Demonstrate your own understanding of the components of a technology solution and demonstrate your grasp of the concepts covered in the IFSM information technology (IT) curriculum (hardware, software, data, networks, enterprise architecture as applied across the entire spectrum of a business enterprise).
Attached are the project requirements and the rough draft I created for half of the project. Please edit the rough draft to reflect the professor’s comments and ensure that it meets the format provided in the project guidelines. Also, there is an roi network excel spread sheet that needs to be made.
Requirements: As long as it needs to be
Technology Solution
Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the Case Study (Case study is used here as a reference. It is really for our use the recorded notes of interviews with your client). You also should have engaged and completed at least the first three Sections of the Business Case with your group. This is an individual assignment.
Purpose of this Exercise
This activity allows you to demonstrate your own understanding of the components of a technology solution and demonstrate your grasp of the concepts covered in the IFSM information technology (IT) curriculum (hardware, software, data, networks, enterprise architecture as applied across the entire spectrum of a business enterprise). This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to:
Evaluate, select, and apply appropriate analytical and measurement methods and tools according to the system development life cycle (SDLC), with methodologies to meet organizational needs.
Research, assess, address and recommend, and implement an IT solution that aligns with the business need and meets business objectives.
Effectively communicate with stakeholders orally, visually, and formally in writing to determine stakeholders’ business requirements, explain how their requirements will be met, and provide ongoing audience-appropriate information.
Responsibly protect organizations’ critical information and assets by integrating cybersecurity best practices and risk management throughout global enterprises, while addressing entity positions without providing personal identifiable information (PII).
Individual Deliverable Instructions
Using the client’s Request for Proposal (Building a Business Case Proposal) and the technology solution (system) identified by your group in Section III. of their Business Case Proposal, you should independently develop the detailed technical description of the system your group is proposing and supporting, along with how it will be meeting the business need across the new enterprise. You are to describe the technical components of your proposed solution, describe in detail how the system will work functionally, provide a graphical representation of your enterprise architecture with supporting narrative, and address cost estimates and return on investment in narrative with supporting cost documentation. The five parts of this deliverable are more fully described below. Use the same numbering scheme and outline provided as you develop your paper. You must correctly cite and reference any resources you use in APA format. All formatting is described in the Instructions to Offerors. Some students have found it helpful to copy the formatting as presented below as a template, and fill in their required information. This is allowable and recommended. Remember the requirement to include a Title Page and Table of Contents that is automatically generated by the desktop publishing version of Microsoft Word (It is important that you do not use the lighter mobile or transferable versions of Word or other software, which will not retain the needed formatting).
Business Need and Proposed Solution
Begin your paper with an opening thought that addresses the contents of this section. Then lay-in your subsections as below, and develop “A.,” providing a brief description of the business need identified by your Group (Section II of the Business Case Proposal. This should address the entire enterprise). Then, in “B.,” 1. Describe the overall functionality of the system your group selected (see Group Section III), including how it relates to the points of your business need, which includes the new enterprise. Do not copy Section III of your Group Business Case Proposal, but describe the system in your own words. Make these thoughts tell a story in a logical, sequential, and completely compliant way that fulfills your client’s requirements. Use their words: that’s what they are looking for. 2. Make sure here and throughout you are addressing the enterprise, to include each employee. Use indented bullets for each description, if your narrative is more than a single response.
Business Need
Proposed Solution
Describe the Overall System Functionality
Describe the System Benefits for the Enterprise and the People
Solution Resources and Operational Components
Begin with an opening statement that addresses the path below, then name and explain the subsections and their parts as presented below.
Required Resources
Hardware
Software
Network and Communications
How These Integrate to Provide the Solution
How the Components Will Work
People
Use bullets to address the people by position (no PII) who will use the system, how they will use it, and for what they will use it.
Include how the complete system benefits each member of the enterprise, not just “headquarters” or logistics.
Data
Develop a discussion of the data needed for the system, where it will come from and how will it get into the system, how it will be used, and how it will, at a high level, flow through the system.
Make sure you follow the logical flow from start to finish of the business transaction(s).
Use a separate bullet for each thought. Same thought for the remainder of sub-sections.
Input
Discuss system inputs.
When the system is operational, what data will be input to be processed and/or stored?
Again, as with all sections, follow the logical order.
Processing
Address what processing will be done by the system, and what the system is required to do with the data in order to create the output.
Output
Address and discuss what the output the system is required to produce
Storage
Discuss where the data will be stored and how, using separating bullets for each thought.
If you develop a single continuing thought, then no bullet is required.
Security
List (using separate bullets) and explain the necessary security devices, software, and policies that will be required. Alternatively, you may catalogue this information in a table, providing navigational direction to understanding your table. All tables must be labeled at the bottom of the table, with Table number. Table Title, and a brief explanation of the table’s benefit or major sections.
How the System Will Converge
Following your opening thought describing this section, your paper should address the issues below, using the given A., B., C. format below:
How Components Work Together to Support Business Need
(Explain how these components work together to support the business need identified.)
How Solution is Appropriate for the Business
Describe How the System is Appropriate Across the Enterprise
(Explain how the solution as a whole is appropriate to the business enterprise as a whole, not just the owner or warehousing. The who, what, when, where and how of the system should all be covered, as you envision it being implemented and used.
Describe How the System Benefits all Employees
(The solution should be appropriate also to each employee (not by name). Provide the benefits as to how this happens.)
How Solution Will Be Configured and Used
(Describe to your client how the IT solution will be configured and used by the organization. Your client should be able to envision your explanation. Separate your ABC below with line spaces as exampled here)
Enterprise Architecture
Open with a related road map statement of what will be discussed and provided in this section. Then, provide a narrative discussion that supports your design. Then integrate a graphical representation of the network diagram into the textual description. Make sure you appropriately label your network diagram after inserting it.
Approach to Developing This Section. You should include at least one original graphical representation of your specific technology solution in your paper (not as a separate file). It should include all major components of the solution addressing each component of the enterprise, all the locations of the business, to include virtual, how each group of users will communicate with the system (on-site and remotely), and, of course, the system solution being proposed. Do not include any PII. The provided file “Example Network Diagram” shows the level of detail needed and provides sample icons for use in constructing your drawing, if you choose to use them. You should include labels as to the purpose of each component, e.g., email server, database server, system administration PC, and similar. The technical nomenclature (make/model/capacity) of the devices does not need to be included; simply provide their generic device type (router, switch, server, firewall, network) and their function (email, database, and similar function). For a cloud-based or hosted solution, you are not expected to identify specific hardware items used at the hosting site. Make sure you are addressing every business function by organization, beyond just sales or inventory. Follow the prescribed use of sections as you change thoughts, follow through with formatting them into A., B., C. Do not intermix thoughts from one subsection to another. Ensure you call-out your figure(s) below your diagram(s).
Cost Estimate and Return on Investment (ROI)
First, provide an opening sentence of this section’s contents for your reader. Then lay in your sub-headings as required below.
Cost Estimate
ROI
Approach to Developing This Section. The cost and ROI are two differing and critical sections for any business to consider, and often affect the determining decision to support your proposed solution — or NOT! There are two fundamental financial decisions that your client will need to make concerning your proposed solution. 1) Does Trusty Carpets possess enough cash flow (or reserve) to make this investment, and 2) How long will it take to return their investment and will it exceed the investment made? These are the narratives you must develop for the A. and B. above. Be up-front with your responses, then support it with your story. It must be compelling. Be careful: do not illogically intermix these two subjects as you explain the system costs, to include: the expected one-time investment and implementation costs and annual reoccurring costs. For subsection B., develop a narrative that conveys the ROI and payback period. This should be derived from and supported by your calculations as developed in your spreadsheet. Should you have a mere 30% return after five years – consider your own decision if you were your client.
Using information from the spreadsheet, develop a narrative that addresses each section.
So, using the Excel spreadsheet provided with the assignment, first review the “Instructions for Using the ROI Calculator” document also provided with the assignment. Then, read the “Instructions” tab, and the “ROI Calculator Example” tab. Next, complete the tab “Costs and Sources” with a list of all components that need to be acquired (either by purchase, lease, or subscription), the quantity of each required and a unit cost and a total cost associated with each item. These general cost estimates may be obtained from any source, but the sources should be cited –- for this you should complete the “Source of Cost” column in the spreadsheet inserting the URL where you found the cost. The categories listed are to help you be sure to include everything. Some items listed may not be part of your solution; and you may add rows as needed in the spreadsheet. Note that one-time implementation costs are separated from on-going repeated costs. Enter your items in the appropriate area. For example, software costs that are a one-time startup fee would go in the Implementation Costs, while monthly or annual subscription costs for software would go in the On-Going Costs. Every item in your description of resources and your graphical representation needs to be included on the cost spreadsheet. Assumptions that affect cost are also recorded on the ROI tab. Your spreadsheet should show the formulas for the Total Item Cost for each item and for Sub-Totals and Totals. Display USD($) rounded to the nearest dollar.
Next, using the “ROI Calculations” tab on the spreadsheet, transfer the one-time costs to that tab, in item 2.2 under year 1. Copy the recurring annual costs for those items and enter the annual cost in item 2.3; enter the annual cost in the columns for years 1-5. Then, go to item 2.1 and enter estimates for the costs of selecting and documenting the proposed solution; use reasonable cost estimates for each category; note these are entered in the “year 0” column, since they are incurred prior to the acquisition of the system. Finally, go to section 1 on the spreadsheet tab and enter several areas where the organization (your client) will realize savings (or cost avoidance) by implementing the system. You should refer to Section IV of your group’s business case for areas where savings may be realized. You can add other areas where savings could be expected, ending with a minimum of five areas. Use reasonable estimates for each area.
If you use the spreadsheet as it is and use “Insert Row” to add rows where you need them, the spreadsheet will calculate the total savings and the total costs by year for the first five years. The totals are displayed in blue in bold font. The last two lines on this tab of the spreadsheet show the calculated Cash Flow (Savings minus Expenditure) and the calculated Cumulative Cash Flow (cumulative cash flow from the previous year plus the current year cash flow).
Scroll to the top of the page on the “ROI Calculations” tab, and you will see four charts. The lower two charts show the categories of costs and the expenditures in pie charts; this shows at a glance where the largest savings or the highest costs are. The chart in the top left shows the costs and savings by year. The chart in the upper right is the most important one. It shows the calculated ROI for the project. The ROI is calculated by computing the Net Savings (Total Savings over the five-year period minus the costs incurred during the five-year period) and dividing the Net Savings by the Total Expenditure. Then the payback period is calculated to determine in which year the accumulated savings exceed the project costs. Ensure that you have a positive ROI and that a payback period is shown. These will be incorporated into the narrative in Section V.B. of your paper.
Before you complete your spreadsheet and move on, go back and review your results, making sure you can tell the story that is required in your Section V. narrative. Then, write the narrative including all the information required for that Section as shown above. This section becomes your bottom line for decision making by your client. Tell a great, convincing story! If you cannot tell a story that is convincing, then you will need to go back and reconsider your costs and savings. Would you decide to implement a solution that provides an 82% ROI over five years, regardless of the cost?
The Deliverable
Using ONLY the desktop version of Microsoft Word, you are to develop a single professional submission, with Title, ToC, Body, and References pages and sections, each section preceded with inserting a Page Break. All formatting will replicate that required for the Instructions to Offerors. The diagram will be included as part of your Word file, and must be readable and annotated with figure number, title, and value.
Your Word file will automatically be submitted to TurnItIn. Review the similarity report to ensure you have properly cited your sources. The standard is below 15% similarity (above this threshold, you will be required to rework your submission for a maximum grade potential of 75%).
The Excel spreadsheet will be submitted as a separate file to provide a reference to your client, as they may desire, but you will use the data for your narratives in the Word file to tell the cost estimate and ROI stories as the last section of the body of your paper.
Project Documentation Requirements — Report Format
As this deliverable is for your same client, formatting will follow each of the requirements as given in the Instructions to Offerors, and parallel your group’s Business Case Proposal. Other than your Title Page, the document will be single-spaced. All indentions will follow a hierarchical pattern, as demonstrated herein.
Writing quality will likewise follow the same requirements as given in the Instructions to Offerors. If your paper does not reflect the proper formatting and logical flow, you may not receive full credit for your response to specific requirements. This will result in a decreased grade not only for format, but additionally declare other relevant sections as unreadable.
Title Page. Your Title page should be double-spaced and centered, using Title Format: identify the paper’s subject title, the entity name of your client, your name, class, and date — in this order. Insert a Page Break following the date.
References Page. Following the end of the Body of your paper, insert a Page Break, creating your References page (also left justified), and complete it in APA style, with no underlining and no italics. Refer to the Writing Resources located under the course Content.
Filenames and Submission. Submit your files via your Assignment Folder as Microsoft Word and Excel documents with your last name and first name included in the filename(s): TechnicalSolution_lastname_firstname.
Use the Grading Rubric provided in your assignment section to guide you in your response and to ensure you have covered all technical and quality aspects of the assignment. Remember — the Instructions above address the full measure of the abbreviated rubric as your evaluation criteria. Follow the given Instructions to Offerors and this document.
Technology Solution
Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the Case Study (Case study is used here as a reference. It is really for our use the recorded notes of interviews with your client). You also should have engaged and completed at least the first three Sections of the Business Case with your group. This is an individual assignment.
Purpose of this Exercise
This activity allows you to demonstrate your own understanding of the components of a technology solution and demonstrate your grasp of the concepts covered in the IFSM information technology (IT) curriculum (hardware, software, data, networks, enterprise architecture as applied across the entire spectrum of a business enterprise). This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to:
Evaluate, select, and apply appropriate analytical and measurement methods and tools according to the system development life cycle (SDLC), with methodologies to meet organizational needs.
Research, assess, address and recommend, and implement an IT solution that aligns with the business need and meets business objectives.
Effectively communicate with stakeholders orally, visually, and formally in writing to determine stakeholders’ business requirements, explain how their requirements will be met, and provide ongoing audience-appropriate information.
Responsibly protect organizations’ critical information and assets by integrating cybersecurity best practices and risk management throughout global enterprises, while addressing entity positions without providing personal identifiable information (PII).
Individual Deliverable Instructions
Using the client’s Request for Proposal (Building a Business Case Proposal) and the technology solution (system) identified by your group in Section III. of their Business Case Proposal, you should independently develop the detailed technical description of the system your group is proposing and supporting, along with how it will be meeting the business need across the new enterprise. You are to describe the technical components of your proposed solution, describe in detail how the system will work functionally, provide a graphical representation of your enterprise architecture with supporting narrative, and address cost estimates and return on investment in narrative with supporting cost documentation. The five parts of this deliverable are more fully described below. Use the same numbering scheme and outline provided as you develop your paper. You must correctly cite and reference any resources you use in APA format. All formatting is described in the Instructions to Offerors. Some students have found it helpful to copy the formatting as presented below as a template, and fill in their required information. This is allowable and recommended. Remember the requirement to include a Title Page and Table of Contents that is automatically generated by the desktop publishing version of Microsoft Word (It is important that you do not use the lighter mobile or transferable versions of Word or other software, which will not retain the needed formatting).
Business Need and Proposed Solution
Begin your paper with an opening thought that addresses the contents of this section. Then lay-in your subsections as below, and develop “A.,” providing a brief description of the business need identified by your Group (Section II of the Business Case Proposal. This should address the entire enterprise). Then, in “B.,” 1. Describe the overall functionality of the system your group selected (see Group Section III), including how it relates to the points of your business need, which includes the new enterprise. Do not copy Section III of your Group Business Case Proposal, but describe the system in your own words. Make these thoughts tell a story in a logical, sequential, and completely compliant way that fulfills your client’s requirements. Use their words: that’s what they are looking for. 2. Make sure here and throughout you are addressing the enterprise, to include each employee. Use indented bullets for each description, if your narrative is more than a single response.
Business Need
Proposed Solution
Describe the Overall System Functionality
Describe the System Benefits for the Enterprise and the People
Solution Resources and Operational Components
Begin with an opening statement that addresses the path below, then name and explain the subsections and their parts as presented below.
Required Resources
Hardware
Software
Network and Communications
How These Integrate to Provide the Solution
How the Components Will Work
People
Use bullets to address the people by position (no PII) who will use the system, how they will use it, and for what they will use it.
Include how the complete system benefits each member of the enterprise, not just “headquarters” or logistics.
Data
Develop a discussion of the data needed for the system, where it will come from and how will it get into the system, how it will be used, and how it will, at a high level, flow through the system.
Make sure you follow the logical flow from start to finish of the business transaction(s).
Use a separate bullet for each thought. Same thought for the remainder of sub-sections.
Input
Discuss system inputs.
When the system is operational, what data will be input to be processed and/or stored?
Again, as with all sections, follow the logical order.
Processing
Address what processing will be done by the system, and what the system is required to do with the data in order to create the output.
Output
Address and discuss what the output the system is required to produce
Storage
Discuss where the data will be stored and how, using separating bullets for each thought.
If you develop a single continuing thought, then no bullet is required.
Security
List (using separate bullets) and explain the necessary security devices, software, and policies that will be required. Alternatively, you may catalogue this information in a table, providing navigational direction to understanding your table. All tables must be labeled at the bottom of the table, with Table number. Table Title, and a brief explanation of the table’s benefit or major sections.
How the System Will Converge
Following your opening thought describing this section, your paper should address the issues below, using the given A., B., C. format below:
How Components Work Together to Support Business Need
(Explain how these components work together to support the business need identified.)
How Solution is Appropriate for the Business
Describe How the System is Appropriate Across the Enterprise
(Explain how the solution as a whole is appropriate to the business enterprise as a whole, not just the owner or warehousing. The who, what, when, where and how of the system should all be covered, as you envision it being implemented and used.
Describe How the System Benefits all Employees
(The solution should be appropriate also to each employee (not by name). Provide the benefits as to how this happens.)
How Solution Will Be Configured and Used
(Describe to your client how the IT solution will be configured and used by the organization. Your client should be able to envision your explanation. Separate your ABC below with line spaces as exampled here)
Enterprise Architecture
Open with a related road map statement of what will be discussed and provided in this section. Then, provide a narrative discussion that supports your design. Then integrate a graphical representation of the network diagram into the textual description. Make sure you appropriately label your network diagram after inserting it.
Approach to Developing This Section. You should include at least one original graphical representation of your specific technology solution in your paper (not as a separate file). It should include all major components of the solution addressing each component of the enterprise, all the locations of the business, to include virtual, how each group of users will communicate with the system (on-site and remotely), and, of course, the system solution being proposed. Do not include any PII. The provided file “Example Network Diagram” shows the level of detail needed and provides sample icons for use in constructing your drawing, if you choose to use them. You should include labels as to the purpose of each component, e.g., email server, database server, system administration PC, and similar. The technical nomenclature (make/model/capacity) of the devices does not need to be included; simply provide their generic device type (router, switch, server, firewall, network) and their function (email, database, and similar function). For a cloud-based or hosted solution, you are not expected to identify specific hardware items used at the hosting site. Make sure you are addressing every business function by organization, beyond just sales or inventory. Follow the prescribed use of sections as you change thoughts, follow through with formatting them into A., B., C. Do not intermix thoughts from one subsection to another. Ensure you call-out your figure(s) below your diagram(s).
Cost Estimate and Return on Investment (ROI)
First, provide an opening sentence of this section’s contents for your reader. Then lay in your sub-headings as required below.
Cost Estimate
ROI
Approach to Developing This Section. The cost and ROI are two differing and critical sections for any business to consider, and often affect the determining decision to support your proposed solution — or NOT! There are two fundamental financial decisions that your client will need to make concerning your proposed solution. 1) Does Trusty Carpets possess enough cash flow (or reserve) to make this investment, and 2) How long will it take to return their investment and will it exceed the investment made? These are the narratives you must develop for the A. and B. above. Be up-front with your responses, then support it with your story. It must be compelling. Be careful: do not illogically intermix these two subjects as you explain the system costs, to include: the expected one-time investment and implementation costs and annual reoccurring costs. For subsection B., develop a narrative that conveys the ROI and payback period. This should be derived from and supported by your calculations as developed in your spreadsheet. Should you have a mere 30% return after five years – consider your own decision if you were your client.
Using information from the spreadsheet, develop a narrative that addresses each section.
So, using the Excel spreadsheet provided with the assignment, first review the “Instructions for Using the ROI Calculator” document also provided with the assignment. Then, read the “Instructions” tab, and the “ROI Calculator Example” tab. Next, complete the tab “Costs and Sources” with a list of all components that need to be acquired (either by purchase, lease, or subscription), the quantity of each required and a unit cost and a total cost associated with each item. These general cost estimates may be obtained from any source, but the sources should be cited –- for this you should complete the “Source of Cost” column in the spreadsheet inserting the URL where you found the cost. The categories listed are to help you be sure to include everything. Some items listed may not be part of your solution; and you may add rows as needed in the spreadsheet. Note that one-time implementation costs are separated from on-going repeated costs. Enter your items in the appropriate area. For example, software costs that are a one-time startup fee would go in the Implementation Costs, while monthly or annual subscription costs for software would go in the On-Going Costs. Every item in your description of resources and your graphical representation needs to be included on the cost spreadsheet. Assumptions that affect cost are also recorded on the ROI tab. Your spreadsheet should show the formulas for the Total Item Cost for each item and for Sub-Totals and Totals. Display USD($) rounded to the nearest dollar.
Next, using the “ROI Calculations” tab on the spreadsheet, transfer the one-time costs to that tab, in item 2.2 under year 1. Copy the recurring annual costs for those items and enter the annual cost in item 2.3; enter the annual cost in the columns for years 1-5. Then, go to item 2.1 and enter estimates for the costs of selecting and documenting the proposed solution; use reasonable cost estimates for each category; note these are entered in the “year 0” column, since they are incurred prior to the acquisition of the system. Finally, go to section 1 on the spreadsheet tab and enter several areas where the organization (your client) will realize savings (or cost avoidance) by implementing the system. You should refer to Section IV of your group’s business case for areas where savings may be realized. You can add other areas where savings could be expected, ending with a minimum of five areas. Use reasonable estimates for each area.
If you use the spreadsheet as it is and use “Insert Row” to add rows where you need them, the spreadsheet will calculate the total savings and the total costs by year for the first five years. The totals are displayed in blue in bold font. The last two lines on this tab of the spreadsheet show the calculated Cash Flow (Savings minus Expenditure) and the calculated Cumulative Cash Flow (cumulative cash flow from the previous year plus the current year cash flow).
Scroll to the top of the page on the “ROI Calculations” tab, and you will see four charts. The lower two charts show the categories of costs and the expenditures in pie charts; this shows at a glance where the largest savings or the highest costs are. The chart in the top left shows the costs and savings by year. The chart in the upper right is the most important one. It shows the calculated ROI for the project. The ROI is calculated by computing the Net Savings (Total Savings over the five-year period minus the costs incurred during the five-year period) and dividing the Net Savings by the Total Expenditure. Then the payback period is calculated to determine in which year the accumulated savings exceed the project costs. Ensure that you have a positive ROI and that a payback period is shown. These will be incorporated into the narrative in Section V.B. of your paper.
Before you complete your spreadsheet and move on, go back and review your results, making sure you can tell the story that is required in your Section V. narrative. Then, write the narrative including all the information required for that Section as shown above. This section becomes your bottom line for decision making by your client. Tell a great, convincing story! If you cannot tell a story that is convincing, then you will need to go back and reconsider your costs and savings. Would you decide to implement a solution that provides an 82% ROI over five years, regardless of the cost?
The Deliverable
Using ONLY the desktop version of Microsoft Word, you are to develop a single professional submission, with Title, ToC, Body, and References pages and sections, each section preceded with inserting a Page Break. All formatting will replicate that required for the Instructions to Offerors. The diagram will be included as part of your Word file, and must be readable and annotated with figure number, title, and value.
Your Word file will automatically be submitted to TurnItIn. Review the similarity report to ensure you have properly cited your sources. The standard is below 15% similarity (above this threshold, you will be required to rework your submission for a maximum grade potential of 75%).
The Excel spreadsheet will be submitted as a separate file to provide a reference to your client, as they may desire, but you will use the data for your narratives in the Word file to tell the cost estimate and ROI stories as the last section of the body of your paper.
Project Documentation Requirements — Report Format
As this deliverable is for your same client, formatting will follow each of the requirements as given in the Instructions to Offerors, and parallel your group’s Business Case Proposal. Other than your Title Page, the document will be single-spaced. All indentions will follow a hierarchical pattern, as demonstrated herein.
Writing quality will likewise follow the same requirements as given in the Instructions to Offerors. If your paper does not reflect the proper formatting and logical flow, you may not receive full credit for your response to specific requirements. This will result in a decreased grade not only for format, but additionally declare other relevant sections as unreadable.
Title Page. Your Title page should be double-spaced and centered, using Title Format: identify the paper’s subject title, the entity name of your client, your name, class, and date — in this order. Insert a Page Break following the date.
References Page. Following the end of the Body of your paper, insert a Page Break, creating your References page (also left justified), and complete it in APA style, with no underlining and no italics. Refer to the Writing Resources located under the course Content.
Filenames and Submission. Submit your files via your Assignment Folder as Microsoft Word and Excel documents with your last name and first name included in the filename(s): TechnicalSolution_lastname_firstname.
Use the Grading Rubric provided in your assignment section to guide you in your response and to ensure you have covered all technical and quality aspects of the assignment. Remember — the Instructions above address the full measure of the abbreviated rubric as your evaluation criteria. Follow the given Instructions to Offerors and this document.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE ROI CALCULATOR SPREADSHEET
The ROI Calculator spreadsheet is to be included with the individual technology solution description. This allows each member of the team to specify costs and savings and be able to see how the Return on Investment (ROI) and payback period are calculated.
Prior to the week in which the individual technology solution assignment is due, there is an ungraded Exercise for you to practice with the ROI calculator using simple data and step-by-step directions.
HOW THE CALCULATOR WORKS
First, it would be helpful to understand how the ROI Calculator works. Open the ROI Calculator spreadsheet and click on the “Instructions” tab. Read the instructions and then click on the “ROI Calculator Example” tab. At the top you will see 4 charts; scroll down to the data and come back to the charts later. In the data area, you will note that savings and costs are identified for the first 5 years of the project, and you will see the following:
Project Cost Savings/Income. These are areas where savings are expected to be achieved, and the amounts that are projected to be saved over each of the first 5 years. Total yearly savings are shown in blue.
Project Expenditures.
Selection Costs. Note that these are shown in year 0, as they occur prior to starting the project. The subtotals by item and by year are in orange.
Implementation Costs. These are one-time costs, but may occur in more than one year. For example, training may be done at the beginning and then again the next year. (It may even need to be done at some minimal level every year after the initial training; if that is the case the recurring training costs go below.) Hardware and software may be purchased incrementally, depending on the implementation schedule. It is possible that all one-time costs for a small project will occur in year 1. Part of the implementation cost is an amount that should be set aside for contingencies. It may only be needed in year 1, and the amount depends on the project. The subtotals by item and by year are in orange.
Ongoing Costs. These are costs that will recur year after year. They may not be the same every year. For example if a business is growing in employees, additional software licenses may be needed in year 3 for those employees. However, for purposes of these assignments, the same annual ongoing costs will be used for each year, including year 1. The subtotals by item and by year are in orange.
Total Project Expenditures are shown in blue.
The next two lines on this tab of the spreadsheet show the calculated Cash Flow and the calculated Cumulative Cash.
Cash Flow. Cash Flow by year is automatically calculated by the spreadsheet. Cash Flow is calculated by subtracting the expenditures for the year from the savings for that year. For example, in Year 1 (not year 0), the savings are projected to be $65,000 and the total expenditures are $230,000, with a net negative cash flow of $-165,000.
Cumulative Cash Flow. Cumulative Cash Flow by year is automatically calculated by the spreadsheet. It is calculated by taking the previous year’s cash flow amount and adding the current year’s cash flow amount. The cumulative cash flow for year 1 takes the $-20,000 cash flow from year 0 ($-20,000) and adds the cash flow from year 1 ($-165,000) for a total negative cumulative cash flow for year 1 of $-185,000. Note that in year 2, the Cash Flow is positive (savings exceed costs for that year) and in year 3 the cash flow is very positive and the cumulative cash flow is now positive. Take a quick look at the chart at the top right side of the sheet and you will see that the “Payback Period” is Year 3 – the year that the accumulated savings exceed the accumulated expenses.
Section 4 provides a place to record any assumptions that have an impact on the cost data. Examples might be assumptions about how the number of users or transactions might grow over time, how the business might change over the 5 year period, which users would be given access to the system (affecting the number of licenses, etc.).
Then, scroll to the top of the page on the “ROI Calculations” tab, and you will see 4 charts.
The lower two charts show the categories of costs and the expenditures in pie charts; this shows at a glance where the largest savings and the highest costs are.
The chat in the top left shows the costs and savings by year. Notice what happens in year 3 – the cumulative cash flow (in purple) is above zero.
The chart in the upper right is the most important one. It shows the calculated Return on Investment (ROI) for the project. The ROI is calculated by computing the Net Savings (Total Savings over the 5 year period minus the costs incurred during the 5 year period) and dividing the Net Savings by the Total Expenditure. Then the payback period is calculated to determine in which year the accumulated savings exceed the project costs.
HOW TO USE THE CALCULATOR
After reviewing the ”Instructions” tab and the “ROI Calculator Example” tab, and the information above, open the tab “Costs and Sources.” Here you will enter the list of all components that need to be acquired (either by purchase, lease, subscription, etc.), the quantity of each required and a unit cost and a total cost associated with each item. These general cost estimates may be obtained from any source, but the sources should be cited – for this you should complete the “Source of Cost” column in the spreadsheet inserting the URL where you found the cost. The categories listed are to help you be sure to include everything; you may add rows as needed in the spreadsheet. Note that one-time implementation costs are separated from ongoing repeated costs. Enter your items in the appropriate area. For example, software costs that are a one-time startup fee would go in the Implementation Costs, while monthly or annual subscription costs for software would go in the Ongoing Costs. Every item in your description of resources and your graphical representation needs to be included on the cost spreadsheet.
Next, using the “ROI Calculations” tab on the spreadsheet, transfer the one-time costs to that tab, in item 2.2 under year 1. Copy the recurring annual costs for those items and enter the annual cost in item 2.3; enter the annual cost in the columns for years 1-5. Then, go to item 2.1 and enter estimates for the costs of selecting and documenting the proposed solution; use reasonable cost estimates for each category; note these are entered in the “year 0” column, since they are incurred prior to the acquisition of the system.
Finally, go to section 1 on the spreadsheet tab and enter several areas where the organization in the Case Study will realize savings by implementing the system. You should refer to Section IV of your group’s business case for areas where savings may be realized. You can add other areas where savings could be expected to come up with a list of four or five areas. The total savings over the five year period must exceed the total cost of the system, or it will not be approved by the decision-makers. So, think carefully about all the ways your system will save money for the organization and be sure your total savings if more than the total costs.
If you use the spreadsheet as it is and use “Insert Row” to add rows where you need them and “Delete Row” where needed, the spreadsheet will calculate the total savings and the total costs by year for the first 5 years. The totals are displayed in blue in bold font.
Ifedayo — this paper is non-compliant. You may resubmit if you chose next friday, COB, if you address each of the global comments I have provided. First, familiarize yourself with the instrucCons and follow them and the headings totally. Even this outline should be a replicate of the instrucCons. I am changing this paper to single line spacing for all text, just as your group requires. This tells me you have yet to engage with your group and their product. Chat on Teams with me as you need. I am on travel, but will respond asap. Don PS: As you can see below, neither is this appropriate, as there are NO line spaces providing clear visibility of transiCon. I.Business Need and Proposed Solution I fixed this spacing Opening statement goes here, describing the contents of this section I. A.Business Need spacing fixed text should wrap to this same index. Our group BEAM Team has discerned an essential business requirement that necessitates enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness within the operations of this newly established enterprise. This encompasses streamlining processes to ensure smoothness while reducing costs intricately intertwined with consistently delivering top-notch customer service levels throughout interactions. you have yet to identify the business need. Stick to what your client is requiring you to do. You cannot have three paragraphs under A. So role them into 1, or, describe them as 1, 2, 3. Though disconcerting yet crucially important, contextually speakingÑit appears that this enterprise currently suffers from fragmentation issues and inefficiencies. Multiple stand-alone systems are being used simultaneously without intercommunication capabilities. This unfortunate scenario subsequently leads to substantial difficulty in accurate information tracking and decision-making, precipitating inevitable errors and regrettable delays within vital business processes. To address these pressing concerns successfully, our group wholeheartedly espouses adopting a unified and meticulously integrated system that enables employees to access the requisite information for their roles effortlessly. The expected benefits from this implementation are truly promisingÑenhanced communication avenues facilitating better collaboration among stakeholders during decision-making processes, thus resulting in remarkable error reduction and an appreciable decrease in avoidable delays. B. Proposed Solution In order to address our organization’s needs effectively, we recommend implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This specialized suite of integrated software applications aids in managing essential business processes seamlessly. Our proposed ERP system will optimize workflow by automating tasks and offering a comprehensive overview of data throughout the company. Alongside process improvement comes an opportunity for substantial cost reduction as unnecessary duplication is eliminated. At the same time, efficiency thrives within this framework, with enhanced access to information provided through the ERP system. Employees can resolve customer issues swiftly, considerably augmenting overall customer service quality. It is worth noting that this ERP solution has already delivered successful outcomes for many other organizations and also provides the flexibility to handle future growth effectively.
1. Describe the The Overall System Functionality The proposed ERP system encompasses various aspects of the enterprise’s functionality. It includes financial management, which offers employees a consolidated view of the organization’s financial data. This enables them to effectively monitor expenses, cash flow, and generate financial reports. The system also addresses sales and marketing needs by facilitating lead tracking, sales opportunity management, and customer order tracking. Furthermore, the system aids in production and inventory management by keeping track of inventory levels, managing production schedules, and monitoring shipments. Additionally, the system supports human resources by assisting in employee record management, benefits tracking, and payroll management. 2. Describe the The System Benefits for the Enterprise and the People The enterprise and its people will benefit from the system in several ways. ¥[improper spacing globally]It will enhance efficiency by streamlining processes, cutting costs, and enhancing customer service. ¥Employees will have better information at their disposal to make informed decisions. ¥The system will improve employee communication between the enterprise and its customers. ¥It will boost productivity through task automation and equip employees with necessary job-related information. II. Solution Resources and Operational Components [over-indented. non-compliant formatting. Where is your opening statement? A. Required Resources The required resources for the proposed solution include: format non-compliant. There are 4 requirements to address: and in logical order. I see only three Hardware: To successfully implement the proposed solution, it is necessary to consider several hardware components. These include a server, workstations, and printers. The server should possess sufficient power to accommodate the ERP system and other applications that will be utilized. Similarly, the workstations must have enough power to run the ERP system and other applications smoothly. Furthermore, the printers should possess the capability to efficiently print any documents generated by the ERP system. Software: In terms of software requirements for this proposed solution. It is crucial to ensure compatibility and functionality. The main software requirement is the ERP system – a central element of this proposal. In addition to this, the operating system must be compatible
with the ERP system for seamless operations. Moreover, all other applications being used should also align with both the ERP system and operating system. Network and Communication: Moving on to network and communications requirements, establishing a strong network that can effectively connect all hardware and software components is essential. To support the optimal performance of the ERP system and other applications being used, this network should possess sufficient speed. Additionally, data security plays a critical role in this proposal – therefore, communications must be secure enough to protect data stored in the ERP system. B. How the Components Will Work people, data, security and the rest of the 7 components are to be addressed. Seriously, just establish your outline first, as I instructions, then fill in the data Ñ itÕs that easyÉ The proposed solution creates a holistic view of the enterprises’ data by seamlessly integrating different components. We rely upon an efficient ERP system capable of collecting and consolidating data from diverse departments and systems to achieve this goal. Harnessing this information. We then store it securely within a centralized database. Furthermore, our ERP system offers versatile tools that cater to employees’ needs across every department, enabling them to conveniently access and analyze valuable information. One noteworthy advantage of implementing such a comprehensive solution is that it caters to every employee’s requirements by providing key insights for optimizing their work performance. Embracing key data sources spanning financial records, sales analytics, production trends, and human resource management systems, it aids in monitoring financial performance, maintaining customer relationships, synchronizing production activities, and effectively managing employee records. We ensure seamless operation by efficiently incorporating inputs from various departments and systems, including transactional records, relevant reports, and crucial documents. As a result, the ERP system successfully processes these inputs producing invaluable outputs in the form of accurate reports, detailed documents, and additional findings necessary for a sound decision-making process. An area of paramount importance within our solution is safeguarding data. Comprehending its significance. We have equipped our ERP system with robust security features, ensuring that input, processing, and output data remain protected throughout the end-to-end process within our secure database. III. How the System Will Converge
A.Leveraging Component Integration in Support of Business Objectives, NO Ñ How Components Work Together to Support Business Need Non-compliant B.To bolster business objectives effectively. Components within our proposed solution operate harmoniously by delivering a unified view of enterprise dataÑempowering employees with convenient accessibility necessary for enhanced job performance efficiency. Seamless utilization of this system provides valuable capabilities such as financial performance tracking, customer relationship management facilitation, production planning assistance, and streamlined employee record management. B. The Suitability of Our Solution for Your Enterprise Non-compliant Our The proposed solution demonstrates remarkable adaptability suited specifically to your enterprise, given its capacity to cater effortlessly across various departments within your organization’s structure. It ensures optimization and success by providing employees with the essential information to excel and efficiently fulfill their professional responsibilities. C. Configuration and Usage Blueprint Non-compliant Outlined below is a comprehensive configuration and usage plan for our proposed solution: ¥ Hardware installation and configuration will be performed by a qualified IT professional. ¥ An experienced ERP consultant shall expertly handle software installation and configuration duties. ¥ Network and communications installation, along with subsequent configuration, will be facilitated by a skilled networking professional. ¥ Proficient data entry clerks will handle the crucial task of seamlessly loading data into the ERP system. ¥ All employees can then harness the power of this system for work tracking, accessing information, and making insightful decisions. IV. Enterprise Architecture This section will discuss the proposed enterprise architecture for the ERP. The architecture will be based on a cloud-based solution, allowing the company to access its data and applications from anywhere. The cloud-based solution will also be more scalable than a
traditional on-premises, allowing the business to invest in new hardware and software. (Yea! Now just tell the story in a narrative) The proposed architecture will include the following components: A cloud-based ERP system will manage the company’s financial, inventory, and customer relationship management data. A cloud-based CRM system will manage customer interactions and track sales opportunities. A cloud-based warehouse management system will track inventory levels and manage shipping and receiving. A cloud-based security system will protect the company’s data and applications. The proposed architecture will also include the following features: Remote access will allow employees to access the company’s data and applications from anywhere. Scalability will allow the company to grow without investing in new hardware and software. Security will protect the company’s data and applications from unauthorized access. The following network diagram shows the proposed architecture: The diagram shows the following components: The cloud will host the ERP, CRM, warehouse management, and security systems.
The company’s headquarters is where the employees will access the cloud-based systems. The company’s remote offices are also connected to the cloud. The company’s firewall protects the company’s network from unauthorized access. Non-compliant secCon V. Cost Estimate and Return on Investment (ROI) opening statement?? A. Cost Estimate The cost of the proposed solution is estimated to be $100,000. This includes the cost of the hardware, software, and implementation. The hardware costs are estimated to be $50,000. The software costs are estimated to be $30,000. The implementation costs are estimated to be $20,000. The cost of the proposed solution is expected to be offset by the savings that the organization will realize. The organization is expected to save $20,000 per year in labor costs. The organization is also expected to save $10,000 per year in inventory costs. The organization is also expected to save $5,000 per year in other costs. unless you want to separate these thoughts, you must create them in a single paragraph. The total savings that the organization is expected to realize is $35,000 per year. The payback period for the proposed solution is estimated to be 2.8 years. B. ROI The ROI for the proposed solution is estimated to be 82%. This means that the organization is expected to earn 82% of the cost of the solution back in savings. The ROI for the proposed solution is very high. actually extrememly low. Would you accept an investment that did not pay you back in multiples? This means that the organization is expected to make a significant return on their investment. No. DO NOT MIX THESE TWO: A and B. Keep them separate as reqeuired, and in logical order, as you tell the story of each. The cost estimate and ROI for the proposed solution are very compelling. The organization is expected to save a significant amount of money and earn a high return on their investment. I (first person, not allowed) would definitely decide to implement a solution that provides an 82% ROI over five years, regardless of the cost. The cost of the solution is relatively small compared to the savings that the organization is expected to realize. The ROI for the solution is very high, which means that the organization is expected to make a significant return on their investment. I believe that the proposed solution is a good investment for the organization. The solution is expected to save the organization a significant amount of money and earn a high return on their investment. I would recommend that the organization implement the proposed solution.
References: Left justified, like the other major headings. NO Italics. One line spacing between each reference. None of these references are substantiated by in-line citation Bansal, V. (2013). Enterprise resource planning : a managerial perspective. Dorling Kindersley (India). Nadiia Kudriashova. (2019). The Use of ERP in Practice. Benefits and Challenges. GRIN Verlag. Chorafas, D. N. (2001). Integrating ERP, CRM, Supply Chain Management, and Smart Materials. CRC Press. Ziemba, E., & Springerlink (Online Service. (2017). Informa(on Technology for Management: New Ideas and Real Solu(ons : 14th Conference, AITM 2016, and 11th Conference, ISM 2016, held as Part of FedCSIS, Gdansk, Poland, September 11-14, 2016, Revised Selected Papers. Springer InternaConal Publishing.
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