Conducting a cost analysis is a useful way of representing the benefits and risks associated with purchasing a particular product or service. For example, if your organization was considering switching from a Windows platform to a Mac, the IT department would need to conduct a cost analysis prior to implementation. Items to be addressed would include potential benefits (greater efficiency of network, fewer outages, improved user functionality, etc.) along with possible risks (e.g., high cost of new hardware/software, teacher training costs, teacher resistance, etc.).

Using your needs analysis from Week One and your survey results from Week Two, conduct a cost analysis for the technologies you identified as potential solutions. Your cost analysis can take the form of a spreadsheet or a chart, and should include the following:

• Identify the name of each specific JIT technology solution
• Identify URLs or locations where each solution might be purchased
• An estimated cost for each solution
• A description of the challenges associated with using each solution (e.g., extensive training)
• Describe the benefits anticipated for each solution
• Any additional notes or comments on each solution (if applicable)

Note: Your final spreadsheet or chart should be submitted in a Word document.