Management Information Systems

MIS 320 Spring 97 Syllabus


Contents

[Instructor | Text | Prerequisites | Overview of Course | Grades ]
[Outline and Course Schedule | Homework | Group Eval. ]
[Course Policy | Group Work on Homework | Late Homework |
Makeup Exams | Class Preparation | Students with Disabilities ]


Instructor

Name
Dirk Baldwin
Office
355 Molinaro
Phone
595-2449
e-mail
baldwin@it.uwp.edu
Office Hours
10 AM-12 PM M; 1-2, 3:15-4 PM W, 8-9 AM F

Texts

Laudon, K. C. and Laudon, J. P.Management Information Systems, 1996.

Additional readings from the world wide web (Reading).

I also recommend purchasing any book related to the software used in the course.

Prerequisites

CSCI 106, ACCT 201

Overview of Course

Information Systems (ISs) are fundamental to any organization. Managers must be able to use ISs, recognize information and information systems as a resource, manage aspects of an IS, and participate in IS development. This course has two primary topic areas. First, the course exposes students to IS software and hardware. Through labs, homework and projects, the student will be able to use and build systems with a variety of information system tools, including the internet and database packages. Second, the course focuses on strategies and techniques for information systems use, development and management. Topics include information system types, development methodologies, design models, implementation techniques, strategic IS planning, process reengineering, and IS quality control. The modes of instruction for the second obective include lecture, readings, class discussion, class presentations and cases.

The business undergraduate program has defined five performance objectives for this course. According to this guide, upon completion of this course, the student should:

  1. Be able to use computer technology in decision making
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the MIS functional area and its integration with other areas
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of information systems as a management resource
  4. Apply data processing, management information systems, and decision support systems to problems and issues in various functional areas of business
  5. Demonstrate effective written communication on a business problem or issue.
This course will meet these requirements and more.

Grading Policy

Grades are assigned as follows: 92-100% A, 90-91% A-, 87-89% B+, 82-86% B, 80-81% B-, 77-79% C+, 72-76% C, 70-72% C-, 60-69% D, less than 60% F. Final grades are based on the following percentages: Midterm 1 20%, Midterm 2 20%, Final 25%, Homework 20%, Group Evaluations 10%, Class Participation 5%.

Outline and Course Schedule

The following outline and schedule may be changed at the discretion of the instructor.

The Nature and Importance of Effective Information Systems

DateReadingHWSubject
Jan. 22  Introduction and Overview of Course
Jan. 24  WWW Overview
Jan. 27Chpt. 1-2 The Role and Importance of IS
Jan. 29The Vasa CapsizesHW 1Success vs. Failure of IS; An IS Framework

IS Technology

DateReadingHWSubject
Jan. 31  e-mail
Feb. 3Chpt. 6-7 Hardware and Software Review, Windows
Feb. 5  Advanced WWW
Feb. 7  Other Internet Applications (e.g. telnet, ftp, advanced e-mail)
Feb. 10  PowerPoint
Feb. 12 HW 2 DuePowerPoint
Feb. 14Chpt. 9-10 Networks and Telecommunications
Feb. 17  Developing WWW pages
Feb. 19 HW 3 DueReview

The IS/Organization Relationship

DateReadingHWSubject
Feb. 21Chpt. 3 Aligning IS with an Organization; Systems View of Organization and IS
Feb. 24Chpt. 4 IS Relationship to Organizational Structure and function
Feb. 26Chpt. 15-17 Review Types of IS
Transactions Processing Systems, Knowledge Work Systems,
DSS, EIS, Data warehouses, and AI
Feb. 28 HW 4 DueReview. Sample Midterm Exam
Mar. 3Midterm Exam
Mar. 5Chpt. 11 pp. 395-396, 11.2
Chpt. 13 pp. 475-487
 Business Change (Reengineering), Quality Improvement and IS
Mar. 7  BPR techniques
Mar. 10 Midterm DueBPR techniques
Mar. 12  BPR techniques

The Architecture of an Application

Mar. 14Chpt. 8HW 5 DueReview Database Management (Access) and Spreadsheets (Excel)
Mar. 24  DBMS Queries
Mar. 26  Proper Table Design
Mar. 28  Macros and VBA
Mar. 31  Macros and VBA

Information System Development

DateReadingHWSubject
Apr. 2Chpt. 11.3, 11.4 Development Methodologies
Apr. 4Chpt. 12.1-12.3
pp. 470-472
 Life Cycle, Prototyping and Alternative Methods
Apr. 7  Buy, Develop, & Implement
Apr. 9Chpt 11.1HW 6 DueStrategic Planning
Apr. 11  Review
Apr. 14Midterm Exam

Managing IS

Apr. 16  Review BPR, VBA, Macros
Apr. 18  Review BPR, VBA, Macros
Apr. 21Chpt. 12.4-12.5
The Balancing Act 6/12/95
 Organizing the IS Technology and Group
Apr. 23Chpt. 13 pp. 487-521HW 7 DueMonitoring and Promoting Quality IS
Apr. 25Chpt. 18 Control, Disaster and Recovery
Apr. 28  Control, Disaster and Recovery
Apr. 30Chpt. 19 International Issues
May 2  International Issues
May 5Chpt. 5HW 8 DueIS Ethics
May 7  IS Ethics
May 9  Review

Monday, May 12, 8-10 AM, Final Exam Due


Homework

The homework will cover both the management and technical aspects of information systems. Homework will include group or individual computer projects, case studies and oral presentations. Many of the homework assignments build off another homework assignment. For example, a series of assignments will lead to the development of a BPR and IS plan for a real organization.

Group Evaluations

Students will participate in homework groups. These groups will perform some of the identified homework together. In addition, students are encouraged to contact group members when help is needed on individual homework. Students will have an opportunity to evaluate the group and recognize outstanding members of the group. This feedback will be used to determine the group evaluation grade.

Course Policy

Group Work on Homework Assignments

Unless homework is explicitely identified as group homework, students must complete their own homework. Copying homework is not allowed. If help is needed, the student is encouraged to ask the professor or someone from the student's homework group. Homework groups will be formed at the beginning of the semester. Note there is a fine line between "help" and completing homework for a student. Students should be careful not to cross this line.

Late Homework

Homework must be turned in at the beginning of class. There is a 10% per day penalty for late homework.

Makeup Exams

Makeup exams will be given only when the instructor, prior to the exam, has approved the request to change the exam time. Approval will be given for illness, sickness or death in the family etc.

Class Preparation and Participation

Read materials before class. A portion of your final grade is based on class participation.

The class participation grade is completely at the instructor's discretion. Students can improve class participation grades through attendance, speaking in class, talking with the instructor individually and showing effort toward understanding the course material.

Students With Disabilities

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from Disability Services, Wyllie Hall D175.
Last modified: May 6, 1997
Dirk Baldwin, MIS, UW-Parkside, dirk.baldwin@uwp.edu