LB5002:03 – DATA MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO5111:03 – BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS Assignment 1: Emergent Technologies
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce and familiarise students with examples of emerging information technologies and concepts. Assignment 1 consists of two tasks.

TASK 1 (5%) Task 1 is an individual task. In this task, each student is required to conduct research on emergent information technology topics. Students are then required to post at minimum of two topics they have researched on the LeanJCU discussion board. TASK 2 (25%) Task 2 is a group assignment with students working in groups of two or three. Each group will select an emergent technology topic from the posted list from task 1. Each group will then write a report and a presentation on the selected topic. The composition of each group will be confirmed and finalised on Session 2 (Townsville – Saturday, 29/10/07, Cairns – Sunday, 7/10/07). Required for task 2: Task 2 involves a group presentation and a written report on the selected emergent technology topic. Both the presentation and report should highlight today’s capabilities of the selected emergent technology by: • • • • • • Describing the technology, its features and functionality (not technical components); describing how organizations can potentially use the technology to improve business performance; describing how organizations are currently using it; identifying issues and risks managers that should know about; providing a list of additional references or sources for information for anyone who wants to learn more. You might also suggest future developments that affect your technology of choice.

Topics must be confirmed with the lecturer. Preferable, each group of students should present a different topic.

Deliverables: 1. Task 1: Posting of Emergent Technology Topics (5%) Due Date: 2. Townsville – Wednesday, 3/10/2007 Cairns – Wednesday, 10/10/2007.

Task 2-1: The Report (10%) Prepare a report providing a succinct summary of the material covered in the presentation. This document can include diagrams and pictures. All references must be included in a bibliography. Maximum length of the text of the report is 2500 words. Due Date: Townsville – Wednesday, 10/10/2007 Cairns – Wednesday, 17/10/2007.

3.

Task 2-2: The Presentation (15%) Each presentation will take a maximum of 20 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of questions from the floor. You are encouraged to think beyond a "we talk and you listen" format. Pick your points carefully. The goal is to leave your classmates with enough understanding of your topic so if they are asked about it in an interview, it won’t be the first time they have heard the term. Your goal is not to teach them everything available on your topic. Plan what you want to get across, then plan how to best get it across. Due Date: Townsville – Wednesday, 17/10/2007 Cairns – Sunday, 21/10/2007.

LB5002:03 – DATA MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO5111:03 – BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Assignment 1: Emergent Technology Presentation Feedback Sheet
Student Name: Mark: /15
Excellent Average

1.

2.

3.

Good

STYLE & STRUCTURE - GROUP (20%)
The introduction gets the attention of the audience. Ideas are clearly organised, developed, & supported to achieve a clear purpose. All content throughout the presentation is accurate. There are no factual errors. Presentation shows considerable originality and inventiveness. Smooth transitions are used between ideas and speakers. The presenters use techniques to keep the audience engaged. The material is well balanced. A satisfying conclusion leaves the audience with a sense of closure. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 The introduction is undeveloped or irrelevant Ideas are not focused or developed; the main purpose is not clear. Content is typically confusing or contains more than one error. Presentation shows very little attempt at original thought. Transitions may be needed. The presenters are not able to keep the audience engaged. Too much coverage of some content areas at the expense of other areas. The conclusion is abrupt or limited.

CONTENT – GROUP (40%)
Describing the technology, its features and functionality (not technical components). Describing how organisations can potentially use the technology to improve business performance and examples. Identifying issues and risks managers that should know about. Vision of the future for the technology / concept. 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 Little of no attempt to describe the technology or concept. Little of no attempt to describe how the technology can benefits organisations or example. Little or no attempt to identify the issues and the risks. Little or no attempt to describe the future use of the technology Font formatting makes it very difficult to read the material. Background makes it difficult to read text or clashes with other content on slide. Graphics detract from the content of the presentation. Content is superfluous, verbose or not well matched to verbal presentation. Slow, monotonous voice or fast, garbled speech. Articulation and pronunciation tend to be sloppy. Filler words (“ums,”) are used excessively Language is limited, peppered with slang or jargon, too complex, or too dull. Gestures and movements may be jerky or excessive; nervous gestures apparent. Didn’t look at audience at all, over dependence on notes. Poise or composure is lost when handling visual aids.

VISUAL AIDS - GROUP (10%)
Font formats are carefully planned to enhance readability and content. Slide background does not detract from text or other graphics. Graphics are attractive (size, colour) & support the content of the presentation. Slide content is relevant, concise and appropriate. 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1

PRESENTATION SKILLS - INDIVIDUAL (30%)
The delivery is natural and confident - good volume, pace and rhythm etc. Clear articulation and pronunciation of words. Limited filler words (“ums”) are used. Language choices are vivid and precise. Used natural, appropriate gestures and comfortable and relaxed body language. Friendly, confident eye contact and occasional glances at notes. Confident handling of visual materials. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Poor

Fair

LB5002:03 – DATA MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO5111:03 – BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Assignment 1: Emergent Technology Report Feedback Sheet
Student Name: Mark: /10
Excellent Average

1.

2.

3.

Good

CONTENT (60%)
Demonstrate a good understanding of the topic and clearly articulates the main purpose of the essay. Relevant, up-to-date content that goes beyond the obvious or predictable. Evidence of having read extensively relevant literature. Literature is well integrated and every point is clearly supported by strong evidence. Accurate and independent synthesis and critical evaluation of key points from the literature. Appropriate use of examples to illustrate ideas. 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 The essay seems to wander without a clear purpose. Content is out-of-date, limited or unclear, with irrelevant information. Little or no evidence of having read the relevant information. Literature is not well integrated with general discussion. Simple restatement of the sources with little or no evidence of independent thinking or critical evaluation. Lack of examples, or incorrect application of examples.

Organisation (15%)
An inviting introduction draws the readers in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure. Structure and sequences of ideas is logical and effective. Good use of headings and tittles to guide the reader. 5 4 3 2 1 There is no real attempt to set-up what follows, no real conclusion to wrap things up. There is no identifiable internal structure or sequence. Headings are not used or are poorly conceived.

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

WRITING SKILLS (Grammar, Style and Format) (15%)
Paragraphing, sentence structure, prose style, and punctuation are clear, concise, and precise. 5 4 3 2 1 Error in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read.

REFERENCING (5%)
APA conventions are diligently followed when citing sources in text. The reference list is presented alphabetically, using correct APA syntax. 5 4 3 2 1 Sources not identified in text or are not presented using APA style. The reference list is incomplete. References are poorly constructed or are not sorted alphabetically.

5

4

3

2

1

PRESENTATION (5%)
Appropriate use of fonts and line spacing. The length is within the parameters established for the task 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 Poor choice in font style/size and line spacing are a major distraction. The essay is too short or too long.

Poor

Fair