FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
INFORMATION SYSTEMS 621
Name & Surname: ITS No:
Qualification: Semester: Module Name:
Date Submitted:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA MARK EXAMINER MODERATOR
ALLOCATION MARKS MARKS
MARKS FOR CONTENT
QUESTION ONE 20
QUESTION TWO 40
QUESTION THREE 30
TOTAL 90
MARKS FOR TECHNICAL
ASPECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Accurate numbering according to the numbering in
text and page numbers.
LAYOUT AND SPELLING 3
Font - Calibri 12
Line Spacing –1.0
Margin should be justified.
REFERENCES 5
According to the Harvard Method
TOTAL 10
TOTAL MARKS FOR ASSIGNMENT 100
Examiner’s Comments:
Moderator’s Comments:
Signature of Examiner: Signature of Moderator:
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. All assignment must be typed, not handwritten.
2. Every assignment should include the cover page, table of contents and a reference list or
bibliography at the end of the document
3. A minimum of five current sources (references) should be used in all assignments and these
should reflect in both in-text citations as well as the reference list or bibliography
4. In-text citations and a reference list or bibliography must be provided. Use the Harvard Style for
both in-text citations and the reference list or bibliography
5. Assignments submitted without citations and accompanying reference lists will be penalised.
6. Students are not allowed to share assignments with fellow students. Any shared assignments
will attract stiff penalties.
7. The use of, and copying of content from websites such as chegg.com, studocu.com,
transtutors.com, sparknotes.com or any other assignment-assistance websites is strictly
prohibited. This also applies to Wiki sites, blogs and YouTube.
8. Any pictures and diagrams used in the Assignment should be properly labelled and referenced.
9. Correct formatting as indicated on the Cover Page should be followed (font-size 12, font-style
Calibri, line spacing of 1.0 and margins justified)
10. All Assignments must be saved in PDF using the correct naming-convention before uploading
on Moodle. Eg StudentNumber_CourseCode_Assignment
(402999999_WBT512A_Assignment).
Question One [20 Marks]
A multinational corporation is facing challenges in efficiently managing and storing vast amounts
of data generated across its diverse business units. The organization is exploring various
enterprise storage solutions to enhance data accessibility, security, and overall management. As
a data management consultant, you are tasked with analyzing and recommending the most
suitable enterprise storage solution for the corporation. The two primary forms under
consideration are network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area networks (SANs).
1.1 Analyze the suitability of Storage Area Networks (SANs) in addressing the corporation's need
for high-performance and secure data storage. (10)
1.2 Evaluate the benefits of adopting Network-Attached Storage (NAS) for centralized data
management and accessibility across the organization. (10)
Question Two [40 Marks]
Enhancing University Administrative Processes with a Computer-Based Information
System (CBIS)
A renowned university is grappling with challenges in its administrative processes, such as
student enrollment, course registration, and faculty management. The university administration
is considering the implementation of a Computer-Based Information System (CBIS) to
streamline these processes and enhance overall efficiency.
The university currently manages student records, course schedules, and faculty information
through traditional paper-based systems, leading to delays, errors, and inefficiencies. The
administration envisions a CBIS that integrates various components such as hardware,
software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures to transform data into
valuable information, ultimately improving administrative workflows.
2.1 Identify and analyze the specific hardware components required for implementing the
proposed CBIS in the university. (10)
2.2 Evaluate the telecommunication infrastructure required to ensure seamless connectivity
within the university's CBIS. (10)
2.3 Propose training programs and change management strategies to facilitate the transition
from traditional processes to the new system. (10)
2.4 Identify potential challenges and risks associated with implementing the CBIS in a university
setting. (10)
Question Three [30 Marks]
Case Study: Analyzing Competitive Forces in the Smartphone Industry
The smartphone industry is highly dynamic and competitive, with constant technological
advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and fierce rivalry among key players. Michael
Porter's Five Forces model provides a valuable framework for understanding the competitive
landscape within this industry.
Imagine you are a business consultant hired to analyze the competitive forces in the smartphone
industry. Your client is a new entrant planning to introduce an innovative smartphone to the
market. They seek strategic insights into the industry dynamics to make informed decisions and
gain a competitive edge.
3.1 Evaluate the barriers to entry in the smartphone industry and provide recommendations
on how your client, as a new entrant, can overcome these barriers and establish a foothold in
the market.
(15)
3.2 Investigate potential substitute products or technologies that could pose a threat to
the traditional smartphone market and advise your client on how to adapt to emerging trends.
(15)