SYLLABUS -- OMIS 352

BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

SPRING 2010

 

Dr. Kathleen McFadden

Dr. Chang Liu

Dr. Richard Born

328H Barsema Hall

328D Barsema Hall

328P Barsema Hall

815-753-6374

815-753-3021

8115-753-6380

kmcfadden@niu.edu

cliu@niu.edu

rborn@niu.edu

11:00 – 1:30 p.m.  M.

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. T, Th.

 

8:30 – 11 a.m., T., Th.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. T, Th.

(starting March 30, 2010)

 * Additional office hours are available by appointment

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course offers the students advanced applications of information technology development tools and techniques to enhance individual and group problem solving and critical thinking skills. The course focuses on developing seamless and integrated business applications using the latest development techniques and tools. 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this course is to introduce the students to a variety of operations management and information systems tools for solving business problems.  The emphasis will be on problem-solving, decision-making, and integrating the computer to support this process.

 

Module 1: Decision Analysis

This module will take a systematic approach to decision making.  It will present mathematical models useful in helping managers make the best possible decisions in today’s competitive, complex business environment.  Using a hands-on approach, students will learn how to define the problem and objectives, generate possible alternatives, evaluate alternatives, and apply modeling procedures.  Spreadsheet application and examples in Microsoft Excel including the use of Solver will be integrated throughout this module.

 

Module 2: Project Management

Project Management is a core skill in today’s fast-moving and dynamic business environment. Business professionals and project teams must deliver more complex and time-pressured projects with limited resources. Organizing scare resources, managing tight budgets and deadlines, controlling change throughout projects, and generating maximum team performance are key aspects of effective project management. In this module, the students will learn how to define, plan, manage, and deliver projects.  Microsoft project software will be used in this module to help the students learn how to break projects into manageable parts, identify potential bottlenecks, and generate information to keep projects under control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Module 3: Programming

This module introduces application computer programming, in which the student will conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving business problems by computer.  The student will work with new technical innovations and object-oriented programming tools that have literally redefined the role of the programmer and have elevated much of the programming work that is done today to a new level.  The student will learn a variety of programming skills by using the Visual Studio 2005 Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which provides a single developer interface for creating, testing, and distributing programs.  The specific programming language to be studied in detail will be Visual Basic 2005.

 

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:

Textbooks:

Bunin, Rachel Biheller, Microsoft Office Project 2007, Introductory; Thomson Course Technology, 2007.

 

Willis, Thearon and Bryan Newsome, Beginning Visual Basic® 2008, WROX, 2008.

 

Course Packets:

    McFadden, Kathleen L., OMIS 352, Course Packet – Module 1:  Decision Analysis.

 

     Born, Richard G., OMIS 352 Course Packet – Module 3:  Programming

 

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:

Academic misconduct is a major offense at Northern Illinois University.  It is defined as “receipt or transmission of unauthorized aid on assignments or examinations, plagiarism, unauthorized use of examination materials, or other forms of dishonesty in academic matters.”  Cheating on an examination, project or homework assignment will result in a failing grade for the course.

 

COMPUTER WORKSHOPS/TUTORIALS:

A basic understanding of Microsoft Excel is required in this course.  The College of Business offers numerous workshops and tutorials.  If you are not proficient in the use of this program, you are urged to take advantage of workshops and tutorials.

 

DISABILITIES:

NIU abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which mandates reasonable accommodations be provided for qualified students with disabilities.  If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination accommodation, please contact the instructors early in the semester so we can provide or facilitate in providing accommodations you may need.  If you have not already done so, you will need to register with the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR), the designated office on campus to provide services and administer exams with accommodations for students with disabilities.  The CAAR office is located on the 4th floor of the University Health Services building (815-753-1303).  Please discuss your needs with the instructors as soon as possible so we may be helpful in enhancing your academic success in this course.

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

The OM&IS Department has a standard attendance policy.   In short, students are expected to attend all classes and be on time.  Failure to attend class regularly or be on-time will result in a reduction in your course grade.   Please review http://www.cob.niu.edu/ omis/bs_attendance.asp for further details on the OM&IS attendance policy.

 

GRADE DETERMINATION:

The final grade for the course will be based on performance in the three major areas.  Each module is worth 250 points for a total of 750 possible points.  Points are assigned as follows:

           

Module 1

       Exam 1

       Group Project

       Homework

        Discretionary*

 

100

100

  40

  10

250

Module 2

      Exam 2

      Quizzes

      Homework

      Discretionary*

 

110

  10

120

  10

250

Module 3

      Exam 3

      Homework

      Discretionary*

 

120

120

  10

250

            *Discretionary includes professionalism, attendance, and class participation

 

Grading Scale:

To receive an A in this course, you must have a total score of 675 points (90%) or better.

To receive a   B in this course, you must have a total score of 600 points (80%) or better.

To receive a   C in this course, you must have a total score of 525 points (70%) or better.

To receive a   D in this course, you must have a total score of 450 points (60%) or better.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY:

Failure to take an exam without a pre-approved reason will result in a grade of 0.  Legitimate reasons for missing an exam are 1) death in the family; 2) sickness; 3) being involved in an approved school-related activity.  All excuses must be pre-approved by the instructor prior to the missed exam. If you cannot see the instructor prior to the exam, you must at least call or email prior to the exam.  In order to make up the exam, proper documentation must be provided.  Projects or homework not turned in on time will also result in a grade of 0.  Special exceptions may be made for legitimate reasons as outlined above, but proper documentation must be turned in with any late assignment.