FIT5094 IT for Management Decision Making
Semester 1, 2017
Assignment 2 – Personal Decision Support
Format: Individual Decision Simulation Model and Documentation
Weight: 20% of the marks available for FIT5094
Due date: 4:00 p.m. Friday 12 May 2017
Interview: TBD (in Week 11 or Week 12)
Assignment Objective
The objective of this assignment is to gain a critical understanding of a software application for personal decision support. A key aspect of the assignment is an insight into the role of a systems analyst in a DSS engagement.
Software
The assignment requires the use of iThink software from ISEE Systems Inc. (www.iseesystems.com). iThink is a continuous simulation package that has been used for decision support in a number of industries. The ISEE website has a considerable amount of tutorial (https://www.iseesystems.com/resources/tutorials/legacy/) and case study
(http://xmile.iseesystems.com/) material that will help you understand systems dynamics.
In addition to using iThink in the laboratory, 30-day save-disabled free trial version of a similar software – Stella Architect – can be downloaded from ISEE website
(www.iseesystems.com/store/products/trial.aspx). To obtain the trial version you will have to create and sign into an ISEE Systems account. The trial version is useful for prototyping or for familiarisation before using the lab version but you can’t save models. A 6-month license for the student version of iThink is also available for purchase from the ISEE website for US$59.
Assignment Tasks
1. Use iThink to build a model that will support decision-making regarding the creation of the Personal Computing eStore (PCeS). The overview of the decision scenario is available on the unit Moodle site.
2. You are required to prepare system documentation for your model that will allow another DSS analyst to understand your model to the extent that they can modify and maintain it.
3. After you have submitted your model and documentation you are required to make an appointment to perform a walk-through of your model. The assessors will be the tutors of FIT5094. You do not have to make an appointment with your normal class tutor. The assessment sessions will be held in Weeks 11 and 12 so that you can get feedback by the end of the Swot Vac. Session times can be booked by placing your name against a slot on sheets that will be available at the lecture in Week 10. Sessions cannot be booked by email. Students who do not make an appointment in Week 10 will be allocated a time by the lecturer. Your assessor will role-play the PCeS CEO and will ask you to explain your model and to make modifications of your model to cater for new requirements and information.
Standards for Presentation
Your model documentation must be word-processed and presented using the APA style. For details see: http://guides.lib.monash.edu/citing-referencing/apa. You must acknowledge all sources of information. The use of other people’s work without acknowledgment is termed plagiarism and is a serious offence that will result in failure (see the “Plagiarism and Collusion” section below for more details). You must include a signed FIT assignment cover sheet from http://www.monash.edu/it/current-students/resources-and-support/student-forms.
The model should be in the form of iThink model file.
Learning Objectives
Successful completion of this assignment will lead to knowledge and skills in the analysis, design, and development of decision support systems (DSSs), including:
• analysing, designing and developing a DSS to support a strategic decision task;
• documenting the details and dynamics of the DSS;
• presenting the DSS to decision makers in ways they can understand; and
• manipulation of the DSS to accommodate the decision maker’s changing requirements.
Assessment Criteria
1. System Documentation
a. Content and quality of writing
2. iThink Model
a. Model quality
b. Professionalism of walkthrough
c. Capability to manipulate the model
All criteria have equal weight.
For details, please refer to the marking guide available on the unit’s Moodle site.
Submission of the Assignments
The assignment must be submitted both electronically and in printed hardcopy. The submission is only successful if both ways of submission are completed. Until both ways are completed, the assignment’s status is: “no submission” (hence, the assignment will not be assessed). Late submission (of either the electronic version, or the hard copy version, or both) will result in the reduction of marks according to the section “Extensions / Special Considerations” below.
Electronic Submission
The file for the assignment is to be submitted for assessment via the assignment submission tool on
Moodle. The tool will be available from the FIT5094 Moodle site close to the submission date.
First, your model documentation file should be in Word document format, your model in the form of iThink model file, and named without spaces, brackets etc. The filename should contain the unit code, assignment number, your tutor’s first name [Yuri / Ehsan / Michael / Caddie], and your student ID number, similar to the following example:
FIT5094_Assignment2_TutorName_12345678.doc(x)
AND
FIT5094_Assignment2_TutorName_12345678.itmx
Second, submit your assignment files to Moodle for assessment.
Hardcopy Submission
The submitted assignment must include a signed cover sheet (http://www.monash.edu/it/currentstudents/resources-and-support/student-forms), system documentation, and a CD or USB containing your model. The model should be submitted on a clearly labelled CD or USB. The CD/USB label should indicate your student ID number and “FIT5094 Assignment 2”. This should be attached securely to your submission. Assignments should be submitted in the assignment drop box located:
• on Level 6 of Building H in Caulfield Campus;
• next to the elevators on Level 4, Building 2 in Sunway Campus.
Extensions / Special Considerations
If you believe that your assignment will be delayed because of circumstances beyond your control such as illness, you should apply for an extension prior to the due date. All applications for special consideration must be made using the Special Consideration Application form available via the Unit’s Moodle site. You must read the associated Special Consideration policy outlining the grounds for granting special consideration, and attach the appropriate documentation to your form. Submit your form to your lecturer, NOT your tutor.
More information about the Faculty of Information Technology’s special consideration policy and procedures is available here: http://www.monash.edu/exams/special-consideration.html
Do not assume that submission of a Special Consideration application guarantees that it will be granted – you must receive confirmation that it has been granted from your lecturer.
Late assignments submitted without an approved extension may be accepted (up to two weeks late) at the discretion of the lecturer, but will be penalised at the rate of 5% of total assignment marks per day (including weekends) . Assignments received later than two weeks after the due date will not normally be accepted.
Please Note:
1. Your inability to manage your time or computing resources will not be accepted as a valid excuse. (Several assignments falling due at the same time are a fact of university life.)
2. Hardware failures, whether of personal or University equipment, are not normally recognised as valid excuses. Failure to back-up assignment files is also not recognised as a valid excuse.
Monash University has a range of support services for students including Counselling and Language &
Learning. If you are experiencing difficulties in your studies these services may be of great assistance.
Plagiarism and Collusion
Note that this is an individual assignment. While general collaboration between students in terms of understanding of modelling concepts is acceptable, the assignment and the solution contained in it must be entirely your own work.
You must not:
• Use another student’s work as the basis for your own.
• Use another student’s work to help ‘give you ideas’.
• Steal, appropriate or make use of the work of another student without their knowledge.
• Lend your work (including drafts) to another student for any reason.
• Use the ideas, words or other intellectual property of anyone without proper attribution.
• Leave your work unattended on the student laboratory computers, or give your authcate details to anyone.
Penalties for plagiarism and/or collusion can include formal reprimands, notes being attached to your student file, failure in the assignment, failure in the unit or even suspension or exclusion from the university.
See the Unit Guide for more information on plagiarism and cheating, and for links to Faculty and University policies on this topic.
Good Luck!
Dr Caddie Gao
11 April 2017