MIS102: Data and Networking Research Report Assessment 1

Assessment 1

Task Summary

Data has become an important asset for companies and the way how they operate. Moreover, data transmission and networks have enabled enterprises to improve their businesses, foster collaboration, increase their efficiency, enhance customer engagement and so on. Based on the knowledge gained in the first five weeks in this subject, as well as your own research, you need to come up with a report describing the internal network in the chosen company, and its main characteristics, as required in the brief. Select an Australian company that you have recently interacted with, which is basing some of its operations on network and data. You need to be familiar with some of their activities in the digital space, based on your own experience and/or your own research. The company can be a medical center, the public transport company you are using every week, your insurance company, etc. Alternatively, you may use the list below to choose a suitable option:

A full network diagram with all the adequate network devices has to be created to support your discussion.

Context

This assessment gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and theories you’ve learnt in this subject. In doing so, you are required to analyze the chosen company’s data distribution. Provide reviews and recommendations of the data flows and network communication protocols.

Task Instructions

• Once you have chosen your company, create a Network Diagram representing its network, and describe it briefly.
  • What are the main devices for the network? Consider networking devices, internet access, connections, data storage, data access devices, etc. 
  • The diagram has to be your authentic work and you need to create it using tools such as Cisco Packet Tracer, MS Visio, Lucidchart, etc. Please save your draft in the application you have used. Diagrams from the web, won’t be accepted. 
  • The diagram has to reflect the chosen company. For instance, if the company has different branches, departments or warehouses, you should include those characteristics there. Or, if the company is using specific devices (e.g. selfcheckout machines, IoT devices, sensors, scanning devices, etc.), you should provide them in the diagram. 
  • You may make reasonable assumptions for the inclusion of certain devices in the network.
  • All the diagram/pictures used must be referenced according to APA 7 referencing style.
  • This is not a business diagram, or flowchart. Instead this is a Network Diagram and you need to use adequate symbols in the diagram.

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

Assessment 1 focuses on applying foundational knowledge of data, networking, and data transmission to a real-world organizational context. Students are required to select an Australian company that relies on data and network infrastructure for its operations and prepare a network-focused report based on concepts learned during the first five weeks of the subject.

Key Pointers to Be Covered in the Assessment

• Selection of a relevant Australian company with active digital and network-based operations
• Understanding and analysis of the company’s internal network structure
• Creation of an original network diagram using approved tools (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer, MS Visio, Lucidchart)
• Identification and explanation of:
  • Network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, servers, etc.)
  • Internet access and connectivity
  • Data storage and data access devices
• Representation of company-specific characteristics such as:
  • Multiple branches or departments
  • Specialized devices (IoT, scanners, self-checkout systems, sensors, etc.)
• Analysis of data flows and network communication protocols
• Critical review with recommendations to improve efficiency, security, or performance
• Proper use of APA 7 referencing for any diagrams or images used
• Ensuring the diagram is a network diagram, not a business flowchart, and is fully authentic

Step-by-Step Approach Taken by the Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student through a structured and supportive process to ensure full alignment with the assessment brief.

Step 1: Understanding the Assessment Context

The mentor first clarified the objective of the assessment: to bridge theoretical networking concepts with a real organizational environment. Emphasis was placed on practical application rather than generic descriptions.

Step 2: Company Selection

The student was guided to select an Australian company they were familiar with, ensuring:

• Availability of sufficient information for research
• Clear use of network and data systems in daily operations
  This helped improve relevance and depth in the final report.

Step 3: Planning the Network Diagram

The mentor explained what constitutes a valid network diagram, including:

• Use of correct networking symbols
• Logical representation of data flow
• Inclusion of core and edge devices
  The student was advised to make reasonable assumptions where real-world details were unavailable, while keeping the diagram realistic.

Step 4: Diagram Creation

Guidance was provided on using approved tools to create an original diagram, ensuring:

• No copied diagrams from online sources
• Clear labeling of devices and connections
• Representation of branches, departments, or specialized devices relevant to the chosen company

Step 5: Descriptive Explanation

The mentor assisted the student in writing a concise explanation of the diagram, covering:

• Purpose of each major network component
• How data is transmitted and accessed
• Role of networking protocols and communication paths

Step 6: Analysis and Recommendations

The student was guided to critically analyze:

• Existing data flows
• Network efficiency and reliability
• Potential security or performance issues
  Based on this, practical recommendations were developed to enhance the network design.

Step 7: Referencing and Final Review

The mentor ensured:

• Correct APA 7 referencing for diagrams and sources
• Alignment with assessment instructions
• Clear distinction between a network diagram and a business diagram

Outcome Achieved

By following this structured mentoring approach, the student successfully produced:

• An authentic, well-structured network diagram
• A clear explanation of internal network components and data flow
• Analytical insights supported by networking theory
• Practical recommendations aligned with real-world business operations

Learning Objectives Covered

This assessment addressed the following learning objectives:

• Application of networking and data transmission theories
• Practical network design and visualization skills
• Critical analysis of organizational data distribution
• Understanding of network communication protocols
• Academic writing and APA 7 referencing competence
• Ability to translate theory into real-world solutions

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