CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Syllabus for BUS 391: Information Systems
BUS 391
Winter, 2007
Class Meets:
BUS 391-05: MW 12:10pm – 02:00pm (Rm.03-306)
BUS 391-01: MW 02:10pm – 04:00pm (Rm.03-306)
BUS 391-03: MW 04:10pm – 06:00pm (Rm.03-306)
Website: http://www.cob.calpoly.edu/~eli/bus391/
Instructor: Dr. E. Li
Office: 03- 426
Phone: 756- 5741
E-mail: eli@calpoly.edu
Office Hours:
MW 10:10am - 12:00am
Other time by appointment
only.
Login ID: MIS / Password: calpoly
1. Course Description:
Computer applications in business and industry. Information systems and integrated systems concepts,
computer hardware and software, strategic uses of information systems, databases, data warehousing,
decision support systems and artificial intelligence, network basics, electronic commerce, systems
development, ethical use of information, employing technology in a socially responsible manner, and
emerging trends and technologies in information systems. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
2. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.
3. Expected Outcomes:
The student will acquire knowledge of:
(1) The system basic to the information systems in business industry.
(2) Management theory, system concept, and the system approach.
(3) Computer efficiency and distributed data processing.
(4) The concept of integrated database and database integrity.
(5) The basics of file organization and processing application.
(6) The process of application system development.
(7) MIS functions and organizations.
(8) The role of management information systems, decision support systems, expert systems, and
knowledge management systems in business industry.
(9) The use of computer to produce management information documents.
(10) The advancement of electronic commerce and emerging technologies.
4. Required Textbooks:
(1) Haag, Baltzan, & Phillips. Business Driven Technology, 1st Edition, Custom Coursebook,
McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2006, ISBN 0-07-341735-1.
(2) Shelly, et al., Software Bundle: Microsoft Access/Excel/FrontPage 2003 Complete Concepts
and Techniques, Course Technology, ISBN 1-4239-8829-9. This bundle contains
 Shelly, et al., Microsoft Access 2003 Complete Concepts and Techniques, Course
Technology, ISBN 1-4188-4362-8.
 Shelly, et al., Microsoft Excel 2003 Complete Concepts and Techniques, Course
Technology, ISBN 1-4188-4359-8.
 Shelly, et al., Microsoft FrontPage 2003 Complete Concepts and Techniques, Course
Technology, ISBN 1-4188-5945-1.
(3) BUS 391 Lecture Slides, El Corral Bookstore.
5. Methods of Evaluating Outcomes:
5.1. Grade Distribution:
Final Exam
Midterm Exam
Lab Homeworks (6@7%)
20%
20%
42%
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Homepage Project
Roll Calls
Class Participation
Total
10%
5%
3%
100%
At the end of the quarter, the following grading scales will be used to assign letter grades. No
additional work will be accepted for "extra credit" or "grade improvement."
Above 92.5% = A (4.0)
82.49 - 80.0% = B- (2.7)
69.99 - 67.5% = D+ (1.3)
92.49 - 90.0% = A- (3.7)
79.99 - 77.5% = C+ (2.3)
67.49 - 62.5% = D (1.0)
89.99 - 87.5% = B+ (3.3)
77.49 - 72.5% = C (2.0)
62.49 - 60.0% = D- (0.7)
87.49 - 82.5% = B (3.0)
72.49 - 70.0% = C- (1.7)
Below 60.0% = F (0.0)
Warning: For your convenience, your grade report will be posted on instructor’s web page
identified by the last 5 digits of your Student ID. If you do not want your grade posted
on the web page along with the other students in your class. Please send an e-mail
message to <eli@calpoly.edu> to request it be removed from the on-line grade report.
If you do not send me a request for removal before the 3rd week of class, your grade
will be automatically posted on the web.
5.2. Final Exam (20%) and Midterm (20%):
Final Exam, which counts 20% of the total grade, is a close-everything, comprehensive exam that
covers all materials that have been discussed since the first day of class. The format and coverage
of this exam are the same as those of the Midterm Exam.
The Midterm Exam will be held and it counts 20% of the total grade. The date of midterm exam is
indicated in the "TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE." The exam is a close-everything exam that
covers all materials that have been discussed since the first day of class. These materials include the
textbook readings, case studies, lecture notes, lecture supplement, and class discussion. The format
and style of multiple-choice questions is available on BUS391 website.
The exams are all closed books and closed notes. Please purchase 2 scantron sheets (Form #882)
and use it to answer the multiple-choice questions in each exam.
5.3. Microcomputer Laboratory (42%):
(1) Required Laboratory Materials:
You should purchase before the first lab session one blank USB flash disk of 128MB or more.
Please use a stick-on external label to label the disk as "BUS 391 Lab Data." Please also put
down your name and phone# in case you lose it. This disk is for your backup purpose. When
you work on your lab assignments, you must copy your files to the Windows Desktop
Screen and work from there. Be sure to copy them back to your disk when you quit the
program and leave the room. Most importantly, you must click to eject the disk before
removing it from the USB port. Otherwise, you might lose your file.
(2) Laboratory Homeworks (42%):
You will be assigned with 6 microcomputer laboratory homeworks. Each homework counts
7% of the total grade. The laboratory homework assignments, the submission policy, and the
scoring standards are listed in "COMPUTER LAB ASSIGNMENTS." All homeworks are due
by 5:00pm on the due date. The due dates for these homeworks are listed in the "TENTATIVE
COURSE SCHEDULE" at the end of this handout.
5.4. Website Project (10%):
You are required to develop a homepage website containing four homepages (Home, Work History,
Favorites, and Feedback) using FrontPage2000. Your pages must be store in your Cal Poly Unix
account, not on an ISP website. If you do not have such an account, please visit BUS 391 homepage
at <http://www.cob.calpoly.edu/~eli/bus391> and following the instruction to create your own
UNIX account. The contents of your homepages must include a horizontal frame of navigation bar
(10%), a vertical frame of navigation bar (10%), two or more scanned pictures (10%), a hyperlink to
another useful site, a table containing your brief work history (10%), a feedback form containing
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radio buttons, check buttons, and text area (10%), and most of all, you must put your name as the
author at the bottom of each webpage (10%). Other errors such as broken links or images will lose
5% each.
Your homepage project is due by the last week of our class. No printout is required. Please send me
an email at eli@calpoly.edu to tell me your HTTP address so that I can visit your web site. You may
also show me your web pages during our lab hours.
5.5. Roll Calls (5%):
The will be 5 roll calls made during the course each counts 1%. Anyone who misses 3 or more roll
calls will receive an “F” for the course unless the absences are uncontrollable and approved by the
instructor. Moreover, an excuse absence will receive only 50% of the attendance credit.
5.6. Class Participation (3%):
You are expected to attend each class on time with the assigned readings prepared in advance, and
to contribute to the class discussion, either by starting the discussion or building on the contribution
of others to move the discussion forward. The sharing of your experience and insights is a key part
of the leaning process. To build on the contribution of others requires you to listen and to consider
the timing of your participation.
The quality and frequency of your contribution will be taken into account in the grading cheme, and
will include the quality of your responses when cold called. You will be evaluated after every class
session using the following criteria. Please note that contributions are NOT equivalent to only
attending class or talking in class. The quality of what is said, and of one's listening and responding
to others, are important components of my evaluation.
Excellent Participation (A): (1) regularly initiates class discussions; (2) contributes consistently to
class discussions; (3) regularly gives indication of substantial preparation and insights; (4)
frequently facilitates others in clarifying and developing their own viewpoints; (5) regularly builds
on the thinking of others and integrates that thinking into own contributions to produce a larger
synergistic understanding of the issues being discussed.
Good Participation (B): (1) frequently initiates class discussions; (2) contributes consistently to
class discussions; (3) regularly gives indication of substantial preparation and insights; (4)
occasionally facilitates others in clarifying and developing their own viewpoints.
Fair Participation (C): (1) occasionally initiates class discussions; (2) contributes occasionally to
class discussions; (3) gives indication of some preparation and insights; (4) almost never responds
constructively to the contribution of others.
Poor Participation (D): (1) never, or almost never, initiates class discussions; (2) never, or almost
never, contributes to class discussions; (3) is late for, does not attend, or is not prepared for 3 or
more classes; (4) actively inhibits or impedes the course of discussion; (5) exhibits defensive
behavior such as aggression or withdrawal, rather than being thoughtful and considerate of others'
ideas.
Failing Participation (F): (1) never, or almost never, initiates class discussions; (2) never, or almost
never, contributes to class discussions; (3) is late for, does not attend, or is not prepared for 6 or
more classes; (4) actively inhibits or impedes the course of discussion; (5) exhibits defensive
behavior such as aggression or withdrawal, rather than being thoughtful and considerate of others'
ideas.
6. What I Expect From Students:
 Attend every class on time unless there is an emergency
 Arrive to class well fed, well rested, and prepared to participate actively in class discussions
 Read the assigned text material before attending lectures
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
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Read all cases and think about the issues raised
Come to see more during office hours if you have any trouble at all with the material. Please do
not wait until the day before an exam. It is best to clear up any misunderstandings as early as
possible.
If a mistake in grading occurs, please see me about it immediately. (Whining is not permitted)
7. What Students Can Expect From Me:
 I will explain the course objectives carefully.
 I will do my best to explain the material clearly and precisely.
 I will be available for students during office hours, by phone, or through email – I strongly
encourage students to visit me during office hours or by appointment to clarify concepts or
methods.
 I will encourage participation and try to make the class dynamic.
 I will construct fair exams.
 I will grade examinations and assignments fairly.
 I will encourage you to ask questions openly and without fear of embarrassment.
 I will provide an opportunity for you to make suggestions for improvements to the class.
8. The following is a pretty standard definition of letter grades and their significance:
A: Outstanding (student’s performance is genuinely excellent)
B: Very Good (student’s performance is clearly commendable but not necessarily outstanding)
C: Good (student’s performance meets every course requirement and is acceptable or good, though
not distinguished)
D: Below Average (student’s performance fails to meet course objectives and standards)
F: Failure (student’s performance is unacceptable)
Optional Tutorials:
 EXCEL 2003: To help your get the basics of Excel 2003, you could work the following six
tutorials on your own time.
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC012005461033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC061079311033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC011055061033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC011212161033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010919231033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010136191033
o
 ACCESS 2003: To help your get the basics of Access 2003, you could work the following six
tutorials on your own time.
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC061181381033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010776611033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010162551033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010341371033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC101178791033
o http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC010780631033
 HTML: To develop your web site, you need to understand HTML. At the following URL is a
tutorial (one of many on the web) that you can use to understand this language. Please work the
Basic and the Advanced Tutorials.
o http://www.w3schools.com/html/
A note from the Dean’s Office
As part of new AACSB accreditation requirements, the Orfalea College of Business is implementing a
new comprehensive assessment plan. During the quarter you will be asked to submit an assignment to the
STEPS assessment software website https://steps.cob.csuchico.edu/web/ . You will receive further
instructions on the assignment to post and how to post it during the quarter. Please understand that your
willingness to participate in this process is critical to our success. Assessment is not the measurement of
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individual students or faculty, but rather it is an instrument used to determine whether or not students as a
whole are reaching the program’s learning goals.
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Winter 2007
WK
1
DATE
1/8
1/10
2
3
4
1/15
BUS 391 TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
v.01/08/07
JOBDUE
READING*
TOPICS*
1,T1
Introduction
V.d.1-- The history of computer.**
4,14
(1) The Framework of MIS & CBIS.
V.d.2-- Internet and data communications
PC lab - WWW & HTML.
Academic holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
1/17
5,B1,B2
1/22
6,7,T4
1/24
8
1/29
HW-1
1/31
5
2/5
18,
HW-2
2/7
6
7
18,T2
13,B7
2/12
HW-3
2/14
EXAM
2/19
20
20
2/21
8
2/26
HW-4
2/28
9
3/5
12,B5
HW-5
3/7
10
19,B9,B10
10,B3,15,B6
11,B4,16,B8
3/12
HW-6
9
3/14
Website
2,3
3/19
1010-1300 (03-306) for
Section 05
1310-1600 (03-213) for
Sections 01 and 03
(2) CBIS & managerial activities.
(3) Business model and processes
PC lab - Frontpage. ***
(4) Database approach to information management.
PC lab - ACCESS-1.***
(5) Data warehouse for enterprise management
PC lab - ACCESS-2.
(6) Client/Server computing.
PC lab - ACCESS-3.
(6) Client/Server computing.
PC lab - ACCESS-4.
(7) Network design factors.
PC lab - ACCESS-5.
(8) Internet and its impact on businesses
PC lab - ACCESS-6.
(9) Starting an e-business
PC lab - Review.
MIDTERM EXAM - - close everything and cover
chapters 1,4,5,6,7,8,18,B1,B2,T1,T2,T4, Topics
1,2,3,4,5,6a.
PC lab – None.
(9) Starting an e-business
PC lab - EXCEL-1.
(10) Business system planning
(11) Example of IS planning
PC lab - EXCEL-2.
(12) TQM in software development process
PC lab - EXCEL-3.
(13) Enterprise resource planning
PC lab - EXCEL-4.
(14) Supply chain management
PC lab - EXCEL-5.
(15) Customer relationship management
PC lab - EXCEL-6.
(16) Business applications of neural network
PC lab – FrontPage.
(17) Information systems for competitive advantage
V.d.3-- Integrated solution with technology.
FINAL EXAM - - close everything and comprehensive,
focusing on chapters
2,3,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,19,20,B3,B4,B5,B6,B7,B8,B9,
B10, Topics 6b,7,8,9,10,12,13,14,16.
* Readings of book chapters in Haag, et al. (2006).
** V.d. indicates Video Discussion.
*** Module-project in the corresponding Shelly and Cashman's books.
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