CIS 632
Information Systems Planning
Fall Semester 2005
Dr. Michael HigniteOffice Location: 400 Glass Hall
E-mail: ffice Phone: 836-5646
Catalog Description: Introduction to fundamental issues of information system (IS) planning. Current theory and specific IS planning practices are studied. Emphasis on strategic implications of information technology, IS planning vis-à-vis strategic planning, development and maintenance of IS plans, analysis of organization information requirements, and prioritizing IS projects. Implications for business and technology trends and applications of planning projects are examined.
Course Objectives: This particular offering of CIS 632 will compare and contrast the many academic models/theories of IS planning with the realities of the workplace. In this way, we will attempt to identify the practical aspects/theories of planning that may actually be utilized to make the IS function a strategic corporate asset/entity.
Upon the completion of this course students should be able to:
(1) Discuss in-depth aspects of the more widely known planning models, the history of planning and how planning is used in corporations today; (2) Perform an analysis of the relationship between a given IS organization and the achievement of strategic corporate goals; (3) Develop a specific plan for utilizing a particular IS technology in achieving a company’s strategic initiative(s).
Course Content:
The Evolving Role of Information Systems and Technology in Organizations
An Overview of Business Strategy Concepts and the Implications for IS/IT Strategy
What is Involved in Establishing a Planning Process
IS/IT Strategy Analysis: Assessing and Understanding the Current Situation
Determining the Future Potential
Determining the Business Information Systems Strategy
Managing the Applications Portfolio
Strategic Management of IS/IT: Organizing and Resourcing
Managing Information Systems and Technology Investments
Strategies for Information/Knowledge Management
Managing the Supply of IT Services, Applications and Infrastructure
Strategic Planning for Information Systems: The Future
Text: Strategic Planning for Information Systems, Ward & Peppard, Wiley, 2002.
Secondary Text: From Business Strategy to IT Action, Benson, Bugnitz & Walton, Wiley, 2004.
Additional Readings: A number of other brief articles related to the course topics have been included in your course notebook. These articles are intended to present a quick overview of current writings in the field of resource acquisition. They are designed to facilitate class discussions related to IS planning.
You should have also received copies of cases to be utilized both during our on-campus and distance learning portions of the class. These cases outline attempts by others in the field to increase the value received from the Information Systems function through more effective planning. Case discussions are used to enhance the impact of the basic conceptual material we will be studying by providing examples of the practical application of those concepts.
Participation: Obviously participation in class discussions (both online and on-campus) is critical to the success of our course. The collective knowledge of the group of students enrolled in the course far outweighs that of any other resource we have available to us. I encourage each of you to please share the benefit of your experience with the group.
To further encourage your contribution, some percentage of the course grade will be based on the level of your participation in class discussions (see Evaluation).
Policy on Late Assignments: Students are expected to turn in assignments on time (submitted electronically on the day they are due). Late work will be addressed on a case by case basis but late assignments will generally be reduced by one letter grade and will not be accepted beyond one week late unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
Disability Accommodation Policy: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Services (DS), Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-6792 (TTY)
Students are required to provide documentation of disability to DS prior to receiving accommodations. DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Center (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. A fee is charged for testing. For information, contact the LDC (417) 836-4787;
Nondiscrimination Policy: SMSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Long, Equal Opportunity Officer, Carrington 128, (417) 836-4252. Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor’s attention, and/or to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.
Academic Integrity Policy: All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures ( also available at the Reserves Desk (Meyer Library), and in abbreviated form in the SMSU Undergraduate Catalog. It is your responsibility to read and understand SMSU’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures.
Assignments: While on campus we will attempt to cover an ambitious amount of material (through lecture, discussion, and case study) from the course text. You will receive a grade for your discussion participation (either as an individual or member of a group) and also for a written assignment to be completed during this portion of the class.
During the off-campus portion of the course we will be covering material from the text, articles, and cases. There will be 3 discussion and 3 written assignments made during these 7 weeks as well as a course project. Discussions and written assignments will be alternated. Week 1, for example, will begin a discussion assignment; week 2 will be utilized for a written assignment and so on until we reach week 7, which will be devoted to your course project. In order that we maintain some sense of direction and cohesion as a class, during the weeks when written assignments are due, some discussion of that assignment will take place.
Evaluation: Below is the outline of how points will be allocated and grades assigned for this course:
On-campus Component:
Class Participation/Discussion(s)100 points
Written Assignment(s)100 points
Distance Component
Contributions to Discussion300 points
Written Assignments300 points
Course Project200 points
Total Points: 1000 points
Grading Scale:
90-100%900-1000 A
80-89%800-899 B
70-79%700-799 C
60-69%600-699 D
Below 60%0-599 F
COURSE SCHEDULE
On-Campus Component
Week ofChapter(s)Topic
7/9Introduction to the Course – Course Overview
1The Evolving Role of Information Systems and Technology in Organizations
2An Overview of Business Strategy Concepts and the Implications for IS/IT Strategy
3What is Involved in Establishing a Planning Process
Cases and Readings as appropriate
Distance Learning Component**
Week ofTopic
10/17Discussion #1
10/24Written Assignment #1
10/31Discussion #2
11/7Written Assignment #2
11/14Discussion #3
11/21Written Assignment #3
11/28Final Project (Due December 4th)
**During the distance learning component, written and discussion assignments will come from the remaining chapters of the text and remaining cases, as well as some new material when appropriate.