417 LAB ACTIVITY 1: Preparing a Project Proposal

WHY:

This activity will give you practice writing reports, a skill which will be needed throughout your work on your project. It will also refresh your knowledge of how to work with several Windows applications simultaneously. The interpersonal skills covered in Appendix E will be used constantly throughout the course and throughout your career.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  1. Practice writing a report in the administrative format.
  2. Become familiar with the Windows environment.
  3. Discover the writing skills of your team members.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

  1. Quality of the answers to the Critical Thinking Questions.
  2. Quality of your report justifying your choice of project.

    RESOURCES:

    1. Handout describing projects;
    2. Module E (especially pp. 687-688);
    3. Word Perfect 8 Help;
    4. 30 minutes

    PLAN:

    1. Choose roles if you have not already done so.
    2. Prepare a report to top management justifying your choice of project using the administrative format. Do not write the final conclusion section yet.
    3. Get into Word Perfect 8 and construct the report.
    4. Save your work and minimize the Word Perfect screen.

    MODEL:

    August 31, 1994

    Dr. Peter Smith
    Director of Information Systems
    Saint Mary's College
    Notre Dame, IN 46556

    Dear Dr. Smith,

    Enclosed is our request to design a computer hardware and software tracking system. We ask that you give this report immediate attention since our time for completing this project is limited.

    Please contact us as soon as possible with your decision. Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Anne Sweeney
    Sara Stronczek
    Maria Vogel

    Computer Hardware Tracking System
    Feasibility Report

    Table of Contents

    1. Abstract
    2. Introduction
    3. Conclusions and Recommendations
    4. Summary and Discussion of Facts and Details
    5. Methods and Procedures
    6. Final Conclusions
    7. Appendix A: Meeting Schedule

    ABSTRACT

    On August 31, 1994, Anne Sweeney, Sara Stronczek, and Maria Vogel were asked to evaluate the Computer Services Hardware and Software Tracking project for initial feasibility. Computer services is in charge of orders, installation, maintenance, and user training for all hardware and software owned by the college. The equipment is spread throughout the campus. The main problem raised by John Cook, Director of Computer Services, is keeping track of all the microcomputers, printers, monitors, and software. Several attempts to solve this problem have resulted in little gain. The department has limited staff and money to devote to the problem. Not having an accurate inventory of equipment and software has resulted in lost equipment, unnecessary ordering and unforseen shortages.

    The report recommends that this project be given a high priority because its implementation would yield significant savings in money and staff time.

    I. Introduction

    The purpose of this report is to obtain permission to design a system that tracks computer hardware and software for Saint Mary's College. Expensive equipment such as this is difficult to keep track of manually. With the advancement of computer technology, new hardware and software is being purchased while the obsolete are being passed down to users who do not need the latest technology. Storing this information on a computer system would make this task much easier. The following report will include our recommendations and several suggestions for implementation of the computer hardware tracking system as well as a few of the details associated with it.

    II. Conclusions and Recommendations:

    After reviewing your profile, we have concluded that a computer system would solve the problem of locating currently used and unused computer hardware and software. We would like to do further analysis on this project.

    III. Summary and Discussion of Facts and Details:

    The reason for the request of a new program by our class is John Cook would like to keep track of hardware and software, and where this equipment is currently stored. They are losing track of the obsolete hardware and software.

    IV. Methods and Procedures:

    On August 31, 1994, our group met and reviewed a system request. We discussed what types of projects would be most beneficial: real or simulated. After brainstorming among the whole group, we came to the agreement that the real project would help us develop several skills (working with people and facing real life situations) while designing a system that may someday be implemented.

    V. Final Conclusion:

    We conclude that a system of this type would be very beneficial to both the department and the college. In order to complete this project in a reasonable amount of time, we need to meet with the Director of Computer Services on a regular basis. Our schedule can be found in Appendix A. We will schedule a meeting at a time that is convenient for all parties involved.

    CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS:

    1. Which sections of the administrative format were not applicable for this report?






    2. List three key defects (other than awkward wording) in the model report.





    3. How did your team avoid these defects in your own report?








    Math 417 Lab Activity 1 -- Revised 8/25/98

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