Spring 2014: MSIS 110 –Introduction to
Computers and Information Systems
Section 01Tues/Thur9:30-10:45 W-2-200; Blue, White, Purple Labs
Section 06 Tues/Thur 12:30-1:45 M-1-418; Blue Lab
Office: M-5-226
Phone: 617 287-7710
Email: / Office Hours:
Tues: 11:00 – 12:00
Thur: 2:00 – 4:00
or by appointment
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the world of Information Systems from a business perspective. You will learn about the hardware, software and network technologies that support a firm’s operations. We will discuss trends and emerging technologies in MIS, as well as explore the issues arising from the use of computers in the workplace. The course also offers an extensive hands-on component in the use of state-of-the-art technology.
Required Course Materials
Text Books: All come packaged together at the bookstore or can be bought directly from the publisher at:
(Least $$$ option)
1 - M:Information Systems 2ndEdition by Baltzan. McGraw Hill
2 - Simnetaccount at for MS Office hands on learning
3 – Connect account at for Cases, online quizzes, etc
Web Site: Lecture notes will be posted online at
Attendance & Participation
You are expected to be in class, actively participating in our discussions. Not only do I want to ensure that you comprehend the material - I am counting on your insightful comments on the subject matter to be shared with the rest of us. If you absolutely can not make class, please let me know BEFORE the regular class meeting. Other absences may affect your final grade. Of course, you are expected to catch up on any material covered during any class that you miss.
I will come to class on time, with my cell phone turned off. I expect you to do the same.
Academic Honesty
The course is governed by the UMass regulations and procedures regarding academic Standards, Cheating, Plagiarism, and the Documentation of Written Work as published in the Undergraduate catalog. Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will flunk the course and may have a description of the incident attached to his or her academic records. Don't do it.
Course Evaluation
CONNECT - Chapter Case Studies / Online Quizzes (7) – 2 points each. Each chapter has 2 short web based assignments to reinforce the chapter concepts. These short exercises are automatically graded and reinforce the concepts taught in class. You must complete the work from 7 chapters during the course of the semester. Both assignments must be completed and late work is automatically penalized.
MS-Office SimnetLabs (8)– 1 or 3 points each - 20 points total. Simnet is the “Teach Me, Show Me, Let Me Try” tool we will use to learn MS-Excel and MS-Access. We will be doing this work in the labs, and each week you will learn a new skill and have to submit a “Challenge Yourself” assignment. There are 4 Excel assignments, and 4 Access assignments – for each assignment, the lessons are worth 1 point each, and the Challenge Yourself is worth 2 points (note – 2 chapters do not have a challenge yourself). More detail will be provided in class
Final Group Presentation– 10 points. In groups of three, you will be giving a ten minute PowerPoint presentation on a relevant company or topic of your choosing. Assume the audience knows nothing about your topic and educate us. You will be evaluated on the powerpoint presentation, your presentation style and the content of the presentation. Each member in the group will receive the same grade. Sample topics will be presented in class.
Quizzes – 2 quizzes worth 15 points each.
Final Exam – 20points. This will be a CUMULATIVE final.
Attendance/Participation – 6 points.
Letter grades will be assigned based on the total number of points you have earned.
Other Important Information
Disabilities: If you have a disability and feel you will need accommodations in order to complete course requirements, please contact the Ross Center for Disability Services at ext 77430.
Broken Computers
A broken computer, lost file or uncooperative printer will not be accepted as an excuse. Practice good backup procedures for all your data.
Questions
When a systems project is behind, or experiencing some difficulty, it is always best to raise the issue as soon as possible. Likewise, I expect you to ask for helpsooner, rather than later. I have a home phone, cell phone, office phone and check email frequently.
Calendar– Agenda & Assignments
Week #/Date / Tuesday – Meet in Lab / Thursday / Submit by Fri 11pm* EXCEL LABS DUE MARCH 1 *
* ACCESS LABS DUE MAY 1 *
1 / Jan 28 / Intro to course
/ Read Chapter 1: Business Driven MIS
2 / Feb 4 / Excel Lab 1 – Basic Formatting / Read Chapter 2 -
Decisions and Processes / Connect – Chapter 2
3 / Feb 11 / Excel Lab 2 – Formulas/Functions / Read Chapter 3 – EBusiness / Connect – Chapter 3
4 / Feb 18 / Excel Lab 3 – Formatting (No Challenge) / ReadOnline Appendix A –
Hardware and Software
5 / Feb 25 / Excel Lab 4 – Charts
/ Read Chapter 4 –
Ethics & Information Security / Connect – Chapter 4
6 / Mar 4 / Review for Quiz / Quiz – Chapters 1 – 4, Appendix A
7 / Mar 11 / Read Chapter 5 – Infrastructures / Chpt 5 Cont’d
March 18 / ENJOY MARCH BREAK / ENJOY MARCH BREAK
8 / Mar 25 / ReadOnline Appendix C – Databases / Read Chapter 6 –
Data: Business Intelligence / Connect – Chapter 6
9 / Apr 1 / Access Lab 1 – Intro / Read7 –
Networks: Mobile Business / Connect – Chapter 7
10 / Apr 8 / Access Lab 2 – Tables / ReadOnline Appendix B
Networks and Telecommunications
11 / Apr 15 / Access Lab 3 – Forms/Reports / Read Chapter 8 –
Enterprise Applications / Connect – Chapter 8
12 / Apr 22 / Access Lab 4 – Queries, Advanced
(No Challenge) / Quiz – Chapters 5–8, Appendix B, C
13 / Apr 29 / Read Chapter 9 –
Systems Development / Chapter 9 – Cont’d / PPT Groups / Connect – Chapter 9
14 / May 6 / Group Presentations / Powerpoint Lab / Group Presentations
15 / May 13 / Review for Final / No Class
Finals Week / Cumulative Final