Assignment OverviewThe case for this module revolves around the question of large-scale data and the implications of database capabilities for organizational data management. As we’ve said, the change from data as a scarce resource to data as overabundance is still a major concern for organizations. Here, you’ll have a chance to consider the value of data and information. Data storage and management was seldom considered a particularly exciting topic; however, when data is used for making better decisions and/or enhancing organizational performance, it is amazing how quickly organizational (and personal) interest can be created.The new state of having rather too much data to fit into the established databases is increasingly called “big data.” Big data arises from a combination of cheap storage, multiple data input streams, and a general sense that with all of this, there ought to be valuable data in there somewhere. Here are a couple of sources that begin to discuss these issues; you can undoubtedly find more:Challenges and Opportunities with Big Data (2015).Mehrotra, P., Pryor, L., Bailey, F. and Cotnoir, M. (2014). Supporting “Big Data” Analysis and Analytiics at the NSAS Supercomputing Facility. NAS Technical Report: NAS-2014-02.Kaisler, S., Armour, F., Espinosa, J.A., and Money, W. (2013). Big data: Issues and challenge moving forward. 46th Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences, 1-10.The trick to coping with “big data” is, of course, better data analytics — that is, that set of statistical mining, and related analytical tools that can be used to identify patterns in the data, assess a variety of associations, and generally illuminate the knowledge that might otherwise be buried in the mounds of numbers. Today, analytics is a rapidly expanding field.Raghupathi, W. and Raghupathi, V. (2014). Big data analytics in healthcare: Promise and potential. Health and Information Science and Systems, 2(3), 1-10.ISO/IEC JTC 1 Information Technology Big Data, Preliminary Report, 1-36.Fujitsu (2015). The White Book of Big Data: The definitive guide to the revolution in business analytics.So the case for this module revolves around the challenges of “big data” — that is, how to manage it, create reasonable analysis strategies, and at the same time avoid becoming totally dependent on it. Data makes a very good servant, but not a very attractive master.Case AssignmentWhen you’ve had a chance to read these articles, anything from the Background that is helpful to you, or anything else you may have come across, please write a 3- to 5-page paper discussing the question:Problems and Opportunities created by having too much data, and what to do about themYour paper should be between three and five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.Your paper is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner.•Begin this paper by stating your position on this question clearly and concisely•Citing appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take this position. Be sure to make the most effective case you can.•Then present the best evidence you can, again cite appropriate sources, against your position — that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to your original position.•Finally, review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement.

Worth: 35% course grade Draft for Peer Review: 4/23

Length: 5+ pagesDraft for Feedback: 4/26 at 11:59pm

Final Due: Wednesday May 6 at noon

Assignment Overview:

Now that we’ve practiced working with sources and doing research, it’s time to write a formal, researched argumentative essay. In Unit 3, you’ll be contributing to a scholarly conversation – drawing on what we’ve learned in units 1 and 2. This means first developing an argument in relation to your research question and your sources, then composing an essay that adheres to the conventions of “academic” writing and offers a persuasive and well-supported argument.

For an argument to be successful, you must have a clear and arguable position. This position—your claim—is presented in your thesis statement. Ultimately, everything in your essay should support your thesis in some way. Remember to think about the roles sources play – you’ll want to present background information and establish context; define and explain key ideas and concepts; cite experts; present support & evidence; anticipate and address opposing and/or conflicting perspectives and ideas.

You’re not writing for a scholarly journal, but I do want you to think of an academic audience. You can assume that they will pay attention (but know that they want concise, clear writing), that they are relatively informed, and that they are comfortable with layers of ideas. But you do need to think about their needs: will they accept the issue as a problem? Or do you have to prove this? Are they familiar with the issue, or do you need to carefully define your terms? To present the problem in depth, you’ll likely need to discuss the causes and/or effects of the issue (a causal argument). These considerations should propel your research and will help you shape and develop your essay. Some or all of this may be needed in addition to the evidence and reasoning you use to support your claim.

Assignment Details in a Nutshell:

Write a 5-6 page essay that helps readers see how complicated an issue truly is, present a claim about your position (this must be arguable – something that readers might initially dismiss or disagree with), and carefully build an argument that supports your claim and, of course, appeals to your readers as a credible messenger with a logical position (ethos and logos). You may consider pathos – but this should be in service to the larger argument.

Your Rhetorical Situation:

Purpose: to convince readers that your topic matters and that it deserves careful consideration; to convince readers to reevaluate their assumptions

Audience: future researchers, teachers, peers

Genre: an “academic” argument

Organization:

To be successful, an academic essay carefully walks readers through the complexities of an issue or topic. All key ideas are defined. Facts are meticulously presented. Background and context are established.

NOTE: Every topic requires different amounts or degrees of these elements, but once presented, the author goes on to support their claim and address readers’ likely skepticism. Since your essay will have multiple parts, you may want to think of writing it that way – in sections.

To format, you can use section headers or you may write in regular paragraphs. But it is important that you have strong, focused paragraphs that clearly serve the thesis in some way.

I recommend that you use topic sentences to help you focus those paragraphs and to help readers follow you.

Remember—it’s your job to guide your reader through your argument. HERE’s a good lesson on transitions with a great list of transitions.

A Passing Essay Will Include/Meet These Requirements:

a unique and interesting title

an introduction section that informs and engages readers

a clearly stated thesis that indicates your position (claim/argument)

distinct paragraphs that support your thesis by developing relevant main points with evidence

7+ sources that support your claim and build your argument

Synthesis of research – your argument grows out of all your sources

All sources must be credible—be careful if you cite content from websites

You may reuse sources from Unit 2

a formal, balanced tone

appropriate transitional words and phrases linking the ideas expressed in your sentences and paragraphs

a suitable conclusion

properly-formatted, parenthetical citations and/or signal phrases with source material

a blend of paraphrases and quotes

clear link between source material and Works Cited page

MLA: properly-formatted essay and Works Cited page

5+ pages