HI6032 Leveraging IT for Business advantage T3 2023 Holmes
01 Dec 2023
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Individual Assessment
Cover page
Unit Details | Name | Leveraging IT for Business Advantage |
Code | HI6032 | |
Year, Trimester | 2023, Trimester 3 |
Assessment Details | Name | Research Proposal |
Due Date and Week | 1. Outline of the paper (10%): Week 5 Friday 5pm 2. Final version of the paper (40%): Week 12 Friday 5pm |
Individual Student Details | Student Number |
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First Name |
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Family Name |
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Submission Declaration | Integrity Declaration | I have read and understand academic integrity policies and practices and my assessment does not violate these. |
Full Name |
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Submission Date |
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Instructions
Objectives | This assessment item relates to the unit learning outcomes as in the unit descriptor. This assessment is designed to improve student learning skills and to give students experience in researching the literature on a topic relevant to the Unit of Study subject matter, critically analysing current academic papers then presenting idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition in a referenced written report. |
Instructions | For this component you will write a research proposal on a particular topic. The topic you select must be directly relevant to IT in Business. Your topic must include a specific information technology and a specific business application, e.g., AI For fraud detection.
All students must have a different topic. Students can choose to write about the same technology, but the approach and the thrust of each paper must be different. For instance, you could look at cloud computing from a security viewpoint, or from an environment impact viewpoint, or from the perspective of a manager trying to reduce their hardware costs. There will be many perspectives to look at each technology and its relation to Business IT.
To ensure this uniqueness, each student must email their topic and title to their tutor within the first two weeks. Your tutor will respond with an approval or with a message that you will either need to choose a different technology or to change the thrust of your paper. Once it has been approved you should begin by working towards the first deliverable.
Note: It is important to realize, that you must have prior approval for a topic before you can submit. If you submit something for assessment without approval for the specific topic, it will not be graded. Once you have a topic approved, you cannot change it without consent from your subject lecturer.
The Key elements of the research proposal
The following elements must be included in your research proposal: |
1. Introduction or background to the research problem or issue, including an identification of the gap in the current research 2. Research question and, if possible, a thesis statement answering the question 3. Justification for the proposal research, i.e., why the research is needed 4. Preliminary literature review covering what others have already done in the area 5. Theoretical framework to be used in the proposed research 6. Statement of the contribution of the research to the general area 7. Proposed research methodology 8. Research plan and outline 9. Timetable of proposed research |
| 10. List of references used in preparing the proposal |
Guidelines for Writing | 1. Introduction · The introduction should be as brief as possible (a paragraph or two). Whatever you do, don’t ramble on for pages; you need to make this part of the proposal clear and crisp. In the introduction, you need to give a sense of the general field of research of which your area is a part. You then need to narrow to the specific area of your concern. This should lead logically to the gap in the research that you intend to fill. When the gap is identified, a research question can then be raised. The answer to this question is called the thesis statement. 2. The research questions · The research question may not be a question as such, but rather a statement of a problem to be investigated. 3. Justification for the proposed research · one page is usually sufficient for this. You need to tell the reader that the research can justified along four main criteria: (1) The size of the industry/area involved; (2) The gaps in the literature that demand attention; (3) The unusual or improved methodology being used; (4) The benefits in terms of policy and practice 4. Preliminary literature review · This is where you provide more detail about what others have done in the area, and what you propose to do. You need to write around 2-3 pages in which you cover the following: (1) The major issues or schools of thought (2) Gaps in the literature (in more detail than is provided in the introduction) (3) Research questions and/or hypotheses which are connected carefully to the literature being reviewed (4) Definitions of key terms, provided either when you introduce each idea, or in a definition sub- section (5) Questions arising from the gaps that can be the focus of data collection or analysis. 5. Theoretical framework · The theoretical framework usually forms the final part of the literature review section. It describes the concept/theory/model that you are using in the thesis to demonstrate your point. 6. Contribution of the research · In this section, you outline how your research will make a change to an area of study. This is different from the justification of your research. The justification explains why the research should be done. The contribution section explains how what you will do will lead to certain outcomes. You need to outline: (1) The importance of the research outcome(s); (2) The practical or theoretical nature of the outcome(s). 7. Proposed research methodology · You do not have to describe the methodology to be used in great detail, but you should justify its use over other methodologies. For example, you could explain the reasons for using: (1) a certain paradigm or theory (2) qualitative or quantitative research (3) a case study of a specific kind (4) surveys, correlational experiments, field studies, specific statistical measurements, etc. (5) certain dependent or independent or moderating variables (6) a particular sampling frame and the size of a sample. 8. Research plan |
| · The research plan or outline can be discussed in conjunction with a research timetable. However, be aware that they have a different function. A research plan helps you as well as the reader as: (1) it gives you a framework for the direction your research will take (2) it shows the reader the project is well-organized and achievable in the time available (3) it shows your detailed research activities. 9. Research timetable · The timetable should indicate the weighting of each part of the proposed thesis in percentage terms, the topics covered, approximate word limit and, importantly, the approximate length of time it will take to complete them. You might consider providing a graph for convenience. |
10. List of references · This must be provided in the usual scholarly fashion. It helps to convince your reader that your proposal is worth pursuing if you can identify literature in the field and demonstrate that you understand it. It makes a very strong impact if you can identify where there is a research gap in the literature that your proposal hopes to fill. This is your contribution to the scholarly conversation. You should use academic references (peer reviewed articles), rather than web articles. | |
Submissions | The outline will include the title and a description of the sections in your paper and the key topics in each, along with at least five preliminary references and a note as to in which section they will be included. You can avoid trying to write perfect sentences and paragraphs (polishing). Additionally, you can include bullet points, sentence fragments, and temporary section headings · You are required to address Elements 1,2,3,4,10 in your outline. · You are required to provide at least 5 references. · Word limit: 500
The final version of your paper is the polished version, the approach should follow the same plan as your outline, but obviously some change may have occurred from the outline. You should not use a lot of small sections and bullet points in the final version. Your research proposal should be presenting the state of current knowledge in a specific area and as such, should have a narrative that flows from one paragraph to another. You cannot achieve this with bullet points and small disjoint sections. All references included with your paper must be cited within the paper and be appropriate to the context of the citation. · You are required to address Elements 1-10 in your final proposal. · You are required to provide at least 10 references. · Word limit: 2500 |
Academic Integrity Information | Holmes Institute is committed to ensuring and upholding academic integrity. All assessment must comply with academic integrity guidelines. Important academic integrity breaches include plagiarism, collusion, copying, impersonation, contract cheating, data fabrication and falsification. Please learn about academic integrity and consult your teachers with any questions. Violating academic integrity is serious and punishable by penalties that range from deduction of marks, failure of |
| the assessment task or unit involved, suspension of course enrolment, or cancellation of course enrolment. |
Format Instructions | · Most assessments must be in MS Word format with no spacing, 11-pt Calibri font and at least 2cm margins on all four sides with appropriate section headings and page numbers. · You must name your file with the Unit Code and Student ID (e.g. “HI5003- GWA1995”). · Check that you submit the correct document as special consideration is not granted if you make a mistake. · Student ID needs to be indicated on the cover page. |
Penalties | · All work must be submitted on Blackboard by the due date and time along with a completed Assessment Cover Page. Late penalties apply. · Reference sources must be cited in the text of the report, and listed appropriately at the end in a reference list using Holmes Institute Adapted Harvard Referencing. Penalties are associated with incorrect citation and referencing. |
Research Proposal Marking Scheme -Outline
Criterion | Missing or Unacceptable (0-39) | Developing (40-49) | Accomplished (50-74) | Exemplary (75-100) |
Introduction: Research question, and background (25%) | Research question(s), definitions, assumptions and limitations were omitted or inappropriate given the context, purpose or methods of the study. | Elements are poorly formed, ambiguous, or not logically connected to the description of the problem, purpose or research methods. | Research questions are stated clearly and are connected to the research topic. | Articulates clear, reasonable, and succinct research questions, and questions are fresh, interesting and significant. |
Literature review (25%) | Little or no evidence of a systematic approach, incomplete review; Little or no evidence of having read completely papers cited. | Incomplete and not systematic, but adequate to identify part of the literature, very little evidence of critical evaluation of papers cited | Evidence of reviewing, possibly incomplete but using appropriate approaches, Some evidence of critical appraisal or partial critical appraisal | The literature review addresses a relevant question. The planned method and procedure for the structured/systematic literature review is clearly presented, in sufficient detail, and appropriate for the question to be addressed. |
Organization and neatness of the proposal (25%) | The length of the narrative exceeds the suggested limit as indicated in the solicitation. The ideas are presented in a random manner with no focus. | The content and length of the proposal are inadequate (i.e. there is some logic in the narrative part, but the ideas lack of clear focus and structural argumentation). | Proposal format has been followed mostly. The narrative presents the ideas in an almost structural and logical manner. | The narrative has the appropriate length and the ideas are presented in a clear structural and logic manner identifying reasonable well the reasons and means to achieve the goal of the proposal. |
Harvard Reference style (25%) | Clear styles with excellent source of references. | Generally good referencing style | Sometimes clear referencing style | Lacks consistency with many errors |
Research Proposal Marking Scheme - Final Version
Criterion | Missing or Unacceptable (0-39) | Developing (40-49) | Accomplished (50-74) | Exemplary (75-100) |
Introduction: Research question, and background (20%) | Research question(s), definitions, assumptions and limitations were omitted or inappropriate given the context, purpose or methods of the study. | Elements are poorly formed, ambiguous, or not logically connected to the description of the problem, purpose or research methods. | Research questions are stated clearly and are connected to the research topic. | Articulates clear, reasonable, and succinct research questions, and questions are fresh, interesting and significant. |
Literature review and references (40%) | Little or no evidence of a systematic approach, incomplete review; Little or no evidence of having read completely papers cited. | Incomplete and not systematic, but adequate to identify part of the literature, very little evidence of critical evaluation of papers cited | Evidence of reviewing, possibly incomplete but using appropriate approaches, Some evidence of critical appraisal or partial critical appraisal | The literature review addresses a relevant question. The planned method and procedure for the structured/systematic literature review is clearly presented, in sufficient detail, and appropriate for the question to be addressed. |
Research design: theoretical framework, contribution, research methodology (20%) | The research design is erroneous for the hypothesis states or has not been identified and or described using standard terminology. Limitations and assumptions are omitted. | The research design is confusing or incomplete given the research questions. Important limitations and assumptions have not been identified. | The research design has been identified and described in sufficiently detailed terms. Some limitations and assumptions have been identified. | The purpose, questions, and design are mutually supportive and coherent. Appropriate and important limitations and assumptions have been clearly stated. |
Organization and neatness of the proposal (10%) | The length of the narrative exceeds the suggested limit as indicated in the solicitation. The ideas are presented in a random manner with no focus. | The content and length of the proposal are inadequate (i.e. there is some logic in the narrative part, but the ideas lack of clear focus and structural argumentation). | Proposal format has been followed mostly. The narrative presents the ideas in an almost structural and logical manner. | The narrative has the appropriate length and the ideas are presented in a clear structural and logic manner identifying reasonable well the reasons and means to achieve the goal of the proposal. |
Research plan and timeline (10%) | Plan and/or timeline are missing or the timeline is beyond our suggested time. | Plan and/or timeline are present but not adequate to support the project. | Plan and/or timeline are present but not very well defined, not easy to understand. | Plan and timeline are adequate to support the project activities, costs are reasonable in relation to the |
List of Research topics for HI6032 Research Proposal Assessment
Research topics sourced from Lecture 2
1. Application of digital business models by:
· Financial institutions
· On-line retail business
· Government agencies for business advantage
2. How businesses can leverage disruptive technologies for competitive advantage. Choose a particular business field.
3. Social media as a driving force for democratisation and how business can take advantage of it for competitive advantage.
4. Use of social media for collaboration, marketing, management, human resources, productivity. Focus on a business field or industry.
5. Social media features that businesses can leverage to their advantage. Focus on a business field or industry.
6. Ways in which a business can leverage online communities for competitive advantage. Focus on a business field or industry.
7. What is the network effect, and how can a business leverage network effect for competitive advantage? Focus on a business field or industry.
8. Ways in which a business can leverage enterprise mashup technology for competitive advantage. Focus on a business field or industry.
9. Ways in which a business can use social monitoring services to improve its competitive advantage. Focus on a business field or industry.
Research topics sourced from Lecture 3
10. Research the advantages that cloud computing technology has over the traditional infrastructure model.
11. Explain the three main cloud delivery models. Select one model and research how a particular business can leverage it for business advantage.
12. Explain the four main cloud deployment model. Select one deployment model and
research how a particular business or industry can leverage it for business advantage.
13. Select a business that uses cloud computing technologies and research some of the main issues and challenges it faces such as cloud computing security and Ethical issues
arising from the use of cloud computing.
Research topics sourced from Lecture 4
14. Research the main advantages that enterprise systems have over traditional types of information systems.
15. Select a business type or category and research how it can leverage supply chain management system for business advantage.
16. Select a business type or category and research how it can leverage a customer relationship management system for business advantage.
17. Select a business type or category and research how it can leverage an enterprise resource planning system for business advantage.
Research topics sourced from Lecture 5
18. Select a business in the retail industry. Research how retail industry drives e-commerce in the chosen business in terms of how it conducts business-to-business, business-to- consumer and business-to-employee transactions.
19. Select an online retail business. Research its sell-side and buy-side ecommerce transaction activities and how it leverages various ecommerce technologies for competitive advantage.
20. Select a small to medium size business. Research how it overcomes its e-commerce challenges of cyber security, competition, order-fulfillment, customer experience, website development and visibility and so on.
21. Select a business that utilises e-commerce. Research how it is leveraging mobile- commerce (M-Commerce) to enhance its e-commerce activities and become more competitive.
22. Social commerce refers to e-commerce transactions delivered via social media. Select a business that utilises e-commerce and research ways in which social commerce is
enhancing its e-commerce activities and making it more competitive.
23. Select a business that uses e-commerce and social commerce. Research some of the security threats and challenges it faces and how it overcomes them.
Research topics sourced from Lecture 6
24. Select a government that you are familiar with. Research the types of cyber threats and attacks it has encountered, the consequences of those threats and attacks, the sources of those and the subsequent cybersecurity measures it took to overcome them.
25. Select a health care system that you are familiar with. Research the types of cyber
threats and attacks it has encountered, the consequences of those threats and attacks, the sources of those and the subsequent cybersecurity measures it took to overcome them.
26. Select an education system that you are familiar with. Research the types of cyber threats and attacks it has encountered, the consequences of those threats and attacks, the sources of those and the subsequent cybersecurity measures it took to overcome them.
27. Research a number of organisations that have experienced cyberattacks. Identify the type according to whether it is one of the following crimeware (Spyware, adware, malware or ransomware) and identify the attack vectors (the weak points in the system that allowed
the attack to occur.)
28. Cyberattacks can be carried out against critical infrastructure such as government
facilities, emergency services, water and wastewater, transportation, health care services
etc. Research a government you are familiar with and study how such cyberattacks had a negative impact on national security, economic security, health care security and so on.
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Delivery in day(s):
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