This document proposes implementing Microsoft SharePoint as a platform to improve collaboration within an academic cluster at Ohio Business. It identifies issues with the current systems and outlines how SharePoint could provide a customizable, integrated solution with sites for courses, teams, clients, and faculty administration. The proposal estimates the initial investment and argues SharePoint would reduce risks, costs, and improve collaboration, usability, and functionality both tangibly and intangibly for all users. An implementation plan is described to train super users, professors, and students to ensure successful adoption and address any user concerns.

1. Cluster Collaboration An Argument for Microsoft SharePoint Rebecca Adams Robert Elmore Allison Nakonek Zane Stark

3. Platform interconnectivity

4. Resource relevance

5. Usability and Functionality

6. What its worth

7. Ohio Business  Top 50

9. Gantt charts, customizable lists, sub-sites, permissions

10. Deep Integration

11. Fully compatible with Microsoft Office productivity suite

12. Usability

13. Familiar Microsoft layout

14. Quality Collaboration Tools

16. Course Site Main Courses Course Announcements Calendar Links to each specific site Specific Sites Announcements Calendar Links

17. Team Collaboration Team members only Wiki and Discussion for enhanced collaboration Calendar and Tasks for time management Ability to view standard calendar and Gantt

18. Client Similar to Team Collaboration Client and Teams has access Shared Documents Clients post documents Students post prototypes Links on homepage for relevant web pages Could post student Y drive URL Collaboration

19. Faculty Forum for only faculty discussion Shared Documents Course Docs (i.e. Syllabi) posted for Cluster Director Calendar Collaborate on exams dates Administration

20. Cost-Benefit Analysis Initial Investment Risk Reduction Cost Savings Hard Cost Benefits Soft Cost Benefits Tangible Intangible

21. Implementation Transparency Training Processes Super users Professors Students Maintenance User concerns