BTS830 - Technology Planning and Acquisition

Subject Title
Technology Planning and Acquisition

Subject Description
This course will teach the students how to plan the technology requirements for a business. They will perform the steps necessary to select and acquire specific technology. Technology trends and the impact on an organization when doing technology planning will also be discussed. Students will learn the components of outsource contracts, how to prepare effective RFPs for the procurement of various types of services or technologies, as well as learning how to manage contracts and determining method of acquisitions such as lease versus buy.

Credit Status
1 credit (3 units)
Required for BSD - Bachelor of Technology (Software Development)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

•     conduct research with potential suppliers in order to ascertain their offerings and policies
•     demonstrate how to coordinate multiple resources through developing an acquisition plan
•     analyze various types of contracts identifying their strengths and weaknesses
•     arrange a formal presentation of a technology and/or infrastructure solution
•     conduct guided research in order to ascertain client's infrastructure requirements
•     construct a contract for acquiring technology and outsourcing services
•     evaluate how acquisitions will align with the company's strategic direction
•     demonstrate skills to negotiate resolutions to situations where conflict has arisen and is preventing acquisitions from completing successfully
•     contrast the components of a Request For Proposal (RFP)
•     conduct guided research in order to ascertain client's technology requirements
•     combine the components of a technology and/or service (outsource) contract
•     demonstrate how to coordinate multiple resources through developing an acquisition plan
•     describe how to arrange partnerships with vendors and financiers
•     create a report that illustrates how to document technology and infrastructure requirements
•     create a Request For Proposal that illustrates the components of an successful RFP

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.