Unit 7 Assignment_Warren

• Read the case here:
• Prepare your submission following the submission guidelines stated below.
• Submit your work by 11:59 p.m. CT Sunday of Unit 7.

Case Study Submission Guidelines:

• Format (10 points): Elements of case format include:
• At least one and one-half pages in length (single-spaced), not to exceed 3 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages.
• Proper English, grammar, and syntax must be used
• One-inch margins
• Submission is to be an MS Word document.
• Issue (10 points): One or two paragraphs that summarize the key issue of the case study.
• Discussion (35 points): Clearly identify each topic with the letter (A, B, C, etc.) and an appropriate heading followed by a paragraph summarizing your analysis and insight regarding the topic. (5 points each for a total of 35 points)

1. Analysis of the organizational culture at Middleton Mutual. (Recall what you studied in Chapter 2 about the culture of an organization.)
2. Analysis of the decision-making process at Middleton Mutual management. (Recall what you studied in Chapter 12 about decision-making.)
3. Analysis of the need to balance the long-term benefits of the proposed expert system with the need to improve financial results in the short-term. (Recall what you learned in Chapter 3 about the impact of systems on an organization.)
4. Analysis of the effect that the upcoming retirement of experienced underwriters has on the decision. (Recall what you learned in Chapter 11 about expert systems.)
5. Analysis of Linda Peterson’s suggestion: “I can get something started under my budget – which is how things usually work around here.” (Recall what you learned in Chapter 13 about building information systems.)
6. Tangible benefits that could be derived from the expert system to overcome the objections of Hal Atkins. (Refer to Chapter 14, Making the Business Case for Information Systems and Managing Projects.)
7. What Dennis Devereaux should have done differently to prevent the conflicts evident in the case. (Reflect on all you have learned in this course.)

• Conclusion (25 points): Two to four paragraphs that summarize your insight into this particular case study, and what conclusions you can draw from it — parallels, textbook insights, personal insights, etc.
• Ideas for Further Concern (10 points): Ask three to six questions about the case that should be addressed to develop a better understanding of this situation. You only have to formulate the questions, not answer them.
• References (10 points): At least 3 references from periodicals, textbooks (our textbook is not allowed as a reference for this purpose), speeches, and Internet searches. These serve the same purpose as in a term paper — to provide independent validation of the position you have taken in the paper. Cite your references in the text. Recommended topics for research are:
• Development of expert systems
• Managing a systems project
• Insurance underwriting.