\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

MIS 311 Fall 17
\nInformation Systems & Applications<\/p>\n

Critical analysis write-up assignment #1
\nFlat World
\nDue: Thursday Feb 8 11:59 pm\n<\/p>\n

Here is the first of a series of assignments to help you develop critical thinking skills. As you will see
\nthroughout the course, there are different views to solve a given a problem. This is usually the case in
\nthe work environment, meaning that people with different background, knowledge and expertise may
\nhave different approaches to solve or deal with real business issues. Therefore, oftentimes there are
\nmore than one correct answer. The goal of the critical write-up assignments is to encourage your critical
\nthinking (supported by research and evaluation) and help you express your view in a logical and
\nsystematic manner.\n<\/p>\n

Description:\n<\/p>\n

Thomas Freidman, three time Pulitzer Prize winner journalist, argues that “the world is flat.\u201d In other
\nwords, globalization has leveled the world, and today organizations and countries have fair chance to
\ncompete in the global market. He outlined 10 forces that have flattened the world (refer to the video
\nwe watched in class, your notes, and the book summary online or on the slides).\n<\/p>\n

In this assignment, you need to write a short essay to answer the following questions.\n<\/p>\n

\n
1. 1) Is the world really flat? What is your opinion? During last few years, do you think the world
   \nbecoming more FLAT or ROUND? Why? Support your arguments with external references and
   \nprovide examples that are relevant to your opinion.
   \nNote: you may agree or disagree with the idea (both views are okay). What matters is that you
   \nprovide reasonable justification, evidence, and\/or support for your ideas.\n<\/li>\n
2. 2) Point out and discuss two potential drawbacks of a flat world. Support your arguments with
   \nexternal references and provide examples.\n<\/li>\n
3. 3) Pick a flattener that is the most important in your opinion. Discuss why you think it is important
   \nand support your arguments with external references.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   \n\n<\/p>\n

   Requirements:\n<\/p>\n

   \n
   • – You need to provide answer for all questions in your essay. You can choose to write one essay
     \nor divide the write-up based on the questions above.\n<\/li>\n
   • – Place ONLY your B-Number (e.g. B000312432) and class information (e.g. Section 90 or 91) on
     \nthe first page (cover page). You can format the cover page based on your preferences. In
     \naddition, write the total word count of your essay (excluding references) on the bottom of
     \ncover page (example Word count: 921 ).\n<\/li>\n
   • – The essay should be minimum 800 words and maximum 1100 (excluding references). Use
     \n11-point Times New Roman font with 1.5 spacing between lines (so no page limitation, but
     \nword limitation).\n<\/li>\n
   • – There should be a minimum of five external references for the essay.\n
     \n
     • \u25cf The references could be articles posted in books, journals, news, magazines etc. you
       \ncan use www.scholar.google.comor<\/a> other sources to look for relevant sources that
       \nsupport your arguments.\n<\/li>\n
     • \u25cf Note that your source cannot be Wikipedia.\n<\/li>\n
     • \u25cf Use MLA style to format your references. See examples and guidelines here:
       \nhttps:\/\/owl.english.purdue.edu\/owl\/resource\/747\/01\/
       \n