Objectives are clear, measurable and   time-bound, and are clearly explained.

10-11   Points

Objectives are   somewhat clear, measurable and time-bound, and are explained.

9   Points

Objectives are not clear, measurable and/or   time-bound, and/or are not explained. 

0-8   Points

Content missing or extremely incomplete, did   not reflect the assignment instructions, showed little or no originality,   demonstrated little effort and/or is not original work for this class   section.

15

 

Decision-Making

Types of decisions supported by the system for each of the three   levels of the organization

Generally, 0-5 points per decision example.

13-15 Points

Identified   correctly and fully, clearly and logically explained; are derived from the   Case Study; and demonstrate sophisticated analysis and writing.

12.75 Points

Identified   correctly and clearly and logically explained; are derived from the Case   Study; and demonstrate analysis and effective writing.

10-11 Points

Identified   correctly and explained and are derived from the Case Study.

9 Points

Not all   provided; and/or are not correct and/or not derived from the Case Study.

0-8 Points

Content   missing or extremely incomplete, did not reflect the assignment instructions,   showed little or no originality, demonstrated little effort and/or is not   original work for this class section.

15

 

Research

Two or more sources–one source from within the   IFSM 300 course content and one external (other than the course materials)

9-10   Points

Required resources are incorporated and used   effectively. Sources used are relevant and timely and contribute strongly to   the analysis. References are   appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style.

8.5 Points

At   least two sources are incorporated and are relevant and somewhat support the   analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA   style.

7.5   Points

Only one resource is used and properly   incorporated and/or reference(s) lack correct APA style. 

6.5 Points

A source may be used, but is not properly   incorporated or used, and/or is not effective or appropriate; and/or does not   follow APA style for references and citations.

0-5   Points

No course content or external research   incorporated; or reference listed is not cited within the text.

10

 

Format

Uses outline format provided; includes Title Page and Reference   Page

13-15   Points

Well organized   and easy to read. Very few or no   errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; double-spaced, written   in third person and presented in a professional format.

12.75   Points

Effective   organization; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling;   double-spaced, written in third person and presented in a professional   format. 

10-11   Points

Some   organization; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling.   Report is double spaced and written in third person.

9   Points

Not well   organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or is   not double-spaced and written in third person.

0-8   Points

Extremely   poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey   the information.

15

 

TOTAL Points Possible

100