Assignment Scenario

You have gained a contract as an IT Consultant with Go Forwards Limited. The company needs to review their existing management information systems in order to make improvements. This will include the use of new technologies as a strategy for increasing competitiveness. Initial costings show that this will require significant investment that will impact on developments elsewhere in the business.
The Managing Director has asked you to prepare information that covers a variety of different issues relating to management information systems. This will help the organisation decide on its future plans.
Following a meeting with the MD and his senior colleagues you are required to complete the following tasks. This will include conducting research into the use of information technology in different organisations.

Task 1
You need to produce a formal business report for the Senior Management Team of Go Forwards Limited.
Your report must include:
• An explanation of the components and characteristics of an organisational information system
• An evaluation of the role of information systems in organisations
• An assessment of how information systems contribute to achieving competitive advantage within a global market

Extension activity
To achieve a Merit, you must also assess the challenges to developing global information systems.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1M1

Task 2
Having discussed the report, individuals in the Senior Management Team have asked for further information. Produce a report which provides:
• An explanation of how information systems support decision-making and change management
• An assessment of how information systems can improve organisational performance
• An analysis of the issues associated with the use of data collected through organisational information systems

Extension activity
To achieve a Distinction, you must evaluate the impact of key emerging information technologies on business performance.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
LO2 AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2D1

Task 3
In preparation for a senior management meeting, the Managing Director has asked you to prepare a case study paper so his colleagues can see how a system works in practice.
You must research an organisation of your choice and draft a paper which:
• Determines the information system requirements of your chosen organisation
• Assesses the security risks faced by your chosen organisation when using information systems
• Includes a plan to manage an information system for your chosen organisation

Extension activity
To achieve a Merit, you are required to provide additional information in your case study paper that analyses the implications of ethical and social issues for managing information systems in your chosen organisation.
To achieve a Distinction, you are required to provide additional information in your case study paper that evaluates the tools and technologies your chosen organisation uses to protect the security of information systems.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3M1, 3D1