Reference no: EM132527608

Capstone Project Overview

The purpose of this project is for students to apply project management techniques to create integrative information technology solutions that include databases, systems analysis, security, networking, computer infrastructure, human computer interaction, and Web design. Deliverables one (1) through four (4) focus on preparing students toward the final capstone project. The project contents 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 in which the company is involved, 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 Gantt chart or project plan to record tasks, subtasks, 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
o Project Introduction (MS Word)
o Gantt Chart / Project Plan (MS Project / Open 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, and assumptions, integration with other systems and infrastructure, and relevant terms that will be used throughout project. You will also need to update the Gantt chart or project plan.
Submission Requirements
o Business Requirements Document (MS Word)
o Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan (MS Project / Open Project)
3. Project Deliverable 3: Database and Programming 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 Gantt chart or project plan.
Submission Requirements
o Design Document (MS Word)
o Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan (MS Project / Open Project)
4. Project Deliverable 4: 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 Gantt chart or project plan.
Submission Requirements
o Infrastructure Document (MS Word)
o Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan (MS Project / Open Project)
5. Final Project: Project Plan. In the final project, you will provide a high-level technical overview of the project. You will also 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
o Written Project Plan (MS Word)
o Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan (MS Project / Open Project)
o Project Plan PowerPoint Presentation (MS PowerPoint)

Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception

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

You have been made the Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer (CIO / CTO) of an innovative e-Commerce start-up company that a venture capital group has funded. The CEO has given you sixty (60) days to deliver an information technology project plan in anticipation of the company locating to a new facility. Since this is a start-up company, there is currently no building or technology infrastructure to support the business. All information technology (hardware and software) must 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 partners and incorporate industry best practices in connection with the development of technological systems. The new facility is a two-story stand-alone building. The company currently consists of ten (10) employees with revenues of $5 million but is expected to grow to thirty (30) employees with revenue of $30 million over the next two (2) years.

Part 1: Project Introduction
1. Write a two to four (2-4) page project introduction that includes the following:
a. Background information of the company.
b. The type of business in which the company is involved.
c. A description of the information systems that the company should have to support the business. The description should include the following:
i. databases
ii. systems analysis
iii. security
iv. networking
v. computer infrastructure
vi. human computer interaction
vii. Web design
d. 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:
• This course requires use of new Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.
• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow SWS 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.

Part 2: Gantt Chart / Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project or an open source alternative, such as Open Project, to:
2. Create a Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detailed) template. The Gantt chart or project plan should:
a. Record all tasks, subtasks, resources, and time related to the project.
b. Outline the planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases.
c. Develop in accordance with the systems development life cycle (SDLC).

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Describe the various integrative functions and processes within the information systems area, including databases, systems analysis, security, networking, computer infrastructure, human computer interaction, and Web design.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate organizational issues with integrative technological solutions.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in information technology.
• Write clearly and concisely about strategic issues and practices in the information technology domain using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Project Deliverable 2: Business Requirements

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

Procuring 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, you are to speculate on the needs of the company. You must consider current and future requirements; however, assumptions should be realistic and carefully considered.

Part 1: Business Requirements Document
1. Write an eight to ten (8-10) 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.
a. Describe the project including the following:
i. Describe the scope and analyze how to control the scope.
ii. Identify possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.
iii. Describe the integration with other systems and infrastructure. Note: Database and interface design, security, and networking should be considered.
iv. Define relevant terms that will be used throughout project.
b. Use at least two (2) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Part 2: RevisedGantt Chart / Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project or an open source alternative, such as Open Project, to:
2. Update the Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception, with all the project tasks.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Apply integrative information technology solutions with project management tools to solve business problems.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in information technology.
• Write clearly and concisely about strategic issues and practices in the information technology domain using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Project Deliverable 3: Database and Programming Design

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

One (1) of the main functions of any business is to transform data into information. The use of relational databases has gained recognition as a standard for organizations and business transactions. 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.

Part 1: Design Document
1. Write a five to ten (5-10) page design document in which you:
a. Create a database schema that supports the company's business and processes.
b. 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, andindexes.
c. Create database tables with appropriate field-naming conventions. Then, identify primary keys and foreign keys, and explain how referential integrity will be achieved.
d. Normalize the database tables to third normal form (3NF).
e. Create an Entity-Relationship (E-R) Diagram 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.
f. Explain your rationale behind the design of your E-R Diagram.
g. Create a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) 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.
h. Explain your rationale behind the design of your DFD.
i. Create at least two (2) sample queries that will support the organizational reporting needs.
j. Create at least two (2) screen layouts that illustrate the interface that organizational users will utilize.

Part 2: Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project or an open source alternative, such as Open Project, to:
2. Update the Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 2: Business Requirements, with all the project tasks.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Describe the various integrative functions and processes within the information systems area, including databases, systems analysis, security, networking, computer infrastructure, human computer interaction, and Web design.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate organizational issues with integrative technological solutions.
• Apply integrative information technology solutions with project management tools to solve business problems.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in information technology.
• Write clearly and concisely about strategic issues and practices in the information technology domain using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Project Deliverable 4: Infrastructure and Security

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

The last Part of the project plan will present the infrastructure in accordance with the parameters set forth at the outset of the project. 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. 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. CIA is a widely used benchmark for evaluation of information systems security.

Part 1: Infrastructure Document
1. Write a five to ten (5-10) page infrastructure document in which you:
a. 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. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.
b. 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.
c. Explain the rationale for the logical and physical topographical layout of the planned network.
d. Create 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 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.

Part 2: Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project or an open source alternative, such as Open Project, to:
2. Update the Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 3: Database and Programming Design, with all the project tasks.

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.
• Evaluate the issues and challenges associated with information technology integration.
• Evaluate the ethical concerns that information technology solve or present in a global context.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in information technology.
• Write clearly and concisely about strategic issues and practices in the information technology domain using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Final Project: Project Plan

This assignment consists of three (3) sections: a written project plan, a revised Gantt chart or project plan, and a project plan PowerPoint presentation. You must submit the three (3) sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the Part of the assignment for which it is written. Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.

While taking all business and project parameters into consideration, make quality assumptions to support the following requirements.

Part 1: Written Project Plan
You are now in the final stage of the project plan development. All previous documentation will be combined into one (1) document that will serve as the statement of work for the project. Your goal is to have the project approved by the executive team and the venture capital group. The project plan is very detailed which is appropriate to accomplish the monumental task of implementation. However, the executive team is only interested in a ten (10) minute summation. Therefore, you also must create a compelling executive summary that is supported by your detail that convinces the executive group that your solution is optimal.
1. Write an eight to ten (8-10) page executive summary in which you provide a high-level technical overview of your project where you address the following:
a. Describe the scope of the project and control measures.
b. Describe the goals and objectives of the project.
c. Give a detailed, realistically estimated cost analysis of the entire project.
d. Relate the value of the project plan solution to the competitive advantage that information technology will afford your organization.
e. Provide all aspects of the information technology implementation into the project plan.
f. Use at least five (5) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Part 2: Revised Gantt Chart / Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project or an open source alternative, such as Open Project, to:
2. Update the Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 4: Infrastructure and Security, with all the project tasks.

Part 3: Project Plan PowerPoint Presentation
Additional to your detailed executive summary you must present your findings to the executive team and the venture capital group that, along with the executive summary, will convince the group that your solution is optimal.
3. Create a ten to fifteen (10-15) slide PowerPoint presentation in which you:
a. Illustrate the concepts from your written report in Part 1 of this assignment.
b. Create bulleted speaking notes for your presentation to the executive board in the Notes Part of the PowerPoint. Note: You may create or assume any fictitious names, data, or scenarios that have not been established in this assignment for a realistic flow of communication.
c. Use a professional technically written style to graphically convey the information.

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.
• Evaluate the issues and challenges associated with information technology integration.
• Summarize the competitive advantage that information technology affords to organizations.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in information technology.
• Write clearly and concisely about strategic issues and practices in the information technology domain using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Attachment:- Capstone Project Overview.rar