Arkansas State University, College of Business, Department of Economics & Decision Sciences

MIS 4053

I N F O R M A T I O N

R E S O U R C E

M A N A G E M E NT

Fall 2001

Farhad Moeeni, Ph.D.

Office: BU 419B

Hours --TR11:00-12:30

T 3:00-4:00 p.m.

R 1:45-4:00 p.m.

W 5:00-6:15 p.m.

www.cls.astate.edu/moeeni

moeeni@astate.edu

OVERVIEW

From the electronic accounting of the 1950s, to data processing of the 1960s, distributed computing of the 1970s and 1980s, and to the enterprise-wide and extended enterprise computing (e-business/e-commerce) of the 1990s and beyond, we have been witnessing vast and rapid development and innovation of information technology (IT). The new global e-economy, that is transforming the nature of conducting business, became possible as a result of advancement in computer hardware, software, communication technologies as well as the underlying infrastructure -- the Internet.

According to McNurlin and Sprague (Author's of the textbook for the course), management has become the prime user of information technology, ahead of space exploration, weapon systems, medicine, and entertainment. Organizations invest large sums in information techonlogy including hardware, software, consulting fees and training in order to improve performance and remain competitive. Therefore, IS decisions are considered strategic in nature and managing IT is no longer considered the sole task of technical IS personnel. Hence, executives including CEOs, COOs and other business unit executives have the responsibility to make IS/IT decisions in partnership with CIOs. This course provides knowledge and guidance as how to apply and manage IS/IT for strategic advantage and operational efficiency.

Other information

Course Materials

1.      Textbook: McNurlin and Sprague, Information Systems Management in Practice, 5th ed., Prentice Hall.

2.      Text Web site: www.prenhall.com

3.      A 3.5" disk, to save your assignments for later reference by you or the instructor.

4.      A file folder for keeping your course activities for future reference.

Web-based Communication

Course materials are divided between two different web sites: (1) my personal web site and (2) the Blackboard site.

Personal Web Site

The URL of my web site is www.clt.astate.edu/moeeni.

Blackboard (Bb)

The Bb server can be accessed through my homepage or at the URL, blackboard.clt.astate.edu. In order to use the Bb, you need to register. The registration procedure will be explained in class.

Electronic Mail

Every student should have an e-mail account (through ASU or other Internet services). The e-mail will be a major source of communication in this course. Your e-mail address should be submitted when you register with the blackboard and with the students' database at my web site.

Grading Policy

Grade

Minimum Requirements

Evaluation Components

Weight

A

90% overall and no exam less than 85%

3 Exams

60%

B

80% overall and no exam less than 70%

Final Exam

5%

C

70% overall and no exam less than 60%

P+C+H+R

35%

Other grades

Available upon request

 

 

 

 

 

 

E=Exam, H=Homework, C=Case, P=Project, R=Participation

The minimum requirements may be lowered at the end of the semester if the professor deems necessary.

Exams

Exams should be taken during designated times. No makeup exam is given except under extreme conditions and with the professor's approval. Most likely, no new materials are introduced after the third exam. The final exam ordinarily covers important materials that have been covered previously.

Homework

Homework is due at the beginning of the class period, whether or not it is collected. Homework is collected in two different ways: (1) I may collect all assignments or (2) I may collect a sample of the assignments. I may also ask students to explain their answers. Such an oral presentation will be evaluated and its score will be recorded as participation. Late homework will not be accepted. The answers should be typed, unless told otherwise.

Cases

Individual and group-based cases will be assigned. Cases are due at the beginning of the class period, whether or not it is collected. Answers to the case questions should be typed, unless told otherwise. Be very brief but concise in discussing the cases. Cases are collected in two different ways: (1) I may collect all assignments or (2) I may collect a sample of the assignments. I may also ask students to explain their answers. Such an oral presentation will be evaluated and its score will be recorded as participation. Late submission will not be accepted. One submission per team for group-based cases is enough.

Project

A team project will be assigned with a written and oral component. The details will be discussed later.

Attendance

Every student receives 20 bonus points for attendance (participation). Students who miss a class or come late will lose 10 points per session. This means that you can be absent twice during the semester without any real penalty. Use these points only to take care of your urgent and important businesses. The penalty for being absent will continue beyond the bonus points. Attending the class after the role is taken results in losing 5 points. If you cannot attend a class, ask your teammate or a classmate to bring your assignment to class. Do not drop your assignments in my office or in my mailbox without my prior approval if you value your work and you don't want it lost.