MBUS 626 – Cohort (Fall 2015)
Information Systems – Theory and Practice
Professor:
Class time:
E-mail:
Office:
Office hour:
Required text:
Dr. Jason Chen
Cyber Space
chen@jepson.gonzaga.edu
Cyber space
Cyber space
1. (Main Text) Pearlson, K.E. and Saunders, C.S, Managing and Using Information
Systems, Wiley, 2013 (5th edition) ; ISBN 978-1-118-28173-4
2. A package of Harvard Business School Case Studies
Instruction on ordering Case Study:
You should register an account at http://hbsp.harvard.edu (as “student” under “Higher Education
Individual”) before you can purchase the case package
To access your CoursePack, students will need to do the following:
1. Open or "Login/Register" Harvard Business Publishing page at: http://hbsp.harvard.edu/
2. Confirm your CoursePack Course title and Selection (e.g., of “Information Systems (mbus626-TRBFall 2015)”) and complete the purchase and printing the cases, or,
3. Visit Coursepack link at https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/38681995
Additional Readings and Cases: Class handouts as needed.
Course Description and Goals
This course is designed to provide the current and future managers with understanding and appreciation of the issues
that are related to the organization’s information technology assets. The course is not to educate technical
specialists, rather, it is to give students a managerial perspective on the use of, design of, and evaluations of
information systems that exist in organizations today. The objective of this course is to prepare students to manage
information services in both today’s and tomorrow’s environment with its managerial, social, political, ethical and
global issues.
Organization of the Course
The course is organized as follows: You will learn the fundamental concepts of MIS and its related topics during the
first three weeks. You will take the first exam and then focus on the advanced “core” MIS contents using main MIS
text and a package of case study from Harvard Business School. An AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) software
will be introduced for improving multiple objective decision making. Final group project should be proposed and
implemented based on AHP.
Conduct of the Course
All students are expected to read the assigned materials (text, end-of-chapter discussion questions (DQ) and HB case
studies) before coming to the (virtual) class. Some days we will discuss the materials in the text book. You are
expected to be prepared to actively participate in this discussion, answering questions such as “What are the issues
involved in ...?”, “What do the authors mean by ...?”, and “Give an example of...?”
The second use of (virtual) class time will be group presentation on the selected cases from the case study package.
You will be assigned a group and conduct the case studies with your group member(s). These students (the case
leaders) will pose questions such as:
▪
▪
▪
▪
What is the competitive situation in which the company finds itself?
What issues are raised in the case?
What is the nature of the problem or opportunity presented in the case?
What do you think the company should do?
▪
▪
What the group recommends.
Update of the company’s situation and advances in technology discussed in the case. (Most of the
companies discussed can be found on the WWW. Although you will seldom find "the answer" on the Web,
you can find current information about the company.)
E-mail Communication – All e-mail communications with me should bear the course and section number (viz:
MBUS626-Cohort) in the subject line, without which the e-mail is likely to be unread. Furthermore, you should
include “Dr. Chen” and “your full name” at the beginning and end of the content of each email respectively.
Academic Honesty Policy: The academic honesty policy in the Gonzaga University’s student handbook (p. 145)
states that dishonest activities such as cheating, fabrication and plagiarism carry penalties that could lead to severe
penalties. Should you have any doubt regarding a course of conduct, don’t hesitate to inquire of me for guidance on
addressing the situation. Furthermore, all class assignments (everything) you turned in must be “Original Work”
for this class only” – it means that they are not from someone else or from your other class this semester or
before and is considered a violation of “Honesty Policy”.
Internet Resources:
Class materials are available on the Blackboard (http://blackboard.gonzaga.edu). It is the students’ responsibility to
study and check the information on the Internet. Students are also required to participate the Discussion Board on
the Blackboard during the specified period since it is also considered as part of your class performance.
QUIZZES:
You will take a quiz for each chapter (from the main text ONLY) during a designated period. These quizzes will
contain true-false and/or multiple choice questions. Each quiz normally has 11 questions (10 possible points with 1
point bonus) and you should complete it within the time limit (usually 15 minutes; however, you should be able to
complete it in about 10 minutes if you read/prepare the chapter well) on every midnight Sunday. There will be 11
quizzes this semester. Quizzes are available under ‘Tests & Quizzes’ button on the Bb. The rules of taking
tests/quizzes are:
(1) Students are NOT allowed to take this assessment multiple times. Therefore, you should use a computer with
reliable/stable internet connection. To be fair to all students and with the nature of online quiz (and you have all
control at your end), a zero point will be assigned if you lost Internet connection.
(2) Students must complete all online assessments the first time they are launched (including exams)
(3) Time limit: 15 minutes for every quiz.
(4) There will be 1 point off for every 15 seconds of exceeding specified time limit.
EXAMS:
There will be one mid-term exam and a comprehensive final. The type of exam will be left up to the instructor. It
may be objective, software package books (Exam I), essay, powerpoint files, videos, case problem and others -- all
can appear on the exams Your instructor will specify the format before the exam. No credit will be received if you
miss an exam unless you have permission from the instructor and/or obtain a University-approved absence.
CASE STUDY AND PRESENTATION:
Each team should write a case report in Word format and prepare a powerpoint file for each assigned (group) case
study and email both files with attachments to the instructor. For example, if you are in Group2 and working on
Southwest Airline case, you should name the files as “MBUS626-AIE-G2-Southwest Airlines.doc” and
“MBUS626-AIE-G2-Southwest Airlines.ppt” respectively and include “MBUS626-AIE-G2-Southwest Airlines” in
the “Subject” line. Furthermore, both group # and students’ names should be appeared on the cover page of the
report and powerpoint file.
POLICY and GRADING on Group Project/Presentation:
All the group members will receive the same grade as you received on the report except those do not contribute their
time and efforts on the team work. You will also be evaluated based on the survey from your team members. The
group leader or the majority of the group members should report the project progress to the instructor in case that
there is (are) major problem(s) in your group.
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-2
Grading Policy and Evaluation
Your grade will depend on five factors: (NO late assignments will be accepted, consequently, you will be assigned a
zero if you turn in late without the instructor’s permission)
Preparation and participation on Blackboard ………………………
10%
AHP project (A Multi-Objective Decision Making Technique) ….. 5%
EXAM I
……………………………………….
16%
Online Quizzes
……………………………………….
11%
Social Media Case: PlentyofFish (Individual) …………………….
8%
Case Studies – group (4 @ 7%) …………..…………………….
28%
(including powerpoint and report files)
Final Exam
……………………………………….
22%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL 100%
Please note that
1. All assignments due on every midnight Sunday except announced with another date.
2. NO incomplete grade will be assigned unless you obtain a permission from the instructor in advance.
GRADE RANGES:
A
BD+
93% and above
82%
68%
AC+
D
90%
79%
65%
B+
C
87%
75%
B
C-
85%
71%
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-3
MBUS 626 – Cohort TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (8/20/2015)
[Week]
Date
[1] Sep. 1Sep.6
[2] Sep 7Sep 13
[3] Sep 14 –
Sep 20
[4] Sep 21 –
Sep 27
(Chapter) Topics and Activities
1. MIS Review (ppt)
2. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
3. complete DQ [Pre 1]
1. E-Commerce and Supply Chain Systems
(pptx) and research their related topics
2 complete DQ [Pre 2]
3. Video (Cloud Computing)
1.Why study case?
2. ch-Introduction and ch01 The Information
Systems Strategy Triangle
3. Video (Sixsense and Binary Numbers)
ch02. Strategic Use of Information Resources
HBS Case
FORM GROUPS
[5] Sep 28–
Oct 4
[6] Oct 5 –
Oct 11
Work on Southwest Airlines case
[7] Oct 12 –
Oct 18
ch03. Organizational Impacts of Information
Systems
Topic 1 (Extra): Four Actions Framework
Discussion Question (from Bb)
2. Video (World is Flat – by Thomas Friedman
at MIT)
http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/519)
ch04. Information Systems and the Design of
Work
ch05 Information Systems for Managing
Business Process (focus on DBQ and
Reengineering)
Discussion Question (from Bb)
EXAM I
[8] Oct 19 –
Oct. 25
[9] Oct. 26 –
Nov. 1
[10] Nov 2 –
Nov 8
[11] Nov. 9
– Nov 15
Campus visit (Friday, Oct. 9)
1. present SWA case (group pres)
2. mini-case (Case Study 2-2: ZIP CAR; p.7475)
3. Online research any topics related to “The
World is Flat”.
ch06-Architecture and Infrastructure
Ch12 Using Information Ethically
Discussion Question (from Bb)
ch08 Governance of the IS Organization
ch09- Information Systems Sourcing
HW/Case/Project Assigned
1. DQ: [Pre 1] MIS General
Concept
HW/Case/Project
Due
1. Online DQ[Pre
1]
1. DQ: [Pre 2]
MIS/DSS/DBMS
1. Online DQ[Pre
2]
1.Online Q1
CS0: Swimming in the Virtual
Community Pool with
PlentyofFish (you are required
to research the company’s
recent information from the
Internet and complete reading
and write report for
PlentofFish case)-Individual
CS1:SouthWest Airlines 2002
Read the assigned mini-case
and prepare for discussion,
especially, how to map the
case into “IS Triangle
Strategy Model” before
coming to campus
Email to students
CS2:Netflix Leading with
Data: The Emergence of DataDriven Video (2010)
1. Swimming in the
Virtual Community
Pool with
PlentyofFish(due)
2.Online Q2
3. Online DQ2
SouthWest Airlines
2002(Due)
1.Netflix Leading
with Data: The
Emergence of DataDriven Video
(2010)[Due]
2. Online Q3
3. Online DQ3
1. Online Q4, Q5
2. Online DQ4,5
1. Online Q6,Q12
2. Online DQ6,12
1.Online Q8,Q9
2.Online DQ8,9
Discussion Question (from Bb)
[12] Nov
16– Nov. 22
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
NO ASSIGNMENTS – STAY WITH YOUR
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-4
[13] Nov. 23
– Nov. 29
FAMILY and FRIENDS
AHP (A Multi-Objective Decision Making
Technique)
[14] Nov. 30
– Dec. 6
ch10 Managing IT Projects
Discussion Question (from Bb)
[15] Dec 7 –
Dec 13
ch11 Knowledge Management, Bus.
Intelligence, and Analytics;
Case
Discussion Question (from Bb)
[16] Dec 14–
Dec 18
Wrap-up, Project & FINAL EXAM
(ALL assignments and exam are due on
midnight Friday, Dec. 15, Spokane time)
* Note that the number within the [ ] denotes the week number.
CS0: An Individual Case
CS1-CS5: Group cases
1. Read and practice two
handouts (both word and ppt
files).
2. Propose a group project
based on AHP
CS3:Binnj on the Apple iPad
(2011)
CS4:Global Knowledge
Management at Danone
To be announced
Content: Project
scenario, what is
(are) the objectives
and how to achieve
1. Online Q10
2. Online DQ10
3. AHP proposal
due
1. Global
Knowledge
Management at
Danone)[Due]
2. Online Q11
3. Online DQ11
Individual
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-5
Case Study Report Outline (What you have to turn in for each case study, including TWO parts
listed below).
Part I. Write a summary report with the following outline (but not limited to):
1) Executive Summary
2) What is the competitive situation in which the company find itself?
3) What is the nature of the problem or opportunity presented in the case?.
4) Draw and describe how can the Information Systems Strategy Triangle be employed in the case
5) What is your recommendation to the management team for improving the company’s competitive advantage?
6) What lesson(s) have you learned from the case?
Part II. Answers the following questions (make sure you should list the question follows by your answer)
CASE STUDY--CS0: Swimming in the Virtual Community Pool with PlentyofFish (2008)
1. What is the nature of competition in this industry? Describe and explore your answer with the following:
a) Describe the “Revenue Model” normally used in the e-Business industry.
b) What is the “Specific” revenue model adopted by the company?
c) Analyze and describe the PoF competitive industry using “Porter’s Five Competitive Forces Model”.
2. Does Frind have a solid, sustainable business model for PlentyofFish (in other words, was he good or lucky, or
both)? Describe and illustrate your answer with the following:
a) What are and should be his strategic goals for the business going forward? (Hint: your answer should be
analyzed based on three alternatives – what are they?)
b) Which alternative is the best one for Frind and why?
3. Based on the findings/answers stated from (2) above, what is the best model going forward? Describe and explain
your answer clearly and thoroughly.
a) Continue with a free site
b) Expand traffic (more members, more page views, more countries or niches)
c) Expand offerings (different products and services)
d) Offer subscriptions at one or more service levels.
4. What Information Technology (IT) should he invest in for the site? (Hint: Cost/Benefit analysis)
a) SQL/SERVER (2005) SQL/SERVER (2008) or Oracle? Open source? Why?
b) More servers, more staff to perform the functions currently performed by members?
CASE STUDY--CS1: Southwest Airlines:
1. How does this company make money even when other airlines don't? What are the most
important contributors to its financial success?
2. How should management respond to the fact that Southwest Airlines has fallen to next-to-last
place among major airlines in on-time performance as of September, 2002?
3. Once operations are fully stabilized, would you recommend to the management of the airline
that it resume its historic growth rate of from 10% to 15% per year? Why?
4. If you would recommend a resumption of previous growth rates, what form should this
growth take? For example, should it be achieved within the current network or through an
expanded network? By means of a greater proportion of long-haul flights (over three hours in
length) or not? Why?
5. If you would not recommend a resumption of previous growth rates, how would you suggest
dealing with the consequences of reduced growth, whatever they may be?
6. What are the implications for Southwest of the actual or threatened bankruptcies of other
major U.S. airlines?
7. What is IS/IT role played in the case?
8. Why is the profit of the Southwest Airlines dropped recently? (in year 2006).
CASE STUDY-CS2: Netflix Leading with Data: The Emergence of Data-Driven Video
1. In its competition with Netflix, where did Blockbuster go wrong? How was the use of customer data a key
differentiator? How might Blockbuster have better positioned itself against Netflix?
2. What were the core competencies/capabilities of Netflix’s current business model?
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-6
3. What effects will the rise of the Video on Demand (VOD) market likely have on Netflix’s
business model? How does VOD threaten Netflix’s business? What opportunities does it present?
4. Which of Netflix’s current competencies can it best leverage as a competitive advantage in
VOD? Which might be liabilities?
5. What kind of partnerships should Netflix prioritize: partnerships with content providers or with hardware/device
manufacturers?
6. What factors led to Redbox’s growth? How and why was it able to capture market already dominated by big
players such as Blockbuster and Netflix? (Extra from the case , you need to do research for this question, especially,
if you do not know “Redbox”)
CASE STUDY—CS3: Binnj on the Apple iPad (2011)
1. What key enablers have allowed Binnj to engage in this “science experiment”?
2. Binnj seems to have embraced the “agile” development approach. In what circumstances might a firm
choose to use the slower, more traditional “waterfall” approach to develop a new system? Also, discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.
3. Since the start of the Binnj science experiment, a plethora of new tablets have been announced
(e.g., from companies such as Research in Motion, Samsung, and Hewlett Packard) has Binnj
chosen the right platform?
4. How should Binnj establish a price for the LiveMenu service?
5. What other revenue opportunities might Binnj create through LiveMenu, in addition to the digital
menu?
CASE STUDY-CS4: Global Knowledge Management at Danone (2008)
1. What are the most important knowledge-management challenges/problems faced by Danone? What does the
company need to do well to succeed?
2. What is your assessment of the Networking Attitude initiative? Is it successful or not successful? Explain and
illustrate its strengths (if successful) or weakness (if not successful) thoroughly
3. Why has Danone used this approach (Networking Attitude)? Would it work for any company?
4. Where should Mougin and Benenati target their energies next regarding knowledge sharing? Which of the three
options they are considering (go wider, go deeper, go richer) do you recommend? Why?
MBUS626 (Cohort) – Information Systems, Page-7