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Course Title: Information Systems: Theory and Practices
Professor:
Dr. Jason C.H. Chen (陳周宏教授)
Class time:
April 14 – April 25, 2014
E-mail:
jasonchencup@gmail.com
Office:
#805
Office hour: to be announced
Required text: 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
Class URL:
http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~chen then mbus626
Requirement: This course is designed specifically to the graduate students in business school at China
University of Petroleum (中国石油大学).
Course Description and Goals
This course is designed to provide the researchers and future managers with understanding and
appreciation of the issues that are related to the organization’s information systems 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. Furthermore, because
Business Intelligence (BI) has become an important agenda for many top executives because they have
become extremely aware of its value in providing a competitive differentiator at all levels of the
organizations, topics such as data warehousing, business analytics and data mining will be also
introduced. A software application for business decision makings such as data mining (Rapid Miner)
may be used for class projects. 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, technical, ethical and
global issues.
Conduct of the Course
All students are expected to read the assigned materials (text, end-of-chapter mini cases with their
discussion questions and HB case studies) before coming to the 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 class time will be group presentation on the selected cases from the case study
package. You will be assigned a group and lead the discussion for this activity. Those of you not
assigned for the case presentation should prepare answers from the questions (on the SSQ) posted on the
web. 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.)
The third use of class time will be for “Information Technology Seminars.” Students (as group) will
discuss and present a particular technology--its history, the current state of the technology, future trends,
and applicability to the modern organization. Details (presentations, deliverables etc.) and potential
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topics are suggested and listed at the end of the syllabus.
You will be graded on your preparation and participation in class discussions, especially when cases are
presented. There might be short quizzes prior to some of the case presentations to assess your
preparedness.
Academic Honesty Policy: The academic honesty policy in the China University of Petroleum shall be
employed and enforced. Any dishonest activities such as cheating, fabrication and plagiarism carry
penalties that could lead to severe penalties. It is considered a violation of “Academic Honesty Policy” if
you break the following rule: 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”.
Information Technology Seminar (IT Seminar)
Technology in this field changes so rapidly that systems available today are predicted to be outdated
within 2-3 years. With such a short life-time, it is important to both know about the current systems and
to learn how to research and evaluate those technologies not yet available. In this course, you will be
exposed to a set of emerging technology topics which are just making their way into the business arena
today. Courtesy of your classmates, you will be treated to a brief introduction to several topics, and given
references for further study. In turn, you will research one topic and provide a summary for your
classmates.
Here are some general ideas. You may choose a different topic, a specialization of one of these, or a
meaningful combination. Only one group may do a topic, so it is in your best interest to identify several
choices, in case your first choice is already taken. You may also design your own topic, but you must
have an approval of the instructor. Submit the topic (with hardcopy) you choose and the names of your
group to the instructor as soon as possible. Your seminar should be about 20 minutes long. That is not a
lot of time, so please try to pick out 2 or 3 main points to get across, and use the handout and the
question/answer period to bring out other points. When designing the seminar, keep your class mates in
mind...they are the audience (not the instructor). Remember: The goal of these seminars is to
introduce your classmates to the topic, not to make them technology experts.
Possible IT Seminar Topics:
1. Social Network and Social Media Technology
2. Business Analytics and Business Intelligence
3. What are the latest developments in cellular, radio,
and other wireless networking technologies?
4. Carry it with you: the latest in portable and handheld
computers.
5. PCs meet TV: Intercast, Podcast and its competition.
6. Client-Server architecture: The latest server trends.
7. Why move to Windows 8/Office 2013?
8. What is “Lotus Notes” and what competes with it?
9. How to store lots of information: Data Warehousing.
10. What are the challenges in multimedia?
11. Cloud computing
12. Emerging technology (RFID, pervasive and/or
nomadic computing)
13. Making systems quickly: CASE Tools/RAD
14. RISC versus CISC technology and chips of
tomorrow
15. Satellite technologies: GIS versus GPS.
16. Enterprise Information Systems: What is a SAP?
17. Working from home: to ISDN or not to ISDN?
18. What’s up at Apple: The latest Mac technology
19. What is Web-based applications and technologies?
20. What is new in document management systems?
The Deliverables:

The Seminar. This is the fun part. I particularly don’t call this a “presentation” or “lecture”,
because you are encouraged to think beyond a “we talk and you listen” format. You have about
20 minutes to get your ideas across. Have fun. Be clever. Pick your points carefully. The goal
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is to leave your classmates with enough understanding of your topic so if they are asked about it
in an interview, it won’t be the first time they have heard the term. You might cover an
explanation of the topic/concept, a key vendor or two, the history/current state of the technology,
managerial issues surrounding the topic, key buzz words associated with your topic, and/or
examples of the technology and its use. Plan what you want to get across, then plan how to best
get it across.

The Handout. Prepare a 1-2 page handout and bring enough copies to class for each classmate
and for the instructor (both hard and soft copies ). This document should include all those things
you wanted to include in the seminar but didn’t have time to cover. Give examples of vendors,
implementations and uses of the technology. Explain why this is an important technology to
know about. More interesting handouts in the past have included comparison tables, charts and
pictures. Your handout must include a definition (i.e., title) of your topic, an example of some
real business using the technology, and at least two complete references for future research. Be
sure if you directly quote a source or web page that you clearly indicate the attribution in your
document.

The Exam Questions. Please give me (both hard and soft copies) at least 6 questions on your
topic that are suitable for an exam. They should be all multiple choice questions with answers. I
will read over them and use one or more in the exam for your section (this is a good way to make
sure you cover the important issues in your seminar and/or handout, too!). These questions (both
hard and soft copies) are due the midnight of Sunday before your presentation.
CASE STUDY AND PRESENTATION:
Each group should write a case report in Word format and prepare a powerpoint file for the assigned case
study and IT seminar and email all files with attachments to the instructor before deadline. There will be
a 10% off a day for missing the deadline. A hardcopy of each file should be turned in at the beginning of
class with TWO slides per page for the powerpoint file. For example, if you are in Group2 and working
on Southwest Airlines case, you should name the files as “CUP-ISM-G2-Southwest Airlines.docx” and
“CUP-G2-Southwest Airlines.pptx” respectively and include “CUP-ISM-G2-Southwest Airlines” in the
“Subject” line. The presentation group of case study should also conduct discussion with (important) case
questions listed for each case (at the end of the syllabus) in addition to the general case presentation.
Furthermore, both group # and students’ names should be appeared on the cover page of the report and
powerpoint file.
It should take about 30-40 minutes for each group to deliver your presentation. Also, each team should
prepare presentations for HBS case study and technology seminar. The presentation should be formal,
dressed up and using POWERPOINT.
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.
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Grading Policy and Evaluation
Your grade will depend on following factors: (NO late assignments will be accepted, consequently, you
will be assigned a zero if you turn in late without the instructor’s permission)
Classroom participation in discussions and attendance
HBS case – Presentation and Report
Swimming in the Virtual Community Pool with PlentyofFish
SouthWest Airlines 2002
Binnj on the Apple iPad (2011)
The Technology Seminar
Collaboration Software assignment
Final exam:
20%
28%
17%
5%
30%
100%
TOTAL
Please note that NO incomplete grade will be assigned unless you obtain a permission from the instructor.
GRADE RANGES (or based on CUP grading policy):
A
BD+
93% and above
82%
68%
AC+
D
90%
79%
65%
B+
C
88%
75%
B
C-
85%
71%
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China University of Petroleum - SCHEDULE (April 10, 2014)
Chapter Case/Software/HW
[Individual]
[Week/Class]
Date
(Chapter) Topics and Activities
[1/1]
April 14
(Monday –
morning: 8:0011:45)
Part I: Intro. To the Course;
Software Development Life Cycle
Part II:
ChI&1. The Information Systems
Strategy Triangle
Groupings; Why Case?
Collaboration Software Project
Ch2. Strategic Use of Information
Resources
Class exercise with Porter’s Model
Technology Seminar topic due
[1/2]
April 15
(Tuesday –
morning: 8:0011:45)
[1/3]
April 17 –
Thursday morning: 8:0011:45)
[1/4]
(5 Lessons)
April 18
(Friday –
afternoon; 3:305:15pm &
evening: 18:3021:10)
[2/5]
April 21
(Monday –
morning: 8:0011:45)
[2/6]
April 22
(Tuesday morning: 8:0011:45)
[2/7]
(3 Lessons)
April 23
Wednesday –
evening;
6:30-9:10pm)
[2/8]
April 24
(Thursday morning: 8:0011:45)
You need to prepare/complete
chapter 1 mini case study questions
in order to participate class
discussion during the first day of the
class.
Mini Case 1-2 Google (pp.41-43)
Harvard Business
Case Discussion
and IT/Seminar
All students
(individual case)
1. Mini Case 2-2: ZIPCAR (p.72)
2. Start to study HBS Case 1:
Swimming in the Virtual Community
Pool with PlentyofFish
3. Q/A on Technology Seminar
1. Prepare Mini Case 4-1: Trash and
Waste Pickup Services Inc. (p.132)
2. Q/A on HBS Case 1
Chen
1. All students complete IS/IT
Triangle Strategy for each HBS case.
Prepare for discussion and Turn in
your hardcopy (in Word format)
2. Collaboration Software Project
(Due)
3. Discuss HBS Case-1:Swimming in
the Virtual Community Pool with
PlentyofFish
4. Start to study HBS Case2:
SouthWest Airlines 2002
1. Q/A on HBS case2: SouthWest
Airlines 2002
2. Discussion Question #5(not Mini
Case) Lego’s Mindstorms Robotics
Invention System. (p.320)
Group-1 (HBS)
1.Discuss HBS Case2:SouthWest
Airlines 2002
2. Start to study HBS Case3: Binnj
on the Apple iPad (2011)
Group-2 (HBS)
Ch9 Information Systems
Sourcing ;
Technology Seminar
1. Mini Case 9-1: Crowdsourcing
at AOL (pp.285-286)
Group-1 (ITS)
Ch11: Knowledge Management,
Business Intelligence, and
Analytics;
FINAL EXAM or Term Project
Presentations
1. Discuss HBS Case3:Binnj on the
Ch3. Organizational Impacts of
Information Systems Use
Ch4. Information Systems and the
Design of Work
Technology Seminar
Special topic: 1. Creating Value
Ch5 Information Systems for
Managing Business Process
Special topics:
1. Revenue Management: An E-C
Perspective
2. Video: The World is Flat
Ch10 Managing IT Projects (main
focus)
Technology Seminar
Special topic:
Strategic IT Resources and IT
governance (1)
Special topic:
1. Four Actions Framework
2. Strategic IT Resources and IT
governance (2)
3. AHP
Group-2 (ITS)
Group-3 (ITS)
2. Q/A on HBS Case3:Binnj on the
Apple iPad (2011)
Group-3 (HBS)
Apple iPad (2011)
* The case discussion and leaders information will be provided after the groups are formulated.
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* ITS: indicates Information Technology Seminar.
Case Study Report (What you have to turn in for each case study, including TWO parts listed
below).
[Always research on up-to-date information for the organizations studied in the cases]
Part I. Write a summary report with the following outline (but not limited to):
1) Executive Summary
2) Draw (and place important items/information on each strategy) and describe how can the Information
Systems Strategy Triangle be employed in the case.
3) What lesson(s) have you learned from the case?
Part II. Answers the following questions (each question should be re-listed before placing the answer)
CASE STUDY-1: Swimming in the Virtual Community Pool with PlentyofFish (2008) IVEY
9B08M015
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-2: Southwest Airlines: An Industry Under Siege (2002) 9-803-133
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
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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? (Hint: in year 2008).
CASE STUDY-3: Binnj on the Apple iPad (2011) IVEY 9B10E024
1. What key enablers have allowed Binnj to engage in this “science experiment”?
2. Have you ever worked on, or led, a virtual team? What tools did you rely on, and what problems
did you experience?
3. 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.
4. 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?
5. How should Binnj establish a price for the LiveMenu service?
6. What other revenue opportunities might Binnj create through LiveMenu, in addition to the digital
menu?
7. What is an entrepreneur? Has Clay Hutcherson “got what it takes”?