INFS1602-2602: Managing Information Systems Assignment Brief - UNSW

INFS1602-2602 Assignment:

The goal of the individual assignment and group project is to apply the knowledge and practical skills you've gained throughout this course to develop a proposal for a novel platform-based business that could be commercially viable in the real world.

You will take on a specific role within a project team of 3-4 members (e.g., Strategy  Lead, Business Analyst, Solutions Architect, or Project Manager). As a group, your first task is to decide on the business model for your proposed platform, including the services you will offer and the customers you will target. Throughout the academic term, each team member will take turns leading the group to develop the various sections of the proposal. These sections will be submitted as individual assignments. After receiving feedback, you will refine your sections and integrate them into a coherent final report, which will be submitted as the Group Project.

Project Scenario of INFS1602-2602:

Platform-based businesses facilitate transactions or  interactions  between  two  or  more  stakeholder groups  (e.g., suppliers,  consumers, complementary  business  partners,  advertisers)  using  technology  as  a  platform.  These businesses  create  value  by  connecting transacting  parties  or  enabling  the  exchange  of  goods,  services,  or information. Examples include marketplaces like Amazon and Alibaba, sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb and Uber, fintech platforms like Alipay and Kickstarter, and social media platforms such as Facebook and WeChat. 

Platform-based businesses have become increasingly prominent in the digital era because they leverage technology and the internet to reach a large, global customer base. They often scale quickly  because  they  do  not  own  the products or services they offer, which reduces costs and increases efficiency compared to traditional businesses. Additionally, these businesses benefit from network effects, where the value of the platform  increases as more users  join,  creating  a  virtuous  cycle  of  growth.  Data  generated  on  these  platforms  can  be  analyzed  to inform business  decisions  and  enhance  the  user  experience.  These  factors  contribute  to  the  rise  of  platform-based businesses as some of the most valuable companies in the world. Your team's goal is to develop an idea for the "next big thing" based on this business model.

Deliverables 

Each member of the team will assume a different role, with specific responsibilities, as follows: 

1. Strategy  Lead:  Responsible  for  analyzing  the  competitive  environment,  defining  a  unique  value proposition, and formulating a competitive strategy for the proposed business. (Individual Assignment due: Sunday 23:59, Week 2) 
2. Business Analyst: Responsible for designing a key business process, ensuring it is efficient and effective compared to potential competitors. (Individual Assignment due: Sunday 23:59, Week 4)
3. Solutions Architect: Responsible for developing a visual representation of the platform’s interface and documenting its functions and features. (Individual Assignment due: Sunday 23:59, Week 6)
4. Project  Manager:  Responsible  for  developing  a  project  plan,  including  an  implementation  timeline, budget, and cybersecurity risk management plan for the proposed platform. (Individual Assignment due: Sunday 23:59, Week 8)
5. Product  Lead:  Responsible  for  creating  a  business  process  and  clear  feedback  loop  between  the company and the customer (Individual Assignment due, Sunday 23:59, Week 8)

INFS1602-2602 Individual Assignment: 

25% of Course Grade The due dates for the individual assignments different depending on the role, but as your assigned role's deadline approaches, you will lead the team in completing the relevant section of the proposal. While you may delegate tasks to your teammates, you are ultimately responsible for the quality of the assignment related to your role, and your marks will be awarded individually. You are required to submit only one individual assignment throughout the term. The assignment should be no longer than 1,200 words (±10%), excluding references and appendices. If citations are necessary, please use the APA referencing style, as outlined at UNSW APA Guide.