Subject Code and Title MIS102 Data and Networking

MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief Page 1 of 7

ASSESSMENT 1 BRIEF
Subject Code and Title MIS102 Data and Networking
Assessment Task Network Environment Exploration
Individual/Group Individual
Length Concept Map (1 x A2 or 2 x A3)
Learning Outcomes The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful
completion of the tasks below include:
a) Describe key components, protocols, and architectures used
in data communication and networking.
b) Interpret data communication requirements through guided
research to support network design decisions.
Submission 12-week duration:
Due by 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday end of Module 5 (Week 5)

6-week duration:
Due by 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday end of Module 5 (Week 3)

Weighting 25%
Total Marks 100 marks

Assessment Task
For this assessment, you will investigate the network environment of a real-world organisation with
which you have interacted, identifying key network components, transmission media and end
devices. You will trace how data flows through the network and present your findings in a
professional concept map, with recommendations for future improvements.
Please refer to the Instructions for details on how to complete this task.

Context
Modern organisations depend on computer networks to connect people, systems and services. As
emerging information technology (IT) professionals, understanding how these networks operate in
real-world settings is essential for diagnosing issues, improving performance and supporting users.
This assessment enables you to explore network infrastructures operating in real-world settings by
analysing a business or institution with which you have interacted. You need to be familiar with
some of the organisation’s activities in the digital space based on your own experience and/or your
own research. You will identify key network components, trace data flow and present your findings
in a professional concept map.
This assessment will introduce you to network architecture, data communication and design
principles, while developing your analytical and communication skills. It will help you consolidate
your understanding of how networks function. It will also prepare you to apply this knowledge in
professional contexts such as network analysis, systems design and IT support, where clear technical
documentation and justified recommendations are essential.
Instructions
In this assessment, you will investigate and document the network environment of a real-world
organisation with which you are personally familiar—ideally one you have interacted or engaged
with in the past (e.g., as a customer, employee or partner). Based on your observations and brief
research, you will identify key data communication requirements and needs that will influence the
preparation of the network’s design. The goal is to understand how data flows through various
network devices/components and to identify opportunities for improvement.
It is expected that you perform additional research and provide a minimum of five references,
including academic sources. Ensure that you use current APA referencing for any sources.
Follow the steps below to complete the task:
1. Choose an organisation with at least three identifiable network components and observable
data flow processes. Avoid selecting an organisation with highly restricted network access or
visibility. You should be familiar with some of the organisation’s activities in the digital
space, either from your own experience as a customer/user or through brief research on
how the organisation uses technology in its operations.
2. Identify the network elements, including:
• end devices (e.g., Point of Sale [POS] terminals, servers, computers and mobile
devices);
• core components (start by identifying the backbone of the network, such as routers,
switches and access points. Understanding these will help you see how data flows
across the network); and
• transmission media (e.g., wired, fibre or wireless connections).
3. Trace the flow of data through these components—describe how data travels from one
point to another by choosing three examples (e.g., from a user device to a server or an
external service). Identify some protocols that govern communication and briefly explain
their role in data transmission.
Page 2 of 7
MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief
4. Develop a visual representation of your findings using a concept map:
• Use the provided concept map template or create your own design if you prefer;
both options are acceptable.
• Present your concept map on one A2 page or two A3 pages combined into a single
file.
• Include labels, annotations and brief explanations of each element and connection.
Each annotation should be 1–2 sentences.
• Explain how you verified and adapted the generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
output to suit your concept map (see the AI Tools—Statement of
Acknowledgement section).
5. Provide short recommendations and considerations for designing a functional, efficient,
secure and scalable network diagram in the future. Your recommendations should reflect
how the organisation’s data communication needs can be better supported through
improved network design. This may include suggestions for upgrading components,
changing transmission media or improving data flow efficiency. These will form the basis of
your work in Assessment 2.
Submit your concept map as a single PDF file. Ensure your full name, student identification (ID)
number and subject name are clearly visible on the poster.
Referencing
It is essential that you use current APA style to cite and reference the sources that you use. For more
information on citing and referencing guidelines, see the Academic Success webpage.
Assessment Support
For a range of additional resources and support to help you complete your assessment, please
consult the Study Support page on the Student Hub.
Academic Integrity
All students are responsible for ensuring that their submitted work is original, adheres to academic
writing standards outlined in the Torrens University Academic Writing Guide and is appropriately
referenced according to the guidelines provided in the Torrens University APA Referencing Guide.
Students need to have read and be aware of the Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity
Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure and subsequent penalties for academic misconduct. For more
information, please refer to the Academic Integrity guidelines and the Torrens University Library.
Students must also keep all required evidence in making an assessment, a copy of all submitted
material and any assessment drafts.
Page 3 of 7
MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief
AI Tools—Statement of Acknowledgement
Torrens University requires students to declare any use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their
assessments. If you have used AI tools, please include a Statement of Acknowledgement with your
submission. For guidance on the appropriate use of AI tools, refer to the Torrens University Library
or speak with your learning facilitator.
Submission Instructions
Submit the concept map via Assessments > Briefs & Submissions in the main navigation menu in
MIS102: Data and Networking. Please name your file using the following format:
o SubjectCode_Surname_FirstNameInitial_AssessmentNumber
E.g., MIS102_Jones_S_Assessment1.pdf
Your marked assessment can be viewed in MyLearn.
Assessment Due Dates and Late Penalties
Assessments may be submitted on or before the due date. Late penalties apply for assessments that
are submitted after the due date.
Refer to:
• Assessment Policy for Higher Education Coursework (HE) and ELICOS
Torrens University | Think Education
• Assessment Special Consideration Guidelines for Students (HE Coursework)
Torrens University | Think Education
• Student Hub for Assessment Extension Information.
Special Consideration
To apply for special consideration for a modification to an assessment task or examination due to
unexpected or extenuating circumstances, please consult the Assessment Special Consideration
Guidelines for Students.
Page 4 of 7
MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief

MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief Page 5 of 7

Assessment Rubric
Assessment Criteria
High Distinction
(Exceptional)
85–100%
Distinction
(Advanced)
75–84%
Credit
(Proficient)
65–74%
Pass
(Functional)
50–64%
Fail
(Yet to achieve minimum
standard)
0–49%
Network Component
Identification and
Analysis

Percentage for this
criterion = 25%
• Accurately identifies
and classifies all relevant
components, devices,
media and protocols
• Shows a deep
understanding of their
roles, functionalities and
relevance
• Evidence clearly
supports observations
• Identifies and classifies
most components and
protocols correctly
• Shows a clear
understanding of their
roles, functionalities and
relevance
• Evidence supports most
observations
•Identifies key
components with some
classification errors
• Shows a basic
understanding of their
roles, functionalities and
relevance
• Evidence partially
supports observations
• Identifies few
components and/or
classification is
inconsistent
• Shows a limited
understanding of their
roles, functionalities and
relevance.
Evidence is minimal or
unclear
• Components are
missing or misclassified
• Shows no
understanding of their
roles, functionalities and
relevance
• Evidence is absent or
irrelevant

MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief Page 6 of 7

Data Flow and
Communication
Requirements

Percentage for this
criterion = 25%
•Clearly maps data flow
with logical sequencing
• Identifies and explains
key communication
requirements that
influence design
• Shows a deep
understanding of
network operations
• Maps data flow with
minor errors
• Identifies most
communication
requirements and links
them to design
• Shows a good
understanding of
network operations
• Maps basic data flow
• Identifies some
communication needs
with limited explanation
• Shows a basic
understanding of
network operations
• Data flow is unclear or
incomplete
• Communication needs
are minimally addressed
• Shows a limited
understanding of
network operations
• Data flow is missing or
incorrect
• Communication
requirements are not
considered
• No understanding
demonstrated
Recommendations and
Design Justification

Percentage for this
criterion = 20%
• Provides insightful,
feasible
recommendations
directly linked to
communication needs
and network
observations
• Justifies decisions using
networking principles,
and industry practices
and standards
• Provides relevant
recommendations mostly
linked to observations
• Justification is clear and
mostly aligned with
industry practices and
standards
• Provides basic
recommendations with
some linkage to
observations
• Justification is limited
• Recommendations are
vague or weakly linked
• Justification is minimal
• Recommendations are
missing or irrelevant
• No justification
provided

MIS102_Assessment_1_Brief Page 7 of 7

Concept Map Design
and Visual
Communication

Percentage for this
criterion = 20%
• Concept map is highly
professional, well
organised and visually
clear
• Annotations are
concise and informative
• Layout is evident,
logical and well
organised
• Concept map is mostly
clear and organised
• Annotations are mostly
informative
• Layout is clear and
logical, with strong
organisation
• Concept map is
understandable but may
be cluttered or
inconsistent
• Annotations are basic
• Layout is generally
clear, with some minor
confusion
• Concept map is
disorganised or unclear
• Annotations are
minimal or vague
• Layout shows basic
organisation but lacks
clarity
• Concept map is missing
or unreadable
• Annotations are absent
• Layout is unclear,
disorganised or
incomplete
Professional
Presentation and
Referencing

Percentage for this
criterion = 10%
• Writing is clear,
accurate and well
structured
• APA referencing is
correct and complete
• Acknowledges AI use
appropriately
• Includes all the
required information
(e.g., name, ID and
title)
• Writing is mostly
clear with minor
errors
• APA referencing is
mostly correct
• AI use acknowledged
• Includes most of the
required information
• Writing has
noticeable errors
• APA referencing is
partially correct
• Unclear AI
acknowledgement
• Some of the required
elements are missing
• Writing is frequently
unclear
• APA referencing is
mostly incorrect
• Unclear source use
• Required elements are
incomplete
• Writing is poor or
incomprehensible
• APA referencing is
absent
• AI use not
acknowledged
• Required elements are
missing

MIS102 Assessment Brief 1