Strayer CIS590 course project

Capstone Project Overview
The purpose of this capstone project is for
students to assume a senior management approach and apply project management
techniques to create an integrative information technology solution to address
organizational issues in order to satisfy an executive team and venture capital
group. Students will critically assess existing information systems
infrastructures, emerging technologies, and how enabling technologies affect
organizational strategy. Deliverables 1 through 6 focus on preparing students
toward the final capstone project. Skills, experience, and knowledge gained
through the completion of prerequisite courses will be used throughout each
deliverable. The project contents to be addressed are as follows:

1. Project Deliverable 1:
Project Plan Inception.In this deliverable, you will create a project introduction that
includes background information of the company, the type of business that the
company is involved in, and a description of the integrative information
systems that the company should have to support the business. You will also be
asked to create a project plan to record tasks, subtasks, and resources, and
identify the schedule of the project. Additionally, the plan will outline the
planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases of your project.
Submission Requirements
§ Project Introduction (MS Word)
§ Project Plan (MS Project)

2. Project Deliverable 2:
Business Requirements.In this deliverable, you will create an original business
requirements document for the project plan using the template provided. You
will be asked to describe the detailed project including the scope, possible
risks, constraints, assumptions,
integration with other systems and infrastructure, and relevant terms that will
be used throughout the project. You will also need to update the project plan.
Submission Requirements
§ Business Requirements Document (MS Word)
§ Project Plan (MS Project)

3. Project Deliverable 3:
Database and Data Warehousing Design.In this deliverable, you will create a
database schema that supports the company’s business and processes, explain and
support the database schema, create database tables, normalize the database
tables, create an Entity-Relationship (E-R) Diagram, and create a Data Flow
Diagram (DFD). You will also be asked to create sample queries that will
support the organizational reporting needs, and screen layouts that illustrate
the interface that organizational users will utilize. You will need to update
the project plan.
Submission Requirements
§ Design Document (MS Word)
§ Revised Project Plan (MS Project)

4. Project Deliverable 4: Cloud
Technology and Virtualization. In this deliverable,
you will support the need for the use of cloud technology and virtualization within
your company, speculate on expected cost savings in hardware infrastructure,
speculate on the possible reductions of human capital that can be realized from
implementing cloud and virtualization technologies, create a diagram to
illustrate how cloud and virtualization technology could align with the
company’s business processes and assist with attainment of organizational
goals, provide a compelling recommendation for solution providers and partners
that could help your company secure a firm competitive advantage by using cloud
and virtualization technologies, and update the project plan.
Submission Requirements
§ Design Document (MS Word)
§ Revised Project Plan (MS Project)

5. Project Deliverable 4: Network
Infrastructure and Security. In this deliverable,
you will design a logical and physical topographical layout of the network,
illustrate the possible placement of servers, explain rationale for the logical
and physical topographical layout of the planned network, create and describe
the comprehensive security policy for the organization, and update the project
plan.
Submission Requirements
§ Infrastructure Document (MS Word)
§ Revised Project Plan (MS Project)

6. Final Project: Final Project
Plan.In
the final project, you will provide a high-level technical overview of the
project. This includes the five (5) previous deliverables with revisions
surrounding instructor feedback. All documentation will be recorded on the
business requirements document revised from an earlier submission in this
course. Additionally, you will submit the final project plan and create a
comprehensive PowerPoint presentation for the executive team and the venture
capital group. The PowerPoint presentation, along with the executive summary,
will convince the group that your solution is optimal.
Submission Requirements
§ Written Project Plan (MS Word)
§ Revised Business Requirements Document (MS Word)
§ Project Plan PowerPoint Presentation (MS PowerPoint)
§ Finalized Project Plan (MS Project)

Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception
Due
Week 2 and worth 120 points

This
assignment consists of two (2) sections: a project introduction and a project
plan. You must submit both sections as
separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name
according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you
may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion
of this assignment.

You
are currently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for an innovative Internet-based
company with gross revenues of more than $35 million dollars per year. During
an executive leadership meeting, you were told that your company will be
merging with a multinational company of equal size and you will be responsible
for developing a project plan to strategically integrate all systems, including
databases and infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer has given you sixty
(60) days to deliver an information technology project plan in anticipation of
the company merger. Your company will be expanding from one (1) floor to three (3)
floors within six (6) months. Since this merger will be bringing two (2) fairly
equal-sized companies together under one roof, the infrastructure must be
redesigned to accommodate the increased needs. Your company currently uses
operational systems and relational databases but desires to expand into data warehousing.
All information technology (hardware and software) must be redesigned to meet
organizational needs. The solution should be implemented in either a hosted
solution, on-site solution, or a hybrid model. The CEO is expecting you to
integrate different technologies from different solution providers and
incorporate industry best practices in connection with the development of
technological systems. In addition, the CEO is extremely interested in cloud
technologies and virtualization but is leery of security issues; however, the
CEO is sure that you will implement proper security protocols. The company
currently consists of twenty five (25) employees but is expected to increase to
sixty five (65) employees when the merger is complete.

Section 1: Project
Introduction
Write
a four to six (4-6) page project
introduction that documents the current state of the organization prior to
any development or enhancements, takes into account all the information
given above, and includes the following:Background information of the company.Details regarding the type of business activities
that the company is involved in.Speculation on outsourcing and offshoring
opportunities.A description of the current information systems
that the company has to support the business. The description should
include an overview of the following:

i. operational
systems, databases, and data warehousing.

ii. cloud technology
and virtualization.

iii. network infrastructure
and security.
The use of at least two (2) quality resources in
this assignment. Note:
Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Your
assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be
typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or
school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.Include
a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name,
the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the
reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Section 2: Project
Plan
Use
Microsoft Project to:
Create
a project plan (summary and detailed) template. The project plan should:
Record all tasks, subtasks, resources, and time related
to the project.Outline the planning, analysis, design, and
implementation phases.Develop in accordance with the SDLC.

The
specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
·
Describe the integrative functions and
activities within the information systems area, including the role of the CIO
and technologies managed within the organization.
·
Use technology and information resources to
research issues in information systems.
·
Write clearly and concisely about leadership
issues and strategic insight of the Information systems domain using proper
writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Grading
for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of
the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Project Deliverable 2:
Business Requirements
Due
Week 4 and worth 120 points

This
assignment consists of two (2) sections: a business requirements document and a
project plan. You must submit both
sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label
each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for.
Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed
for the completion of this assignment.

Documenting
the existing IT network and system is an important first step, but you, the
CIO, know that capturing the needed changes can be critical to your success as
an executive. You know that procuring and documenting quality business
requirements is an important step toward the design of quality information
systems. Completion of a quality requirements document allows user needs and
expectations to be captured, so that infrastructure and information systems can
be designed properly. Using the requirements document provided in the course
shell as a part of the requirements gathering process, you are to assess the
needs of the company as it prepares to become a multinational organization. You
must consider current and future trends and requirements; however, assumptions
should be realistic and carefully considered. The needs of the organization
should be documented. Later deliverables will focus on specifics of all
requirements.

Section 1: Business
Requirements Document
Write
a four to six (4-6) page original business requirements document for the
project plan using the template provided. Note: The template can be found in the Student Center of the
online course shell.Describe the project needs, including the
following:

i. Describe
the scope and analyze how to control the scope.

ii. Speculate
and give justifications for how to control scope.

iii. Identify
possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.

iv. Describe
the needed integration with other systems and infrastructure. Note: Database and Data Warehousing,
Cloud Technology and Virtualization, and Network Infrastructure and Security.

v. Assess the
human capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that
necessary skill sets are identified.

vi. Speculate
on possible outsourcing or offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish
project.

vii. Define
relevant terms that will be used throughout the project.

viii. Include
cost projections for staffing, infrastructure, and other resources.
Use at least two (2) quality resources in this
assignment. Note: Wikipedia
and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Your
assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be
typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or
school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.Include
a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name,
the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
the reference page are not included in the required assignment page
length.

Section 2: Revised
Project Plan
Use
Microsoft Project to:
Update
the project plan (summary and detail) template, fromProject Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks, each consisting
of five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

The
specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
·
Describe the integrative functions and
activities within the information systems area, including the role of the CIO
and technologies managed within the organization.
·
Evaluate how information technology (IT) is
aligned with the strategy of the organization, and how to make appropriate
choices about architecture in relationship to overall organization goals.
·
Use technology and information resources to
research issues in information systems.
·
Write clearly and concisely about leadership
issues and strategic insight of the Information systems domain using proper
writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Grading
for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of
the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points:
120

Project
Deliverable 2: Business Requirements

Criteria

Unacceptable
Below 70% F

Fair
70-79% C

Proficient
80-89% B

Exemplary
90-100% A

Section 1: Business Requirements Document

1ai. Describe the scope and analyze how to control the
scope.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely described and analyzed how
to control the scope.

Partially described and analyzed how to control the
scope.

Satisfactorily described and analyzed how to control
the scope.

Thoroughly described and analyzed how to control the
scope.

1aii. Speculate and give justifications for how to
control scope.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely speculated and gave justifications
for how to control scope.

Partially speculated and gave justifications for how to
control scope.

Satisfactorily speculated and gave justifications for
how to control scope.

Thoroughly speculated and gave justifications for how
to control scope.

1aiii. Identify possible risks, constraints, and
assumptions.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletelyidentified
possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.

Partiallyidentified
possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.

Satisfactorilyidentified
possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.

Thoroughlyidentified
possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.

1aiv. Describe the needed integration with other
systems and infrastructure.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely described the needed
integration with other systems and infrastructure.

Partially described the needed integration with other
systems and infrastructure.

Satisfactorilydescribed
the needed integration with other systems and infrastructure.

Thoroughlydescribed
the needed integration with other systems and infrastructure.

1av. Assess the human capital that may be needed to
complete the project, ensuring that necessary skill sets are identified.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely assessed the human
capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that necessary
skill sets are identified.

Partiallyassessed the
human capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that
necessary skill sets are identified.

Satisfactorilyassessed the
human capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that
necessary skill sets are identified.

Thoroughlyassessed the
human capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that
necessary skill sets are identified.

1avi. Speculate on possible outsourcing or offshoring
needs that may be required to accomplish project.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely speculated on possible
outsourcing or offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish project.

Partially speculated on possible outsourcing or
offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish project.

Satisfactorily speculated on possible outsourcing or
offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish project.

Thoroughly speculated on possible outsourcing or
offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish project.

1avii. Define relevant terms that will be used throughout
the project.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely defined relevant terms
that will be used throughout the project.

Partiallydefined
relevant terms that will be used throughout the project.

Satisfactorilydefined
relevant terms that will be used throughout the project.

Thoroughlydefined
relevant terms that will be used throughout the project.

1aviii. Include cost projections for staffing,
infrastructure, and other resources.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely included cost projections
for staffing, infrastructure, and other resources.

Partially included cost projections for staffing,
infrastructure, and other resources.

Satisfactorily included cost projections for staffing,
infrastructure, and other resources.

Thoroughly included cost projections for staffing,
infrastructure, and other resources.

1b. 2 references
Weight: 5%

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references; some
references poor quality choices.

Meets number of required references; all references
high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references
high quality choices.

Section
2: Revised Project Plan

2. Update the project plan from Project Deliverable 1:
Project Plan Inception, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks, each consisting of five to ten (5-10)
subtasks.
Weight: 5%

Did not submit or incompletely updated the project plan
from Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks, each consisting of
five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

Partially updated the project plan from ProjectDeliverable 1: Project Plan
Inception, with three to five (3-5) new
project tasks, each consisting of five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

Satisfactorily updated the project plan from Project Deliverable
1: Project Plan Inception, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks, each consisting of five to ten (5-10)
subtasks.

Thoroughly updated the project plan from Project Deliverable
1: Project Plan Inception, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks, each consisting of five to ten (5-10)
subtasks.

3. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting
requirements
Weight: 10%

More than 6 errors present

5-6 errors present

3-4 errors present

0-2 errors present

Project Deliverable
3: Database and Data Warehousing Design
Due
Week 6 and worth 120 points

This
assignment consists of two (2) sections: a design document and a revised
project plan. You must submit both
sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label
each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for.
Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed
for the completion of this assignment.

One
of the main functions of any business is to transform data into information.
The use of relational databases and data warehousing has gained recognition as
a standard for organizations. A quality database design makes the flow of data
seamless. The database schema is the foundation of the relational database. The schema defines the tables, fields, relationships, views, indexes, and
other elements. The schema should be created by envisioning the business,
processes, and workflow of the company. Since your company is an innovative Internet-based
company, movement toward data warehousing seems to be one of the most viable
options to give your company a competitive advantage; however, these concepts
must be explained to the executive board in a manner to garner support.

Section 1: Design
Document
Write
a six to ten (6-10) page design document in which you:
Support the need for the use of relational databases
and data warehousing. From a management standpoint, it may be important
to show the efficiencies that can be gained for executive oversight.Create a database schema that supports the
company’s business and processes. Explain and support the database schema
with relevant arguments that support the rationale for the structure.Note: The
minimum requirement for the schema should entail the tables, fields,
relationships, views, and indexes.Identify and create database tables with
appropriate field-naming conventions. Then, identify primary keys and foreign
keys, and explain how referential integrity will be achieved. Normalize
the database tables to third normal form (3NF).Identify and create an Entity-Relationship (E-R)
Diagram relating the tables of the database schema through the use of
graphical tools in Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as
Dia. Note: The graphically
depicted solution is not included in the required page length but must be
included in the design document appendix. Explain your rationale behind
the design of the E-R Diagram.Identify and create a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) relating
the tables of your database schema through the use of graphical tools in
Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia. Note: The graphically depicted
solution is not included in the required page length but must be included
in the design document appendix. Explain the rationale behind the design
of your DFD.Illustrate the flow of data including both inputs
and outputs for the use of a data warehouse. The diagram should map data
between source systems, operational systems, data warehouses and
specified data marts. Note:
The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page
length.

Your
assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be
typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or
school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.Include
a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name,
the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
the reference page are not included in the required assignment page
length.Include
charts or diagrams created in MS Visio or Dia as an appendix of the design
document. All references to these diagrams must be included in the body of
the design document.

Section 2: Revised
Project Plan
Use
Microsoft Project to:
Update
the project plan (summary and detail) template, fromProject Deliverable 2: Business Requirements, with three to five (3-5) new project tasks each consisting
of five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

The
specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
·
Describe the methods and best practices in
implementing process change in IT organizations.
·
Describe the role and methods of
technology-induced process improvement in organizations.
·
Use technology and information resources to
research issues in information systems.
·
Write clearly and concisely about leadership
issues and strategic insight of the Information systems domain using proper
writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Grading
for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of
the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Project
Deliverable 4:Cloud
Technology and Virtualization
Due
Week 7 and worth 120 points

With
the merger of your company with a multinational company, you have come to
realize that progressive solutions are necessary to defray some of the
associated information technology costs.
Company executives believe that using cloud technology and
virtualization is becoming the standard for companies that are engaged in Internet-based
technologies. Your company is on the verge of global marketing and competition;
therefore, your company needs to make smarter decisions and improve global business
performance. Cloud technology and virtualization are believed to provide
business insights without enormous infrastructure enhancements. The executive board
is aware of the profound benefits of cloud technology and virtualization but is
apprehensive because they are unfamiliar with the look and feel of the
technology. The executive team is interested in your recommendations and
eagerly waiting for your forward-thinking viewpoint.

Section 1: Design
Document
Write
a four to six (4-6) page design
document in which you:
a.
Support the need for the use of cloud
technology and virtualization within the company.
b.
Assess expected cost savings in hardware
infrastructure.
c.
Determine the possible reductions of human
capital that can be realized from implementing cloud and virtualization
technologies.
d.
Create a diagram through the use of Microsoft
Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia to illustrate how cloud and
virtualization technology could align with the company’s business processes and
assist with attainment of organizational goals. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the
required page length but must be included in the design document appendix.
e.
Provide a compelling recommendation for solution
providers and partners that could help the company secure a firm competitive advantage
by using cloud and virtualization technologies.

Your
assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be
typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or
school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.Include
a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name,
the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.Include
charts or diagrams created in MS Visio or Dia as an appendix of the design
document. All references to these diagrams must be included in the body of
the design document.

Section 2: Revised
Project Plan
Use
Microsoft Project to:
Update
the project plan (summary and detail) template, fromProject Deliverable 3: Database and Data Warehousing Design, with
three to five (3-5) new project
tasks each consisting of five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

The
specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
·
Demonstrate an understanding of existing and
emerging information technologies and strategic impact on organizational
operations.
·
Explain how to develop reasoned responses to
the major forces shaping the role of IT in organizations competing in a global
economy.
·
Use technology and information resources to
research issues in information systems.
·
Write clearly and concisely about leadership
issues and strategic insight of the Information systems domain using proper
writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Grading
for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of
the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Project
Deliverable 5: Network Infrastructure
and Security
Due
Week 8 and worth 120 points

This
assignment consists of two (2) sections: an infrastructure document and a
revised project plan. You must submit
both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment.
Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written
for. Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions
needed for the completion of this assignment.

With
the parameters set forth at the onset of the project, present the
infrastructure and security policy that will support the expected development
and growth of the organization. The network solution that is chosen should
support the conceived information system and allow for scalability. The network
infrastructure will support organizational operations; therefore, a pictorial
view of workstations, servers, routers, bridges, gateways, and access points
should be used. Since the company will be merging with a multinational company,
virtualization and cloud technology should be taken into consideration. In
addition, access paths for Internet access should be depicted. A narrative
should be included to explain all the nodes of the network and the rationale
for the design. Lastly, using the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability
(CIA) Triangle, define the organizational security policy.

Section 1:
Infrastructure Document
Write
a five to ten (5-10) page infrastructure document in which you:
Identify possible network infrastructure
vulnerabilities. Address network vulnerabilities with the appropriate
security measures. Ensure that consideration is given to virtualization
and cloud technology.Design a logical and physical topographical layout
of the planned network through the use of graphical tools in Microsoft
Word or Visio, or an open source alternative such as Dia. Explain the
rationale for the logical and physical topographical layout of the
planned network. Note: The
graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page
length.Illustrate the possible placement of servers,
including access paths to the Internet and firewalls. Note: facility limitations,
workstations, printers, routers, switches, bridges, and access points should
be considered in the illustration.Create and describe a comprehensive security policy
for the company that will:

i. Protect
the company infrastructure and assets by applying the principals of CIA. Note: CIA is a widely used benchmark
for evaluation of information systems security, focusing on the three (3) core
goals of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

ii. Address
ethical aspects related to employee behavior, contractors, password usage, and
access to networked resources and information.

Your
assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be
typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or
school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.Include
a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name,
the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
the reference page are not included in the required assignment page
length.Include
charts or diagrams created in MS Visio or Dia as an appendix of the infrastructure
document. All references to these diagrams must be included in the body of
the infrastructure document.

Section 2: Revised
Project Plan
Use
Microsoft Project to:
Update
the project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 4:
Cloud Technology and Virtualization,
with three to five (3-5) new
project tasks each consisting of five to ten (5-10) subtasks.

The
specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
·
Describe the methods and best practices in
implementing process change in IT organizations.
·
Describe the role and methods of
technology-induced process improvement in organizations.
·
Use technology and information resources to
research issues in information systems.
·
Write clearly and concisely about leadership
issues and strategic insight of the Information systems domain using proper
writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Grading
for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of
the paper, and
Project
Deliverable 6: Final Project Plan
Due
Week 10 and worth 200 points

This
assignment consists of four (4) sections: a written project plan, a revised
business requirements document, a project plan PowerPoint presentation, and the
finalized project plan. You must submit the
four (4) sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment.
Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written
for. Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions
needed for the completi