2023 SLC FBLA COLLEGIATE


NETWORK DESIGN


CASE STUDY



PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS


  1. You are receiving this case study the evening before your scheduled presentation.  You have from now until the time of your scheduled presentation to review the case and determine your solution.


  1. Presentation time is seven minutes. At six minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a colored card indicating one minute is left and at seven minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a colored card indicating time is up.


  1. You may use prepared notes during your presentation.


  1. Presentation materials (i.e., posters, flip charts, electronic presentations, etc.) are allowed.  However, no items may be left with the judges.


  1. Cover all the points described in the case and be prepared to answer questions posed by the judges.


  1. If competing as part of a team, all team members must participate in the presentation as well as answer questions.



PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


  • Select logical actions to take and present them with the positive and negative aspects of these actions. 

  • Demonstrate rationale/reasoning for each recommendation made and potential anticipated results.  

  • Exhibit good decision-making and problem-solving skills. 

  • Demonstrate ability to effectively address the given situation and effectively answer questions.



CASE STUDY SITUATION


Background Information

The competitor(s) are consultants for ABC Network Solutions. The competitor(s) have been asked to provide hardware sizing recommendations for a new database server system that the company is proposing to their clients who are transitioning from off-site or cloud-based systems to on-site or local systems. The client (judges) is a relatively new, fast growing, membership-based organization. The competitor(s) need to convince the potential client about the value and potential drawbacks of installing an on-site/local database service system. The goal is to create a checklist system that can be used and tested on the current prospective client but can be used in the future for similar situations. 


Scenario

The challenge involves determining the requirements needed for the client’s database and making recommendations based on the client's feedback. The presentation needs to address the sizing requirements for installing the on-site database server system. The work will be judged by how well the members communicate with the clients, their questioning of the client's needs, and accuracy in providing the right sizing recommendation for the right system. A successful result will include a list of steps for determining network design needs and describing security systems used to protect computer networks.


Other Useful Information

The client’s membership is close to 750,000 members. The database should be able to handle membership, conferencing, professional development, and marketing needs.


Objectives of Case Study

The competitor(s) must address the following in the presentation:

  • Be prepared to recommend a network solution to address issues raised, understand the complexity and uniqueness of any small business, and show value to each customer.

  • Identify the purpose of network services and protocols.

  • Identify common backup devices.

  • Explain the planning, configuration, and topology for network installation.

  • Describe security systems to protect computer networks.

  • Define a code of ethics.

  • List the steps for determining network design needs.

  • The importance of listening to clients and team members to improve network performance.