FINAL VERSION - PENDING ANY NECESSARY CHANGES.

Last updated on Monday, March 2, 2009.

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course can be expressed in terms of the following specific objectives for student learning.  Students will:

• Be introduced to the field of Management Information Systems.
• Develop an appreciation of the strategic and tactical importance of properly developed and managed information systems in organizations.
• Increase their knowledge of the terms, concepts, tools and methods associated with MIS practice.
• Enhance understanding about modern information technologies (including telecommunications) and how they impact business.
• Expand awareness of emerging trends in information technologies and their application to business problems and opportunities. 
• Examine how different types of information systems (e.g. decision support systems, expert systems, group support systems) support management and the organization.
• Gain insight about the process of developing, implementing and upgrading information systems.
• Learn about data, databases and database management systems and their importance to modern organizations.
• Apprehend issues surrounding deployment of information systems in the international context. 
• Develop discernment regarding security, privacy and ethical use of information and information systems.

As with all courses in the School of Business Administration at the University of Dayton, this course attempts to advance the University and School mission, to wit:

To this end, the this course is designed to introduce you to relevant theory about information systems, allow you to put this learning into practice by building small prototype applications and reflect on theory in light of your experiences, and by doing so contribute to your understanding the importance of information systems so you may eventually apply this knowledge in your future careers. 

Course Materials

Pearlson, K. E. and Saunders, C. S. (2010). Managing and Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach, 4th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.

Other materials to be distributed in class or on the World Wide Web.  

Overview

Information technology has become an essential tool in the operations and management of modern business organizations. Consequently, it is imperative that the business student be cognizant of information technology, and be able to understand how it can be applied to help businesses function, and to aid them in gaining a leg up on their competition. This course is primarily an overview of the field of Management Information Systems. MIS is a field of study dedicated to understanding how information technology may be leveraged by organizations to enhance their competitive position and support their operations.

It is important to stress that this not simply a course in the use of computer technology, nor is it a course in how to program computers and use applications. While the course will provide at least some limited exposure to these, the focus will be on ways to successfully employ information technologies in organizations. This implies a thorough understanding of the organizational and behavioral implications of computing, and as well the technological issues. This course is designed to make you a more informed manager/professional who can work to the best advantage with both people and information technology.

Practical Experience

Assignments will be made with the assumption that you already have some knowledge of relevant information technologies on a personal use level (i.e. you understand computers and many of the things they can do from a personal productivity standpoint). If you have limited or no knowledge of these technologies, you should see the instructor for additional readings and/or assignments to get caught up. You should anticipate being involved in using a relatively simple relational database and a simple spreadsheet.  You should also anticipate being asked on more than one occasion to discuss insights you have gained either through coursework or your work experience regarding information technology and its application to business. 

Course Assignments

A significant portion of each student's grade in this course will be assessed on the basis of the student's performance on various assignments that are expected to be completed through the semester. All assignments are to be completed by individuals, unless otherwise stated on the assignment. All assignments for this course are to be made via the world wide web. 

Timeliness of Assignment Submission

It is important to submit assignments on time. All assignments are due on the assigned date. Late assignments will not be accepted. Unlike my undergraduate students, you are all currently in the real world, so you know this how they do it there. This policy will be strictly enforced, except as mentioned under the excuses section.  Having said that, do also know that I realize I'm working with grownups, so if you try to be reasonable with me I'll try to be reasonable with you.  

All assignments except the final paper and final examination will be submitted via email, either by attachment (if a database or a spreadsheet) or by plain text.    

Just a reminder; you are responsible to see that your assignments have been submitted properly. I am not your mother, and I am not going to chase people down to make certain that they have prepared and submitted their work.  I don't anticipate any trouble with this, but just staking out my territory.  

Class time will be devoted to lectures, demonstrations of relevant technologies, and open discussion concerning information systems issues. Contrary to popular belief (at least among my undergraduates), my job is not merely to impart information to you, but to help you learn. The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be lighted. Your participation is extremely important to the learning process for yourself and the entire class. Consequently, class attendance and participation are strongly encouraged. For your information, I do keep a participation record, and it will influence your mark. Please also note that attendance is not the same as participation.

Another encouragement to attend is that you are responsible for anything that transpires in class. If you miss an assignment due date or other changes because you were not in class (or don't get it via email), it is your problem.

Please do not leave the class once you have chosen to attend -- it tends to be distracting for the rest of the class. If you must leave early, please sit near the door to make your departure unobtrusive, leave during a break, or do not attend at all. Please do not be late when you attend. Too many people coming after class starts creates a real disturbance. I reserve the right to take corrective action if it becomes a problem.

Please do not leave the class once you have chosen to attend -- it tends to be distracting for the rest of the class. If you must leave early, please sit near the door to make your departure unobtrusive, leave during a break, or do not attend at all. Please do not be late when you attend. Too many people coming after class starts creates a real disturbance. I reserve the right to take corrective action if it becomes a problem.

There is a fairly substantial amount of reading material to be covered in this course, it is rather easy to fall behind, especially during a short session such as we have in the MBA program. Please ensure that you stay current in your readings -- it is expected that you will have read in advance the material to be covered in class on a given day, and be able to discuss it. Failure to prepare will negatively influence your participation score.

No extra credit assignments are anticipated. If you are having difficulty completing the assigned work, I wouldn't want to add to your burden. 

The grading scale and grading components are presented below. If you make any of the cut-offs, you will receive that mark. For example, if you earn 900 points, you will receive an "A-" for the course, or if you receive 885 points, you will receive a "B+" for the course.  

Since the marks in my classes over the long term tend to look like a normal curve, I tend not to force an artificial curve. On the odd chance that there is a curve it will be applied only on the overall grade in all sections I teach. Thus, no question of curving will be entertained until after the final. In addition, no extra credit assignments will be offered; if you are unable to perform well on what has already been assigned, I don’t wish to burden you with extra work.  Finally, I encourage you that if you are in trouble, try to demonstrate an effort to improve and ask for help. Do not fail in silence.

Assignment scoring (1000 point scale)

I will vigorously pursue the prosecution of academic dishonesty. It is understood and that students often learn and work together; consequently you may be asking questions or getting help from others. Be very clear, however, that there is a reasonably obvious distinction between "help" and "cheating", which I will elaborate repeatedly in class throughout the semester. In instances where such misconduct is proven, I will invoke University of Dayton policy to the most severe option available to me, which is an "F" in the course. Please consult the most recent edition of the "Student Handbook" for further information on Student Code of Conduct and Academic Policies.

• Verifiable Illness
• Death/Major Illness in the immediate family.
• Required attendance at another university event.
• Career-required misses (please advise in advance).

Note: There likely are other acceptable excuses that I've not anticipated, but you should receive permission from me personally in advance.

The University of Dayton is committed to providing equal access to its educational opportunities for all its students, including those with special needs.  If you fit this category, inform your instructor, and also contact Disability Services at the Student Learning Support who, along with your instructor will devise the appropriate accommodations for your need.

• Show up.
• Ask questions.
• Read and follow all written directions.
• Turn in all assignments; a very low mark is better than a zero, and a zero is better than a null.

Since the main objective of this class is for you to learn relevant and useful stuff. I reserve the right to alter the syllabus as necessary to meet this goal. Any such changes will be announced, in class, and will be explained.

I took this position because I enjoy teaching. I genuinely care about you and your progress in the class. If you have a problem, complaint, comment, concern, etc., please schedule an appointment or drop in during open office hours.