DUE DATE:  See the Syllabus in Canvas

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.  The major goal in this option is to learn more about the IT organization(s) in your current or former place of emplyment. Here are some questions to get you started. What did you learn about IT that you did not know before? What does the IT department do that surprises you. Is there something that the IT department does not do because of policy or budget restrictions. What, if anything, is now done using cloud computing? Are there plans to migrate any existing systems to the cloud? It's likely that you need more content to meet the minimum paper length so here are some more questions to generate ideas for what you can include in your paper.

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?

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 a 4-5 page length.

OPTION C: Make a proposal to me. I am flexible.