IT205 Course Syllabus

Course Design GuideIT/205 Version 11

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Course SyllabusCollege of Information Systems &

TechnologyIT/205 Version 11

Management of Information SystemsCopyright © 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Course Description

This course introduces students to Management Information Systems. Students will examine how Management Information Systems are used to optimize business success. This course focuses on the application of business systems to improve management decision making and operational excellence.

The technical side of Information Technology is considered as a support for the business side of Information Systems. In other words, this course is about how businesses use information not about how computers work.

Specific topics for the course include: enterprise systems, decision support systems, networking and e-commerce, data collection for managing knowledge, systems security and ethics, project management and system design.

Policies

Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents:

University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials

Laudon, J. P., & Laudon, K. C. (2011). Essentials of management information systems (9th ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Please use the format above to reference the textbook in all assignments requiring APA formatting. The correct citation format is (Laudon & Laudon, 2008, p. #). The p. # is only required for quotes, but a citation is still required for technical information.

All required chapters of the textbook and other electronic materials for this class are available on your student website.

Week One: The Role of Information Systems

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.1 Describe the people, organizational, and technological components of an information system.

1.2 Identify enterprise systems and their use in business.

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1.3 Explain the function of information systems in business.1.4 Explain how information systems help organizations use

synergies, core competencies, and network-based strategies to achieve competitive advantage.

Course Preparation

Read the course description and objectives.Read the instructor’s biography and post your own.Read and sign the Certificate of Originality

Reading Read pp. 5-17 (Ch. 1), pp. 41-76 (Ch. 2), pp. 94-112 (Ch. 3), & Ch. 4 of Essentials of Management Information Systems.

Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Reading.

Participation Participate in class discussion. All Week 25

Discussion Questions

Respond to weekly discussion questions. Tue/Wed 20

CheckPointInformation System Business Problem Dimensions

Resource: Ch. 1 (pp. 5–17) of Essentials of Management Information SystemsConsider the following questions and provide substantive responses of at least 150 words per question.

What are the three dimensions of business problems? Provide examples of each. What is the difference between IT and information systems? Describe some functions of information systems.

Include a signed copy of the Certificate of Originality

Sunday 30

Week Two: IT Infrastructure: Hardware and Software

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.5 Identify the components of IT infrastructure.1.6 List the major computer hardware, data storage, and input and

output technologies used in business.1.7 Identify the major types of computer software used in business.


CheckPointKey Computer Terms

Resources: Section 4.1 of Essentials of Management Information Systems and Appendix AComplete Appendix A

Friday 30

IndividualHow Computers Work Presentation

Resource: Section 4.2 of Essentials of Management Information Systems

For this assignment, you create an overview of computers and

Sunday 100


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software for individuals who have not used computers extensively and want to learn more about them.

Create a 5- to 7-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation that provides an overview of how computers are used.

For assistance with this type of assignment, review these resources.

Explain why hardware and software infrastructure is necessary for an effective Information System. Compare and contrast different types of computer software required to make computers work.

Include an overview of the purpose of the software with detailed information provided in the speaker notes.

Describe the relationship between different types of software and the type of machine with which they are compatible.


Week Three: Foundations of Business Intelligence, Decision Making, and Managing Knowledge

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.8 Explain the effect of database tools and technologies on business performance and decision making.

1.9 Explain the role of information policy and data administration in managing organizational data resources.

1.10 Identify the types of systems used for enterprise-wide knowledge management.

1.11 Identify the major types of knowledge work systems.

Reading Read Ch. 5 of Essentials of Management Information Systems.







Nongraded Activities and Preparation

This module introduces you to the Toolwire® labs used in this course.

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Toolwire® Orientation

Access the orientation by clicking the Toolwire Orientation link on the student website.

Nongraded Activities and PreparationIntroduction to Smart Scenarios

This module introduces you to Smart Scenarios. A Smart Scenario is a Toolwire® lab you complete.

Access the orientation by clicking the Intro to Smart Scenarios link on the student website.

CheckPointToolwire® Scenario—Clarifying Business Strategy Through Database Analysis

In this scenario, you are a business consultant. You must find ways to increase the White Peaks Resort’s net profit and make it more competitive through interconnecting systems and applying databases and tools.

Throughout the scenario, you interact with hotel staff to gain necessary information to analyze current business conditions. Take notes as you progress through the interactions. Using the information, analyze the business and formulate a way to restore the organization’s health through proper implementation of databases and tools.

Log in to the student website. Click Week 3, then click the link to the Toolwire® lab. A new window opens. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Lab Access.

Complete the Toolwire® lab.

Click Save Assessment on the final page of the lab. This saves a Microsoft® Word file on your computer.


Sunday 30

Week Four: Telecommunication, the Internet, and Wireless Technology

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.12 Identify the principal components of telecommunications networks and key networking technologies.

1.13 Explain how the Internet and Internet technology work and how they support communication and e-business.

1.14 Identify the principal technologies and standards for wireless networking, communication, and Internet access.


CheckPointMonitoring Employees on Networks

Read “Monitoring Employees on Networks: Unethical or Good Business?” on p. 210 (Ch. 6) of Essentials of Management Information Systems.

Answer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

Friday 30


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How does e-mail benefit an organization? Why might an organization want to limit how an employee uses e-mail during work hours? What is an e-mail’s path once it leaves an organization?

What is the effect of instant messaging on organizational networks? What are benefits and drawbacks of using instant messaging in an organization?

What are benefits and drawbacks of web page and search engine use in an organization?

Should managers monitor employee e-mail and Internet usage? Why or why not?


IndividualInternet Tools at Dirt Bikes Assignment

Dirt Bikes’ management is concerned about how much money is being spent on communicating with people inside and outside the organization and obtaining information about developments in the motorcycle industry and the global economy. You have been asked to investigate how Internet tools and technology could be used to help Dirt Bikes’ employees communicate and obtain information more efficiently. Dirt Bikes provides Internet access to all employees who use desktop computers.

Resource: Ch. 6 of Essentials of Management Information SystemsResource Website: http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_laudon_mis_9/32/8212/2102336.cw/index.html

Write an 800 to 1,200-word paper that provides recommendations of various Internet tools that would help Dirt Bikes’ sales, marketing, and production. Address the following topics:

A new website to increase marketing and sales. An Intranet with login access for employees in sales and

marketing, human resources, and manufacturing and production.

An Extranet to communicate with distributors, suppliers, and race organizers.

Wireless access for employees and the benefits of going wireless to the organization.

Format your paper according to APA 6th Edition standards.

Format your paper according to APA 6th Edition standards.

Provide citations and references for all resources. Wikipedia cannot be used as a reference.


Sunday 160

http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_laudon_mis_9/32/8212/2102336.cw/index.html

http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_laudon_mis_9/32/8212/2102336.cw/index.html


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Week Five: Security, Ethics, and Social Issues

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.15 Explain the business value of security and control.1.16 Identify important tools and technologies for safeguarding

information resources.1.17 Debate the ethical, social, and political issues raised by

information systems.1.18 Identify the five moral dimensions of the information age.








CheckPointTJX Companies

The credit card data theft at TJX Companies is considered one of the worst ever. The case is significant because of a lack of appropriate security and control.

Resources: Ch. 7 & 12 of Essentials of Management Information SystemsAnswer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

List and describe the security controls in place. Where are the weaknesses? What tools and technologies could have been used to fix the weaknesses? What was the business effect of TJX’s data loss on

o TJX, o consumers, o and banks?

Which moral dimensions may be applied in this situation? How?


Friday 30

ExerciseToolwire® Smart Scenario—Ethics of Monitoring Student Network Usage

In this scenario, you are an intern with MegaCo, an organization exploring network usage policies. You have the opportunity to evaluate the policies on behalf of MegaCo and to consider its social, political, and ethical issues. Each policy is implemented for 1 day. At the end, you fill out a survey and feedback form. Once you experience all policies, you must provide feedback on which policy

Sunday 30


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you recommend and why you liked it.

Access the Toolwire® lab using the following instructions:

Log in to the student website. Click Week 5, then click the link to the Toolwire lab. A new window will open. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Lab Access.

Complete the Toolwire® lab.



Week Six: Enterprise Applications

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.19 Explain how enterprise systems help organizations achieve operational excellence.

1.20 Identify the challenges posed by enterprise applications.1.21 Describe how CRM systems help organizations achieve

customer intimacy.


CheckPointThe Contribution of Enterprise Systems

Enterprise systems are key in businesses’ core IT components.

Resource: Ch. 8 of Essentials of Management Information SystemsAnswer each of the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

What are enterprise systems? Provide examples of organizational functions supported by enterprise systems. How does effectively implementing and using enterprise systems contribute to achieving operational excellence? What challenges are posed by enterprise applications?


Friday 30

IndividualToolwire® Scenario—Determining the Effect of CRM Software on Business Success

In this scenario, you gain an understanding of how enterprise CRM systems may be used to help organizations achieve enhanced customer intimacy and improved business performance. This scenario presents you with a variety of situations and assessment types. Take notes to prepare to address the assessments.

Access the Toolwire® lab using the following instructions:

Log in to the student website. Click Week 6, then click the link to the Toolwire lab. A new

Sunday 30


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window will open. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Lab Access.

Complete the Toolwire lab.



Week Seven: E-Commerce

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.22 Identify the unique features of e-commerce, digital markets, and digital goods.

1.23 Explain the effect of Internet technology on business models.

1.24 Compare and contrast the types of electronic payment systems.







CheckPointAnalysis of Electronic Payment Systems

Many of us have become accustomed to electronic payment systems. These systems will continue to increase as businesses and banks present more opportunities to use them.

Resource: Ch. 9 of Essentials of Management Information SystemsAnswer the following questions in 200 to 300 words:

Describe the three kinds of e-commerce and explain how Internet technology supports business-to-business e-commerce.

Compare and contrast four different electronic payment systems. Which do you use most often and why?


Sunday 30


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Week Eight: Building Information Systems and Managing Projects

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.25 Explain the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems.

1.26 Compare and contrast alternative systems-building approaches.

1.27 Compare and contrast alternative methodologies for modeling and designing systems.

1.28 Explain best practices for information systems project management.



IndividualHardware Replacement Project

The IT department is implementing a new CRM solution in its corporate offices. The hardware currently in use is out of date and will not support the CRM application. The hardware must be replaced prior to deployment.

Resource: Ch. 11 of Essentials of Management Information Systems

Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper that addresses the following:

How do the five major variables of project management—scope, time, cost, quality, and risk—relate to this scenario? What considerations must be applied when selecting projects that deliver the best business value? What factors that influence project risk? What strategies would you recommend for minimizing this project’s risks?

Summarize your response by identifying best practices for managing this project.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Provide citations and references for all resources. Wikipedia cannot be used as a reference.


Sunday 200

Week Nine: Recap

Details Due Points

Objectives 1.29 Identify major concepts of IT.


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Capstone Discussion Question

Respond to the capstone discussion question posted by your instructor.

Wednesday 60

Copyright

University of Phoenix® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.

Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix® editorial standards and practices.

Documents

IT205 Course Syllabus