Online Course Syllabus CS206_BA206 Business Software Applications. Important Notes:

Transcription

1 Online Course Syllabus CS206_BA206 Business Software Applications Important Notes: This document provides an overview of expectations for this online course and is subject to change prior to the term start. Changes may also occur during the term due to faculty or SPS Distance Learning course updates. Some links may only be active once the term starts. For this course you must check the Regis Bookstore: for the most current online course material information. Course Description Prerequisites Course Outcomes Course Outline Course Materials Grading Criteria Assignments Course Description This course introduces the development of business information systems and software typically used in business or professional environments. Emphasis is on the tools one can use to understand software development relative to the business or information needs of an organization. Business software will be used throughout the course to illustrate and practice the concepts covered. Prerequisites None Course Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to intelligently

2 accomplish and express either orally or in writing (or both) the following: Understand the components of business software and the role of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in developing new software applications. Discuss the issues and challenges inherent in managing business software. Use business presentation software to demonstrate the design elements critical to effective communications. Develop a White Paper for management regarding selection of business software and/or management of IT function organization-wide Evaluate software to be used in the development of business communication. Understand the basic elements involved in E-enabled businesses. Course Outline This introductory course provides students a basic framework to understand and evaluate key issues surrounding the development, management and use of business software. Business software is a ubiquitous term. Software, whether optimized for business, personal use, etc is everywhere and all around us. From telephones to automobiles, microwave ovens to children s games and audible books, software is used to control specific computer hardware-enable devices for specific purposes. This course includes workshops regarding software trends, how software is developed, the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the influence of e-business on software development, and issues managers and users alike need to think about in buying software or optimizing the use of software already on hand. In order to facilitate your learning, students will be asked to both analyze and apply the issues under consideration to a specific organization. It usually works best if students have ongoing contact or knowledge of the organization, e.g., current employer. Students may use another organization that you have contact with, as a volunteer, for example, as well. In addition, students will be asked to use the Internet (Web Browser Software) to research new software and issues facing software developers and managers.

3 Course Materials Required Text Management Information Systems, O Brien, James A., Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 8th edition, Grading Criteria Your understanding of course content will be evaluated via the following: Introductory paper discussing your experience with business software - 5 pts. 3-5 page paper re: Systems Development Life Cycle -10 pts. 3-5 page paper re: E-Business application - 10 pts. 3-5 page paper re: critique of business communications 10pts. Analysis exercises -10 pts. 5 points each) MS Powerpoint Presentation based on week#2 SDLC paper - 15 pts. Management White Paper and presentation re: business software selection/it management - 30 pts. Forum discussion topics, critiques and participation - 10 pts Total possible score for the course is 100 points. Your final grade will be based on the percentage points you accumulate during the course. Online Course Assignments: CS206_BA206 Week: Course Dynamics This course is organized around an eight-week program. Weekly outcomes, assignments, and critical information are organized week-by-week. Typically, each week includes a reading assignment, forum submittal, assignment, and (most

4 weeks) use of the SIMnet interactive cd-rom which accompanies this edition of the book. In addition, the SIMnet disk also contains tutorials and overviews of most of the chapters of the textbook as well as additional IT-related concepts (this is a really useful tool). Online weeks correlate to a 7-day work week. Each week s work begins on a Sunday. Week One begins on the first day of the term, which is always a Monday. Prior to the start of each week, before Sunday, complete the reading assignments. On Sunday of each week, read your weekly critical information found in the Week-by-week section (Note: your timely understanding of critical information content may be required to complete your weekly assignment or final project). By Wednesday each week, participate in the Forum discussions, read other student postings, and replay, when appropriate, to their postings. On Friday of each week, save a copy of your assignments for yourself and them to your facilitator. Course Assignments Week 1: Introduction, Project Planning, Information and Software Evaluation Introductions: POST an introduction on the Forum (look for the Introductions topic). Include the following information: Your name The city where you live Your occupation or professional interests and aspirations Your address Why you are taking the course O Brien MIS textbook, Chapters 1 & 11 By end of day Wednesday, introduce yourself in the Forum (described above).

5 Describe your experiences with business software. this to your facilitator Week 2: The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) O Brien MIS textbook, Chapter 12 Write a 3-5 page paper about an information system you are familiar with or think needs to be developed (reference the 5 steps of the SDLC in your paper). this paper to your Facilitator. Discuss case #2 (p.415) re: IT Project management requirements (POST your comments to the class Forum) Week 3: Application Software O Brien MIS textbook, Chapter 4 Complete the following questions and your answers to your Facilitator. 1. Select software packages covered in this section that you have used and describe briefly the advantages and disadvantages. 2. How would this package help you in your present or future job situation? 3. Do you think the software package needs improvement? How it can be improved? 4. Search the Internet and compare the software package with other

6 competitors. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your package? Complete SIMnet overview of chapters 4 & 12. (Reminder: the SIMnet MIS CD- ROM accompanies the textbook). POST a message to the Forum describing your favorite software package and why. Use terminology and concepts acquired through reading and completing SIMnet exercise and reviewing this week s knowledge section. Week 4: Presentation Communications Reference web links re: Presentation Communications as detailed in References section for this week. Adapt the information you wrote about in week #2 re: SDLC into a slide Presentation (including speakers notes). Plan for at least 10 slides. this presentation to your facilitator in addition to POSTING to class Forum. POST your presentation (see below) to the Forum for comment. Provide detailed feedback/comments to at least 3 of your classmates. Week 5: Introduction to E-Business

7 O Brien MIS textbook, Chapters 7 & 8 Select an e-business application (e.g., E-Bay web site). Use the Internet to research your topic and then WRITE a 3-5 page paper summarizing your findings. this to your facilitator. Complete SIMnet overview of Chapter 9 (Types of E-Commerce) POST a synopsis of the e-business application you selected (see below). Discuss strengths and weaknesses of application and your suggestions for improvement. Week 6: Web Communications/Design of Business Communications Reference web links re: Design of Business Communications as detailed in References section for this week. Select an example of business communications (e.g., sales brochure, corporate presentation, etc..) and, using the 5 key questions discussed in this week s knowledge section, WRITE a 3-5 page paper critiquing the work based on those criteria. POST this assignment to the class Forum and it to your facilitator. POST your paper (see below) to the Forum for comment. Provide detailed feedback/comments to at least 3 of your classmates.

8 Week 7: Managing Information Technology and Business Software (Part I) O Brien MIS textbook, Chapters 2 & 14 Complete SIMnet overview of Chapter 2 (Strategic Factors in Competing with IT) Complete Analysis exercise #2 (p.566) Global information and communications technologies. this assignment to your facilitator. Discuss Case #1 (p.439) re: changing a business culture with IT. POST your responses to the case to the class Forum Week 8: Managing Information Technology and Business Software (Part II) Develop a 6-8 page White Paper for management regarding selection of business software and/or management of an IT function organization-wide. Include concepts of SDLC, E-business, and ROI. Illustrate your ideas via a brief slide presentation (min. 5 slides). BOTH of these assignments to your facilitator. Not sure what a White Paper is? Visit Writing-World.com ( writing-world.com/tech/tech4.shtml) for an excellent online reference. An additional reference can be found at: POST your White Paper and Presentation to the class Forum. Complete online evaluation located at the bottom of the course content in the Week by Week.

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