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Syllabus

The following syllabus shows the area of coverage for the course, listing mutual expectations between the faculty and students of the Business School in the offering of this course.
 SYLLABUS FALL, 2009  
BSAD
141A		 Management Information Systems
INSTRUCTOR(s):
James Kraushaar - PROFESSOR INFO
PHONE: 656-0498
OFFICE: 320 Kalkin
OFFICE HOURS: MW 3:30-5:00 or by Appointment
E-MAIL: Kraushaa@bsad.uvm.edu
COURSE INFO:
MEETS: MW 2:00-3:15
LOCATION: 004 Kalkin

Pre-requisites:

Prereq: BSAD 60 and 61 or 65, BSAD 40 or CS majors; BSAD, CS, CSIS, EMGT majors or BSAD minors only; Students required to bring laptop with BSAD software to all classes; Required course fee of $20; Degree students only, CE students should register for BSAD 141 Z1.

Goals & Objectives:

Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

BSAD 141 Course Goals & Objectives (last updated 09/10/09 08:52 AM)

The primary goal of this course is to provide you with a fundamental understanding of Business Information Systems. The course is designed to familiarize students with the basic conceptual issues underlying the use and design of information systems (IS) and the basic techniques to model and assess the information needs of managers. A large component of the course will focus on improving logical analysis skills including problem solving using data flow diagramming techniques. We will also work with relational database tables and students will construct relational database tables in MS Access. Students will be introduced to the importance and significance of IS in today's personal and professional environment. The course focuses on a series of techniques and theoretical frameworks to support the analysis/critique of current computer-based information systems and the design and implementation of improved ones.

The course emphasis is on understanding the complexities and difficulties of using, modeling, designing, and implementing an information system. Typically, introductory courses in information systems at other universities tend to concentrate on either technology or programming. This course provides the practical tools and a conceptual background for understanding the rationale behind information systems, especially information systems that support the decision-making activities within an organization.

NOTE: My goal is to get you so personally engaged with this MIS course that you literally "dream" about it!

The course has the following specific objectives for the semester:

Learn how to document and analyze the business processes (e.g. order fulfillment, revenue collection, etc.) found in a variety of businesses by using each of the following:

Data Flow Diagrams (reading and creating) -dfd example

Entity Relationship Diagrams (reading and creating) -erd example

Relational Database Designs (reading and creating with Microsoft Word) - dbd example

Understand the issues associated with management of data (storage, retrieval, and security) in contemporary organizations by learning how to implement and use a simple workgroup information system developed using prototyping and a relational database management system (Microsoft Access 2007).

Learn a traditional systems development methodology (feasibility, systems analysis, development &/or acquisition of hardware & software, design, and implementation) used to develop new and improved information systems.

Understand the fundamental concepts of information systems and explore the personal and organizational uses and significance of IS in a rapidly changing digital world.

Course Content:

Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

Books & Materials

  • Required Text(s):
    • Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    Required Textbooks, Hardware, Software, and BSAD Network Accounts (last updated 09/10/09 08:55 AM )

    Required Textbook: Experiencing MIS, 2nd edition, Kroenke, David, Prentice Hall Publishing, ISBN: 0-13-607868-0, 2010, available at the UVM Bookstore. Do NOT confuse this textbook with an earlier edition "Experiencing MIS, 1st edition" by the same author and publisher.

    Required Laptop & Network Connection Cable: You are required to use your laptop PC with a hardwired connection to the BSAD netwwork in 004 Kalkin for daily quizzes, exams, and class exercises.

    Required Software for your personal laptop:

    Microsoft OS either Windows XP or Vista

    Microsoft Office XP or 2007 (Outlook, Excel, and Word) and Internet Explorer 6.5+.

    ExamView Test Player 6.2 will be used for quizzes and exams. We will install this software in class on Wed, 9/02.

    Later in the semester, we will be using Microsoft Access 2007. This version is on the lab PCs in 100 Kalkin.

    Students interested in extra credit for participating in the semester research project will need SoftActivity's Keylogger 3.8 software. We will install this software in class on Weds, 9/9.

  • Recommended Text(s):
    Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    TEXT:

    Experiencing MIS, 2nd edition, Kroenke, David, Prentice Hall Publishing, ISBN: 0136078680, 2010, available at the UVM Bookstore or online. NOTE: the new second edition is required.

    Required Software for your personal laptop:

    Windows Vista and Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, Internet Explorer, Outlook, and test taking software to be announced in class. NOTE: For a small fee, BSAD majors may also purchase these software packages for their home computer. See Nicole Chittenden in 218B Kalkin Hall or John Ritter in 232 Kalkin for details.

  • Optional Materials:
    Please see online course website at http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.


    Grading:

    Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    Grading Comments:

    Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    GRADING:

    Category Percentage

    In-class pop-quizzes / assignments 30%

    Exam #1 22.5%

    Exam #2 22.5%

    Common Comprehensive Final Exam 25%

    Total 100%

    If I make a mistake in assigning a grade (incorrectly record a grade or dont record a grade for an assignment or quiz you completed), or you wish to discuss a particular grade with me, please do so within TWO DAYS (not course meeting times) after that particular assignment has been returned. I reserve the right to not discuss any grade change after the two-day grace period. You are responsible for collecting your assignments when they are returned. Failure to collect an assignment in a timely manner does not constitute an exception to the policy.

    I suggest you keep a copy of ALL returned work, so you can check your grade with me if need be. I cannot change a grade or even discuss a grade change with you, if you do not have a copy of the work.

    There is no individual extra credit. Do not ask me for extra credit at the end of the semester. Any extra credit that is offered will be available to all students.

    Exam Comments:

    Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    EXAMS:

    Bring your PC tablet/laptop with Ethernet cable to all exams.

    The Final exam is on Friday, 12/11/09, from 11:45 - 2:45PM, in 004 Kalkin.

    There will be two exams during the regular semester and also a final exam.

    MAKEUP exams cause many, many problems (timing, space, equity, etc, etc.). In general, I will not give makeup exams you would just receive a zero. If, however, there is a SERIOUS problem such as an illness, you should be prepared to justify your absence from class by providing a doctors note to Student Services. I can then discuss the situation with Student Services.

    The final exam is CUMULATIVE.

    You MUST take the two in-class tests in the section in which you are registered. Otherwise you will receive a ZERO.

    Attendance Policy:

    Please see online course website at: http://stampy.uvm.edu/courses/141/Index.htm for most current info.

    ATTENDANCE:

    Class attendance is strongly encouraged. You are responsible for all material and announcements discussed during class. If you miss class, you should get notes or material from a classmate. Please do not ask me to go over missed lectures on an individual basis.

    The schedule for the course is available online along with the lecture for each class period (you can print out the partial lecture and take notes directly on the paper, or use your laptop to take notes electronically). The schedule summarizes what we did in class and has links to all reading and notes. If you miss class, refer to the schedule to see what you missed.

    Extenuating circumstances such as a serious illness, extended hospital stay, or family emergency MAY constitute an exception to this policy. I will deal with these situations on an individual basis. If there is a serious issue that arises, you need to contact me immediately and discuss the situation with me. Extenuating circumstances will involve a discussion between the instructor and Student Services. Keep in mind that discussing a situation with Student Services and/or providing me with doctors notes do NOT excuse you from class or exempt you from class policies.

    Since this class consists of in-class demos, in-class assignments, and in-class pop-quizzes, you are advised to attend every class and please BE ON TIME.

    You should attend the class section you are registered for. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR ANY WORK DONE IN AN ALTERNATE SECTION.

    Academic Honesty

    The principal objective of the policy on academic honesty is to promote an intellectual climate and support the academic integrity of the University of Vermont. Academic dishonesty or an offense against academic honesty includes acts that may subvert or compromise the integrity of the educational process. Such acts are serious offenses that insult the integrity of the entire academic community.

    Offenses against academic honesty are any acts that would have the effect of unfairly promoting or enhancing one's academic standing within the entire community of learners which includes, but is not limited to, the faculty and students of the University of Vermont. Academic dishonesty includes knowingly permitting or assisting any person in the committing of an act of academic dishonesty.

    The policy distinguishes between minor and major offenses. Offenses purely technical in nature or in which the instructor does not perceive intent to achieve advantage are deemed minor and handled by the instructor. Major offenses are those in which intent to achieve academic advantages is perceived. A full statement of the policy can be found in the Cat's Tale. Each student is responsible for knowing and observing this policy.

    Classroom Code of Conduct

    Faculty and students will at all times conduct themselves in a manner that serves to maintain, promote, and enhance the high quality academic environment befitting the University of Vermont. To this end, it is expected that all members of the learning community will adhere to the following guidelines:

    1. Faculty and students will attend all regularly scheduled classes, except for those occasions warranting an excused absence under the policy detailed in the catalogue (e.g., religious, athletic, medical).
    2. Students and faculty will arrive prepared for class and on time, and they will remain in class until the class is dismissed.
    3. Faculty and students will treat all members of the learning community with respect. Toward this end, they will promote academic discourse and the free exchange of ideas by listening with civil attention to the comments made by all individuals.
    4. Students and faculty will maintain an appropriate academic climate by refraining from all actions which disrupt the learning environment (e.g., making noise, ostentatiously not paying attention, and leaving and reentering the classroom inappropriately).
    5. Food and drink are not allowed in classrooms.

    Instructors will inform students of any special/additional expectations.

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