BCO6603 Semester 1, 2014
ERP Systems: Assignment 3
Research Report

Assessment: 30%
Due Date: See instructions in Blackboard


“ERP Systems and the Cloud”

Topic statement
There has been significant media attention and hype about the potential of cloud technologies. Companies are investigating how these technologies can assist with their ERP System needs. Management have become aware that you are studying ERP Systems at Victoria University and have given you the task to prepare a research report on potential cloud offerings, benefits and risks.

Requirements
Your task is to produce a 3000 - 4000 word research report which discusses the issues relating to the topic statement. Discuss the topic statement using case study examples (from literature searches) to illustrate different company’s experiences. The report should demonstrate a depth and breadth of reading and should be appropriately referenced using the VU Harvard style guide.

Your report should cover the following areas:

• Different cloud offerings available (SAAS, IAAS, PAAS).
• The applicability of these cloud offerings to the implementation and use of ERP Systems.
• The potential benefits of each cloud offering in relation to ERP Systems.
• The potential risks of each cloud offering in relation to ERP Systems.


Your report must include:

Introduction: Introduction to the topic, a statement of the purpose of the report and a brief description of the report’s structure.
Body: Discuss, compare and/or contrast different perspectives, present arguments supporting the purpose of the report including relevant case studies to illustrate key points. All points must be presented with Harvard citations to high quality (journal/book) references that have a corresponding entry in your reference list.
Conclusion: A summary of the points you have made in the body of the report. These should match your stated purpose.
Reference list: A complete Harvard format reference list. Review the Library style guide for citation and reference list examples http://bit.ly/1jvBd0i.

Presentation: You should include a title page that has your name, the title of your report, your tutorial day and time and your tutor’s name on it. Every page should feature a footer that includes your name, student ID, and page number.

You should review: http://www.vu.edu.au/campuses-services/studentsupport/academic-support-development/academic-writing for some general help on academic writing, especially the sections on essays and referencing. Review the Library Harvard style guide for citation and reference list examples http://bit.ly/1jvBd0i. Please note that Academic Support and Development staff can assist with drafting essays. However, appointments are limited and you must book well in advance on 9919 4744.

Submission
Your report must be submitted via the Turnitin link in Blackboard/Webct in MS Word format. Name your assignment 3 file in the form s3999999Assn3.docx and where the 39999999 is replaced by your student number. You do not need to include an assessment declaration (because the assessment declaration it is a standard template it will boost your similarity results so don’t upload it). However, note that when you submit to Turnitin you are formally agreeing to the statements set out on the declaration relating to academic honesty. Your submission to Turnitin must include only a title page, your essay, and the reference list. Your submission on Turnitin will be marked electronically, so ensure it is complete.

Notes on referencing, paraphrasing, Turnitin and similarity
You must include citations with matching references to demonstrate research relating to the discussion and analysis in the body of your essay. You should aim to paraphrase sources where possible, writing the report in your own words and including citations and corresponding reference list entries to demonstrate research where appropriate. You should submit your essay to Turnitin well in advance of the due date to ensure your similarity does not exceed twenty per cent (for a submission including your reference list). Note that:

• Turnitin scores higher than 20% will be heavily penalised.

It is normal that your reference list is highlighted in Turnitin; this is acceptable and is factored into the 20% threshold. It is not acceptable for whole paragraphs to be highlighted. This usually indicates exact similarity with another source. If this happens you must revise your work and resubmit. Note that you can resubmit your report up until the submission deadline. Initial originality results are returned within minutes. Resubmission results can take up to twenty four hours to process. Therefore, ensure you submit early so you can avoid problems at the last minute.

BCO6603 ERP Systems – Assignment Three Marking Guide
Minimal Somewhat Acceptable Good Excellent
Introduction
*e.g. Opening paragraph describes why the report has been written, what it contains and defines key terms 1
Introduction was unclear/invalid /omitted key definitions/did not introduce the topic* 2.5
Introduction was unclear/invalid in part/ omitted key definitions/did not introduce all aspects of the topic * 5
Introduction was generally clear, included some referenced definition/s and introduced the topic to an acceptable standard* 7.5
Introduction was clear and introduced the topic using clear, good quality referenced definitions* 10
Introduction was very clear and introduced the topic using high quality referenced definitions. Writing is of a professional standard*
Discussion
/Critical Analysis ^e.g. Provide a clear, structured discussion and analysis (compare and contrast the literature) of the topic. Cite quality journal articles and texts to underpin every point in your essay. Use business case studies to illustrate each key topic. 1.5
Little evidence of critical analysis and understanding communicated/reference s and/or case studies are omitted/not used^ 3.75
Some evidence of understanding and analysis communicated/ unclear in part/some of the aspects of
the topic are not discussed/analysed/ references are incomplete, of poor quality or underutilized/mostly summary/little or no analysis of the literature/case studies not present, of poor quality or incomplete^ 7.5
Depth of understanding and reflection is acceptable/the discussion is generally clear/a coherent analysis of the literature is presented. Most aspects of the topic are covered. Most key points are supported with Harvard citations and corresponding Harvard references demonstrating research/relevant case studies are present and support most key points ^ 11.25
Depth of understanding and reflection meets
expectations/the discussion is clear/a coherent, critical analysis of the literature is presented. All aspects of the topic are covered. Most key points are supported with quality Harvard citations and corresponding Harvard references demonstrating research/case studies are present and support most key points ^ 15
Depth or understanding and analysis is of a professional standard/the discussion is clear and relevant/ a high quality, critical analysis of the literature is provided. All aspects of the topic are covered. All relevant
information is presented with Harvard citations and corresponding high quality Harvard references demonstrating research/high quality cases support all key points^
Conclusion
#e.g. Closing paragraph/s summarise the key points presented in the report # .5
Conclusion was unclear/invalid / did not summarise the key topics discussed # 1
Conclusion was
unclear/invalid in part/did not summarise the key topics discussed # 1.25
Conclusion was generally clear and summarised the key topics discussed # 2
Conclusion was clear and summarise the key topics discussed # 2.5
Conclusion was of a professional standard and summarise the key topics discussed #
Presentation
-e.g. Professional, consistent format that is free of errors – meaningful headings and sub headings are used.
References and citations are provided in Harvard format. The file name, cover page and footer are present and match the assignment instructions. .5
There are major issues with length, consistency, layout, headings, use of font, spacing, Harvard format citations, references or structure - 1
There are some issues with presentation in terms of length, consistency, layout, headings, use of font, spacing, citations
/referencing or structure - 1.25
Presentation is mostly consistent with only minor issues evident in terms of layout, headings, use of font, spacing, citations/referencing and structure - 2
Presentation is consistent with only one or two minor issues evident in terms of layout, headings, use of font, spacing, citations/referencing and structure - 2.5
Presentation is of a professional standard. The work is consistent and professional in length, layout, headings, use of font, spacing, citations/referencing and structure -
Penalties 50%
No submission to
Turnitin Up to 100%
Dependent on the level copied material Late submission
10% of the total possible mark per day late
Note that performance indicator descriptions are indicative only and are provided as a general guide. In some cases only part of the indicator description may apply for mark allocation. In cases where indicator descriptions are varied, additional feedback will be provided.