DUE DATE:  Last Day of Class

Choose one of the following topic options and write  a 1500 word (min 1100 words, max 2500 words) paper on the topic.  The paper is to be submitted electronically but should be formatted as if you were going to print it.

OPTION A:  Ideally, it is feasible to write on the IS/IT function at your place of employment.  Identify the computer platforms (mainframe, LANs, WANs. PCs), transaction processing systems, general software utilized by employees, etc.  Are any CRM systems utilized?  SCM?  ERP?  What types of database systems are supported?  Are DSS employed?  If so, what types?  what purposes?  If not, in what areas could they be employed?  For what types of decisions?  Are expert systems utilized? Are intelligent systems utilized? Are there any intranet applications?  How is the IT support staff organized?  Is there one central IT/IS department?  Is the IT/IS support staff distributed across several locations?  Are any of your systems outsourced?  off-shored?  What types of computer security precautions are taken?  Is their an email policy?  Is there an Internet policy? Is there a policy for employees or customers on information rights or obligations?  Are any mobile applications available for field personnel?  Are any mobile applications in the planning phase? NOTE that all of the above questions are designed to help you think about IT in your place of employment. You do not have to answer all of them and you are free to address other IT related issues at your place of employment.

OPTION B:  If OPTION A is not feasible, choose a topic associated with the course that interests you and research it more thoroughly.  Possible topics include but are in no way limited to data mining in business, expert systems, mobile applications, VPNs, wireless computing, computer security, a specific ERP system vendor, etc.  You must cite at least five references and be certain to author the paper in your own words.  Also be careful to scope the paper for around 1500 words.