Fall 2013: MSIS 110 – Introduction to
Computers and Information Systems
Tues/Thursday 12:30-1:45 W-2-200/Purple, Blue, White Labs
Instructor: Jon Frankel
Office: M-5-226
Phone: 617 287-7710
Email: jon.frankel@umb.edu
Office Hours:
Tues: 11:00 – 12:00
Thurs: 3:30 – 5:30
or by appointment
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the world of Information Systems from a business perspective.
You will learn about the hardware, software and network technologies that support a firm’s operations. We will
discuss trends and emerging technologies in MIS, as well as explore the issues arising from the use of computers
in the workplace. The course also offers an extensive hands-on component in the use of state-of-the-art
technology.
Required Course Materials
Text Books: All come packaged together at the bookstore or can be bought directly from the publisher at
http://shop.mcgraw-hill.com/mhshop/productDetails?isbn=0077841166 (LEAST $ OPTION)
1 - M:Information Systems 2nd Edition by Baltzan. McGraw Hill
2 - Simnet account at https://umb.simnetonline.com/ for MS Office hands on learning
3 – Connect account at www.mcgrawhillconnect.com for Cases, online quizzes, etc
Web Site: Lecture notes will be posted online at http://blogs.umb.edu/jonfrankel/
Attendance & Participation
You are expected to be in class, actively participating in our discussions. Not only do I want to ensure that you
comprehend the material - I am counting on your insightful comments on the subject matter to be shared with the
rest of us. If you absolutely can not make class, please let me know BEFORE the regular class meeting. Other
absences may affect your final grade. Of course, you are expected to catch up on any material covered during
any class that you miss.
I will come to class on time, with my cell phone turned off. I expect you to do the same.
Academic Honesty
The course is governed by the UMass regulations and procedures regarding academic Standards, Cheating,
Plagiarism, and the Documentation of Written Work as published in the Undergraduate catalog. Students caught
cheating or plagiarizing will flunk the course and may have a description of the incident attached to his or her
academic records. Don't do it.
Course Evaluation
CONNECT - Chapter Case Studies / Online Quizzes (7) – 2 points each. Each chapter has 2 short web based assignments
to reinforce the chapter concepts. These short exercises are automatically graded and reinforce the concepts taught in class.
You must complete the work from 7 chapters during the course of the semester. Both assignments must be completed.
MS-Office Simnet Labs (8) – 1 or 3 points each - 20 points total. Simnet is the “Teach Me, Show Me, Let Me Try” tool we will
use to learn MS-Excel and MS-Access. We will be doing this work in the labs, and each week you will learn a new skill and
have to submit a “Challenge Yourself” assignment. There are 4 Excel assignments, and 4 Access assignments – for each
assignment, the lessons are worth 1 point each, and the Challenge Yourself is worth 2 points (note – 2 chapters do not have a
challenge yourself). More detail will be provided in class
Final Group Presentation – 10 points. In groups of three, you will be giving a ten minute PowerPoint presentation on a
relevant company or topic of your choosing. Assume the audience knows nothing about your topic and educate us. You will
be evaluated on the powerpoint presentation, your presentation style and the content of the presentation. Each member in the
group will receive the same grade. Sample topics will be presented in class.
Quizzes – 2 quizzes worth 15 points each.
Final Exam – 20 points. This will be a CUMULATIVE final.
Attendance/Participation – 6 points.
Letter grades will be assigned based on the total number of points you have earned.
Other Important Information
Disabilities: If you have a disability and feel you will need accommodations in order to complete course
requirements, please contact the Ross Center for Disability Services at ext 77430.
Broken Computers
A broken computer, lost file or uncooperative printer will not be accepted as an excuse. Practice good backup
procedures for all your data.
Questions
When a systems project is behind, or experiencing some difficulty, it is always best to raise the issue as soon as
possible. Likewise, I expect you to ask for help sooner, rather than later. I have a home phone, cell phone, office
phone and check email frequently.
Calendar – Agenda & Assignments
Week #/Date
Tuesday
1 / Sept 3
Intro to course
2 / Sept 10
3 / Sept 17
Read Chapter 1: Business Driven MIS
Read Chapter 2 Decisions and Processes
Read Chapter 3 –
EBusiness
Read Online Appendix A –
Hardware and Software
Read Chapter 4 –
Ethics and Information Security
Quiz – Chapters 1 – 4, Appendix A
4 / Sept 24
5 / Oct 1
6 / Oct 8
7 / Oct 15
8 / Oct 22
Read Online Appendix C–
Designing Database
9 / Oct 29
Read Online Appendix B
Networks and Telecommunications
Read 7 –
Networks: Mobile Business
Read Chapter 8 –
Enterprise Applications
Quiz – Chapter 5-8 & Appendix B, C
10 / Nov 5
11 / Nov 12
12 / Nov 19
13 / Nov 26
14 / Dec 3
15 / Dec 10
Finals Week
Read Chapter 9 –
Systems Development
Chpt 9 Cont’d / Powerpoint Groups
Group Presentations
Cumulative Final
Thursday – Meet in Lab
* EXCEL LABS DUE Oct 15 *
* ACCESS LABS DUE Dec 1 *
Rosh Hashanah – No Class
Excel Lab 1 – Basic Formatting
Excel Lab 2 – Formulas/Functions
Submit (by Fri 11pm)
Connect – Chapter 2
Excel Lab 3 – Formatting
(no challenge)
Excel Lab 4 – Charts
Connect – Chapter 3
Review for Quiz
Connect – Chapter 4
Read Chapter 5 –
Infrastructures
Read Chapter 6 –
Data: Business Intelligence
Access Lab 1 – Intro
Connect – Chapter 6
Access Lab 2 – Tables
Connect – Chapter 7
Access Lab 3 – Forms/Reports
Connect – Chapter 8
Access Lab 4 – Queries, Advanced
(no assignment)
Thanksgiving – No Class
Powerpoint Lab
Review for Final
Connect – Chapter 9