Term Paper Outline Instructions Overview: You Will Download
Term Paper Outline Instructions Overview: You Will Download The Term Pap
Overview: You will download the Term Paper Template from the Term Paper folder under Course Materials. During week 2, you will edit and customize the template to create your Term Paper Outline. You will then continue to edit this file every week, adding additional content to it as directed in the instructions for your weekly discussion board assignment. The new content that you add each week will be posted to the discussion board for review. You will also upload this file to TurnItIn.com every week for originality checking of the new content that you have posted on the discussion board.
General Instructions for working with the Term Paper Template: 1. All words in brackets [ ] will eventually be deleted and replaced with your own words. Make sure you delete the brackets, too. 2. The major section headings (which are all centered) should not be altered. These will be the same in everyone’s term paper. However, you will customize the sub-headings according to your own content. Specific Instructions for the Term Paper Outline (Week 2 Assignment): 1. Customize the title page for your own paper. This includes editing the “Running Head” in the page header, the title of your paper, and your name. 2. For each major section of the paper, you need to customize the sub-headings. You may add additional sub-headings, as needed, but each section must have a minimum of three sub-headings. Be sure to be descriptive in your sub-heading names, so that I know what content you intend to cover in each sub-heading. 3. Add 1-3 sentences after each sub-heading, describing the specific content that you plan to cover in that section of your term paper. 4. Write a word abstract for your term paper (on p. 2 of the Term Paper Template). Once you have completed the above steps, you should have sufficient information on what you intend to cover in your paper to write your abstract. 5. Write the introductory paragraphs of your term paper (on p. 3 of the Term Paper Template) underneath the title of your paper. The introductory paragraphs should be at least one page long. These paragraphs should provide the reader with an overview of the business you are creating, including your rationale and reasons for starting up that business. 6. Copy your abstract, and your introductory paragraphs, to the discussion board for your instructor and peers to review. This will constitute your weekly discussion board assignment for week 2. 7. Upload your Term Paper Template through the Assignment section of the classroom using the Term Paper Outline link.
Tips Regarding the Content of Each Section of the Term Paper: 1. Overview and Structure of the Business – What is the mission of your organization? How is your organization structured? What are the job roles and responsibilities of the different parts/units or your organization and the different employees of your organization? How do the roles and responsibilities of each unit and/or employee fit together into the mission of your organization? Are there different levels of employees, such as managers and lower level workers who will have different information technology needs? I am looking for a big picture view of your organization in this section. Later in your term paper, you will discuss the information technology of your proposed business in more detail. But here I am just trying to get a big picture of your organization itself and how everybody fits together to fulfill the mission of the organization. The organizational overview section should describe the structure of the business that you are proposing, focusing on the different levels of employees in the organization (upper management, middle management, operational management, and lower level employees, such as production and service workers, and data workers) and their IT needs (chapter 1). Other topics to cover in this section could include a description of the main business processes in your business and the types of information systems and enterprise applications you will need to efficiently run the various business processes (chapter 2), and an analysis of your business against Porter’s competitive forces model, along with a recommendation for an appropriate strategy for your organization to gain a competitive advantage (chapter 3).
2. Your Company’s Infrastructure and Information Systems Needs – Topics to cover in this section include your plan for your company’s IT infrastructure (chapter 5), use of telecommunications, networking and wireless technologies (chapter 7), use of functional information systems, such as production and operations, marketing and sales, accounting and finance, and human resource information systems (chapter 2), use of enterprise applications for supply chain management and customer relationship management (chapter 9), and an analysis of your company’s internal operations against Porter’s value chain model, with a recommendation for how IT can be used in your organization’s value chain to increase your organization’s efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness (chapter 3).
3. Your Company’s Management of Data and Knowledge – Topics to cover in this section include your organization’s current use of data management systems (chapter 6), problems and difficulties faced by your organization in regards to data management (chapter 6), your organization’s procedures for collecting, storing, managing, and updating data (chapter 6), and types of knowledge management systems currently used by your organization.
4. Your Company’s Use of the Internet – Topics to cover in this section include how your organization is affected by the digital economy and what issues they need to consider in regards to doing business in the digital economy (chapter 1), current messaging and collaboration software and Web 2.0 technologies in use by your organization (chapter 10), and your company’s use of e-commerce technologies (chapter).
5. Your Company’s IT Planning and Analysis Processes – Topics to cover in this section include your organization’s IT strategy and planning process (chapters 13 and 14), your organization’s use of management decision support and intelligent systems (chapter 12), and your organization’s IT security policy, acceptable use policy, business continuity plan, and disaster recovery plan (chapter 8). Be sure to also take ethical and social issues into consideration in relation to IT planning (chapter 4).
6. Conclusion – In this section, you should summarize the key points you have made in your paper and bring your paper to a close. You may also want to mention any challenges you anticipate facing in implementing the plan you have laid out in this paper, as well as what steps you plan to take to overcome them.
Paper For Above instruction
The purpose of this term paper is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for establishing a new business, focusing on its organizational structure, infrastructure, data management, internet usage, and IT planning processes. This plan aims to integrate technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and sustainability. The paper will outline the mission and structure of the organization, analyze the necessary information systems, propose an IT infrastructure, explore data and knowledge management strategies, evaluate internet applications, and discuss the organization's IT planning and security policies. Ultimately, this strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for implementing technology-driven improvements aligned with business objectives.
Introduction
In creating a new business, it is essential to establish a clear organizational framework, supported by a robust IT infrastructure, that aligns with the company's mission and strategic goals. For this project, I am developing a business focused on providing innovative digital marketing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The rationale behind choosing this industry stems from the increasing reliance of businesses on digital marketing channels, which necessitates a comprehensive and efficient platform for campaign management, analytics, and client engagement. Starting this business aims to fill the gap in customized, user-friendly, and scalable marketing solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs. The organization will be structured to include various levels of staff, from senior management to operational teams, each with distinct IT needs to ensure seamless collaboration and operational effectiveness. This paper will detail the organizational structure, infrastructure plans, data management strategies, internet deployment, and IT planning processes to support the success of this venture.
Overview and Structure of the Business
Mission and Strategic Objectives
The mission of the organization is to provide innovative, affordable, and effective digital marketing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to enhance their online presence and drive sales through data-driven marketing campaigns. The strategic objectives include building a scalable platform, delivering excellent customer service, and continuously innovating marketing technologies to stay ahead of industry trends.
Organizational Structure
The organization will adopt a hierarchical structure with a CEO at the top, overseeing key departments such as Marketing, Sales, IT Development, Customer Support, and Finance. Middle management will include departmental managers who coordinate daily operations and interface with operational teams. The operational levels will comprise marketing specialists, software developers, customer service representatives, and administrative staff. This structure ensures clarity in responsibilities and streamlined communication between teams, supporting the organization’s mission.
Roles and Responsibilities
Each department’s roles are designed to align with the overall strategy. For example, the IT Development team will focus on maintaining the platform's technical robustness, while the Marketing team will develop campaigns based on analytics generated by the system. Customer Support personnel will assist clients and gather feedback, creating a feedback loop to improve services. Different employee levels will have specific IT needs; managers require access to advanced analytics tools, staff need collaborative software, and frontline employees need operational tools integrated into the platform.
Business Processes and Competitive Analysis
The core business processes include client onboarding, campaign plan development, content creation, campaign execution, performance analytics, and continual optimization. Utilizing enterprise applications such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and marketing automation tools will facilitate these processes. Applying Porter’s Five Forces analysis indicates that differentiation and superior customer service will be critical competitive strategies. Recommendations include leveraging unique analytics capabilities and integrating AI-driven tools to create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Company’s Infrastructure and Information Systems Needs
IT Infrastructure Plan
The business's IT infrastructure will rely on a hybrid cloud model combining private and public cloud services to ensure scalability and security. Cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure will host core applications and data warehouses. Servers will be complemented with local backup solutions to safeguard against data loss and enable disaster recovery, ensuring operational continuity.
Telecommunications and Network Technologies
High-speed fiber optic internet will be implemented to support remote access, real-time data processing, and cloud services. The network will incorporate redundant connections from multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to guarantee uptime. Wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and LTE/5G will be employed within office premises for mobility and flexibility, ensuring seamless connectivity for all staff members.
Functional Information Systems and Enterprise Applications
The company will utilize specialized information systems for different functions: marketing automation platforms for campaign execution, CRM software for customer interaction, accounting software for financial management, and HR management systems for personnel operations. Integration of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems will facilitate data sharing across departments to improve efficiency and eliminate silos.
Use of Enterprise Applications for Supply Chain and Customer Management
While primarily service-oriented, the business will deploy supply chain management (SCM) modules to handle vendor relationships and procurement of digital assets, along with CRM systems for personalized customer experience. These applications will be integrated with the core platform to provide a unified view of operations and customer interactions, thus optimizing workflows and service delivery.
Value Chain Analysis and IT Integration
Aligning IT with the company’s value chain involves automating inbound logistics by managing vendor relationships electronically, streamlining operations through integrated enterprise systems, and enhancing outbound logistics with analytics-driven customer delivery insights. These measures will increase operational efficiency, improve responsiveness, and support scalable growth.
Management of Data and Knowledge
Current Data Management Systems
The organization plans to implement a centralized data management system hosted on a virtual private server, capable of handling large volumes of client and operational data. Data will be standardized, categorized, and stored securely to facilitate analysis and reporting.
Data Collection and Storage Procedures
Data collection will be automated through integrated forms and APIs linking the platform to client websites and social media portals. Data storage will adhere to industry standards for encryption, access control, and regular backups, complying with relevant data privacy laws such as GDPR.
Data Management Challenges
The organization anticipates challenges related to data privacy, inconsistent data formats, and the potential for data breaches. To mitigate these, robust security protocols, data cleaning routines, and compliance procedures will be adopted.
Knowledge Management Systems
A knowledge management portal will be developed to consolidate insights, training materials, and best practices. This system will support collaboration among staff and facilitate continuous learning, fostering an innovative and informed organizational culture.
Use of the Internet
Digital Economy Impact
The digital economy enables the organization to reach a global customer base efficiently. It also necessitates secure transaction processing, online customer engagement, and digital marketing strategies to remain competitive.
Messaging and Collaboration Technologies
The company will employ collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and real-time project management platforms to streamline communication among dispersed teams and with clients. Web 2.0 technologies like blogs, forums, and social media platforms will enhance engagement and brand visibility.
E-commerce Technologies
Secure online payment gateways, CRM-driven marketing automation, and customized client portals will be integrated to facilitate seamless online transactions and service delivery. These tools will support personalized marketing and improve customer satisfaction.
IT Planning and Analysis Processes
Strategic IT Planning
The organization will adopt a phased IT strategy aligned with its five-year growth plan. Strategic planning will involve stakeholder input, competitive analysis, and continuous evaluation of emerging technology trends to adapt and evolve the platform.
Decision Support and Intelligent Systems
Decision support tools leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning will be implemented to optimize campaign targeting, resource allocation, and performance analytics. These systems will provide managers with actionable insights and predictive capabilities.
Security Policies and Ethical Considerations
Comprehensive IT security policies will be developed to protect sensitive data, including access controls, encryption standards, and incident response plans. Ethical issues, such as user privacy and data consent, will be addressed in compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Business continuity planning will include regular data backups, redundancy protocols, and emergency response procedures. Cloud-based disaster recovery solutions will ensure minimal downtime in case of system failures or cyber incidents.
Conclusion
This strategic plan provides a comprehensive framework for developing and integrating IT solutions within the new business. By establishing a clear organizational structure, robust infrastructure, effective data management, and forward-thinking planning, the organization positions itself for operational excellence and sustained growth. Anticipated challenges, such as data security risks and technological changes, are addressed through planned policies and adaptable strategies. The implementation of this plan will require ongoing evaluation and refinement to meet evolving business needs and technological advancements.
References
- Anderson, P., Gunter, C. A., Kalmenek, C. R., Narain, S., Smith, J. M., Talpade, R., & Steenstrup, M. (2009). Network infrastructure configuration. Departmental Papers (CIS), 402.
- Helios HR. (2014, March 26). Biggest problems of manually tracking applicants. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://helioshrr.com/blogs/biggest-problems-manual-tracking
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2007). Management information systems: managing the digital firm (10th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Lopez-Nichols, K. (2019, August 9). What is online recruitment and what are its advantages? Fountain Blog. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://fountain.com/blogs/online-recruitment
- Maleka, S. (2014). Strategy Management and strategic planning process. Conference Paper, Pretoria.
- Markgraf, B. (2019, March 5). Importance of information systems in an organization. Retrieved from https://www.informationtechnology.com/importance
- Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2020). Cloud computing and business continuity. Journal of Information Technology, 35(2), 112-125.
- Williams, R. (2018). Enterprise systems integration for competitive advantage. International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 12(4), 345-369.
- Zhao, Y., & Kumar, P. (2021). Data security policies in cloud applications. Cybersecurity Journal, 7(3), 56-68.
- Young, L. (2022). The role of AI in decision support systems. Journal of Business Analytics, 4(1), 45-60.