BBA – Major in Computer Information Systems Critical Thinking Through Writing Plan

(CIS 3001) Managing IT Projects (Fall, 2016)

Critical thinking through writing in Computer Information Systems is defined as using writing to assist in developing ability to select, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and draw inferences about business situations and information, and apply problem-solving skills to formulate and communicate convincing reasons in support of conclusions and solutions.

All BBA students pursuing a major in Computer Information Systems will develop their critical thinking through writing skills throughout their major courses as follows.The assignments will require students to:

Gather, organize, and classify, pertinent information, materials, and data

Evaluate assumptions, evidence, ideas, and information

Analyze information

Consider and/or integrate disparate ideas and information

Develop rational, reasonable, and informed conclusions

Present a clear expression of derived conclusions, judgments, and solutions

In this paper, students will prepare a written analysis and conclusion for IT project management decision (e.g., Enterprise System Implementation).Student will need to do some research on how a company’s IT department implement their enterprise system and what methodologies they used. And write a two-page’s plan / reflection paper (single space) based on the company’s scenario that the (individual) student chooses to do so.

For instance, enterprise systems (ES) are used by business and governmental organizations to manage and optimize many business functions using Information technology. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a type of ES that integrates business processes across departments and functions using a single database. This provide real-time data for ease of sharing information and making operational and strategic decisions throughout the enterprise. In addition, ERP systems integration has been extended to enterprise systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM).

Sample Written AnalysisScoring Rubric

Rubrics – Possible Scores

Objective

Element

Score

Weight (%)

Total

1

2

3

1. Gather, organize, classify data

Sufficient content and depth

15%

Major lack of content

Gaps in content, superficial

Discusses all topics fully

2.  Evaluate assumptions, evidence, ideas and information

Clearly stated assumptions

15%

Few assumptions listed or no justification

Some assumptions listed and justified

All assumptions clearly identified and fully justified

3.  Analyze information

Complete analysis of issues; complete and accurate calculations

20%

Lacking consideration of major issues; missing calculations

Considers some major issues; many mistakes in formulas

Completely considers all issues and correct calculations

4.  Synthesize ideas and information

Logical organization, sequence, and integration of ideas

20%

Chaotic order; ideas not integrated

Ideas are confused and hard to follow

All ideas integrated in logical order

5.  Develop rational, reasonable, and informed conclusions

Logical inferences and conclusions

20%

Interpretation and conclusions missing

Jump to conclusions without logic

Clear conclusions logically follow from evidence and interpretation

6.  Clearly communicates conclusions, judgments, and solutions

Writing clarity; correct mechanics; accurate citation of references

10%

Difficult to understand; many mechanical errors; appears to be plagiarizing,

Some confusing passages; some errors in mechanics and citations; too many direct quotes

Clearly written with correct mechanics; all sources cited, with referenced materials integrated into paper

Score