COURSE OUTLINE

MIS 476

MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Fall 2001

Instructor Jeff Harper, Ph.D., CFE
Coordinator of the MIS Program, Gongaware Associate Professor of Management Information Systems, and School of Business Research Fellow School of Business, Room 805 Voice: (812)237-2279, FAX: (812)237-8133 E-mail: sdharper@befac.indstate.edu, web: http://misnt.indstate.edu/harper/

Office Hours MW10-11, other times by appointment.

Course Description
A capstone seminar to integrate the behavioral, organizational, operational, and technical aspects of information systems concepts and structures. Emphasis is on the internal management of information resources and on the management of information technology. Coverage of the subject matter will be through case studies, lectures, class discussion, independent readings and research.

Course Sequencing
Prerequisites: BUS 320, MIS 300, and MIS 420

Course Educational Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:

· Explain the content and process of formulating a strategic plan for the information resource and how it must mesh with the strategic plan for the firm;

· Explain the potential of electronic commerce.

· Explain the role of internationalism in managing information resources;

· Explain the ethical implications of information technology.

· Explain the value of systems theory to managing information resources.

· Explain the procedures for successfully managing information systems projects.

· Explain the unique characteristics of functional information systems.

· Use the computer as a problem-solving tool.

· Apply the principles of any of the above to a real-world case or firm;

· Be conversant with the current topics in information systems, and

· Demonstrate significant expertise in an emerging technology of the student’s own choosing.

Measurement of Attainment of Course Objectives Attainment of course educational objectives by the student is measured by scores on examinations and quizzes, evaluation of written documentation of research activities, evaluation of oral presentations, and class instruction assessment techniques.

Course Content

1. Assessing the role of information systems from a CIO perspective                  3-5%
2. Strategic use of information resources                                                                     5-8%
3. Electronic commerce                                                                                            3-5%
4. Information systems and internationalism                                                                     3-5%
5. Ethical implications of information technology                                                       5-8%
6. Systems theory and its effect on managing information systems                                    3-5%
7. Managing IS projects                                                                                               5-8%
8. Computers and IT as problem solving tools                                                    5-8%
9. Managing database systems                                                                                    3-8%
10. Functional and integrative information systems                                                            10%
11. Current topics                                                                                                  33%
12. Case study approaches, in depth firm profiles, and in depth IS topics                         3-5%

Perspectives Coverage

· Ethical and global issues - 10-15% of sessions devoted to these topics

· The influences of political, social, legal and regulatory, environmental and technological issues are covered in international IS, strategic management of IS, project management, current topics, and many of the case studies.

· The effects of demographic diversity on organizations are covered in international IS, electronic commerce, current topics, and many of the case studies.

Communications Coverage

· Written communication activities include a required report of research activities documenting an in-depth understanding of an emerging information technology and its applications, as well as required written responses to discussion questions on exams.

· Oral communication activities include required participation in class discussions and oral presentation of the results of the emerging technology project.

· Computer communications activities include research via on-line resources and correspondence with the instructor and student peers via electronic mail.

Instructional Resources

· Library usage is required, as library resources are an essential source of data and information for the research project and current-events discussions.

· Computer usage is required, as on-line resources are an essential source of data and information for the research project. Also, the use of electronic mail for outside-of-class communications and presentation software for the presentation of the results of the emerging technology project is encouraged.

· Appropriate instructional technology, such as overheads, software slide shows, videotapes, and Internet sites will be employed during class lectures and discussion.

Course Relationship to the School of Business’ Shared Values

· Lifelong learning skills will be enhanced through the use of organizational, critical thinking, and research skills for student projects.

· Workplace knowledge and skills will be enhanced through setting priorities, organizing work, and using time wisely. Case studies will provide an improved understanding of real-world problems and techniques used in problem-solving.

· Integration of technology will be accomplished through several of the items from Communications Coverage and Instructional Resources, above.

· Development of values and ethics will be addressed as a topic area.

· Business community connections will be established during the emerging technology project through interviews with representatives of organizations developing, implementing, or employing the technologies.

Textbook

Turban, E., McLean, E. and Wetherby, J. (2001) Information Technology for Management: Making Connections for Strategic Advantage (2^nd Ed. Update), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY. ISBN 0-471-38919-6

Grading

Homework Assignments                                                    15%
Mid-term Exam                                                               20%
Research report presentation                            20%
Research report documentation                         20%
Final Examination                            25%
       Total                  100%

Grade Percentage
A =         92 -100%
B+ =       89 - 91%
B =         83 - 88%
C+ =       80 - 82%
C =         74 - 79%
D+ =       71 - 73%
D =         65 - 70%
F =          less than 65%

Tentative Master Schedule

MIS 476 – Fall 2000