IMS 3253: Course Introduction
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ISM 3253
Dr. Larry West
http://systems.bus.ucf.edu/lwest
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
1
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Course Topics
• ISM 3253 — MIS Techniques*
– “Computer programming for users and developers
of management information systems" (UCF
Undergraduate Catalog)
• Developers—Pretty clear why they should be
here
• Users—Why should users be in this course?
* This is a very old course title. Course title in the
process of being updated to:
“Introduction to business computer programming”
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
2
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Prerequisites
• CGS 2100 or other accepted computer
competency course
• ISM 3011
– Business majors and minors only
– May be taken concurrently
• See me after class today if you do not meet these
prerequisites
This course is designed for students with
no programming background.
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
3
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Computer Programs and MIS
• What are computer programs?
• What are the other elements of a computer
system (especially a business information
system)?
• What is necessary for a computer program to be
an effective part of an information system?
For a long time it puzzled me how something so expensive, so leading
edge, could be so useless, and then it occurred to me that a computer is
a stupid machine with the ability to do incredibly smart things, while
computer programmers are smart people with the ability to do
incredibly stupid things. They are, in short, a perfect match.
(Bill Bryson)
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
4
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Computer Programs and MIS (cont.)
• Where else can you study computer
programming in the UCF curriculum?
– … and what other kinds of institutions offer
computer programming instruction?
• What do you expect to be different about
studying programming in the Business School?
• We are not training you to become computer
programmers
– So why are you here?
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
5
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
The Business of Computer Systems
• How would an economist regard a computer
system?
• What would an accountant call the same system?
• How do computer systems affect Marketing?
• How would Human Resources departments deal
with computer systems?
• Can computer systems be strategic?
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
6
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What’s Different About this Course
• To succeed in this course you must perform the
same tasks you will perform on the job as an MIS
professional
– Understand problems and design solutions
– Translate specifications from someone else into a
finished requirement
– Learn techniques with some learning on your own
– Recognize how to adapt techniques learned for
one use to another similar use
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
7
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What’s Different About this Class (cont.)
• You have no right to a good grade in this class,
even if you show up every day
• You are responsible for understanding the
material, memorizing it just won’t work
• You are responsible for managing your efforts
– Backing up your projects
– Having time to coordinate with the instructor
– Planning time to study and complete the projects
• You must have time to use the lab or your own
computer for projects
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
8
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What’s Different About this Course (cont.)
• While the class has lots of theory in it the theory
is all applied
• Your programs either work or they don’t
• Your design is either appropriate or it has flaws
• I will evaluate you as if you worked for me and
your work becomes part of what I give my boss
You are past the general background part
of your educations now
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
9
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
How to Succeed . . .
• Don’t see memorization as the goal
– Allow knowledge to embed itself through use
– Be able to recognize why a step is used or
suggested
• Thoroughly understand the problem you are
dealing with — be able to solve it with pencil and
paper before you attempt to implement the
solution
• Allow adequate time to complete assignments
• Allow adequate time to get help from the
instructor when you are stuck
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
10
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
How to Succeed (cont.)
• Practice techniques we cover in class right away
• Coordinate with the instructor
• Get the fundamental skills under control early
– Practice
– Experiment
• Attend the Lab! ! !
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
11
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What I’m Assuming About You
• You understand basic Windows tasks
– Editing
– Saving, opening, copying, moving, and deleting
files
• You have time in your schedule to complete the
assignments and work with your group
• You understand how to use e-mail and the Web or
will learn quickly
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
12
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What I'm Assuming About You (cont.)
• You have access to computer and software
– See “Textbook” link on course page
• You must check out and install the software
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
13
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
What You Can Assume About Me
• I understand this material
• I won’t try to trick you
• I want you to succeed
• I will give you the grade you earn
• I will be available to you as described in the
syllabus except for announced absences
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
14
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Grading
Points
Grade
Points
Grade
Points
Grade
92 +
A
80 +
B-
68 +
D+
89 +
A-
78 +
C+
62 +
D
87 +
B+
70 +
C
60 +
D-
82 +
B
69 +
C-
< 60
F
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
15
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Grading Weights
Exams
50% Two midterms and final exam. All exams are open
book and open note but computers may not be used
during exams.
Programs 50% Six programming assignments. See syllabus and
course schedule
HW 1
HW 2
HW 3
5%
5%
10%
HW 4
HW 5
HW 6
10%
10%
10%
Look at the impact of not turning in a homework
assignment!!!
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
16
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Last Semester's Grade Distribution
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
10
1
5
2
4
7
5
3
8
Weak exam scores, mixed HW scores
Very weak exams, lower HW scores
Each had one missing HW
7 did not take final, 8th had 4 missing HW
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
17
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Individual Work
• All work in this class is individual—there are no
group or collaborative assignments
• You must read my policy on authorized and
unauthorized collaboration (see link in the
syllabus)
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
18
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Admin Stuff
• Attendance
• About the text books and software
• Using the Web Site
• Using e-mail
• Registering
• Lab Overview
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
19
IMS 3253: Course Introduction
Write this
down!
ISM 3253
Dr. Larry West
http://systems.bus.ucf.edu/lwest
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
Dr. Lawrence West, MIS Dept., University of Central Florida
lwest@bus.ucf.edu
20