Internet Exercise-The Web Analysis

This assignment is designed to develop and enhance your ability to locate and identify creditable Internet resources. Immeasurable amounts of information are transmitted via the Internet. As our society leans more toward utilizing and depending upon these Internet resources, it is critical that we understand how to evaluate this information for reliability.

This assignment requires you to take a closer look at small businesses. Visualize yourself as an individual who wishes to own and operate a small business. Then, you are to write a five page document that provides your analysis on the following.

1. Identify and select a small business website that you would enjoy analyzing.

2. Richland College Management Program (http://www.richlandcollege.edu/management/)

3. How the education that you are receiving in the Richland College Management Program is preparing you to understand and analyze small business management and operations.

Please read the following instruction carefully before you begin your work.

Be sure to refer to the fundamental questions and criteria listed below as the starting point of your analysis. Be sure to analyze the information, graphics, links, and overall presentation of each site as well as the information you learn such as the firm's business interest, size, key products and services, stakeholders, vision and mission, and net worth. In writing your document, please use the following guidelines. Discuss key factors that drive the company and contribute to its sustainability.

1. The first three should provide a comprehensive review of the content and design of a "small business" firm's website. Visualizing yourself as the owner of that business, you will identify and provide a detailed discussion of ten essential attributes you must possess in order to effectively manage it.

2. Page four must provide a thorough analysis of the Richland College Management Program's website (http://www.rlc.dcccd.edu/management).

3. Finally, the fifth and final page will summarize, with examples, how Management courses completed at Richland College can enhance one's capacity to understand and manage small business decision making and operations.

Your grade for this assignment will be based on the site you select and the overall quality of your analysis. This means that you will be graded on neatness, clarity, and your ability to follow instructions. No paper should exceed five pages. It should be double-spaced and typed in 12 font size.

1. Provide the URL (http:// address) and your brief impression of its content.

2. What is the title of the Internet page?

3. What major categories of information are covered on the site? 

4. What audience(s) do/does the site(s) appeal to? Are there hyperlinks on the page? Do the hyperlinks relate? Are the links consistent?

5. Describe the graphics for this site. Do they relate to the subject? Do the graphics reach out a demand your attention? Do they hold your attention? How do the graphics illuminate the concepts of the page? Are they distracting or do the support the information on the page(s)?

6. Does the information and page layout appear credible? Are you familiar with the organization or individual(s) related to the site(s)?  Can you also find text material the authors or institutions in the library or other reliable source?

7. After completing your research, what specific comments can you make about the value the Richland College Management Program? 

8. Did you learn anything about the importance of evaluating Internet sources?

Evaluation Criteria

As you begin this assignment, keep in mind that every resource you find on and off the Internet should be evaluated in one way or another. The general criteria below ought to be used simply as a "baseline" for evaluating sources obtained on the Internet. You are encouraged to add to and personalize your work.

Content 

• How reliable and creditable is the information?
• Are the sources well documented?

Authority:  What is the authority or credibility of the author?

• Who wrote the page?
• Does it correspond to the name of the site?

Organization 

• Is the information organized appropriately?
• Is the flow of information compatible and comparable with associated resources?
• How is the overall site formatted?

Search ability

• Is the page title unique?
• Does the page have relevant content?
• Are keywords used strategically?

Graphic design

• Style and presentation
• Effective use of graphics and sound

Innovation

• What software, hardware, and multimedia requirements needed to navigate through the site?
• In viewing this site, do you feel as if you are virtually visiting the business? Why or why not?