Information Systems and Management
Course Outline  
Spring 2008

Are You Suited for Online Learning?
If you are motivated, able to study independently, self-disciplined, and comfortable working on the computer, then you have the potential to succeed in an online learning environment.  

If you are taking this course online because you have a busy school and work schedule, please remember that you will need to spend the same amount of time for this course as you do for your face-to-face courses.  The only difference is that every week, you can choose the time that you do the work.  You will need to set aside, on average, three hours per week to go through the online course content, follow the Internet links, and do the supplemental readings.  Besides this, you will need extra time to read the textbook chapters, do the assignments, study for the midterms, and do the group project.    

Online learning is not for everyone.  Some people would prefer to go to class every week.  The important thing is to know what you like.  Don't take an online course if you know you will not enjoy this delivery method.

Course Description:  
A clear understanding of, and breadth of knowledge regarding both the theoretical principles and concepts of Information Systems (IS), and the ability to apply these concepts and frameworks to today's managerial challenges.  An understanding of the role of IS in managing organizations, and in helping organizations achieve greater effectiveness.  Conceptual models and practical applications of IS in organizations are featured.  An introduction to business processes and how Information Technology enables businesses to function more effectively.

Prerequisites:   
Management 2030 (Introduction to Organizational Behaviour) and Management 2060 (Introduction to Information Technology).  If you have a business-related diploma and you have taken organizational behavior and a computer literacy course, you have met the prerequisites.  Check to see if you have met the corequisite below.  

Corequisite:
Writing 1000 or a university English course

Required Textbook:  
Information Systems Today, by Jessup, Valacich, & Wade (Second Canadian Edition, 2008)  ISBN 13: 978-0-13-174039-6

Evaluation Scheme:  
The final grade for the class will be determined in the following manner:  

Grading Scale:

Note:  The final percentage will be rounded up if necessary, e.g. a grade of 73.5 will be raised to 74, but a grade of 73.4 will remain at 73.

Midterm Exams:
The midterm exams will be online and will be written in the WebCT Testing Centre.  On one of the assigned days for the exam, choose a 90 minute-period that suits your schedule during the open hours of the Testing Centre.  Bring along your student ID card or drivers license, and write the online exam.  Do not wait until the end of the last day to write the exam; experience has shown that there are often line-ups and you might not get in to write the exam.  Read important information about the WebCT Testing Centre at:  http://fusion.uleth.ca/crdc/testcenter/testcenter_student_info.htm

Each midterm exam will be 90 minutes in length.  The mid-term exams will be a combination of true/false, multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions based on the text, online course material, discussions, and activities.  

Make-up Exam Policy:
If you cannot write the midterm exam on one of  the scheduled dates for medical reasons, please bring in documentation of the medical reasons and a make-up midterm can be scheduled at another time.  Other valid reasons, again with documentation, will be considered.  Holidays and travel plans are not considered valid reasons to miss a midterm exam. 

Participation:
Because this is an online class, class participation is required.  Students are expected to log into the class website regularly, read the week's online course material, and participate in class discussions.  

Group Work:
The group project involves working in small groups with up to five other students.  The mark assigned will be shared by all group members, i.e., all group members will receive the same grade.   

Academic Honesty:  
All individual assignments and exam answers must be the work of the individual student.  You may work with another student to complete an assignment, but the answers must be substantially different.  Plagiarism (quoting someone else's writing without identifying the source) and cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment or course.   Please read the Help File on Plagiarism in the course website in WebCT.  Also refer to the Student Discipline Policy in the University Calendar, p. 70:  http://www.uleth.ca/ross/2007-08/calendar/part04.pdf.  Second offenses will be dealt with by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Management and will result in a greater penalty.    

Last Day to Withdraw From Class:  March 13, 2008   Seek advice from Academic Advisors on the maximum number of withdrawals allowed for your program and the impact of withdrawing/not withdrawing.  (Lethbridge Campus:  Room E-480)

Class Schedule

 Assignments:

Group Presentation and Paper:

1.  The group assignment consists of a researched report and presentation.  Groups will have five members and students will form their own groups.  Students will sign up for a group in WebCT.  

2.  Each group will meet and decide on a topic.  Any topic from the course is fair game, but topics must be approved by your instructor.  Each group will write a summary of what they will present and write about and will submit it in WebCT by the deadline in the schedule above.  Included will be the names of the group members and a division of tasks, i.e. who will be doing what for the presentation and paper.

3.  Requirements for the paper:

• Approximately 12 pages (double-spaced, 1" margins). 
• Will have a title page, table of contents, and references.  (These three pages are not included in the 12 pages).
• Goes beyond what is in the textbook and online course content, with some outside sources used.  Credit is given for all outside sources used.
• If discussing laws and legal systems, use Canadian laws and examples if available.  Otherwise clearly state the country.  Don't assume what you read will always apply in Canada.    
• The paper will be submitted in WebCT on or before the due date (see course schedule).
• References are used to add breadth & depth to the paper.  Authoritative & scholarly references are to be used for the most part, although some use of commercial websites and news stories can enhance the paper.  Do not use Wikipedia - see Help File on Searching on the Internet and Evaluating Websites and Webpages.
• References MUST be in APA format.  See Help File on APA Format in WebCT.  
• Be sure to give credit to any sources you use in your paper.  See Help File on Plagiarism in WebCT for helpful information on avoiding plagiarizing.  

4.  Requirements for the presentation:

• All group members must participate in the presentation.
• Appropriate dress (e.g. business casual).
• Make your presentation interesting and appropriate for your audience.  Avoid repeating what is covered in the textbook and online course content.  You are expected to go beyond the class material.  
• Presentation should flow smoothly, with information presented in a logical, interesting sequence which the audience can follow.
• All presentations should be integrated (not an unrelated series of individual presentations).
• Presenters will demonstrate full knowledge of their topic by answering all class questions and thoroughly explaining all points.
• No spelling or grammar errors in any written material presented, e.g. PowerPoint presentations, handouts.