SYLLABUS		FALL, 2009
BSAD 141B	Management Information Systems
INSTRUCTOR(s): David Novak - PROFESSOR INFO PHONE: 656-4043 OFFICE: 310 Kalkin OFFICE HOURS: MW 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment E-MAIL: david.novak@uvm.edu		COURSE INFO: MEETS: TR 11:30-12:45 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 Z2.

Goals & Objectives:

The primary objective of the course is to introduce students to different concepts and terms relating to the use of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) in the business world. The course is designed to familiarize students with some basic conceptual issues underlying the use and design of management information systems (MIS) and some basic techniques to assess information needs and how to store and retrieve information. Relationships between information, data, information systems, information technology, business objectives and goals, and corporate strategies are discussed. Issues related to if, and how, IS and IT can help organizations achieve competitive advantages are also discussed.

Regardless of whether students intend to work in the MIS field or not, todays business environment requires a basic understanding of technology and information and how to use it. It is critical for employees to understand basic IT and IS concepts, as the modern workplace requires some interaction with and use of information and various information management technologies and techniques.

Course Content:

This course is an introductory course and requires no prior experience with computers (other than BSAD 40) or Management Information Systems (MIS). The first component of the course focuses on improving logical analysis skills including system decomposition and problem solving using data flow diagramming techniques. The second component of the course focuses on the creation and use of relational database tables. Students will construct and link relational database tables and build basic queries in MS Access as a learning exercise. The final component of the course provides a general survey type introduction to various IT and IS topics such as systems analysis and design, computer hardware and software, computer networks, viruses and malware, and basic computer security concepts.

Students will be using computers frequently for portions of this class namely the relational database component. It is recommended and very, very beneficial to bring a laptop with MS Access to class during the coverage of this material. I will specifically let students know which classes we will be using computers in.

Books & Materials

Experiencing MIS, Kroenke, David, Prentice Hall Publishing, ISBN: 97801323377792007, 2008, available at the UVM Bookstore.

Grading:

Grading Comments:

If I make a mistake in assigning a grade 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 suggest you keep a copy of ALL returned work, so you can check your grade with me if need be

Exam Comments:

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

MAKEUP exams tend to cause many, many problems (timing, space, equity, etc, etc.). In general, I will not give makeup exams. If, however, there is a SERIOUS problem please discuss the issue with me. If you are not comfortable discussing a particular situation with me, that is fine. But, please discuss the situation with Student Services so they can recommend a course of action to me.

The final exam is CUMULATIVE.

You MUST take all tests in the section in which you are registered unless you have made prior arrangements with me.

Additional Comments:

QUIZZES:

Quizzes and in-class assignments are designed to keep you up to date with the material and are an important component of the overall grade.

There will most likely be between 10 -12 quizzes during the semester. You may drop ONE quiz grade.

Quizzes may or may not be scheduled. Some will be pop-quizzes, while I may alert you about others. Quizzes are not necessarily held on the same day of each week. I may choose to give attendance-based quizzes.

As a general rule, THERE ARE NO MAKEUP QUIZZES. I understand people miss classes for a variety of reasons. Even if you have a valid reason (family emergency, job interview, etc), I so not have makeup quizzes. The one drop is designed to cover any missed classes where a quiz is given. Trying to determine the validity of reasons for missing class and then being fair to all students taking the class with respect to make ups is difficult if not impossible given that there are over 50 students taking 141 this semester.

If you are late to class on days when an in-class quiz is given, you may not have time to finish the quiz, or even be allowed to start the quiz. Depending on the days lecture and what we are doing, quizzes may be held at different times, may be of different lengths, or may even be presented in different formats.

If you miss multiple classes due to some unforeseen circumstance, I will deal with this on an individual basis. I want to stress that it is up to the instructor to determine how particular circumstances will be handled. In general, you will receive only one drop to cover any missed classes. This seems to be the most consistent and equitable way to address attendance.

Alerting me ahead of time that you will not be in class does not excuse you from that days activities. While I understand that you may need to miss class, notifying me ahead of time (while appreciated), will not impact the quiz policy in any way. I can certainly work with you on understanding any missed lecture material if need be.

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.