Note: All Capstone Reports Must Follow This Template
CAPSTONE PROJECT PAPER
by
Student Name
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
[MSIT/MBA/MSCS] Degree Program
University of North America
Year
i
Abstract
This section should include a short summary of the issues addressed by the project, the
approach used, the lessons learned, and recommendations. This section should be single
spaced and not exceed one page in length.
1
Section 1
Introduction
1.1 Description of Organization (Template guide: Do not identify the name specific name
of your organization)
Clearly and concisely describe the organization that is the focus of your paper. You
should use an anonymous name for the organization and describe it as best as possible using
at least the following attributes:
1.1.1 Evolution of the organization (history) 1.1.2 Core Functions 1.1.3 Enabling Technologies
1.2 Business Problem
Describe the business problem that is being faced or perceived by the organization
you work for or are studying. Identify what parts of the organization are affected by the
problem and what benefits might be gained by the resolution of the problem. Do not present
solutions here; just describe what the problem is, its affects, and how a solution to it will
improve the situation.
1.3 Supporting Research (Template guide: You must include a minimum of 3 sources)
In this section, present information about the extent to which this type of problem
affects other companies. Determine whether this is perceived as a larger problem that affects
companies providing similar products or services. Use the library or other online
resources to determine if anything has been published that describes the problem or offers
an understanding of how significant it is beyond the individual company you are
investigating. Remember to cite your sources within your narrative and in your reference
list!
2
Section 2
Impact
2.1 Organizational Impact
In this section discuss how the overall impact of the problem on this organization.
2.2 Key Stakeholders (Template guide: Identify roles of the organization affected by the
problem – do not name the individuals)
In this section, describe the effects of the problem on the employees and/or
customers. If there are financial or operational implications, discuss them here. This section
may require you to interview someone in the organization that is directly affected by the
problem, or someone who has been given responsibility to address the problem.
3
Section 3
Solutions
3.1 Potential Solutions (Template guide You may use a table to show how you evaluated
your options)
There is usually more than one way to address a problem. However, the results and
risks vary with each proposed solution. Investigate possible solutions by using the online
library or interviewing people given the responsibility to resolve the problem. Describe as
well as possible at least 2-3 different approaches to the problem. Remember to cite the
sources of your information both within the narrative and the reference list, including
interviews!
In this section, if applicable, you may also describe any previous attempts the
organization has made to resolve this problem. Describe the success or failure of these
attempts. Analyze why these attempts may have or have not worked. This section may
require you to conduct interviews from different perspectives to get a true picture of what
went right or wrong.
4
Section 4
Recommendations
4.1 Recommended Solution
In this section describe the solution you are proposing and the rationale you have
from making this recommendation. If there is evidence of this solution being used to solve
similar problems that you have found in articles, cite them here. Identify the resources
needed to implement this solution (people, technology, financial).
4.2 Implementation Considerations
In this section describe how you think the implementation of solution will benefit the
organization. Make sure you describe this in context of business measures (financial gain,
employee productivity). If there is evidence from literature where the solution has provided
specific benefits to similar organizations or in other contexts cite them here.
5
Section 5
Contribution from Coursework
5.1 Application of Learning
In this section identify courses within your program of study at UONA that have had
a direct impact on your ability to understand the problem and recommend the solution. If
there were specific assignments within any course that helped you reach this
recommendation, identify them and describe how that learning activity was relevant to this
study.
5.2 Significance of Project
In this section describe how you have benefited from conducting this study. Describe
any new learning that occurred and how you applied past learning. Discuss whether this
experience has helped you focus on a career path, or has opened up any new employment
opportunities for you.
5.3 Reflections
In this section, summarize your perspective by reflecting on the capstone experience
and describe the lessons you learned during the process.
6
Section 6
Conclusions
6.1 Conclusions
In this section summarize your project and reflect on the importance of your
recommendation with respect to resolving the identified problem. Discuss the implications
with respect to the organization, products or services, or clients as a result of implementing
the proposed solution.
7
References
SAMPLE:
Klimoski, R., & Palmer, S. (1993). The ADA and the hiring process in organizations. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 45(2), 10 – 36.
Klimoski, R., & Palmer, S. (1993b). The ADA and the hiring process in organizations. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 45(2), 10 – 36.
