(4 credits)
October, 1999
Singapore

Course Description

The course focuses on the use of information systems in the design and management of competitive organizations. Information is now recognized as an essential resource in its own right. Both technical and social implications of the use and management of this resource will be covered.

Prerequisites: INFS 215, BSAD 355.

Textbook

Laudon, Kenneth C. and Laudon, Jane Price. Management Information Systems: Organization and Technology, 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.

Objectives

The intention of this course is to enable you to:

1. gain a business organization perspective of IT/IS
2. understand, exploit and manage information systems to advantage within your organization
3. analyze information needs in your area of responsibility
4. understand the information architecture required to support an enterprise
5. identify potential strategic applications of information systems within your industry
6. consider management concerns in the selection, use, and maintenance of an integrated computer-based information resource
7. understand the changes to your enterprise driven by competition and information technology
8. align information systems with people and technology to be consistent with business direction

Course Content

This course builds on the business knowledge and understanding of computing that the student already has. It focuses on conceptual issues relating to information systems in organizations, and assumes that the student already has an understanding of computer fundamentals, and is fluent in the use of word processors, spreadsheets and databases. A variety of information resources will be referred to, including the Internet.

In order for you to gain the most from this class, you will have to integrate the knowledge you have gained from undergraduate business classes in accounting, marketing, management, finance, operations, economics, and law, as well as knowledge and experience gained in the workplace.

It is not intended that this be a purely "lecture" course. Students are expected to be active participants in the discussions. We will regularly have discussions on current topics, as well as discussions relating to cases and problems which will be handed out in class.

Topics which will be discussed include:

• Information Systems Role in the Organization
• Information Systems Planning and Strategic Role
• Ethical and Social Implications of Information Systems
• Technical Aspects - Computers, Software, Managing Resources
• Communications (including the Internet and other networks)
• System Development Alternatives
• Knowledge Management and Decision Support
• Group Systems
• International Issues in Information Systems
• Infrastructure and Enterprise Integration

Requirements

1. In addition to reading regularly from the textbook, you will be given reading assignments relative to the topic of the day. You will be responsible for knowing this material for in-class discussion, as well as for the exams.
2. You will need access to the World Wide Web. Information relative to the course will be posted on the course page (http://www.andrews.edu/~dheise/courses/1999bsad556f/index.htm), and you will be expected to use web searches to locate additional information resources.
3. Assignment 1 is an individual project based on your workplace to propose, and to research and write up. It has two parts - the proposal, and the formal project report.
4. You will also have two cases to write up. The first case (Assignment 2) you will do in class in your groups, and the second one (Assignment 3) out of class as part of a group. You will give a formal presentation on Assignment 3 on the last night of the course. You are expected to draw on your computing skills in order to make these presentations and reports professional.
5. There will be a quiz on each chapter we cover in the textbook, which will contribute to your grade and will also serve as revision. The quizzes will be made available online and can be taken via the web at a later time, including the final examination.
6. A discussion topic will also be posted for online discussion following the conclusion of the course. You will be given instructions on how to join an online discussion during a class period.

Grading and course policies

Grades will be assigned based on the following scale:

Late work receives a grade of 0.  I will grade it for your edification, if you would like.  If you must be late to (or miss) some class period or test, please make arrangements beforehand.  I do not make arrangements after the fact, and missing an in-class test or quiz means a 0.  Quizzes may or may not be announced.  You are responsible at any time for the material covered in the last class period, as well as the assigned reading for the current period.

Except when specifically told otherwise by the instructor, everyone should work on their own. If you do work with a friend, make sure that your work is not a copy of theirs. If cheating does occur, a grade of "F" will be assigned for the course.

Homework submission may be required in electronic format, via email. You should own at least two (2) 3.5" HD disks for your work and backups.

Schedule

The following is a tentative schedule. This is subject to change. You are responsible for checking with your classmates if you are absent to verify any schedule changes and/or new assignments.

Bibliography

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