Analysis writing

You are required to write an essay of between 3,000 and 4,000 words (please indicate the word count). The essay should be structured appropriately, including an introduction and conclusion. The essay should also make use of properly cited and referenced information sources, such as journal papers, conference papers, books and high quality web sites to support the arguments and analysis presented. The Drop-in Centre in the LRC has leaflets on essay writing and the correct use of references, if required. The subject of the essay is an analysis, comparison and critical appraisal of the information architecture of the following web sites: • Amazon: [login to view URL] (Books section) • Borders UK: [login to view URL] (Books section) • The Antique Map and Bookshop: [login to view URL] ## Deliverables The marks for the essay are divided into four elements: 1. 40% - Analysis of common information architecture approaches in other book retailer web sites and establishment of criteria for analysis. 2. 40% - Analysis, comparison and critical appraisal of the information architecture of the three web sites mentioned above. 3. 10% - Suggestions for resolving any weaknesses found in the information architecture of the three web sites. 4. 10% - Identification of and appropriate use of information sources Element 1 In order to establish the broader context of your analysis, your essay should begin by examining other book retailer web sites. Based on your research (see Element 4) you should first establish criteria suitable for use in your analysis. You should be trying to identify and describe common approaches used on these sites (e.g. the use of common labels, similar organisational schemes, and so on). This will then give you something against which you can analyse and compare the information architecture of the three web sites listed. General aspects of the information architecture which you should consider in your criteria include, but are not limited to: • Organisation and structure • Classification • Labelling • Navigation You may find it useful to include screen dumps in this element to illustrate your analysis. Element 2 It will not be possible to analyse every page in the three web sites in the time available, so do not try to. You should certainly analyse the homepages in detail, but will also need to consider more of the site. As a rule of thumb you should consider the quality and thoroughness of your analysis to be more important than the quantity of pages you analyse. Your criteria from Element 1 and research from Element 4 will help you to understand and discuss the issues and justify the conclusions of your analysis. You may also find it useful to include screen dumps in this element to illustrate your discussion. Element 3 In addition to identifying any weaknesses in the information architecture of the three web sites, you should make suggestions as to how these weaknesses could be resolved. You should explain and justify your suggestions for improvements. Element 4 In writing this essay and conducting your analysis you are expected to make use of published information (journal papers, conference papers, books and high quality web sites) about information architecture. This will not form a separate part of your essay and is not meant to be a listing of information sources (though you will include a list of references that you cite). Rather, you should be identifying and reading relevant information that helps in some way with your analysis ??" for example it may identify some information architecture issues, or suggest how to conduct an analysis. You would then draw on this information by citing your information sources at the appropriate points in your essay (and including them in the references) and/or including short, highly pertinent quotations. thanks