An introduction to fundamental management issues and information system principles involved in the analysis, design, and implementation of management information systems. Topics include business information system planning, technology architecture, database design, systems development, decision support systems, internal control, and computer security and disaster planning. In order to provide an opportunity for students to develop a facility for applying the knowledge gained in the course, case studies will be used extensively.
The primary goal of this course is to help students be successful in their careers by providing a framework for understanding and utilizing information systems to benefit organizations and their customers.
In this course we will think critically about the following questions (and many others):
These objectives conform to the mission and learning goals of the College, the School of Science, and the Computer Science Department.
Your final numeric average will be based on the following weights:
Attendance & Participation: Student can receive up to a 25% penalty for lack of attendance and participation in lecture and lab (see formal policies below)
A student is expected to attend every lecture, arrive on time and stay for the full period. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of this policy.
Students can lose up to 10% on their final average for lack of participation, lateness, absence or disruption during lecture.
Students will be given two warnings if they are late to lecture. After the two warnings, any subsequent lateness will be considered an absence and the penalties below will be incurred.
Students can have two unexcused lecture absence without any penalty. But after two absences, students will be penalized as follows:
| 3 unexcused lecture absences | 1% penalty on final average |
| 4 unexcused lecture absences | 3% penalty on final average |
| 5 unexcused lecture absences | 6% penalty on final average |
| 6 unexcused lecture absences | 10% penalty on final average |
A student is expected to attend every lab session, arrive on time and stay for the full period. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of this policy.
Students can lose up to 15% on their final average or fail the course entirely for lack of participation, lateness, absence or disruption during lab.
Students will be given two warnings if they are late to lab. After the two warnings, any subsequent lateness will be considered an absence and the penalties below will be incurred.
Students can have one unexcused lab absence without any penalty. But after one absence, students will be penalized as follows:
| 2 unexcused lab absences | 3% penalty on final average |
| 3 unexcused lab absences | 7% penalty on final average |
| 4 unexcused lab absences | 15% penalty on final average |
| 5 unexcused lab absences | Automatic failure of course |
If a student misses lab unexcused, they must do their best to makeup the lab work on their own and submit deliverable before the next lab period. Otherwise, students will receive a zero on the lab in addition to the attendance penalty. If a student's lab absence is officially excused, the instructor will establish a due date to makeup the missed lab.
The quizzes (10 multiple-choice questions) will be given during lecture. They will measure your comprehension of the assigned reading and help you to learn the material. Quizzes are closed book and based on the assigned chapter readings.
You will individually complete a 10 question multiple-choice test based on the readings.
Following the individual quizzes, the same multiple-choice quiz is re-taken with your team. These quizzes use a “scratch and win” type answer cards known as an IF-AT. You negotiate with your teammates, and then scratch off the opaque coating hoping to reveal a star that indicates a correct answer. Your team is awarded 10 points if you uncover the correct answer on the first scratch, 5 points for second scratch, 2 points for third scratch and 1 point for the fourth scratch.