Online Syllabus
MC 516
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
6 Credit Hours (3 Credit Hours in the M.B.A. Program)
Effective: July 2008
Term: Summer 2007/2008
Instructor: PhDr. Erik Kubicka, M.B.A.
E-mail: ekubicka@vsm.sk
REQUIRED RESOURCES
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2004). Management information systems: Managing the digital
firm (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Research Paper Guide. (2004). Trenčín, Slovakia: City University.
Access to a personal computer and the Internet is required. All written assignments must be wordprocessed and in APA style. Students must visit Bulletin Board http://www.vsm.sk/en/students/ at least
3 times a week.
Copyright 2008 by Vysoká škola manažmetu/City University of Seattle
All rights reserved.
MC 516
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
This document provides an overview of the course foundation elements, assignments, schedules, and
activities. For information about general City University policies, please see the City University catalog. If
you have additional questions about the course, please contact your instructor.
Notification to Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and you require certain help, please contact the Associate Dean as
soon as possible.
SCHOLASTIC HONESTY
City University of Seattle expects each student to do his/her own work. The University has "zero
tolerance" for cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration on assignments and papers, using "notes"
during exams, submitting someone else's work as one's own, submitting work previously submitted for
another course, or facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others. The penalties are severe! A first
offense can result in a zero grade for the course and suspension for one quarter; a second offense can
result in a zero grade for the course and suspension for two or more quarters; a third offense can result in
expulsion from the University. The Policy and Procedures may be found at http://cityuniversity.t7.iway.sk/en/students/scholastic-honesty/policies-and-procedures/ or www.cutn.sk/SH.
In addition to providing your work to the instructor for grading, you must also submit an electronic copy
for the City University of Seattle archives (unless the work is specifically exempted by the instructor).
You will not receive a grade for particular work until and unless you submit this electronic copy. The
procedure for submitting work to the archives is to upload it via the website http://bb.cutn.sk/cgibin/new_upload.pl or www.cutn.sk/Upload. Files should include the cover page of the work with the
student name, instructor name, course name and number, and date. File names should indicate the type of
assignment, such as “researchpaper.doc”, “casestudy.doc” or “thesis.doc” (student name should not be a
part of the file name because the system adds it). All files received into the archives are submitted to
www.TurnItIn.com for plagiarism checking.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Information technology must be employed strategically in order to improve the organization’s efficiency,
effectiveness, and profitability. Today, information systems provide most of the communication tools that
organizations need for managing businesses on a global scale. To be effective in a worldwide market,
managers need to be familiar with the powerful communication and information tools available to them.
MC 516 offers a framework that can be used to examine technology needs with an emphasis on satisfying
business objectives.
Specifically, the roles of information and information processing in support of the organization’s strategic
processes will be explored. Students will develop a manager’s view of information systems. The focus is
on information-based decision making and managing information technology with the goal of
continuously improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability of the organization.
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 2
Eff: 7/08
LEARNING GOALS
Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. Discuss the role of information systems in enterprises, including the digital firm;
2. Utilize the concepts of e-commerce and e-business in support of business initiatives;
3. Evaluate the suitability of various configurations of hardware, software, databases, and
telecommunications to solve business problems;
4. Evaluate the uses of the Internet and intranets for business;
5. Evaluate the potential impact of new information technology on business processes;
6. Explain the importance of protecting organizational information technology resources and list
strategies for providing that protection;
7. Examine the ethical issues pertaining to managing information systems in terms of intellectual
property, privacy, and security;
8. Discuss information systems security and control;
9. Develop strategies for managing information technology to obtain a competitive advantage;
10. Compare and contrast the activities in each of the phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle;
11. Evaluate types management systems, including DSS, MIS, and ESS;
12. Explain technical opportunities for global value chains.
CORE CONCEPTS
To achieve the goals of this course, you will need to master the following core concepts:
1. Management of digital firms;
2. Types of information systems available in business today;
3. Integration of information systems, organizations, management, and strategy;
4. Electronic commerce;
5. Electronic business;
6. Managing hardware assets;
7. Managing software assets;
8. Managing data resources;
9. Telecommunications and networks;
10. The Internet and the new Information Technology infrastructure;
11. Redesigning the organization with information systems;
12. Understanding the business value of systems;
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 3
Eff: 7/08
13. Managing change;
14. Managing knowledge;
15. Enhancing management decision making;
16. Information systems security and control;
17. Ethical and social impact of information systems;
18. Managing international information systems.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES
As a City University student, you have access to library resources regardless of where and how you are
taking this class. To access the resources necessary to complete your coursework and assignments, visit
the library menu in the My.CityU portal at http://my.cityu.edu and the CU Slovakia library home page at
http://www.cutn.sk/.
A good place to begin your research is through the program or course resource sections that provide links
to relevant journals, books, and Web sites. Search the library's online catalog to locate books and videos,
and place requests to have items mailed to you (services vary by location). Search the online databases for
journal, magazine, and newspaper articles. Articles that are not available full text in the library's collection
can be requested from other libraries and delivered to you electronically.
For additional help, submit your question via the Ask a Librarian e-mail service available through
the portal.
PRINT RESOURCES
Amor, D. (2002). E-business (r)evolution. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Bandyopadhyay, N. (2001). Computing for non-specialists. NY: Addison-Wesley.
Haag, S., & Baltzan, P., & Phillips, A. (2006). Business Driven Technology. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
McNurlin, B., & Sprague, R. Jr. (2002). Information systems management in practice (5th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Rosenfeld, L, & Morville, P. (1998). Information architecture for the World Wide Web.
Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly & Associates.
Turban, E., McLean, E., & Wetherbe, J. (2001). Information technology for management—
Transforming business in the Digital economy. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Journals and Periodicals
BYTE
C/O
Datamation
Forbes
Harvard Business Review
Information Week
Modern Office Technology
PC/Computing
PC Magazine
PC Week
Systems Integration
Technology Review
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 4
Eff: 7/08
OVERVIEW OF COURSE ACTIVITIES AND GRADING
The grade you receive for the course will be derived using City University’s decimal grading system,
based on the following:
Assignment
Student Introductory Assignment (SIA)
Discussion Assignments
Case Analysis
Research Paper
Final Exam
TOTAL
Percentage of the overall grade
0%
20%
20%
25%
35%
100%
Please see the current City University catalog or consult your instructor for guidance in determining your
decimal grade.
EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
STUDENT INTRODUCTORY ASSIGNMENT
City University requires that you submit a Student Introductory Assignment (SIA). This SIA must be
completed during the first week of your course. The SIA consists of introducing yourself in the Discussion
Forum titled: Student Introductory Assignment. It is designed to begin the online class experience by
letting us know you are in class and facilitating interaction. It is due at the end of the first week. Even
though this assignment is not graded, it is required in order for you to continue your course. Your
instructor will notify CU/VSM at the end of the first week as to whether or not you completed your SIA.
ONLINE DISCUSSION
A discussion topic from your instructor appears in the discussion forum in the current week. You are to
post at least twice - your answer as well as a reaction to your colleagues’ post to the discussion forum by
the end of each session. The forum is to help promote student-to-student discussion. The instructor will
not be responding to each posting. If you have a question or comment that is specifically for your
instructor, email your instructor directly. Although the tone of your discussion board postings can be
informal, your instructor will expect them to be on a professional level. In other words, your comments
and questions for discussion should be clear and thoughtful, with correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation. As with written assignments, the quality of your discussion postings will be graded on both
content and presentation. University scholastic honesty principles and policies apply.
Grading Criteria for Online Participation
Quality of response
Quantity of appropriate responses (2 per topic)
TOTAL
50%
50%
100%
CASE STUDY
A case analysis is designed to help you sharpen your analytical skills. The strongest way to analyze a case
is to apply a variation of the scientific method. This method of analysis is simply a logical approach that
usually includes the seven steps outlined below.
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 5
Eff: 7/08
Step 1: Problem Definition
A case seldom involves one clear-cut problem. Your task is to:
 Determine the symptoms which require immediate attention.
 Identify the fundamental issues and causal factors giving rise to these symptoms.
It is important to separate the immediate problems from their more basic sources. For example, the
immediate problem may be a high rate of absenteeism, while the more fundamental issue may be a poor
motivational climate. How you define a problem determines how you go about solving it. A short-term
solution for absenteeism is likely to be different from solutions which attempt to deal with motivational
climate. Be sure to identify both the symptom and, more importantly, its underlying cause.
Step 2: Justification for Problem Definition
In this step you need to review the information you have about the problem. You may need to make some
inferences to fill in gaps. Clearly label what is inference and what is factual. Do not be afraid to assume,
but clearly state the assumptions you are making. You should make assumptions on the basis of your
knowledge of typical managerial practices, and they should be consistent with the facts about the case,
even though your facts may be somewhat limited. Managerial decisions are often based on limited
information. In fact, practicing managers find that many of their decisions have to be made quickly on the
basis of limited information.
Step 3: List Alternative Courses of Action
Be creative. Jot down ideas as they come to you. List as many ideas as you can without evaluating them or
censoring anything. You can always cross them out later. The point is to let your imagination take over.
Step 4: Evaluate Alternatives
Look critically at the alternatives you came up with in Step 3. List advantages and disadvantages of each
alternative in terms of criteria that seem appropriate.
Step 5: Review
Reread your notes and think. This may be a good time to let the case sit for a while. Get back to it later
when you have a chance to digest all the data.
Step 6: Draw Conclusions, Make Recommendations/Decisions
Select the alternative you would recommend and explain/justify your choice. Include specifics about the
implementation of your recommendation: who should do what, when, and how.
Step 7: Follow Up and Evaluate
Given the limitations of a classroom setting, you cannot implement your recommendation and evaluate its
actual impact. However, in this step you will describe how you would set up an evaluation procedure.
Suggest a timetable and methods for the evaluation process. State who should do the evaluating.
Source: Myers, T., & Myers, G. (1982). Managing by communication: An organizational approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Book.
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 6
Eff: 7/08
Grading Criteria for Case Studies
Integration of course concepts
Completeness of analysis
Logically supported conclusions, recommendations
Sufficient bibliographic support
Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax
TOTAL
20%
30%
25%
15%
10%
100%
Style and format: Your project should be 5-7 pages long. It should be double spaced. Margins, pagination
and spacing should follow the formats prescribed in Research Paper Stylesheet Guide 2004. Sources from
which you borrow ideas or information must be cited using the APA author-date format specified in the
Stylesheet Guide 2004. You will find a copy on the webpage www.cutn.sk/sh/. Sources must include at
least one refereed journal article or other academic publication, such as a monograph.
RESEARCH PAPER
You will investigate a current issue in information systems and evaluate its impact on organizations.
Evaluate the impact on organizations in terms of factors such as cost, development life cycle, information
technology, and competitive advantage.
The Thesis Statement
You must formulate and write a one-sentence, declarative, arguable (thesis) statement which forms the
basis of your proposal. It is recommended that this statement is consulted with your instructor prior to
writing your paper.
The Paper
Components of your paper include: title page, table of content, body and references page. Your instructor
will inform you of other requirements such as length, spacing, etc. All papers must be word-processed.
Sources
Your instructor will stipulate the number and type of sources required. Be certain to use verifiable and
current references. The sources you actually use in your paper should be listed on the reference list which
will be included in the final submission of your paper.
Using Evidence
Supporting your thesis with evidence is central to the task of writing a research paper. Use evidence from
reliable sources to establish the credibility of your paper’s key assertions and arguments before offering
your own insights, assumptions or conclusions. It is assumed that you are not an expert on your topic. It is
through the presentation of material from your expert sources that you support your argument and arrive at
your conclusion. Be sure to make your opinions clearly distinguished from those of the authors you
researched.
Style and Format
APA format is the official reference for style and format of your paper. The University’s standard
reference method is a parenthetical method. See Research Paper Stylesheet Guide 2004 for how to
provide citations in the body of your paper. Ask your instructor for additional details. You must cite the
sources of all ideas, facts, and information you use that are not your own, even if you have put the
information in your own words. Failure to do so is plagiarism, even if the oversight is unintentional.
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 7
Eff: 7/08
Presentation
Each student will prepare a presentation of the research paper. Because of the DL format of this course,
this presentation will be prepared in the form of Micorsoft Powerpoint file and submitted via email along
with the master document.
Grading Criteria for Research Project
Appropriate topic
Clear objectives and thesis
Quality and completeness of arguments to support your views
Appropriateness and depth of research
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax
Presentation
TOTAL
10%
10%
40%
20%
10%
10%
100%
FINAL EXAM
You should be prepared to answer essay questions pertinent to the concepts covered in or suggested by the
course materials, assignments and activities. The review questions will be provided by the instructor a
week before the final test to help you to prepare.
Grading Criteria for the Essay Questions in the Final Test
Demonstration of understanding of the concept
Appropriateness, depth, and support of arguments
Demonstration of analytical, synthetic, and conceptual skills
Organization and logical flow of answers
TOTAL
25%
25%
25%
25%
100 %
Final exams will take place both in Trenčín and Bratislava sites. In case of time conflict, you may use the
CU/VŠM Proctor Center. However, you must inform your instructor about your interest in taking exams
at the Proctor Center before Friday of Week 3. Students who do not inform their instructor on time cannot
use the Proctor Center and must travel to their instructor’s site. If you cannot take the exams in either
Bratislava or Trenčín, you must find a proctor (e.g. local library head, local university instructor), fill out
the Proposed Proctor Approval Request Form and submit the form to your Associate Dean for approval
before Friday, Week 3. Also notify your instructor that you have submitted a proctor form. Proctor forms
submitted after the deadline will not be accepted and you will be required to take the exam with your
instructor.
INFORMATION ABOUT INSTRUCTOR
After finishing the Economic High School (today Business Academy) in Trenčín, he started working in
the field of marketing at the Exhibition Area TMM, from 1993 as a head of business unit. In 1994, he
works in Codea Agency, Ltd. in Bratislava and manages the trade fair Móda Bratislava. He also starts his
studies at City University and his own business activities. After finishing his bachelor studies, he stays
working with City University/Vysoká škola manažmentu in the position of the instructional materials
coordinator. He is the co-author of the City University Textbook Information System. In 1999, he is taking
over the position of the community program coordinator. He cooperated on the development of the
curriculum for this program. After finishing his M.B.A studies in 2001, he becomes the associate dean
managing the academic operations at the campus in Bratislava (800 students, 60 employees, 5 academic
and preparatory programs) in 2003. He was a member of the internal accreditation team that successfully
completed the Slovak accreditation of the university’s bachelor and master programs. He cooperated on
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 8
Eff: 7/08
the project of the academic department restructuring (katedra system). In 2005, he obtained the doctorate
of philosophy degree in management of information systems at the Faculty of Management of the
Comenius University in Bratislava. He teaches courses in management, organizational behavior and
information systems. He teaches management also at the Faculty of Machinery of the Slovak Technical
University in Bratislava. From 2006, he manages own business consulting firm.
RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE
The schedule for course activities and assignments is below. If you find you are unable to complete the
assignments as scheduled, contact your instructor. Your instructor may elect to adjust the outline to meet
the unique needs of the class.
SESSION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
READINGS
Managing the digital firm
Information Systems in the enterprise
SIA: What Do You Expect from This Course?
Information Systems, organizations, management, and strategy
The digital firm: Electronic businesses and electronic commerce
Online Discussion: Changing Scope of Management Information
Systems
Ethnical and social issues in the digital firm
IT infrastructure and Platforms
Due: Proctor Information
Managing data resources
Online Discussion: Database Management
Telecommunications, networks, and the internet
Wireless networking
Online Discussion: Types of Management Information Systems
Due: Case Study and Research Paper Topics
Security and control
Enterprise Applications and business process integration
Online Discussion: Knowledge Management
Managing knowledge
Enhancing decision making
Due: Case Study (August 17, 2008)
Redesigning the organization with IS
Understanding the business value of systems and managing change
Online Discussion: Development of Information Systems
Managing international information systems
Online Discussion: Security Issues
Due: Questions for Final Exam Preparation
Review and Preparation for the Final Exam
Date: Final Exam (to be specified during the course)
Due: Research Paper (September 7, 2008)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
MC 516V
Online SYL
Page 9
Eff: 7/08
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16