CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
University of Phoenix rEsource Syllabus
CIS/319
Computers and Information Processing
Course Title
CIS/319 – Computers & Information Processing
This course introduces the fundamentals of computer systems and the role of information processing in
today's business environment. An overview is presented of information systems, systems development,
operating systems and programming, database management, networking and telecommunications, and
the Internet.
Course Schedule
July 2 - July 30, 2008
Main Campus
Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Course Materials
All materials can be found on resource, which can be accessed through the University of Phoenix
eCampus Web site.
Instructor’s Name
Greg Binder
Primary eMail Address
gbinder@email.uophx.edu
gbinder69@qwest.net
Alternate eMail Address
greg.binder@phoenix.gov
Telephone Number(s)
(602) 942-6448 (H)
(602) 256-3589 (W)
Availability
Mr. Binder can be reached by any means above. In many cases, you will have to leave a message;
however, he will return your contact as soon as possible. You may call the work number and the home
number at any time. Home calls should be limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. OLS will be used for sending
documents.
University Policies
Please review University Policies regarding topics such as student conduct, attendance, and plagiarism in
your Program Handbook, which can be accessed through the University of Phoenix eCampus Web site.
Modality Procedures
As with many University courses, class participation is a valued attribute, contributing to the final grade.
Several other measures of student performance are noted in the Grading Criteria.
Course-Specific Standards
Late assignments
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
All written work (does not include homework questions) will be according to the University of Phoenix
Approved Style Guide (APA). Your grade will be based on style, content and format including such items
as clarity of communication, sentence and paragraph construction, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Late work will be reduced by 10% per week late.
Feedback
Assignments will be returned at the workshop following the workshop when submitted. Materials
submitted in Workshop 5 will be returned to the student who submitted it, via OLS.
Incompletes
If you are unable to complete the coursework you should seek guidance from your academic counselor –
as a matter of University policy, incompletes are not granted.
Welcome
Welcome to Computers and Information Processing! This document provides a description of the onground course, as defined by the instructor and the University of Phoenix. Students at many colleges and
universities take such an introductory course. The course introduces the roles, processes, and disciplines
of information technology. (I encourage you to use the World Wide Web as a resource throughout the
course. Of course, you know that course materials are available on-line. The student’s understanding of
the material will be evaluated through individual and learning team products (written, presentation, and email). CIS/319 is a foundation course for continued study in the field of information technology as well as
provides an essential background in IT for practitioners in other fields.
Instructor Bio
Your instructor comes to you with over 33 years of teaching experience. He is a graduate of the US
Military Academy at West Point and holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science from the University of
Arizona. He taught Computer Science at the Academy for three years. Subsequently he served on the
staff of the US Army Management Systems Support Agency at the Pentagon. Since 1980, he has
worked for the City of Phoenix Information Technology Department, consulted for the US Army Pentagon
and the State Department, and taught in the Business College and School of Public Affairs at Arizona
State University. He has been a faculty member with the University of Phoenix since 1983, in all aspects
of graduate and undergraduate information systems subjects. He has been a faculty member with
Ottawa University since 2003. He is involved with both classroom delivery and Directed Study programs.
At the City of Phoenix Mr. Binder has managed development of the e-commerce program, privacy, the egovernment program, and served as project manager for web-based applications. He currently heads the
Enterprise Technology Management team, with responsibilities for enterprise architecture; strategic,
technical, and operational technology planning, related solutions strategy development.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is highly valued at the University of Phoenix. Students must always submit work that
represents their original words or ideas. If any words or ideas used in a class posting or assignment
submission do not represent the student’s original words or ideas, all relevant sources must be cited
along with the extent to which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citation include, but
are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or
visual communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable
source. Please see the University of Phoenix Catalog for more information about academic honesty,
including consequences of academic dishonesty.
Privacy and Confidentiality in the University of Phoenix Classroom
One of the highlights of the University of Phoenix academic experience is that students can draw on the
wealth of examples from their organizations in class discussions and in their written work. However, it is
imperative that students not share information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature.
Students must be mindful of any contracts they have agreed to with their companies.
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
WEIGHTING of ASSIGNMENTS
Individual Assignments (70%)
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four *
Learning Team Project Presentation
Participation (all weeks)
Learning Team Assignments (30%)
Learning Team Project Paper
TOTAL
* See Week Four for special rubric discussion.
Points
100
100
100
50
50
100
500
Point/grade conversion
Grading:
%
95+
91-94+
87-90+
83-86+
80-82+
77-79+
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
%
75-76+
72-74+
68-71+
65-67+
<65
Grade
C
CD+
D
F
Course Materials/Electronic Resources
Links to course materials and electronic resources for each week of class are located on the rEsource
page of the Student Website. Content is divided by week and topic.
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Week
One
 Discussion Questions (Note: The discussion questions are used to frame your thoughts about the
readings and to prompt workshop discussion. They are NOT “assignments” that
require preparation of a work product to be turned in.)
Based on Russell and Yilmaz’s (2006) article, how can gap analysis be applied to the
system development life cycle? Give an example of how this might apply in your
workplace.
Based on Moore, Nolan and Gillard’s (2006) article, explain the differences between the
traditional SDLC and the proposed “higher-level” SDLC. How could the higher-level
SDLC be applied in your company?
Two
Based on Holmes’ (2007) article, propose a hardware purchasing strategy for your
company.
Based on Goodfellow’s (2007) article, describe the value of virtualization as well as how
your company can make use of it.
Three
Based on Dunn’s (2008) article, explain how your computer’s operating system and
various installed programs can slow down your computer.
Based on Trapani’s (2007) article, develop your own list of the top ten apps of 2007.
Justify your selections.
Four
Based on the Computer Weekly (2007) article, describe how Master Data Management
can be used in your company.
Based on Swartz’s (2007) article, what are some of the major problems companies have
in managing their data? What solutions would you propose?
Five
Based on Davis’ (2006) article, how would you propose that a VPN be used in your
company?
Based on Karim and Hovell’s (2007) article, discuss what it will take for “everything over
IP” to become a reality. Explain whether this is a realistic option for your company.
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENTS
Refer to “Standards for Written Work” and “Standards for Presentations” in your Program Handbook,
which can be accessed through the University of Phoenix eCampus Web site.
A link to the Virtual Organizations can be found on the rEsource page.
Week
One
Date Due
Two
Individual Assignments
Complete assignments posted on the rEsource course page.
Prepare a DFD and brief narrative description of the system that would be
used for a new customer to apply for and be granted a credit account with
Dillard’s. You should study this material for DFD assistance http://www.getahead-direct.com/gwbadfd.htm. The DFD can be drawn with
Visio or PowerPoint.
Prepare a 2-3 page memorandum describing what office automation and
group collaboration software is used in your organization. Include an
analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each software used.
Three
Four
Prepare a 2-3 page memorandum analyzing the use of databases in your
organization. Include what database applications are used (Microsoft
Access, DB2, Oracle, etc.). Conclude by proposing improvements. For
large organizations, restrict the scope of the paper to the department in
which you work.
Five
Complete a Learning Team Evaluation.
LEARNING TEAM ASSIGNMENTS
The following assignment refers to a Service Request for Riordan Manufacturing, one of the Virtual
Organizations. A link to the Virtual Organizations can be found on the rEsource page.
Meeting
One
Date Due
Learning Team Assignments
Create a Learning Team Charter.
The Learning Team will complete Service Request SR-rm-001 Processes
Evaluation. A 7-10 page paper and a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation
of the project will be submitted during Week Five. The paper should
include:
 An executive summary of the project which identifies the
business processes that have been identified for improvement.
 Identification of the business requirements.
 Process flow charts, procedures and/or policy statements that
articulate the business requirements in terms of specific
processes or business development needs.
Begin work on Service Request SR-rm-001.
 Identify specific systems within Riordan’s inventory and
manufacturing processes that could be improved.
 Begin defining the business requirements of the selected
systems.
 Begin work on the executive summary.
Two
Continue work on Service Request SR-rm-001.
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing




Finalize business requirements for selected systems.
Begin preparation of process flow charts, procedures and policy
statements.
Finalize executive summary.
Begin work on Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.
Three
Continue work on Service Request SR-rm-001.
 Finalize process flow charts, procedures and policy statements.
 Continue preparation of PowerPoint presentation.
Four
Complete work on Service Request SR-rm-001.
 Finalize the 7-10 page paper summarizing the project proposal.
 Finalize PowerPoint presentation.
Grading for Written Work
50%
Content/Development
 All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way
 Content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive
 Major points are stated clearly, are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis and are organized clearly
 Where appropriate, the paper supports major points with theory relevant to development of the ideas, and uses
the vocabulary of the theory correctly
 There is integration of theory and practice whereby the writer is able to link theories to practical experience
 Research is adequate and timely for the topic
 The context and purpose of the writing is clear
20%
Organization
 The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow
 The paper’s organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose and is directed
 Paragraph transitions are present and logical, and maintain the flow of thought throughout the paper
 The conclusion is logical and flows from the body of the paper
 The conclusion reviews the major points toward the appropriate audience
 Ideas flow in a logical sequence
 The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points
10%
Format
 The paper, including citations and the reference page, follows designated guidelines for format
 The paper is laid out effectively and uses reader-friendly aids (e.g., sections, summaries, tables of contents,
indices, appendices, etc.) when appropriate
 The paper utilizes references appropriately
 Headings, the use of italics, etc., aid the readability of the paper and are not overdone
 The paper is neat, with attention given to format requirements
 Original work
10%
Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling
 Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed
 Spelling is correct
10%
Readability/Style
 Sentences are complete, clear and concise
 Sentences are well-constructed with consistently strong, varied structure
 Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought
 Words used are precise and unambiguous
 The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.
CIS/319 Computers & Information Processing
Grading for Oral Presentations
20%
Organization and Structure
 Presentation is well-organized, clear, and effectively structured
 If this is a team presentation, it is integrated rather than a disjointed series of individual presentations
 Topic is researched adequately
10%
Effective Use of Visual Aids
 Visual aids are clear and effective
 Visual aids contribute to a focused and integrated presentation
50%
Content of Presentation
 Content of presentation clearly follows the written paper on which it is based (if applicable)
 The topic is relevant and addresses the specifications of the assignment
 The content presented is comprehensive, accurate and believable
 Key points are noted and presented logically
10%
Style, Presentation, and Appearance
 Dress and grooming are professional and appropriate for the setting
 Non-verbal gestures are appropriate to the purpose of the presentation and flow of ideas
 Confidence and knowledge of content are evident
 Audience is engaged, when appropriate, in a professional manner
 Delivery time is used well-presentation is not rushed
 Speaker adheres to the time limit
10%
Questions and Comments
 Audience feedback is solicited
 Audience questions are effectively addressed and correctly answered
Copyright  2006, 2008 by the University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. The University of Phoenix® is a mark of Apollo Group, Inc.
in the United States and/or other countries.