Information resources

INSTRUCTIONS

Here are the instructions for the assignment:

1. Review pp 35 through 53 in this case study: (attached)

Although dated, the cases presented in this article highlight major shortcomings of many different federal IT projects. You might be amazed at how many projects had problems at the time this article was written. You might also not be surprised to know that the number of large IT project problems and failures continues today at all levels of government.

1. Write an analysis of two Information Technology examples presented in the reading (Govt at the Brink)

Select two of the information technology cases presented on pages 35 through 53. Go back through your notes about the types of problems that cause IT project problems. Based on an analysis of typical project problems and the facts provided in the two cases, write a report. (Note: No credit will be given if you select a non-IT case. Sorry, but that is our focus this semester.)

In your report discuss the primary facts from each of the cases that you selected, explain the elements leading to project failure and link them to your notes. Compare and contrast the two failures in terms of common themes and/or unique factors that led to the problems cited in the article. Use facts from the two examples, your notes, and any Internet research that you conducted as part of this analysis. DO NOT copy and paste content from Internet websites. Write the memorandum using your own thoughts and words.

Submit your written response by uploading it for review and assessment.

Writing Guidance

For our purposes this semester all written submissions should generally adhere to the following:

1. There is no need to include a separate cover page. Provide a title for the assignment and your name at the top of the first page.
2. For brevity-sake, single space your written assignments.
3. Use 1" margins (left, right, top and bottom).
4. Indent all paragraphs (APA style).
5. Use standard 11-pitch or 12-pitch fonts.
6. For citations, use APA style. If you need some help understanding how to cite using APA format,
7. All writing should be expository format, with proper grammar, spelling and effective use of the English language.
8. Use sub-titles to organize your writing. However, your writing should not include one-sentence paragraphs or one-paragraph sub-sections.
9. Use bullet lists sparingly. We are not writing outlines.
10. Do NOT copy and paste content from the Internet. I want your thoughts. Points will be subtracted for content that is copied and pasted. Along those lines, do not plagiarize. Cite your sources. If I think something has been plagiarized I will check and if true I will direct you to the ethics policy.
11. For the best possible grade demonstrate that you have spent sufficient time on the assignment. Often it is necessary to do Internet searches to obtain additional background material. For the assignment I would like to see that you have done sufficient background research, that you have read the instructions and that you have spent time reflecting on the task and thoughtfully constructing your written response to questions and issues.