Syllabus

Course Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the role of information systems in modern organizations.
2. Become familiar with a variety of information systems analysis and problem-solving tools and approaches.
3. Gain practical experience with information systems analysis and design, working as part of a project team.

Additional readings are on e-reserve ("[e-reserve]") or available via the Web ("[e-journal]" or "[web]").

1. I will always be prepared for class, and will start class on time. If unforeseeable circumstances prevent this for any reason, I will try to notify you beforehand if at all possible. I expect the same of my students: be prepared for class, be ready to start class on time, and try to let me know if you can't be there.

2. You are encouraged and expected to participate in discussions.

3. Reading assignments should be done before the class for which they are assigned so you can ask questions and participate in discussions.

4. Assignments must be passed in at the beginning of the class in which they are due. The assignment description will specify whether the assignment should be emailed to me or handed in on paper.

5. If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, please come see me at some other time.

6. If your team is having difficulty with some aspect of your project, please come to see me. One of the educational outcomes of this class should be an increase in your effectiveness in getting advice from more experienced colleagues.

7. The Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance gives examples of actions that constitute academic dishonesty. There are some specific guidelines for this class.
   • You may give and receive assistance regarding the use of hardware and software.
   • I encourage you to discuss issues raised in class or by the readings with each other. You may also ask your classmates for clarification of class notes.
   • Individual home work assignments are to be done individually. You may consult the course readings, your notes, and even other print or web sources. (Keep in mind, however, that what you find in other sources may not be consistent with what I want you to do.) You may not consult your classmates or other people; all questions should be addressed to me.
   • Team assignments are to be done as a team, with the team taking responsibility for all products. Work on the project should be distributed equitably among team members. I expect team members to discuss, consult, and even debate with each other about the project throughout the term.

Individual work
Problem definition: 9%
Flow/sequence models: 9%
Artifact/cultural models: 9%
Entity-relation diagram and data dictionary: 9%
Budgeting and scheduling: 9%

Team project work
Information gathering plan: 10%
Final specifications, including presentation to class/client: 35%

Participation (class and team): 10%

All assignments will be graded on the following scale (graduate/undergraduate):

• 95 - 100% H / A
• 90 - 94% P+ / A-
• 85 - 89% P / B+, B, B-
• 80 - 84% P- / C+, C
• 70 - 79% L / C-, D
• 69% and below F