Miami University

Jeff Merhout

Short Writing Assignment for Students

2003 Workshop on Improving Student Writing

Center for Writing Excellence

Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

MIS 617

Professor Jeff Merhout

Fall 2003

Short Writing Assignment (for Summer Workshop on Student Writing)

Objectives:

The purpose of this assignment is threefold:

• You will gain experience in applying the SMOTS analysis to an IT/IS topic that is discussed in our text and read by the entire class (as per the schedule in the syllabus);
• This requirement will add a component to you chapter presentation that will generate a class discussion; and
• This exercise will give you practice in applying the SMOTS framework before you write your term paper.

Assignment:

For the Martin et al. chapter analysis that you present in class (as per the instructions in the syllabus and as we discussed in class), please prepare a clearly written SMOTS analysis of the central IT/IS issue(s) discussed in the chapter.  In addition, discuss whether the MOS issues required by the Strategic investment in the information Technology under discussion pass the cost/benefit test.  Finally, briefly discuss the key concepts/lessons that you learned from this chapter and from doing the SMOTS analysis.

Note that, in many cases, there are no right or wrong answers about what issues you categorize as M or O or S and about which issues you deem to be important.  The key consideration is to recognize that investments in IT do not occur in a vacuum; there are Managerial, Organizational and Social issues involved.  Furthermore, if you believe that the SMOTS framework can be revised, refined or enhanced (in general or for a specific technological issue), please argue accordingly.

Required Length: 1.5 to 2.5 double-spaced pages

Grading:

Turn in the written analysis the night you present.  This is a component of your chapter presentation grade (see the syllabus).  Be sure to present the SMOTS analysis in your presentation to the class.