Security of cloud computing from perspective of IT management or IT managers.

The statement of Lecturer:
I like this assignment because it is very broad and allows you to choose topics that are if interest and use to you in your studies and careers. However, the wide choice can also be a problem in knowing where to start. If you are having problems with the title of your essay, please let me know.
There is some guidance in the assignment brief but not very much. We are looking for an essay that is clearly an aspect of IT management and that looks at the issues using a well-structured, well-written and well-presented piece of work. Good references to support your argument are essential and examples are very welcome.
You can create a topic based on a aspect of the unit you have enjoyed and/or found interesting. Rather than merely describing the topic, you need to critically discuss it by providing arguments, counter arguments, comparing and contrasting references, evaluating theory versus practice etc. Only describing the topic, explaining its component parts etc will bring you some marks for demonstrating understanding but not many.
You could consider your topic from the perspective of different stakeholders, or evaluate whether current practice affirms or contradicts established theory. How about a cultural dimension? The effect of changes in IT practices (globalisation, virtualisation etc)? What part do processes such as ITIL play in helping or hindering IT management. Why is there still a gap between corporate strategy and IT management? Is IT merely a commodity with little strategic value. What does the future hold in the area of ….

Assignment BRIEF:
This is an individual activity and forms the main assessed assignment for this unit.
Aims
? To reflect on what you have learnt during the unit.
? To critically appraise one contemporary topic of interest to you in IT Management
Learning outcomes
By the end of this activity you should have met three of the four learning outcomes of this unit:

1. Synthesise approaches to IT management and software development to ensure business and IT strategy linkage.
2. Evaluate critically future technologies and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of acquiring such products and services.
3. Evaluate critically the factors affecting the successful management of a range of IT projects to different stakeholders.
4. Analyse the personal and professional qualities and career development needed by the IT manager.
Depending on the topic chosen, you may also have addressed the final learning outcome.
Your task
This assignment provides you with an opportunity to critically evaluate one topic or issue in IT Management.
Choose one contemporary topic of interest in IT Management and write a well-structured, in-depth and critical essay. Topics may include the alignment of IT and strategy in a specific industry, how the development of IT is both a help and hindrance, the impact of cloud computing etc.
Ensure your essay demonstrates your achievement of the learning outcomes of the unit. The essay should incorporate academic theory, relevant examples and your own experience – both in the activities on this unit and real-world experience.