Heartland Community College
Social & Business Sciences Division
Course Syllabus for Students, Summer 2009
Course Prefix and Number: BUSN 130, Section 91
Course Title: Computer Apps & Bus Systems Concepts
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
Days and times the course meets: Online Course Utilizing WebCT
Catalog Description:
An introduction to management information systems and application software. Students will increase
their understanding of how information and technology are utilized by business managers to support
decision-making. In addition, the student will learn the fundamentals of accessing the Internet and
using word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation application software.
Prerequisite(s): None. Keyboarding ability recommended.
Instructor Information:
Instructor Name: Colin Manahan
Phone number to contact instructor: Contact Heartland
Instructor e-mail address: via WebCT
Location of instructor’s office: N/A
Hours and days of instructor’s office hours: By appointment only
Textbook:
Required:
Haag, Stephen and Cummings, Maeve. (2008) Information Systems Essentials.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education (ISBN #978007351152).
Vermaat, Shelly Cashman. (2008). Microsoft Office 2007. Course Technology
(ISBN #9781418843250).
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
This course fulfills 3 semester hours of elective credit for the A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. degrees. It should
transfer to most colleges and universities as an elective course However, since it is not part of the
General Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative, students should
check with an academic advisor for information about its transferability to other institutions. Refer to
the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for more information.
Beliefs:
Academic Discipline:
Offices are being automated on a daily basis. Once relegated to repetitive work, today’s office
workers are trained in using dozens of different software packages. This course will help
prepare you to be competent workers in the offices of today.
Student Learning:
Unlike many college courses, computer classes are often taught in ways other than traditional
lectures. Practicing your skills in the lab is the best way to learn them. Reading the text and
performing the exercises therein will reinforce your retention of knowledge.
Instructor’s Role:
A computer lab is an ideal setting for teaching computer skills. Because of the ability to work
on your own, an unstructured format can allow an instructor to focus more time with less
experience users. This gives more freedom to those with experience to pursue advanced
topics of interest to them.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
Upon completion of the course, students will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Understand how actual business decisions are made using computer processing in an
information system.
Identify the components of microcomputer, minicomputer, and mainframe computer
systems and how each system's components are physically related to one another.
Relate a manager’s information needs to the manager’s position in the organization.
Distinguish between a transaction processing system, management information system,
decision support system, and an executive support system.
Identify various software programs available to end-users.
Explain the characteristics of good data and how both data and information help an
organization coordinate its activities.
Discuss how hardware, software, data, people, and procedures are linked by a network
to form and information system.
Describe the system development life cycle and explain why user involvement in
systems development is necessary.
Identify the basic logical building blocks of a system and explain how the analyst
gathers information on processes, data, and boundaries.
Explain why the data and the user interface are designed before the hardware,
software, and procedures.
Identify internal and external sources of information, which is then used to make
strategic decisions.
Use word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation
application software to solve business problems.
Access the Internet in order to search for and obtain information.
Course/Lab Outline:
Topic Outline for the Course:
1. Management Information Systems
3. MS Excel
5. MS PowerPoint
7. Internet
2.
4.
6.
8.
MS Word
MS Access
Windows Vista
Peer Review
Methods of Instruction:
The instructional techniques will be a combination of discussions, presentations, utilization of online
technology, and use of personal computers. Every effort will be made to meet the needs of each
student in order to master the skills and knowledge required using personal computers in the office.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation:
Grading System:
The total points earned will determine the final grade in this course:
Quizzes 9 x 10 points
Final Exam
Introduction lab
Word lab
Excel lab
Access lab
PowerPoint lab
Windows XP lab
Internet project
Word project
Excel project
PowerPoint project
Technology paper
Peer Review – Internet project
Peer Review – Word project
Peer Review – Technology paper
Peer Review – Excel project
Adobe PDF project
Total Points
90 points
60 points
10 points
20 points
20 points
20 points
20 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
15 points
15 points
15 points
15 points
10 points
370 points
Grading on points will be as follows:
A – 90% to 100%
B – 80% to 89%
C – 70% to 79%
D – 60% to 69%
F – 0% to 59%
333 to 370 points
296 to 332 points
259 to 295 points
222 to 258 points
221 points or fewer
Participation (or Attendance):
All students are expected to follow the class schedule, which is part of this syllabus.
Incompletes:
An incomplete grade may be given to a student who, by the withdrawal date can reasonably be
expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by extreme
circumstances. Incomplete grades are not given for such reasons as unjustified failure to appear
for the final examination. A written agreement, outline the requirements to be met, must be signed
by the instructor and the student. The agreed upon requirements must be completed no later than
the end of the following semester. By the agreed upon date, the instructor will assign a grade or
the incomplete will be changed to an ‘F’ if the requirements are not completed.
Extra Credit:
Due to the structure of the course, there will be no extra credit offered at this time.
Make-up of tests and assignments:
All written assignments, including labs and projects, must be turned in by the dates scheduled.
Late assignments will not be accepted and the student will receive a grade of zero points if the
assignments are not turned in on time. Students are responsible for all of the material covered in
class. In addition, there will be no makeup exams. Should you have a legitimate scheduling
conflict, the instructor will make every effort to accommodate your needs provided you
communicate this ahead of time.
Deadlines:
All assignments will be given a deadline date as outlined in the syllabus calendar of events. There
will be no exceptions for late assignments. This includes quizzes, labs, and all projects.
Required Writing and Reading:
Student should read the required chapters from the textbook, articles, and reference materials as
indicated in the course calendar. All written assignments are designed to enhance the student's
writing skills and critical thinking skills by analyzing concepts discussed in the course. All written
assignments must be typed. Use of a personal computer and word processing software program
is required.
Student Conduct:
Students should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and
is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading
may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their
fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense
requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the
College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any
officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification
of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college
catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own
Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source
5.
6.
Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were
your own.
Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it
were your own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism
may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or
expulsion from school in extreme cases.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Support Services:
Heartland Library Information
The Library, located in the Students Commons Buildings at the Raab Road campus, provides
Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal databases, videos,
newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are available to assist in locating
information.
For more information please call the Library (309) 268-8200 or (309) 268-8292
Tutoring Center
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at not cost to
Heartland students at the Academic Support Center (ASC) in Normal and at the Pontiac
and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week.
Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a specially-trained tutor, are also available by
request. For more information about services available at each location, please call the
ASC in Normal (309) 268-8231; the Pontiac Center (815) 842-6777; the Lincoln Center
(217) 735-1731.
Testing Center
The Testing Center provides a quiet environment for students to complete make-up exams, online
exams, and exams for students with special accommodations. Students may be able to complete
exams in the Testing Center if arrangements are made with their instructor. For more information,
contact the Testing Center at (309) 268-8231.
Syllabi disclaimer:
This syllabus may be changed at the discretion of the instructor but adequate time will be provided
before any changes are made.
HCC Portal
Just a reminder that to access WebCT, IRIS, and your Heartland Student Email, you will need to log
into myHeartland, at https://my.heartland.edu.
Course Calendar:
BUSN130-91 SUMMER 2009
Week/Date
#1, 6/2
Description
Review Course Syllabus requirements
Lab Assignment:
 Introduction Lab
#2, 6/4
Read Chapter’s 1 & 2
View Chapter 1 PowerPoint Presentation
Lab Assignment Due:
 Introduction Lab
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#3, 6/9
Quiz #1, Chapter 1
View Chapter 2 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 3
Lab Assignment:
 Windows Vista Lab
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#4, 6/11
Lab Assignment Due:
 Windows XP Lab
Project Assignment:
 Internet Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#5, 6/16
Quiz #2, Chapter 2
View Chapter 3 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 4
Project Assignment Due:
 Internet Project
Lab Assignment:
 Word Lab
Peer Review Assignment
 Internet Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#6, 6/18
Quiz #3, Chapter 3
View Chapter 4 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 5
Lab Assignment Due:
 Word Lab
Peer Review Assignment Due:
 Internet Project
Project Assignment:
 Word Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#7, 6/23
Quiz #4 – Chapter 4
View Chapter 5 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 6
Lab Assignment Due:
 Word Project
Technology Paper Assignment:
 Technology Paper
Peer Review Assignment
 Word Project
#8, 6/25
Technology Paper Assignment Due:
 Technology Paper
Peer Review Assignment Due:
 Word Project
Peer Review Assignment:
 Technology Paper
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#9, 6/30
Quiz #5, Chapter 5
View Chapter 6 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 7
Peer Review Assignment Due:
 Technology Paper
Lab Assignment:
 Excel Lab
#10, 7/2
Quiz #6, Chapter 8
View Chapter 7 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 8
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#11, 7/7
Lab Assignment Due
 Excel Lab
Project Assignment:
 Excel Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#12, 7/9
Quiz #7, Chapter 7
View Chapter 8 PowerPoint Presentation
Read Chapter 9
Project Assignment Due
 Excel Project
Lab Assignment:
 Access Lab
Peer Review Assignment:
 Excel Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#13, 7/14
Quiz #8, Chapter 8
Peer Review Assignment Due:
 Excel Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#14, 7/16
View Chapter 9 PowerPoint Presentation
Lab Assignment Due:
 Access Lab
Lab Assignment:
 PowerPoint Lab
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#15, 7/21
Quiz #9, Chapter 9
Lab Assignment Due:
 PowerPoint Lab
Project Assignment:
 PowerPoint Project
 Adobe PDF Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#16, 7/23
Project Assignment Due:
 PowerPoint Project
 Adobe PDF Project
Note: All labs and quizzes must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!
#17, 7/28
Comprehensive Final Exam, Chapter’s 1 through 9
Note: Final exam must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on the due date!