MIS 180 (Fully Online) – Principles of Information Systems – SPRING 2014 – Schedule #21996
Management Information Systems - San Diego State University
Instructor: Robert O. Briggs, Ph.D.
1.
Office:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
E-mail Address:
Course Page:
SS 3202
Mon 2:00 – 3:30 PM
(619) 500-6140
mis180briggs@gmail.com Special e-mail just for this class!
http://Blackboard.sdsu.edu/
Office:
E-mail:
Graduate Assistant: Puneet Kaur
SS3202
mis180briggs@gmail.com
Course Overview (If you read this, now, the course will make a lot more sense):
An information system (IS) is a way to create value with information. In the information age, the information system (IS)
often is the organization.
You have come to SDSU to prepare yourself to be a leader. Think of this as a self-defense course. If you know a handful of
core IS concepts, you will be able to lead effectively in the information age, like genius. This course is designed to introduce
you to those concepts.
Even if you choose not to be an IS professional, you will be leading IS professionals engaged in success-critical initiatives. In
this class you’ll learn the foreign language of IS, and you’ll learn enough to hold your own with the IS professionals who
think you can be snowed with technical jargon.
To meet this goal, MIS 180, has been designed as a 3-unit, introductory course, designed to give you a broad overview of
information systems, and of information technology as it is used to support business processes and decision-making
activities. We will examine the difference between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, so you’ll know what to ask
for to lead more effectively. We will explore the critical difference between information systems and information
technology (IT), so, without being a technical expert, you will nonetheless be to propose sound investments in information
systems, and perhaps to rescue others from foolish investments.
You will gain some familiarity with spreadsheets and databases, and learn when each will be most useful to you as a leader
and to the people you lead. You’ll just dip a toe into web development and computer programming – just deep enough so
that, when a computer programmer says to you, “Computers can’t do that!” You’ll be able to say, “Yes they can…” and
you’ll be right. You won’t be an expert, but not a push-over either.
We will explore IS careers like Chief Information Officer and Chief Knowledge Officer and other opportunities. We will
examine several models that give you ways to think about creating value with information. We will talk about the benefits
your organization may gain from a solid information technology infrastructure. All this knowledge can make you a powerful
leader. With great power comes great responsibility. We will therefore spend time thinking about a range of ethical
considerations for leaders in the information age.
MIS 180 is part of the SDSU College of Business BSBA Program.
BSBA students should graduate being:
• Effective Communicators
• Critical Thinkers
• Able to Analyze Ethical Problems
• Global in their perspective
• Knowledgeable about the essentials of business
MIS 180 contributes to these goals through its student learning outcomes . . .
1. Understand the information revolution and its impact on the way business is conducted
2. Know the concepts, components and functions of information systems
3. Develop proficiency solving business problems using modern productivity tools (e.g., spreadsheet, database) or
creating custom programs
R. Briggs
4.
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6.
2.
MIS 180
Fall 2012
2
Understand the basics of how computers and software work.
Become familiar with the elements of a robust IT infrastructure to support an organization’s information systems.
Use several conceptual models to identify information systems problems, opportunities and potential solutions.
Required Textbooks and Instructional Materials
Required Textbooks and Instructional Materials
1 Baltzan, M: Information Systems, 3e, McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2013. + SimNet Office 2013 Software Suite
You can purchase the book and software bundled together at the SDSU campus bookstore for a discount ($133.49).
You receive a discount on both the required textbook and required simulation software because it is bundled together.
Until you purchase your textbook from the SDSU bookstore, you can use one free chapter at
http://www.coursesmart.com. Bundle (textbook and SimNet software at bookstore) is ISBN 9781259323676.
2 SimNet Office 2013 software Suite (no projects version): bundled together with the textbook mentioned above at the
SDSU bookstore. It is highly recommended to purchase the bundle I arranged for you at the SDSU bookstore because of
the deep discount. I know the price of tuition and textbooks is on the rise, most textbooks alone used for these types of
courses are usually around $200 – please take advantage of the bundle. If you choose not to purchase the textbook
and software bundle at the SDSU bookstore you will need to purchase the book above and to purchase separately
SimNet by visiting https://sdsu.simnetonline.com/Students/CombinedLogin.aspx. Click the “Buy an account” link .
Note, software is not discounted if you purchase separately.
Both the textbook and SimNet are REQUIRED.
NOTE: IF YOU BUY SIMNET SERVICE SEPARATELY FROM THE BOOK, WHEN THE WEB SITE SAYS: “Select the product
required for your class,” Choose “SIMnet 2013 – In Practice – Office – Custom – SDSU ($70.00)”
4.
OPTIONAL: McGraw-Hill CONNECT software for extra practice. Comes in your bundle. Has a small set of useful
resources related to the textbook.
3. Assignments
All assignments will be posted on Blackboard. There will be assignments related to Excel, Access, HTML, and BASIC. BASIC
is a very simple programming language that will give you the power to hold your own in conversations with IS/IT
professionals you lead. By doing the assignments and projects, you are preparing to answer examination questions, and to
succeed as a leader after graduation. Specific instructions for all assignments, projects and exams will be provided in class
and via Blackboard. You will need the use of a computer for all assignments. You will need the use of a PC
running Windows for the BASIC assignment. Computer labs are available in the library.
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To receive credit for an assignment, you must be complete and submit it as directed in the assignment.
All assignments are due electronically before 10:00 pm pacific time on the due date.
Start assignments early in the course. You may run into trouble and need help.
Late assignments will not be accepted for any reason.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP ASSIGNMENTS FOR ANY REASON.
3. Quizzes and Exams
 All quizzes and exams are open-book
 Most weeks there will be a short quiz about material covered that week in the textbook or lectures.
o All quizzes and exams will be on Thursdays.
o Each quiz will be worth 20 points toward the final grade.
o All tests will be administered online through Blackboard.
o Each test will be open on test day from 12:01 AM to 10:00 PM. You must complete the test by 10 PM.
o You will have 45 minutes to complete a quiz once you begin.
o Your lowest quiz will be dropped before your final course grade is calculated.
o THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP QUIZZES OR EXAMS FOR ANY REASON.
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Three unit exams and a final comprehensive exam will be given.
o All of the exams have 50 questions and are equally weighted at 150 points.
o The exams will be of the objective type (Multiple Choice).
R. Briggs
MIS 180
Fall 2012
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o
o
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Each unit exam cover topics, including homework, readings, lectures, and video, etc., assigned during the
current unit; however, key points and important details from previous units may be reemphasized in each
exam.
Dates for each exam appear below in the class schedule below.
EXAMS CANNOT BE TAKEN AT ALTERNATIVE TIMES! THEY MUST BE COMPLETED THE DAY THEY ARE
DUE.
EXAMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY 10:00 PM ON THE DAY THEY ARE ASSIGNED
THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP EXAMS FOR ANY REASON.
4. Grading
Your semester grade will be based on a percentage = (points earned/points possible).
ASSIGNMENT,
QUIZZES &
EXAMS
Excel
Access
HTML
BASIC
programming
Weekly Quizzes
Three Unit and
One Final Exam
QUANTITY
UNIT
POINTS
TOTAL
POSSIBLE
POINTS
3
20
60
2
20
40
1
50
50
Submitted through Blackboard
Assignments feature. Credit/no credit
1
50
50
Administered through Blackboard’s
exam feature. (There will be 11 quizzes;
the lowest score will be dropped)
10
20
200
Administered through Blackboard’s
Exam feature.
4
150
600
TOTAL
1000
GRADING METHODOLOGY
Online assessment graded Credit/no
credit
Online assessment graded Credit/no
credit
Submitted through Blackboard
Assignments feature. Credit/no credit
Reevaluation of Grades. Grades for assignments, quizzes and exams will be posted on Blackboard. In most cases, the
grades will be posted within one week of submission of work. You are responsible for keeping track of your posted scores.
If you would like an assignment/exam/quiz to be re-evaluated, you have two (2) weeks from the date the score is posted to
send an email or come to office hours to ask for a re-evaluation. After the two-week time period,
assignments/exams/quizzes will not be re-evaluated and the grade for that work is final.
Course Grades
This is a difficult course that covers many valuable concepts in a short period of time. Therefore, scores on quizzes and
exams tend to be low. I therefore curve the grades upward at the end of the semester to assure a normal distribution of
grades. After each graded assignment or test I will post an approximate estimate of what your grade would be if the curve
were made that day.
R. Briggs
MIS 180
Fall 2012
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5. MIS180 2013 Fall COURSE SCHEDULE
Date
1
AUG 25-29
SEPT 1
Lecture Topics
About this Class. What is an information System? What is
information? Information Professions. Why do IS grads earn the
highest starting salaries? IS Vs. IT. Syllabus Review.
Labor Day – No Classes!
Reading &
Assignments
Quizzes and
Exams: Thurs
12:01 AM - 10:00
PM
Syllabus
Academic
Integrity Quiz
2
SEPT 2-5
Treasure Maps for Value Creation: Porter’s Models, problem
solving, inspired reuse of information. SIMNET access.
Baltzan Ch 1
Quiz 1
3
SEPT 8-12
First look at Spreadsheets.
Baltzan Ch 2
Quiz 2
4
SEPT 15-19
IS Ethics: Computer crime, social justice, IS security. A second look
at Spreadsheets.
Baltzan Ch 4
Quiz 3
5
SEPT 22-26
EXAM 1
Thurs
SIMNET
Spreadsheet
Assignments
Due Feb 20
Exam 1
6
SEPT 29OCT 3
What you need to Lead: Data vs. Information vs. Knowledge vs.
Wisdom. A first look at databases.
Baltzan Ch 3
Quiz 4
7
OCT 13-17
A second look at databases. Insights on Data Quality; Data
Warehousing.
Baltzan Ch 6
Quiz 5
8
OCT 20-24
IS Professions. The value of a solid IT Infrastructure.
Baltzan Ch 5
Quiz 6
OCT 17-31
EXAM 2
Thurs
SIMNET
Access
Assignments
Due Mar 20
Exam 2
Baltzan Ch 7
Quiz 7
9
10 NOV 3-7
NOV 11
Available 12:01 AM – 10:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours rom when you start.
Available 12:01 AM – 10:00 PM Thurs 10/24
Duration: 2 hours from when you start.
How Computers Work. Intro to BASIC Programming.
Veterans Day – Campus Closed
11 NOV 10-14
Enterprise Business Applications; A second look at BASIC.
Psuedocode: show the IT pros that computers “CAN do that.”
Baltzan Ch 8
Quiz 8
12 NOV 17-21
Key concepts for Systems Development; Intro to HTML.
Baltzan Ch 9
Quiz 9
NOV 26-28
Thanksgiving Break – NO MIS 180 This Week
13 DEC 1-5
EXAM 3
Thurs
14 DEC 8-11
Disruptive Technology – success or defeat. On leading well.
DEC 12
FINAL EXAM Fri
Available: 12:01 AM Thurs Sept 21 – 10:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours from when you start.
Final Exam: FRIDAY, DEC 12.
6. Late Assignments; Missed Quizzes and Exams
BASIC
assignment
Due Apr 24
HTML
Assignment
Due DEC 11
Exam 3
Quiz 10
FINAL EXAM:
DEC 12
R. Briggs
MIS 180
Fall 2012
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Life is full of unexpected problems and situations and I anticipate that students may miss an assignment, a quiz and/or an
exam during the semester, for a variety of reasons. Make sure to start assignments early in the semester, and plan for
quizzes and exams ahead of time so you don’t get caught out by an unexpected event and miss valuable points to obtain
the grade you want.
The policy of this class is:
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. THERE ARE NO MAKEUP ASSIGNMENTS.
LATE QUIZZES ARE NOT ACCEPTED. THERE ARE NO MAKEUP QUIZES.
LATE EXAMS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS.
HOWEVER: I built a get-out-of-jail free card into the class. I will drop your lowest quiz score before I calculate your
semester grade! So if a crisis blocks you from taking a quiz, don’t sweat it. You get one for free.
7. Getting Help
I am more than happy to assist you in learning the course material. During office hours (Th 2:00 – 3:30 PM) you do not
need an appointment; simply come by with your questions. I will also be available to help via email. From M-F, I will strive
to respond to your email within 24 hours. I do not check e-mail on weekends and holidays.
Before you e-mail me with a question on homework, you should check for postings on Blackboard.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to
contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should
contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that I
cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have received an accommodation letter from Student
Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
8. Warning – Cheating: This class has a zero-tolerance policy for cheating!!
The assignments, quizzes, and exams you submit must be entirely your own individual work. If you and another person
work together on assignments, you are cheating. If another person assists you in any way on a quiz or an exam, you are
cheating. Each student is responsible for doing their online assignments, quizzes, and exams independently.
Cheating occurs on both the supplying and receiving ends.
If you are involved in a cheating incident, you will receive an “F” in this course. Additionally, all cases of cheating will be
reported to SDSU’s Office of Judicial Procedures for University disciplinary action. According to the College of Business
Administration policy, cheating is considered cause for excluding a student from eligibility for admission to the College of
Business.
While it is okay to talk to other students to get help in course content and to understand an assignment, it is absolutely
wrong for you to be working with one or more other peopleon an assignment, quiz, or exam, even if you are sitting at
different computers, deciding what to put into the assignment. You are always allowed to ask the instructor or graduate
assistant for more specific help. If you have questions relating to this policy, please ask the instructor.
MIS 180 CHEATING POLICY
I apologize in advance for putting you through this; however cheating is on the rise at the University. The bottom line
is that the University and the business profession have no room for cheaters. If you cheat you will fail the class and the
infraction will be reported to the Office of Judicial Procedures and the College of Business Administration. The Office of Judicial
Procedures will decide upon any punitive sanctions that may be warranted. Punitive sanctions may include probation,
suspension, or expulsion. Additionally, the infraction will be reported to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities and
the College of Business Administration. The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities will decide upon any punitive
sanctions that may be warranted. Punitive sanctions may include probation, suspension, or expulsion. Note: You are not
eligible to use course forgiveness to replace a grade in a course where you have been found guilty of academic dishonesty.
R. Briggs
MIS 180
Fall 2012
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There is a normal University appeal process for any disciplinary action but for this class there will be no further
warnings - cheating is cheating and if you’re caught once you will fail and no subsequent work will be graded. Further punitive
sanctions as mentioned above are possible.
The MIS 180 Course Syllabus includes the official course statement regarding cheating. This policy includes some
information to clarify and expand on that statement.
Some examples of CHEATING in MIS 180 include:
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Turning in someone else's work as your own (with or without his or her knowledge).
Working with or on another student’s computer account to complete assigned work.
Allowing someone else to turn in your work as his or her own.
Giving another student access to your computer files.
Several people developing one solution and turning in multiple copies, all represented (implicitly or explicitly) as
individual work.
Using any part of someone else's work without the proper acknowledgement.
Stealing an examination or solution from the instructor.
Getting answers from someone else during an exam.
Some Examples of Not Cheating in MIS 180 include:
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Turning in work done alone or with the help of the instructors or GAs.
Submission of one assignment for a group of students if group work is explicitly permitted (or required).
Getting or giving help on using the computer for the course.
Getting or giving help on how to solve minor syntax errors in BASIC or HTML assignments.
Discussion of course material for better understanding EXCEPT during a quiz or exam.
Discussion of assignments to understand what is required.
I expect you all to be honest and I will treat you as a colleague until this attitude is proven to be wrong. Remember that you are
always allowed to ask the instructor for more specific help. If you have questions relating to this policy, please direct them to
the instructor. IF YOU WORK IN THE COMPUTER LAB, OR ON A COMPUTER THAT IS SHARED WITH OTHER STUDENTS, DO NOT
SAVE ANY OF YOUR WORK ON THE COMPUTER’S HARD DRIVE. SAVE YOUR WORK TO YOUR USB DRIVE and take it with you.
Please acknowledge your acceptance of this policy by completing the MIS180 Academic Integrity Policy Quiz on Blackboard in
the Week 1 Folder before 10:00 PM Thursday, SEPT4. People who do not accept the policy will be dropped from the course.
9. Change
The course motto is Semper Gumbi – Always Flexible. This syllabus is preliminary and is subject to change at the discretion of
the instructor. The official communication channel for announcing changes will be the Blackboard Announcements feature.