Business Quest Investigate Stage Summative

Challenge 
Many businesses have problems that can be solved easily by introducing new or existing information technology solutions. The digital solutions can transform a business in terms of sales or enhance the organization's and the documentation of the business operations. 

Your task is to identify a business related challenge that can be addressed or solved using an IT based solution. The problem should be clearly described and the client's current way of addressing the situation described. The problem description should include the current limitations the client is facing and detailed explanation of why you think an IT solution will be the best. 

• Ensure that the key components of investigate stage are included in your investigate.
• Refer to previous investigate stage requirements, checklists and the feedback from your previous unit in investigate stage.
• Identify a unique, appropriate demanding IT solution for your client that you have not attempted before.
• Research should be about the product and other resources that can be part of the solution. The research should be supported with screenshots that focus on techniques but of not only the software you will use but other softwares of the kind.

Remember MYP moderation report below to improve your investigate work.
       ·       Allow students more control over the style and content of their investigation.

·       Encourage students to include more visual details in their research ( use screenshots, diagram, or graphs).

·       Encourage students to analyse and reflect on the information collected which leads to formulating an appropriate design specification.

·       Encourage students to explore and evaluate software and resources that could become part of their IT solutions.

 Assessment Criteria. 

Levels	Task Specific Descriptor
0	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below descriptors given below
1-2	The student states the problem. The student investigates the problem, collecting information from sources. The student lists some specifications.
3-4	The student describes the problem, mentioning its relevance. The student investigates the problem, selecting and analyzing information from some acknowledged sources. The student describes a test to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.
5-6	The student explains the problem, discussing its relevance. The student critically investigates the problem, evaluating information from a broad range of appropriate, acknowledged sources. The student describes detailed methods for appropriate testing to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.

Investigate Checklist
Identify the problem 

              · I have described the problem as I understood it.
              · I have written an explanation on why the problem is important, relating it to my life.
              · I have written an explanation on why the problem is important, relating it to society.
              · I have written how and why solving this problem is relevant to the A.O.I.’s?

Develop your Design Brief 

·  I have written down a design brief: Explaining what I am going to do to solve the problem. (a general statement of what I am going to make, why I am going to make it, and for whom)

Research

·   It is clear from my research notes what I have learned more about the product to be developed.
·   I have researched on the skills and techniques required in the development of the product.
·   Most of my research work is supported with screenshots, quotes, photos, and graphics that explains the different techniques and skills that can be applied while using the software in the product development. All graphics and screenshots are cited.
·  I have clearly organised my research in a proper format. Paragraphs are used properly.
·  I have clearly analysed and commented on most of the information researched.
·  I have applied in-text referencing where possible.
·  I have referred to at least four different types of resources in the investigation section.
·  I have used supporting evidence such as quotes, photos, illustrations, and graphs and are referenced (cited) appropriately.
·  I have undertaken a primary research by consulting an expert in the field of my investigation.

Design Specifications 

· I have concluded the investigation by formulating design specifications. I have included a table of essential and desirable characteristics. I have written down design specifications which my product/solution must meet.
· I have designed and explained test(s) which I will use in order to test my finished product against my specifications.
· I have included references to the sources of information and a bibliography in proper format (APA) is attached at the end of the investigation section. 
· I have formatted my bibliography using these tools (citationmachine.net , ebiblio.com., easybib.com.)
· I have included in the appendix all the interview or survey questions and their responses.

Design Specs Ideas
Design specs examples
http://mypct.isswiki.de/ct-9-technology/ct-9-lessons/world-cup-of-ideas-contest/design-brief-and-design-specification
http://mypct.isswiki.de/exemplary-design-cycle-elements/investigate

Other resources for references

1. More information on how to write your investigate
http://vsa-martin-yu.wikispaces.com/MYP+Year+9+Computer+Technology+~+Webpage+Design+(Dreamweaver+with+HTML+Editor)

http://www.globaljaya.net/secondary/IT/y9ct/MYP%20Docs/Investigation_Guide_9-10.pdf

Investigate sample 1: Grade the work
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8VAiXCgqIIbVkxKS09yRVFqdnc/edit?usp=sharing

Investigate sample 2: Grade the work
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8VAiXCgqIIbV2gycGRyeU5WM2c/edit?usp=sharing

Sample MYP Video Games Solution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDCQZjgR3p4

Animation Solution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgP9hmbK0Rg

Digital Video Solution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygiDBGx9WIw

Business Quest Concepts and terminologies

To under the concept of online businesses the following concepts must be understood. Write brief notes using suitable diagrams or images where possible on the following;
websites

• What is Web CMS and what are some of it's major features?
• What is website hosting and describe the process of hosting a website? The role of ISP.
• Describe what SSL encryption is.

Online payment methods

Describe the different online payment methods; Paypal, merchant account, EFT,  etc

User interface

• What is a user interface and what are the different types of software user interfaces?

E- marketing

• Define e-marketing and describe e-marketing solutions; Pay per click etc

Online security

• What is online security and what are the different types of online security solutions that businesses can have in place: e.g Phishing

Others terms to be described include;

• Page ranking
• Cloud computing
• Open source software
• Search engine Optimization
• Shopping cart software
• site traffic analysis
• The difference between using web 1.0 or web 2.0 technologies in business
• Apps and listing some examples of business apps

Business Quest Unit Details

Background Information

The unit is designed to allow you to explore the different  technology solutions in business. We will identify different IT solutions and examine the impact of using the IT solutions in business. Investigating a local business and developing a suitable product that will help the identified stakeholder (a client) will be key to the unit. In order to achieve this, we will need to investigate and study different IT solutions in businesses; including websites, videos for business, commercials/adverts, music, Databases, spreadsheets products, online business journals, digital online business security solution/storage solution, 

Unit Details

Unit Question: To what extend have businesses been impacted by new technology?

AOI: Human Ingenuity: What are the consequences of what we create in businesses?

Significant Concept: The choice of appropriate technology for different scenarios. Establishing and determining the correct technology for businesses that betters human life.

AK Focus: Global Economics: Trade and Development

The study of how individuals and societies exchange goods and services.

Summative Assessment

Students will investigate both local and global business and develop a suitable product that will help the resolve current client's challenges. Some of the options available a website,  a video for the business, a commercial or advert, produce a commercial song/advert, develop a database, etc. The product can address any specific themes in the business; marketing and advertising, Training, data analysis and storage.

Activity 1

Discuss in pairs the story of MPESA, (the Kenya Mobile fund transfer businesses).

• What is MPESA?
• How did it start?
• When did it start?
• Who started it?
• How has the use of MPESA transformed lives?

Activity 2 (To done individually in your note books)

Study one business that has used many online digital innovation overtime. The business can be global or local. Example SafariCom, or Google are some of the leading online businesses companies with several digital innovations.

In your investigation;

• Outline the several technologies/ innovations used or developed by the named company and their functions
• Describe some of the technologies or innovations you foresee or suggest the companies to use in future.

Business Quest Unit

Read the following internet business success stories in the link below

http://www.mikes-marketing-tools.com/marketing-tips/7-business-success-stories.html

http://www.6figurewebsites.com/internet-success-stories

http://globial.com/globialtalksbusiness/10-incredible-small-business-success-stories-from-the-past-year/

http://www.inc.com/ss/10-inspiring-small-business-success-stories#6

Videos on Success online business
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PnxCZ9LXVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ_Qsvcatbg

http://mashable.com/2011/03/01/video-business-success/

List some of online products or services that transacted in the stories above. 

Many businesses are currently being operated online. Different digital solutions / products have been developed to enhance businesses that operate online.

Activity (What can be your internet success story?)

Prepare a presentation in groups of four or five as assigned by your teacher, In your presentation you are to ;

• Come up with a unique online business proposal that you would like to start
• Describe what your product/service will be and how the transactions will be transacted and how you will make money.
• Describe the digital product that must be developed or bought to enhanced your online transactions
• Outline some of the benefits expected of the approach to your business
• Outline some of the challenges expected of the approach to your business

Sports Technology Evaluate Stage

The product/solution should be evaluated against the design specification in an objective manner based on testing, and also evaluate its impact on life, society and/or the environment. Including information on how the product/solution could be improved as a result of these evaluations will be important.

There should be evidence that the test strategy(ies) chosen in investigate stage is/are used. Using a table to show the outcomes from different testers would be recommended.

Your own performance at each stage of the design cycle must be evaluated and suggest ways in which your performance could be improved.

Moderation feedback on Evaluate stage:

This criterion was covered well by most students, particularly self-evaluation at the different stages of the design cycle.  However, more detailed testing against specifications was required in a number of cases. Also, some students failed to suggest modifications to their product/solution in response to feedback from clients. Students should be encouraged to analyse the feedback they receive. 

What affected most student's achievement was a lack of appropriate product testing. Students generally limit this to obtaining feedback, yet this is not always directly linked to the design specifications. Appropriate testing methods should be described in the investigation stage, while evidence of success should be included in the evaluation. Students should the base an objective evaluation of the product on the results of testing. Feedback could be used more effectively when evaluating a product's impact.

Ensure that students respond to feedback from clients by suggesting modifications and improvements to their product/solution.


Example;
 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8VAiXCgqIIbSHlVSDB6cmRSTjg/edit?usp=sharing

Assessment Criteria

 Levels

	Task Specific Descriptor
0	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.
1-2	The student evaluates the product/solution or his or her own performance. The student makes some attempt to test the product/solution.
3-4	The student evaluates the product/solution and his or her own performance and suggests ways in which these could be improved. The student tests the product/solution to evaluate it against the design specification.
5-6	The student evaluates the success of the product/solution in an objective manner based on the results of testing, and the views of the intended users. The student provides an evaluation of his or her own performance at each stage of the design cycle and suggests improvements. The student provides an appropriate evaluation of the impact of the product/solution on life, society and/or the environment

Sports Technology Create Stage

You will start creating the product/ IT solution by following your Plan and taking into consideration the chosen design. The Created product should show
- Thorough competence in the use of IT tools
- Fully justified any modifications to the original design in Journal
- Original and outstanding solution with many IT techniques applied.

- be of the best quality

The process journal should be used throughout the create stage. This should be done at the end of each lesson, or at home or during your free times when working on the product. Ideas in the journal must show:

• Date of entry
• What you did
• a screenshot before and a screenshot after working on that section
• Changes to the plans and why?
• What you will do next.

Moderation report comments;

§         The monitoring team felt that despite a lack of creativity in some of the products/solutions, students had worked conscientiously on this stage. 

§         The comparatively strong students included detailed journals, mentioning problems they faced and how they overcame these problems. However, there was a lack of evidence to show what they had achieved during each of their ‘create’ sessions. Screen shots or photographs illustrating the progress being made could have achieved this.

§         Ensure students document the create process with clips and photographs that illustrate their progress at significant stages. 

Assessment Criteria

Levels	Task Specific Descriptor
0	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.
1-2	The student considers the plan and creates at least part of a product/solution.
3-4	The student uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the plan and mentions any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of good quality.
5-6	The student competently uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the plan and justifies any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of appropriate quality using the resources available.

Example of process journal. The example below shows that all the stages design cycle were included. Yours should only show entries for create stage.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8VAiXCgqIIbWVB2YVItR1FNX0U/edit?usp=sharing

Plan Stage Sport Technology Unit

This stage is after you have finished the designs. The plan for your product will need to have the following items:

1.     Introduction

A simple paragraph, which aimed to explains the duration available for planning, the sections/tools you will use, and state those who will be helpful to you in the stage(s) coming.

2.     Basic Steps;

The basic steps are brief sentences outlining the main steps in the in the plan. The basic steps do not give details about the resources required and durations. Limit the outline of steps to 10.

A Gantt chart can be used after the basic steps. The Gantt can have only one additional pieces of information of when the task will start and end. Example

Gantt Chart	27-29 Sept	30- 2 Oct	3-5 Oct	6-8 Oct	9-10 Oct	11-13 Oct	14-16 Oct	17-19 Oct	20-12 Oct
Step # 1 Preparation (start-up the Game application, Develop the characters for the game
xxxxxxx
Step # 6 Modify the levels of the game.  Sound and the environment for the game modification.

3.       Production plan /Process Plan (plan for the creation part only)

The process plan is detailed information about process of creation. The process plan will use a table to show the step, activity in the step, the date, resources required, remarks and if possible where the task will be done.

The production plan is developed form the steps identified in the basic steps.

Plan for creating a Game

Duration in Mins	Date	Step	Activity capturing the techniques	Resources and for what	Remarks	Where the tasks will done
30	27/9/13	1	Preparation (start-up the Game application, Develop the characters for the game	Game Maker software- to create the characters, 3D game software tutorial – to learn how to develop the frames and render them.	Software crashed while 3D characters. Used only objects in the game maker.	Lesson
X			X	X	X	Home
90	15/10/13	6	Step # 6 Modify the levels of the game.  Sound and the environment for the game modification		Design drafts, reference material on Google Sketch Up usage	Free time

4.      Evaluation of the Plan

Finally you have to Evaluate your plan –The evaluation of the plan looks at how realistic, logical, and achievable is your plan. This involves predicting any problems that may occur in each step and write down any suggestions to how to solve those problems. Evaluation of the plan examines some of the steps to see if the duration or the resources assigned are sufficient and if not what are your suggestions to improve?

The evaluation of the plan is evaluated by focusing on the FIVE main categories:

·  Feasibility of your plan;

·  Effectiveness of your plan;

·  Efficiency of your plan;

·  and Potential problems and possible Solutions groups

·  What modification can be done to the design in the light of the issues arising?

Notes: Feedback on Plan stage from Moderation report

 ·  The plans were essentially well documented and provided a link between the final proposed design and the realization of the final product/solution.

·  Most plans included logical sequential steps and timings.

·   Students should be encouraged not only to list resources but also say how they may be used.

·  The evaluation of the plan is necessary for students to reach the higher-level descriptors. It is required to determine whether the plan is feasible or realistic, could it be followed by others and has undergone any modifications since the design stage. 

Assessment Criteria 

Levels	Task Specific Descriptor
0	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.
1-2	The student produces a plan that contains some details of the steps and/or the resources required.
3-4	The student produces a plan that contains a number of logical steps that include resources and time. The student makes some attempt to evaluate the plan.
5-6	The student produces a plan that contains a number of detailed, logical steps that describe the use of resources and time. The student critically evaluates the plan and justifies any modifications to the design.

Sample for Plan Stage.

Click to see a plan stage sample.