Course Objectives
You will achieve a working knowledge of personal computer software including the use of operating system software and environments as well as spreadsheets and analytical graphics, database management systems, and presentation software. You will learn the current versions of software listed on this syllabus as well as acquire the tools necessary to use new software as it becomes available. You will also learn to integrate the software applications with the World Wide Web.
A basic familiarity with Windows is assumed, and students should have Internet access and be familiar with it's use.
Upon completion of this course you will be well-acquainted with how MIS influences business strategies, basic computer terminology, hardware and software components, communications technology, computer graphics, information systems analysis and design, and issues arising out of the rapidly evolving field of information systems.
Keeping up with assignments and suggested tutorials, and coming to class is crucial to successful completion of the course objectives. Many of you already have experience with some of the software and others have little or none. Therefore the class is likely to seem too slow for some of you on occasions and too rapid on others. The tutorials are designed to help each of you find your way through the material at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Required Software*
- Operating System: Windows 95/NT4, 98, 2000/NT5 or XP
- Spreadsheet/Analytical Graphics: Excel 2002 (XP)
- Presentation Software: PowerPoint 2002 (XP)
- Database Management: Access 2002 (XP)
- Web browser: Internet Explorer 6.0
* These applications and versions (or newer) are required. Please check the version of Internet Explorer you have at home by selecting Help, About. Version 6.0 or newer of IE is required for the course. new! Use this download if you have an IE version lower than 6.0 on a nonLab computer. Internet Explorer 6.0 download. After downloading, select "Open" to start the installation process. You will need a fast connection because the update takes quite a few files from the Microsoft site. This will not work on a lab computer.
Also, adust the computer display for maximum color fidelity by using the following sequence: Start Menu, Settings, Display, Settings tab, select True Color.
Required Textbooks
Textbooks come shrink-wrapped & accompanied by PowerWeb password, Interactive CD-ROM and Data files CD for use with Tutorials and Homework.
- Sawyer, S. C. & Williams, B. K Using Information Technology: A Practical Introduction to Computers and Communications (Intro Version), McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2002.
- O'Leary, Timothy J., & O'Leary, Linda I. Microsoft OfficeXP Tutorials/Lab Modules for Excel , PowerPoint and Access 2002, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2002.
Exams
There will be three exams; two tests and a cumulative final. Exams will be multiple-choice and short-answer. You will be provided with more information on exams as we go through the material. A sample exam packet is also available at the GSB Copy Center.
Grading Procedure
| Component | No. | Weight | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 7 | varies | 15% |
| Tests | 2 | 25% | 50% |
| Final (cumulative) | 1 | 35% | 35% |
Course grades are calculated on the weighted percent score you receive for the components above. The cutoffs (lowest scores) are 90 (A), 80 (B), 70 (C), 60 (D), or F.
Homework
Homework assignments using the computer software may be done in computer labs on campus or on your own computer. There will be a total of seven homework assignments totaling 100 possible points. Homework (except for the two assignments that are to be turned in via e-mail) is due in class on the due date. In order to maintain a fair and uniform policy, the policy on late homework attached to this syllabus will be strictly enforced. When you turn in your assignment make sure that multiple pages are stapled together and that your name and social security number appear on the upper right hand corner of the first page.
At your convenience, you may pick up your graded assignments from your TA's office. Any questions regarding homework grades should be directed to the TA. Please check your homework grades on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to make sure that there are no discrepancies or recording errors. Resolve any discrepancies with your TA within two weeks after the grades are posted. Review of homework grades cannot extend beyond this two-week period. This is a no-budge policy. It is wise to retain copies of your assignments on disk just in case of any recording errors.
On exams, testing of computer competency will include material in the assigned Tutorials as well as material covered by assigned homework, in the Course Packets, and in class. You will not perform well on exams if you fail to do the Tutorials. They should be considered your reading assignment for the software applications and their importance is highlighted since you may be given specific time off from class in order to work on them.
Obtaining the DATA FILES
Any data files that you need for tutorials and homework are found in one of two places. Most of them are on one of the CDs that accompanied your textbooks. Those for use with Windows homework and the second Excel homework assignment have been posted on the class web page and may be downloaded from your home computer or in the lab.
If you have any trouble trying to access the software or the data files, ask the lab proctors (they are paid to assist you), the TA or me for assistance. It is advisable however, to ask the TA for assistance with actual homework. It is also advisable not to wait until the night before homework is due to try to do the assignment.
Your E-Mail Account
The University of Texas has an electronic mail system that is available to all students and faculty at the University. It is a free service. This is the @mail account that many of you may have set up on your own or received during freshman orientation. The business school has a different server (@bus) and is in the process of converting from Eudora to Outlook as the e-mail software used to access your e-mail account. This conversion is causing some confusion since many classroom computers and much of the rest of the campus are still using Eudora and the "mail" server. I will refer to features of e-mail that you should be using regardless of what software you choose to use or what server you use (bus or mail). It will be up to you to locate and use these features in your software (whether it is Outlook, Eudora, Netscape Mail, Pine, AOL or something else) for purposes of class assignments.
It is likely that in your BA 101-102 class you will receive some instructions regarding the use of MS Outlook. If you are not in BA 101-102, or if you wish to continue to utilize Eudora or something other than Outlook from your home computer, you certainly may do so for purposes of this class. Be aware however, that Eudora is no longer on the computers in the CBA labs. I will provide you with a handout of the features of e-mail you will be responsible for and this handout will cover several different e-mail software clients. You are strongly encouraged to take the time to set up an Outlook account at some point during the semester if you have not already done so during the Business School's freshman orientation. There will be many resources available to assist you in doing this and I will make announcements in class regarding these resources.
| Type of transaction | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Internet | |
| Banking | $1.08 | $0.02-.08 |
| Purchase appliance | $12-20.00 | $2.00 |
| Airline ticket | $8.00 | $1.00 |
| Customer service | $3-15.00 | $1.00 |
| Invoicing | $1.60 | $.80 |
| Social Security check | $0.43 | $0.02 |