Group Projects for MISB-500 Fall 2000

Your assignment is to put together a proposal for a midsize construction company that has 30 office workers (20 general clerical, 5 CAD operators, 5 IS workers), and 10 field workers (project managers, engineers, etc.). They want to completely replace their computer hardware, and have asked your company to submit a proposal. They are expecting a proposal that does not exceed $80,000, but there is little information beyond that that they are willing to give you about price. You know that they are asking from proposals from three or four other computer consultancy firms as well.

Some things about the company that you should know:

Types of software used by various groups:

The general clerical workers will mainly use MS Office products, a browser, and an email client.

The CAD operators spend all day working on CAD drawings on their computers, but also will use them for MS Office products, a browser, and an email client.

The IS workers mainly use MS Office products, a browser, and an email client, but also use network monitoring software, graphic design software, and website development software.

The field workers frequently move from location to location (once every two months or so), and therefore stress the need for mobility. They use MS Office products, MS Project and Primavera project scheduling software, a browser, and an email client.

The company does not want to replace their networking that they currently have in place. Their networking hardware uses RJ-45 cabling to connect to 10/100 Ethernet cards in every computer. The field workers use a DSL connection (which requires an Ethernet card) to connect to the network.

There should be at least one printer for every five office workers, with one large-format printer capable of handling CAD drawings. Each field worker needs a printer as well. The IS workers will need at least one color printer.

Monitors should be included in the desktop systems.

The group assignment is a significant portion of your overall grade. Your individual grade will be a reflection of the overall quality of the group assignment adjusted for your amount of input, as seen by your teammates and the instructor.

The website should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

1. A thorough detailing of each type of computer system for each type of user, with hyperlinks to details on each component.
2. A cost analysis of your proposal, with a link to an Excel file that outlines each item.
3. A link to the PowerPoint file (or other files) you plan to use in the presentation.
4. A list of members in the group.
5. A link back to this web page & a link to at least one group member's email address.

The presentation should include all pertinent details about your company's proposal. You are encouraged to have handouts for your audience (no more than twelve people). You should be prepared to answer any questions that your audience may ask of you. You have 10 minutes to present, with two additional minutes reserved for questions from the audience.

Deadlines:

Question and Answer session with the client: November 9 (to ask any last minute details)

Presentations: November 14 @ 2:15 p.m.

Websites: live and finished by November 14 @ 2:15 p.m.