Category: Computer Science homework help

Group Project Part 3:  Market Research and Needs Assessment 
Objectives:
Brainstorm and finalize design concepts.
Plan the design phase.
Understand the project’s risks.
Module 3:
Ideation techniques.
Planning and resource allocation.
Deliverables:
Create a 6-10 slide Briefing PowerPoint (you will update this in future modules and could/should form the basis of your final briefing in Module Six with preliminary drawings (see attached document) and technical specifications (see attached document). 

Include a summary of module one’s deliverables (scope to include budget, goal, et. al.).
Put the six-month (module) project timeline (include a simple, customized Gantt chart) on one of the slides, as well as a customized Risk Matrix for the project (see below).
Include a Risk Matrix showing the probability of risk and the impact of risk on at least six possible risks (e.g.: supply chain delay).

Scenario:
Emma finally closes her laptop, signifying a transition from planning to actionable steps. “Now, regarding deliverables, we need to complete a Risk Matrix by Sunday midnight, and then the Lindsey Wilson Project Team will coordinate with the Engineering team to prepare a PowerPoint summarizing the prototype’s current state. These are non-negotiables; they will help us recalibrate our expectations and tactics moving forward.”
Lisa nods, acknowledging her role as Chief Engineer. “Sidd is out today and I know we’re behind. I expected to have the technical solution to the Lindsey Wilson Project Team by the end of last week, but it didn’t happen.  The focus will be on the technical setbacks we’ve had, what alternatives we’re considering, and the most feasible paths forward.  We’re still cautiously optimistic.” Emma appreciates Lisa’s straightforward approach; it’s needed during this trying time.  She hopes the Lindsey Wilson Project Team will not be too upset with her for the delay.  “Also, we are going to be over budget, $510,000 for R&D instead of $500,000.”
Ignoring Emma’s slight grimace, Tim adjusts his tie and interjects, “Please make sure that the geopolitical events in the Middle East are on the Risk Matrix.” With his legal background, his stoic face doesn’t conceal his concern but underlines the gravity of the situation.
Maria, ever pragmatic, chimes in, “I’ll continue to monitor the non-profit’s financial situation. As soon as I have something definitive, I’ll let the team know. Meanwhile, shifting budgets should also be in the Risk Matrix.” 
Raj nods, “So should potential supply chain issues.”  He motions to Lisa.  “Our proof of concept testing will be in India, as it has the most modern infrastructure.  Initial components are already on the way.”
Emma leans back in her chair and surveys the room – each person absorbed in their respective challenges but bound by a common goal. “Excellent. Remember, the Risk Matrix and the PowerPoint presentation are essential for our next steps. These deliverables are more than just assignments; they’re critical tools that will inform our strategies and decisions moving forward.  Lindsey Wilson Project team, you are the ‘quarterbacks’ of this effort and I’m confident in you.”
The atmosphere is tense but energized, each member understanding that the project’s aspirations are as immense as its hurdles. Emma concludes, “We’ve got a mountain to climb to meet budget, schedule, and performance objectives, but remember, the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. So let’s buckle down and get this done.” 
A chorus of agreement fills the room as everyone begins to pack up. They leave with a mixture of trepidation and resolve, but above all, a sense of purpose that reignites their commitment to the project.
******Late in the week, Lisa, the Chief Engineer comes up to you, the Lindsey Wilson Project Team, with an apology and the initial product design.  “I know it’s late, but the scope change made us rework the prototype.  Also, Sidd is now out with a broken ankle.  Football, ugh.  Anyway, here it is.  We are pretty certain that reed bed filtration systems will be the best technical solution, so please let us know what you think.”See the attached document:  
Open Source Conceptual Design of a Compact Water Purification Unit Using Reed Bed Filtration.pdfLinks to an external site.
Welcome to the accelerated six-module Water Purification Project!Your task is to leverage project management and system design principles to address an urgent issue – providing clean water in rural communities. Working in teams, you will research, design, and present a technology-enabled water purification system capable of producing at least 500 gallons of clean water per day per unit. With a generous budget of $1 million for 1,000 units, you’ll focus on scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. 
Use your textbook and PMI.org resources to prepare your deliverables.
Your evaluation will be based on the feasibility, scalability, and quality of your deliverables, as well as your final presentation. Good luck!

In your team’s Course Water Purification Project, what are some potential sources of conflict do you see between your project team and the various competency leads: Engineering, Logistics, Finance, Legal, even the Program Manager herself?  How will you deal with those conflicts, up to and including, your Project Team missing some deadlines because other team members missed their deadlines (like Lisa from Engineering being late with the prototype document because Raj got hurt playing football?)

Group Project Part 2:  Market Research and Needs Assessment  
Objectives:
Identify customer needs.
Assess market demand and conditions.
Module 2:
Market research techniques.
Conducting needs assessments.
Deliverables:
A 2-3 page Market Research Report detailing customer needs and existing solutions in the market (add References per APA).
The prototype is late – prepare an email informing the Program Manager.
Scenario:
The air is thick with tension in the conference room where the project team has gathered. Emma, the Program Manager, looks up from her laptop momentarily, looking up to address her team. “Thank you for the project scope document.  I know that you are working on some market research for next meeting’s deliverable.”
Lisa, responsible for the Engineering aspect, and Raj, in charge of Logistics (both are your Subject Matter Experts (SME’s), are clearly anxious. “Okay team, we’ve got some issues to discuss, and they’re affecting our timeline. Let’s address these head-on,” Emma initiates the conversation. “The project scope has changed – well, at least clarified.  Our sponsors are insisting that the technical solution be environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly, so that eliminates several of the options we were considering.  It must use renewable energy sources.”
Lisa sighs and pushes her glasses up her nose, “I have to admit, the prototype’s development isn’t going as smoothly as we’d hoped. With this scope change, we are facing challenges with the renewable energy component that we just didn’t anticipate. Sidd is working on it but It may… set us back.” Emma glances at her Gantt chart, thinking of the cascading effect this could have on other parts of the project. “Lindsey Wilson Project Team, let me know by the end of the week.”
Raj chimes in, “And that’s not all. I’ve been doing some calculations on the logistical side. Given the road conditions and the remote locations where we’re planning to deploy, we might also face delays in delivering the materials and units.  There are also some, um, geopolitical events going on in the Middle East, of course.” 
Tim, Legal Counsel, nods in agreement.  “I’m monitoring local, US, and UN guidance around ongoing unrest, sanctions, that sort of thing. India and even Africa are going to be less challenging than the Middle East.” 
Maria from Finance replies, “Nothing from me, but part of our funding comes from a non-profit that is facing some pressures.  I’ll advise when I know something, but for now he $1,000,000 budget seems do-able.”
Emma looks around the room at her Lindsey Wilson Project Team – each face reflecting the weight of their ambitious project. “Alright, we’ve got challenges, but we also have an opportunity to innovate and solve real-world problems here. Lisa, please brainstorm alternate energy solutions in the next couple of days to see how we can catch up. Raj, can we find local partners in the deployment areas to mitigate some of these logistical issues?” She pauses for effect. “This project’s impact could be huge, and that’s why we chose it. It’s also why we’re going to adapt and overcome these challenges.” There’s a murmur of agreement and renewed focus as the team prepares to delve back into problem-solving mode, each committed to steering the project back on track.
******
Late in the week, Lisa, the Engineer, comes to you and says, “I apologize.  I know I promised the prototype specs to you this week, but it won’t be until next week. The scope is going to change to include a reed bed for water filtration. Will this delay the fielding of the project at the end of six months?”  You think about it… you are working on the Market Research Report. This delay will delay the project, but can the team still meet the project deadline?  Prepare an email informing the Program Manager, and let her know your thoughts.
Welcome to the accelerated six-module Water Purification Project!
Your task is to leverage project management and system design principles to address an urgent issue – providing clean water in rural communities. Working in teams, you will research, design, and present a technology-enabled water purification system capable of producing at least 500 gallons of clean water per day per unit. With a generous budget of $1 million for 1,000 units, you’ll focus on scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. 
Use your textbook and PMI.org resources to prepare your deliverables.Your evaluation will be based on the feasibility, scalability, and quality of your deliverables, as well as your final presentation. Good luck!

Regarding the module’s lesson, and the Course Water Purification Project, for each of the remarks made below, what types of interpersonal influences could exist?  Discuss the potential pros and cons of each. 
Maria, the Financial Analyst says, “I’ve had good working relations with the Legal department. They like me and I like them. I can usually push through anything ahead of schedule.”
One of the engineers, Sidd, was overheard making the following remark to a team member: “I know it’s contrary to department policy, but the test must be conducted according to my specific criteria or else the results will be meaningless.”
Emma, the Program Manager overseeing all of VitalSphere’s projects says to a colleague, “Ultimately, I’m the one in charge, and I have to make the hard decisions, even if the Project Team doesn’t like it.”

Group Project Part 1: Project Initiation and Scoping   
Objectives:
Understand the problem statement.
Define project scope and objectives.
Module 1:
Introduction to the water crisis.
Basics of project scoping.
Deliverables:
A 2-5 page Project Scope Document outlining objectives, target audience, and limitations.
Scenario:
On a bright Monday morning, the atmosphere in conference room B is tinged with a mix of anticipation and focus. Emma, the Program Manager and project sponsor, takes her seat at the head of the long glass table, her laptop open. She looks around the room, taking note of the key members of the cross-functional team: Lisa from Engineering, Raj from Logistics, and several other domain experts who will form the backbone of the Water Purification Project for Rural Communities. You and your team are there as the project managers.
“As you all know,” Emma starts, “we have just six months to develop a scalable and efficient water purification system, and we have a budget of $1 million to create 1,000 units. This is a highly ambitious project, and it’s vital for enhancing the quality of life in rural communities that lack access to clean water.”
Lisa, the Engineering Lead, nods and chimes in, “From the engineering standpoint, we need to focus on using sustainable materials and renewable energy sources. I propose we create a sub-team to conduct rapid prototyping by the end of month (module) two. That way, we can quickly figure out the technical limitations and possibilities.”  Sidd, her deputy engineer, smiles.  “We’re on it.  We are considering..” (he reads from his laptop):
“Reverse Osmosis: A highly effective method for removing a large majority of contaminants from water, although it’s generally more expensive and energy-intensive.
UV Treatment: Ultraviolet light can be used to kill bacteria and viruses, although it doesn’t remove chemical contaminants.
Activated Carbon Filters: These remove organic compounds, improving taste and odor. They can be used in conjunction with other purification methods, but not stand-alone.
Ceramic Filters: Effective for removing bacteria and protozoa, but not viruses or chemical contaminants.
Reed Bed Filtration: Low cost once established, effective, sustainable, environmentally friendly.
Distillation: This involves boiling water and collecting the vapor, leaving contaminants behind. While effective, it’s also energy-intensive and can be slow.
Chlorination: Adding chlorine is an effective way to kill bacteria, but it’s not as effective against some other types of organisms and can leave a residual taste.  Also, it is tricky to ship large quantities.”
Raj, the Logistics Manager, leans back in his chair and interjects, “Thanks, those are interesting options, and each has its challenges to ship and install.  We’ll also need to consider shipping and storage, especially since we’re talking about deploying these units in rural areas. Road conditions, climate, and local resources could all be factors. So, I’d like to parallelly conduct a logistics survey to understand these challenges better.” Emma smiles at both of them, impressed by their foresight. “Excellent points, both of you. Let’s include these action items in our project scope document, which our Lindsey Wilson project management team will work on. It’s going to be a demanding six months, but if any team can pull this off, it’s this one.”
Maria, the Financial Analyst, and Tim, Legal Counsel, both nod.  Maria says, “The $1 million budget looks appropriate, and we will try to procure funding based on that amount.  Our initial plan shows a $500,000 Research, Development, and Testing budget, with a $1000 per unit production and fielding cost once we settle on the technical solution.  So $500,000 for fielding all 500 units during the Execution phase.  One million total.”
And so, with a clear yet ambitious project scope, the team dives headlong into what promises to be an intense, transformative journey with a clear yet ambitious project scope, the team dives headlong into what promises to be an intense, transformative journey.
Welcome to the accelerated six-module Water Purification Project!Your task is to leverage project management and system design principles to address an urgent issue – providing clean water in rural communities. Working in teams, you will research, design, and present a technology-enabled water purification system capable of producing at least 500 gallons of clean water per day per unit. With a generous budget of $1 million for 1,000 units, you’ll focus on scalability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Project Scope Document
Objectives1. **Research**: Investigate existing water purification technologies and methods.
2. **Design**: Develop a scalable, efficient water purification system prototype.
3. **Budgeting and Resources**: Outline the budget and resources needed for 1,000 units.
4. **Implementation Plan**: Create a detailed deployment plan, focusing on rapid rollout.
5. **Monitoring and Control**: Design a control system for remote monitoring.
6. **Sustainability**: Ensure the system can be sustainably operated and maintained.
Constraints
1. **Budget**: $1 million for 1,000 units.  Includes installation and training of local users.
2. **Time**: Six-month project timeline.
3. **Resource Availability**: Use materials readily available or easily sourced for rural communities.
4. **Energy**: Prioritize renewable energy sources.
Requirements
1. **Clean Water Output**: At least 500 gallons per day per unit.
2. **Quality Standards**: Must meet or exceed World Health Organization standards.
3. **Ease of Use**: Minimal training required for operation.
4. **Scalability**: Must be scalable for deployment across multiple communities.
******
Use your textbook and PMI.org resources to prepare your deliverables.Your evaluation will be based on the feasibility, scalability, and quality of your deliverables, as well as your final presentation. Good luck!View Rubric

 
This week’s assignment we are going to investigate what threat information is being shared in the water and wastewater purification sectors. In our role as Vice President of Zenith City Water, we need to identify the threats that exist in our sector.
Assignment Guidelines
Step 1: Using a mixture of many different sources, you will be going out and finding the latest threats against your company’s sector. Try and answer the below questions and others you may think of.
Which APTs are currently going after other companies in your sector?
What tools are being used to go after the computer systems?
How successful has the group been?
Are the threats focused on a specific location for the victims or are they going after everyone equally?
Has law enforcement been brought in? Has law enforcement had any leads yet?
Step 2: Once you have gathered up all the information you will compile the data into a Word document of approximately 4-5 pages of content in a business memo formet, excluding the cover page, references, etc. Make sure you address the various questions listed above and other questions you developed from your research. 
Step 3: You need to include a single paragraph at the end stating if you think the company can weather the current atmosphere. This document will be viewed by various key personnel throughout the company.

 
This week’s assignment we are going to investigate the more devious side of things. Based on your work from ISSC477 and the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS paper, you will be describing how someone can successfully attack and/or hack a PLC.
Assignment Guidelines
Step 1: Read the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS paper and look at the webpage https://collaborate.mitre.org/attackics/index.php/Groups .
Step 2: You will chose either one of the attacks listed on the webpage or if you are adventurous you can find a PLC attack of your own. Your focus on your research and data gathering should be focused on what happened in the PLC/SCADA attack. A 4-5 page paper should be sufficient to answer some of the following questions.
What PLC/SCADA system was attacked?
Which organization was targeted?
Who attacked the target?
How did the attacker gain access?
What was the rough timeline of the attack?

  
You must find a news or journal article that is evidence that the problem or issue you wish to study is something current and of concern.
Please download and use this template. (Save it per the video “How to Save and Submit Assignments, in two formats. Submit the file from your computer.)
You MUST have a total of two proposals entered on this template.

Length 2-3pgs 
Create the following section for Week 1:
Security Management Document shell

Use Word
Title page

Course number and name
Project name
Your name
Date

Table of Contents (TOC)

Use an autogenerated TOC.
This should be on a separate page.
This should be a maximum of 3 levels deep.
Be sure to update the fields of the TOC so that it is up-to-date before submitting your project.

Section headings (create each heading on a new page with “TBD” as content, except for Week 1)

Week 1: Introduction to Information Security

Choose and describe the company that you will use in this scenario.
Describe the need for information security, what potential risks or issues exist, and what benefits the company can gain from the new project.
Describe what new challenges exist with the new project to allow consultants to work on-site.
What challenges now apply to the company with the recent IPO taking place?

Section 1 should be 2–3 pages long.
Name the document “CS651_FirstnameLastname_IP1.doc.”
{SEE BELOW FOR FUTURE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS}
Description
This Key Assignment (KA) template will be the basis for a Security Management Document. Although an actual plan is not feasible, each week will constitute portions of an overall Security Management Document that could be implemented.
Throughout this course, you will be working with a scenario in which some basic background information is provided about a consulting firm. This scenario and information is typical in many companies today. You are tasked to select a company that you are familiar with that is facing a similar situation. The company can be real or fictitious, but the framework and problems that it faces should be similar. The assignments that you complete each week are based on the problems and potential solutions that similar companies may face. The end goal for these assignments is to analyze the problems that the company faces with respect to the upcoming audit and to provide guidance on how it can provide security for its infrastructure.
The case study shows a company that is growing, and its security posture needs to be updated based on this growth. Based on the recent initial public offering (IPO), the company has new regulatory requirements that it must meet. To meet these requirements, a review of the current security must be conducted. This provides a chance to review the current security mechanisms and analyze the threats that the company could face. In addition, the company needs to expand its current network infrastructure to allow employees to work more efficiently but in a secure environment. What problems does the company currently face, and how does the expansion pose new threats?
Choose and describe the company that you will use in the scenario. Describe the need for information security, what potential issues and risks exist, and what benefits the company can gain from the new project. Describe what new challenges exist with the new project to allow consultants to work on-site. What challenges now apply to the company with respect to the recent IPO?
The template document should follow this format:
Security Management Document shell

Use Word
Title page

Course number and name
Project name
Your name
Date

Table of Contents (TOC)

Use an autogenerated TOC.
This should be on a separate page.
This should be a maximum of 3 levels deep.
Be sure to update the fields of the TOC so that it is up-to-date before submitting your project.

Section headings (create each heading on a new page with “TBD” as content, except for Week 1)

Week 1: Introduction to Information Security

This section will describe the organization and establish the security model that it will use.

Week 2: Security Assessment

This section will focus on risks that are faced by organizations and how to deal with or safeguard against them.

Week 3: Access Controls and Security Mechanisms

This section examines how to control access and implement sound security controls to ensure restricted access to data.

Week 4: Security Policies, Procedures, and Regulatory Compliance

This section will focus on the protection of data and regulatory requirements that the company needs to implement.

Week 5: Network Security

This section combines all of the previous sections and gives the opportunity to examine the security mechanisms that are needed at the network level.

Create the following section for Week 1:

Week 1: Introduction to Information Security

Choose and describe the company that you will use in this scenario.
Describe the need for information security, what potential risks or issues exist, and what benefits the company can gain from the new project.
Describe what new challenges exist with the new project to allow consultants to work on-site.
What challenges now apply to the company with the recent IPO taking place?

Section 1 should be 2–3 pages long.
Name the document “CS651_FirstnameLastname_IP1.doc.”

 
Do some Internet research on the pros and cons of a one-page website. There are pros and cons to both designs.
with this, share whether you believe a one-page website is the best option for a website. Be sure to provide support for your position with what you found in your research.
200-250 words