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Professor:
Class time:
E-mail:
Office:
Office hour:
Required text:
MBUS 626 (Fall 2015)
Information Systems Theory and Practice
Dr. Jason Chen
M 3:10 - 5:40 pm (Aug. 31 – Nov. 6), Jepson 127
chen@jepson.gonzaga.edu
Jepson 259
T,R: 4-5 pm, W 2:00-3:00 pm; others by appointment
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 (mbus626-01-Fall
2015)” and complete the purchase and printing the cases, or,
3. Visit Coursepack link at https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/38681698
Additional Readings and Cases: Class handouts as needed.
Course Description and Goals
This course is designed to provide the 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. 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.
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 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
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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 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.
QUIZZES: You will take a quiz for each chapter (main text) during a designated period. These quizzes will
contain true-false and/or multiple choice questions. Each quiz normally has 11 questions (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 less
than 10 minutes if you read/prepare the chapter well) on midnight Sunday. There will be 9 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 to the Blackboard for any reasons
except the “System Crashed” from the Blackboard system.
(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.
(5) Auto-submit: Test will be saved and submitted automatically when time expires.
E-mail Communication – All e-mail communications with me should bear the course and section number (viz:
MBUS626) 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.
COURSE ATTENDANCE: Students should be aware of the University policy regarding absence. According to
the university policy, "[T]he grade given for excessive absence is V, which has the same effect as F and is
counted in the GPA....The fact that a student has met other course requirements (such as papers) is not
sufficient to change a V to a passing grade." (Catalogue, p. 38). The total time of excessive absence in this class is
300 minutes, equivalent to two absences. In other words, if one student misses two classes for whatever reasons,
he/she should expect a V for his/her final grade.
DREAM Students: If you are in the DREAM (Disability Resources, Education and Access) program, it is your
responsibility to inform me one week in advance and contact DREM office for arranging EVERY test in their office.
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. 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”.
Internet Resources:
Class materials are available on the Blackboard (https://learn.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 before the date each chapter is discussed. Please note that it is part of your class performance.
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.
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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 from 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 is to leave your class mates 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 10 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 midnight Sunday. 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
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are in Group2 and working on Southwest Airlines case, you should name the files as “MBUS626-G2-Southwest
Airlines.docx” and “MBUS626-G2-Southwest Airlines.pptx” respectively and include “MBUS626-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.
Also, each team should prepare presentations for 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.
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 and Blackboard participation in discussions and attendance
Quizzes (online and in-class) and other assignments
Swimming in the Virtual Community Pool with PlentyofFish Case (Individual)
The Technology Seminar (group)
Case presentations, discussions, and report (group)
Mid term exam
Final exam:
TOTAL
9%
9%
8%
8%
10%
26%
30%
100%
Please note that NO incomplete grade will be assigned unless you obtain a permission from the instructor.
GRADE RANGES:
A
BD+
93% and above
82%
68%
AC+
D
90%
79%
65%
B+
C
87%
75%
B
C-
85%
71%
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[Week]
Date
[1]
Aug. 31
[2]
Sep. 7
[3]
MBUS626 SCHEDULE (8-25-2015)
(Chapter) Topics and Activities
Chapter
Case/HW/Quizzes
[Individual]
Part I: Intro. To the Course, Intro.
You need to complete
To MIS, Why case study?
chapter 1 discussion
Software Development Life Cycle
question on the Blackboard
(SDLC)
before the first day of the
Part II: IS and Strategy
class.
#I&1. The Information Systems
Strategy Triangle
Labor day – NO CLASS
#1 The Information Systems
Strategy Triangle (cont.)
#2. Strategic Use of Information
Resources
Case
Groupings
1. Case Study1-2:
GOOGLE (p.41) w/IS/IT
Triangle Model and prepare
for discussion
3. Quiz#1
[4]
Sep. 21
#2. Strategic Use of Information
Resources (cont.)
Case study 2-2: ZIPCAR
(p.72) w/IS/IT Triangle
Model and prepare for
discussion
Quiz#2
[5]
Sep.28
Strategic IT Resources (1)
Southwest Airlines Case
(Four Actions Framework)
Technology Seminar
[6]
Oct. 5
#3. Organizational Impacts of
Information Systems Use
#4. Information Systems and the
Design of Work
Case; Technology Seminar
Mid-Term Exam
Sep. 14
[7]
Oct. 12
[8]
Oct. 19
[9]
Oct. 26
Quizzes#3,4
Harvard Case(s)
[Group]
Case Discussion
Leaders *
and IT/Seminar
All students
Study: 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 and pptx for
PoF ) – due next week
1. #1(p.72) change to “Analyze
the business model of ZIPCAR
using Information Systems
Strategy Triangle”
2.CS0:Swimming in the Virtual
Community Pool with
PlentyofFish (case discussion)
Chen
(individual case)
CS1:SouthWest Airlines 2002
Group-1
Group-2 (ITS)
CS2:Netflix Leading with
Data: The Emergence of
Data-Driven Video (2010)
Group-2
Group-3 (ITS)
Founder’s Day – NO Class
#8 Governance of the IS
Quizzies#8,10
CS3:Binnj on the Apple iPad
Organization
(2011)
#10 Managing IT Projects
IT Service Agreement
Case; Technology Seminar
[10]
#9 Information Systems Sourcing Quizzies#9,11
Nov. 2
(ask each student prepare a
business sourcing example)
#11. Knowledge Management,
Bus. Intelligence, and Analytics;
Case; Technology Seminar
Final Exam (Comprehensive)
* The case discussion and leaders information will be provided after the groups are formulated.
* Note that the number within the [ ] denotes the week number.
* ITS: indicates Information Technology Seminar.
Group-3
Group-1 (ITS)
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Case Study Report (What you have to turn in for each case study, including TWO parts listed below).
Format on Word file: Use Times New Roman font with size of 12 and single-spaced.
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 is your recommendation to the management team for improving the company’s competitive advantage?
4) What lesson(s) have you learned from the case?
[Always research on up-to-date information for the organizations studied in the cases]
Part II. Answers the following questions (each question should be re-listed before placing the 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?
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) Based on the three alternatives identified in (a) above suggest the best (or better) 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? (Hint: in year 2008).
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?
3. What effects will the rise of the Video on Demand (VOD) market likely have on Netflix’s
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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. 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”?