IS 301 - Management Information Systems Professor Dr. Chad Anderson E-mail chadanderson@unr.edu Office Phone (775) 784-6146 Office Location 314F Ansari Business Building Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 11am-12pm, 2:30pm-4pm or by appointment Prerequisites IS 101 and must be declared into a business major or minor Course Objectives This course introduces students to the role of information systems in business, and how an organization can use its information systems to compete successfully in a global economic environment. Most organizations today use some form of information system to support their operations and improve decision-making. People who know how to make good use of information systems will be an asset to an organization, while those who don't, are often replaced. The intent of this class is to enhance your knowledge of information systems so that you are aware of the opportunities available to make a business organization more effective, efficient, and profitable. This course will also help you to understand and evaluate the reciprocal relationship between science and technology and the impact of information technology on society and the environment. A key part of this course is learning about the interdisciplinary field of information science and exploring how the systemic and systematic collection, storage, retrieval and utilization of information impacts individuals and organizations. As such, this course satisfies Core Objective 9: Science, Technology & Society of the new Silver Core. Brief Description of CO9: Students will be able to connect science and technology to real-world problems by explaining how science relates to problems of societal concern; be able to distinguish between sound and unsound interpretations of scientific information; employ cogent reasoning methods in their own examinations of problems and issues; and understand the applications of science and technology in societal context. CO9 is addressed and assessed in this course through a team project. The team project requires students to evaluate a real-world organization and identify a business process in that organization that could be improved with an information system. Students will need to both consider the implications of not addressing the problem and analyze the expected costs and benefits of implementing a technologybased solution. Students will also learn to evaluate how theories of information science could inform their analysis and guide their recommendations. In this way, students will learn how the application of technology, based on scientific thinking, can facilitate change in an organization and its environment. The team project accounts for 19% of the course grade. CO9 is also addressed throughout the course as an integrated part of the discussion of information technology topics. For example, Chapter 4: Ethics and Social Issues in Information Systems, is primarily about the impacts of information technology on society. We discuss such issues as the changing notion of privacy in a world where the government can collect virtually all technology-based communication produced by its citizens. Social science theories help students make sense of these issues and guide the application of information technologies. Other topics address the reciprocal relationship between science and technology. For example, in Chapter 7 experimental technologies for wireless communication are presented and discussed that are based on ongoing research in the field of
computer science, and in Chapter 5 the role of technology in enabling scientists to understand climate change through big data analysis is part of the discussion. Student Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to: Identify and describe key concepts related to the organizational use of information systems including computer hardware and software, data management, information privacy, computer networks, enterprise systems, sustainability, systems development, information security, green computing, big data, etc. Define information science and explain how it directs the development of new technological solutions in organizations. Analyze how information systems support and enable business processes and help organizations compete in the global marketplace. Use information systems to analyze the business potential of technical solutions and explain the implications of new and innovative technologies and their impact on modern business and society. Evaluate the social implications of information systems, including ethical and privacy issues. Apply software systems to address business opportunities and collaborate on work projects. Analyze the challenges associated with the management of the information systems function in organizations. Articulate ways in which society is transformed by information technology. This includes being able to recognize and evaluate the social implications of information systems. Course Prerequisites Students must have a basic understanding of computer technology prior to taking this course. In addition, students should know how to use fundamental business software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For students majoring in business, IS301 requires that you complete the lower division business core. For students minoring in information systems, Is301 requires completion of IS101 and IS201. Course Materials Laudon, Kenneth C. and Laudon, Jane P. (2014). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, (Edition 13e). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, ISBN: 9780133874006. MyMISLab will be used for chapter study modules. MyMISLab access is included with your book purchase through the bookstore. You can also purchase an access card separately if you acquire the book from another source. You will access MyMISLab through WebCampus so there will be a single sign-in for all course materials. WebCampus will be used to distribute all other course materials and for the submission of the rest of the course assessments. If you have not used WebCampus, please go to the link below and review how to upload files, http://imedia.unr.edu/idt/studenttutorials/assignments/assignments.htm Google Drive will be used for the team assessments. Google Drive is free but you will need a Google account to access it. We will have a team lab on September 2 to set up Google Drive access and get teams started.
Assessments There are both individual and team-based assessments in the class. Team-based work includes a case analysis and a project. Teams will be composed of 4 members and you will be given the opportunity to form your own teams, but I can also assign you to a team if you do not wish to form your own. Teams must be formed no later than September 1 as we will have a team lab on September 2 to set up Google Drive for each team and discuss the team assessments. Each chapter in the textbook includes a case study at the end of the chapter. Each team will be responsible for analyzing one of those cases. Case selection will be on a first come basis and I will assign cases for teams that do not wish to make a selection. The responsible team will present the case during the class period in which the chapter is first introduced. Each team will also submit an analytical report about the case which will be due at the end of the day on which the presentation is made. An instruction document will be posted on WebCampus detailing the requirements for the case presentation and report. All students are responsible for knowing the content of all cases as one or more exam questions will be drawn from each case. The team project requires each team to identify a real-world business that could be improved with an information system. The project will incorporate skills learned in some of the individual assessments as each team will analyze their chosen business, model relevant business processes, identify a potential system improvement and evaluate the proposed solution. Deliverables for the project will include a project report as well as a project presentation to the class. Project presentations will take place at the end of the semester and project reports will be due on the last day of presentations. An instruction document will be posted on WebCampus detailing the requirements for the report and presentation. You will be required individually to complete a study module on each chapter of the textbook. The study modules will be administered on MyMISLab and you will earn 5 points for completing each module. You will need to complete each chapter module before the class period in which we start discussing that chapter and they are designed to assess your understanding of the material in the textbook so you will need to read the chapter before attempting the corresponding module. Exams will be closed-book, closed-notes, scantron-based covering course materials from lectures, assigned readings, and case presentations. Exams 1 and 2 will each cover four chapters and have 50 questions worth 100 points while Exam 3 will cover six chapters and have 75 questions worth 150 points. Assessments and Grading Scale Assessment Points % Point Range Grade Current Issues Blog 50 5% 930 1000 A Blog Comments 20 2% 900 929 A- Business Process Modeling 80 8% 870 899 B+ Break Even Analysis 80 8% 830 869 B Team Case Write Up 50 5% 800 829 B- Team Case Presentation 50 5% 770 799 C+ Team Project Report 140 14% 730 769 C Team Project Presentation 50 5% 700 729 C- Team Peer Evaluations 10 1% 670 699 D+ MyMISLab Study Modules 70 7% 630 669 D
Participation 50 5% 600 629 D- Exam 1 100 10% 0 599 F Exam 2 100 10% Exam 3 150 15% Total 1000 100%
Course Schedule Fall 2014 Week Days Topics and Deliverables Readings 1 Aug 26 Course Introduction: syllabus, assessments, schedule, policies Aug 28 Information Systems in Global Business Today Ch. 1 2 Sep 2 Team Lab (we will meet in AB312) Sep 4 Global E-Business and Collaboration Ch. 2 3 Sep 9 Business Process Lab (we will meet in AB312) Sep 11 Information Science, Systems, and Strategy Ch. 3 4 Sep 16 Information Science and Ethics Sep 18 Ethics and Social Issues in Information Systems Ch. 4 5 Sep 23 Business Process Modeling Due Sep 23 Sep 25 Exam 1: Chapters 1-4 6 Sep 30 IT Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies Ch. 5 Oct 2 Blog Comments Due Oct 2 7 Oct 7 Excel Lab (we will meet in AB312) Oct 9 Information Science and the Foundations of Business Intelligence Ch. 6 8 Oct 14 Mid-point Peer Evaluations Due Oct 14 Oct 16 Telecommunications, the Internet, and Wireless Technology Ch. 7 9 Oct 21 Break Even Analysis Due Oct 21 Oct 23 Information Privacy and Securing Information Systems Ch. 8 10 Oct 28 Oct 30 Exam 2: Chapters 5-8 11 Nov 4 Achieving Operational Excellence and Customer Intimacy Ch. 9 Nov 6 E-Commerce Ch. 10 12 Nov 11 Veterans Day - No Class Nov 13 Information Science and Managing Knowledge Ch. 11 13 Nov 18 Enhancing Decision Making Ch. 12 Nov 20 Building Information Systems Ch. 13 14 Nov 25 Managing Projects Ch. 14 Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day - No Class 15 Dec 2 Dec 4 Team Project Presentations 16 Dec 9 Team Project Presentations Team Project Written Report & Final Peer Evaluations Due Dec 9 17 Dec 16 Exam 3: Chapters 9-14 (9:30am section) Tuesday, December 16 from 12:30-2:30pm (1pm section) Tuesday, December 16 from 5:00-7:00pm It may be necessary to modify the schedule as the semester progresses. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on WebCampus.
Course Policies Academic Honesty University regulations will be enforced regarding dishonorable or unethical conduct which includes, but is not limited to, cheating and plagiarism. For more information, see the UNR General Catalog. Cheating is defined as (1) obtaining or providing unauthorized information during an examination through verbal, visual or unauthorized use of books, notes, text and other materials; (2) obtaining or providing information concerning all or part of an examination prior to that examination; (3) taking an examination for another student, or arranging for another person to take an exam in one's place; (4) altering or changing test answers after submittal for grading, grades after grades have been awarded, or other academic records once these are official. Plagiarism is defined as submitting the language, ideas, thoughts or work of another as one's own; or assisting in the act of plagiarism by allowing one's work to be used in this fashion. Plagiarism frequently involves a failure to acknowledge the use of paragraphs, sentences, or even a few phrases written or spoken by someone else. Any work, in whole or part, taken from the Internet or other computer based resource without properly referencing the source is considered plagiarism. A complete reference is required in order that all parties may locate and view the original source. The student is responsible for understanding the legitimate use of sources, the appropriate ways of acknowledging academic, scholarly or creative indebtedness, and the consequences of violating this responsibility. In this course there will be zero tolerance for dishonorable or unethical conduct. If a student is charged with Academic Dishonesty, for each charge, a zero (0) with be given for the assignment, a minimum of one hundred (100) points will be deducted from the final course total points and a written Notice of Academic Dishonesty will be given to the Director of Student Judicial, Mediation and Advocacy Services. The student will also receive a copy of the notice. Academic Success Services Your student fees cover usage of the Mathematics Center (784-443 or www.unr.edu/mathcenter/), Tutoring Center (784-6801 or www.unr.edu/tutoring/), and University Writing Center (784-6030 or www.unr.edu/writing-center). These centers are available to support your classroom learning but it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student. Attendance Class attendance is expected and rewarded. Participation points will be based on in-class activities so you must attend class to earn those points. Canceled Classes If classes are canceled by the University, be prepared to cover both the missed and current reading assignments at the next scheduled class meeting. Communication All messages outside of the classroom will be broadcast to the class electronically through WebCampus. Course Evaluation Course evaluations will be conducted during the last few weeks of the semester. Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at UNR.
Disability Services Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me or the Disability Resource Center (Thompson Building, Suite 101) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations. Disruptive Behavior Do not disrupt, distract, or prevent others from learning by arriving late, leaving early, or failing to silence all electronic devices during the scheduled class. Make-Up Exams Make-up exams will only be given for a documented religious observance, a documented illness, or a documented work-related reason. You must inform the instructor ahead of time if you will be unable to take an exam at the scheduled date and time. If you cannot document that you had a valid reason for missing an exam, you will not be able to take a makeup exam, and your grade for that exam will be a zero (0). Office Hours Scheduled office hours are available each week. Appointments can be made for times other than scheduled office hours by e-mail or phone. Please call if an emergency arises and you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Participation Everyone is expected to participate in class activities and discussions and to respond to questions from the instructor and other students. This type of class interaction will facilitate greater learning for all students in the class. In addition to general class participation there will be opportunities to earn participation points for participating in specific activities during the semester. These activities will not always be announced so attendance in all classes will be necessary to ensure that all participation points are earned. Reassessment If a request is made for any scored material to be reassessed, please recognize that it will be possible to retain, gain, or lose points in the reassessment process. Make any reassessment requests by e-mail or in person within one (1) week of grading. Please make a follow-up appointment (e-mail or phone) to meet with me during office hours for review of the results of the reassessment. A request for reassessment will not be granted if more than a week has passed since the grade in question was posted. Religious Holy Days It is the policy of NSHE (Title 4 Chapter 20 A, Section 3, paragraph 2), to be sensitive to the religious obligations of its students. Any student missing classes, quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holy days should, whenever possible, be given an opportunity during that semester to make up the missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holy day absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in advance in writing, if the student intends to participate in a religious holy day which does not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the assignment at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the institution which could not reasonably have been avoided. Software and Labs Students are required to purchase access to MyMISLab but are not required to purchase the other applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Bizagi) that will be used in the course. Those applications are
either free or available in the COBA Lab computers in AB301 and AB309. Students automatically have an account in the COBA labs, your NetID and password, by signing up for this course. The labs will be available for your use throughout the semester. In addition, we will have scheduled lab days in which we will hold class in one of the COBA labs for training on specific applications. Special Considerations All student work submitted in fulfillment of course requirements and any student activity recorded is deemed to be granted in the public domain (copyright-free) for the purposes of use as instructional or research material or for examples of student work in current and future courses. Student Absences By NSHE policy (Title 4 Chapter 20 A, Section 3, paragraph 1), there are no official absences from any university class. It is the personal responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor regarding absence from class. In the event that a student misses a class because of an official university function or event or because of serious personal issues, the Office of the Vice President for Student Services may, at its discretion, send an explanation to affected faculty. The instructor shall make the final determination on whether the missed work can be done at a time other than during the regularly scheduled class period. Study In order to receive a satisfactory grade in this course, students should plan to devote at least six (6) hours per week (on average) outside of class to studying course materials and working on course assessments. Syllabus Read and study this syllabus carefully. This is a contract between the professor and student, which lays out the responsibilities of both parties. If there are questions, consult with the professor before the end of the second week of class. Your continued registration in this class after the initial drop date signifies that you have read and understand this syllabus and will abide by the course policies in it. Taping of Class Lectures Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded.