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Welcome to the ISM 6021 Course
Syllabus (Teaching Philosophy and Grading Criteria).*
[*Note: This syllabus has two parts: I.
Getting
Started, Lessons
and
Assignments and
II.
Teaching
Philosophy and Grading Criteria.
This part describes the course---including the teaching philosophy and grading criteria. To jump to
"Syllabus:
Getting
Started, Lessons and Assignments," please click
http://itech.fgcu.edu/cis/assign.html ).]
Course
Description:
Introduces computer information systems technology (IT) principles, tools and
strategies used to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. The emphasis
is on addressing business problems in the information-age and
communicating--in writing and with commonly used desktop software--the results
of one's analysis of a business IT problem or situation. In addition, students
apply IT strategies in the design of an Internet-based enterprise
(E-Commerce)--including on-line presentation of e-business plan and enterprise
resource planning (ERP) strategy.
Executive
Summary for ISM 6021:
In this unique online Management Information System (MIS) course, you will
research and connect to the techno-strategic use of information systems (IS) as
well as the e-business processes utilized for
increasing
efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and profits. Drawing on the scholarship
of multiple authors and IT researchers, you will research and learn how your
firm can achieve the scale, scope, and efficiency that comes from being large
and the flexibility, speed, and responsiveness of being small. Collectively, you
and your peers will research and discuss the implications of using information
technology and how it impacts operations throughout the supply chain.
In addition to the theoretical and strategic
IT concepts (Applegate 8e), this course also covers practical IT/e-business topics
(Rappa's Managing the Digital Enterprise) as follows:
- how to design virtual business processes
that are user friendly;
- how to measure performance and
effectiveness;
- how to understand business models;
- how markets change as more consumers
migrate online;
- techniques for automating business
processes;
- how to avoid channel conflict and exploit
channel synergy;
- how to foster trust in
computer-mediated interaction;
- how to securely manage the digital
enterprise;
- how to protect digital intellectual
property;
- how to operate online in an ethical manner.
Programs:
Business/Computer Information
Systems
Subject Areas: Information
Systems/e-Business/IT/Operations
Strategy
Credit Hours:
3
Delivery Mode: Internet - Asynchronous (anytime/anywhere/anyplace)
Prerequisites:
Working knowledge of Microsoft's Windows and Office (equivalent to CGS 1100 Introduction to Computers) |
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Course
URL: http://elearning.fgcu.edu
e-Learning Information:
In this asynchronous Internet course, you will have
the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with a global community of
students and managers throughout the USA, Europe and Asia. Of
course, you need access to the Internet and the following:
A.
Hardware/Software
-
Access to a Windows-based
PC with Audio (Speaker) System, connected to the Internet and running
Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet
Explorer latest (free download at "microsoft.com"); RealPlayer (free download)
and iTunes (free download at
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/; the
Angel e-learning system [
To
see detailed instructions, please click
http://itech.fgcu.edu/cis/assign.html .]
Although this is a very
demanding online course, the only technical prerequisite is a working knowledge of
Microsoft's Office equivalent to
"CGS 1100 Introduction to Computers." Students that are not
familiar with Office software applications, are encouraged to register for the
online version of CGS 1100 or an equivalent course.
E-Mail account from Florida Gulf Coast
University.
B. Textbook*
* We will
supplement the Applegate's textbook readings with free online resources,
such as Michael Rappa's Managing the Digital
Enterprise at
http://digitalenterprise.org/. To listen to
the Rappa's podcasted lectures, please download (free) iTunes on your
computer
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
then
subscribe to Digital Enterprise
podcasts directly at the
iTunes Music Store.
C. Class setting
- Angel Course Management System (CMS) resource at http://elearning.fgcu.edu.
ThIS system uses discussion
forums, chat-rooms, e-mail, and multimedia to
establish practice-oriented synchronous (same time) and asynchronous (anytime) discussions.
D. Delivery/Interaction
Strategy
- Here is a brief summary of how the course is delivered to
you and how you will be interacting with the instructor and your peers:
The instructor will send you an e-mail containing the assignments due.
[Important: If you don’t receive at least
two e-mails per week,
please contact Dr. Walter Rodriguez immediately at
wrodrigz@fgcu.edu.] Assignments
usually include textbook and case readings, videos/chats and discussion
forums at http://elearning.fgcu.edu
.
E. Case Analysis and Research Articles
- The course simulates information technology (IT) practice----using cases and
research articles posted on Angel. These cases discuss real-life problems (issues),
and are analyzed using questions posted on the discussion forums at http://elearning.fgcu.edu
.
Case analysis
and forum discussions via
Internet is one of the most demanding forms of pedagogy: Each week, the
instructor posts questions on discussion forums and assesses students' responses. In addition to understanding the
textbook chapter and case
"facts," students are required to identify the key issues, the information
that supports their analysis of the issues, and the approach that they
would take for addressing the problem at-hand, using the textbooks and
frameworks discussed in the videos/chats.
Participation in
discussion forums account for 50% of
the grade. The grading criteria for participation includes both quantity and quality
of contributions--but we emphasize the relevance to the topic and
objectives at hand (Important:
Please study the "Grading Policy" near the end of this
page).
F. Concepts
- The basic business-driven information technology concepts and terminology are learned by reading and discussing
up-to-date articles, reviewing videos/chats and by working on the assigned
discussion questions.
G. Multimedia
- Some
assignments
may point to
podcasts and videos. The first time
that you try to play the videos you may be directed to download a free
version of RealPlayer from "real.com" or some other free software
viewer.
H. Library
- Students are encouraged to access the following online Library Electronic
Resources: GaleNet, J-Stor, Lexis-Nexis, NewsBank InfoWeb, Stat-USA, Uncover,
and others. Until now, some library resources were unavailable remotely because
many vendors ensure that their products are limited to subscribers by checking
the address (IP) of the computer requesting access. Currently, all of the computers
on the FGCU campus network automatically provide a network assigned address
and connect to those electronic resources unhindered. Users are able to assign a valid
address to a computer outside the campus network by using a proxy connection
that identifies the request for access as coming from an authorized FGCU
user. Step-by-step instructions for using the proxy server are on the library
web site. Just go to the library home page (http://library.fgcu.edu)
and click on Electronic Resources.
For instance, you
may want to access the Communications of the Association of Information
Systems journal. The URL for direct access is http://cais.aisnet.org
but you may also access via the library's web site: http://library.fgcu.edu,
and then click on Library Catalog. Select Journal/Magazine
Title Search, and type in CAIS in the search Box. (It is not case sensitive).
The result will open up the record for this journal and you will find the
link for the CAIS journal's web site.
I. General Objectives -
* You will research
the approaches executives use to make IT decisions as well as how
organizations attempt to leverage IT to create business advantage.
* You will learn
the concept of a business model as a key framework that guides executive
decision-making and action.
* You will research how
emerging technologies influence approaches to managing IT assets, projects,
and risks.
* You will explore the
responsibilities, obligations, and expectations of IT leaders as businesses
try to exploit today's IT solutions and services to drive business
advantage.
* You will research and analyze IT
business problems and communicate solutions using information-age tools and
operational strategies.
* You will
learn the best IT practices and principles. And how
information systems can be used to address business challenges. You will
understand fundamental IT concepts and terminology. You will understand the basic database,
decision-making, and collaborative tools used in information-age businesses.
| Instructor
Information:
Name: Walter
Rodriguez, Ph.D., P.E.
Phone #:
239.590.7360
E-mail address:
wrodrigz@fgcu.edu
Office Location:
Lutgert Hall 3350
Office
Hours: Virtual office hours via online chat room
or phone. The optimal time for campus visits is Fridays afternoon. Of course, you may
also contact the
instructor anytime at wrodrigz@fgcu.edu
. Professor's
URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/wrodriguez
Teaching Philosophy:
I.
Instructor's Role - The instructor serves as facilitator in the learning
process:
-
Creating exciting
research and learning opportunities for the students;
-
Assigning readings
& challenging projects; and
-
Assessing students'
work and stimulating participation.
II. Grader's Role (if applicable) -
When available, a grader may assign preliminary values to each of the assignments and
projects, based on the criteria given below. [The instructor will review and
validate.]
II. Student's Role
- Students (learners) should be active participants in the learning
process:
-
Reading assigned chapters
& analyzing cases (by due date)
-
Researching and participating in discussions
(online forums)*
-
Submitting assigned
questions, projects and exams by the indicated due date --- per course schedule
(for details, see Part II).
* Students should be aware
that all required writings may be subject to submission for textual
similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of
plagiarism. All submitted work will be included as source
documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose
of detecting plagiarism of such work. Use of the Turnitin.com
service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the
Turnitin.com site.
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Grading
In general, grades
in this class have been very good. For instance, only two students got a
C last semester. Depending on the semester, average final grades have ranged
from A- to B+. Nevertheless, you may be a bit concerned. So, below
is a review the grading criteria (beyond what's normally posted in a syllabus).
I have also included some guidelines that may help you understand how discussion
forums are evaluated. Regards, Walter Rodriguez
Grading
Policy:
| Grades will be
awarded on the plus/minus (+/-) basis
*Note: Per College policy,
graduate students must pass the class with at least a 70 average (if not,
the grade will be automatically recorded
as fail):
| A |
93-100 |
| A- |
90-92.99 |
| B+ |
87-89.99 |
| B |
83-86.99 |
| B- |
80-82.99 |
| C+ |
77-79.99 |
| C |
70-76.99* |
| D |
60-69.99* |
| F |
Below 60* |
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| Percentage
Distribution:
50% Weekly Assigned Tasks: Including, participation in
Harvard Business School's Cases and other discussion forums
25% Post Mid Assessment (IT/e-Business Knowledge
Questions and Case Analysis)
25% Final Project
(Strategic e-Business Plan or MIS Research Paper)
Grading
Criteria for Participation in Discussion Forums:
1.
Per syllabus, students are
required to participate in the discussion forums.
2.
The Discussion
Forums "participation" grading criteria includes both quantity and quality of contributions---emphasizing the relevance of
the particular contribution to the topic and objectives at hand.
3.
Duplicity or
unrelated comments are not penalized---but are not counted.
4.
We want to conduct
a conversational-style, threaded discussion----that is, a dialogue that is as
close as possible to a regular class conversation ... where the professor asks
a question and one or two students respond to the questions ... then other
students react to what has been said. To this effect, students should address
only one of the suggested questions, at a given time, in sequential order, if
possible. [You may also develop your own questions.] Then, return later on and
provide feedback on another student's comment. Below you will find how we
evaluate your responses ... remembering that there is no right answer ... it's
rather rational/emotional process to arrive at general business conclusions or
principles that can be applied to your own business situation. Therefore, the
open question should always be: what did we learn from this particular case
or article?
6.
It’s important
to provide guidance to students desiring to maximize their final grade.
Although assigning a value (number) to a discussion forum or comment (grading
itself) is ultimately derived from previous experience, either teaching or
evaluating items under similar circumstances, here are some guidelines:
Usually, comments that have “higher
density” of thought are assigned higher value. For instance, very
insightful and/or experiential (your own business experience) comments may
earn a 9.5 or even a 10. But, say quoting the textbook, or restating the
obvious, will earn maybe an 8.0, since it’s correct (but, obviously, not as
valued as a higher density comment.) Of course, the slight 0.5 differences
come with experience and it’s harder to explain. But, an experienced grader
is able to evaluate the difference between say an 8.0 and 8.5, in a fairly
consistent manner thanks to the insights gained from reading hundreds of similar
comments over an extended period of time. In
summary, fresh, relevant, high-density, accurate, creative, experiential
and insightful comments will be assigned a higher value. On the
average students will have ups and downs depending on how familiar or
interested students are in the current topic. So it all averages out real
nicely. Although we ask you to address one question at a time, we
do count your cumulative submissions to each unit ... so you can feel free
to enter more than one quality comment at various times ... giving you
opportunity to defend, clarify, rebut.
7. Although the requirement in many forums is to answer one or two
questions (discussion forums), these forums are open-ended
discussions involving the full class and the students are encouraged to expand
in order to try to maximize their grades ... that is, students should add
comments later on, or ask and answer other questions to create a discussion
similar to a real class. As mentioned earlier, the grader mainly looks at the
quality of the answers, i.e., density of thought and relevance to the topic at
hand as well as the general discussion. But, please note that the items above
indicate that the grading criteria include "both quantity and quality of
contributions---emphasizing the relevance of the particular contribution to
the topic and objectives at hand." Please read again this grading
criteria very carefully and do not hesitate to contact me again, if you want
to discuss further.
8. Late Postings:
The
assignment deadlines are firm and, under normal circumstances, students
will not receive partial credit for late assignments. Nevertheless, we
advice students to complete past due assignments belatedly. Reason: If we
determine by the end of the course that those students have been consistent
timely-participants throughout the course (i.e., not missing more than one
or two units) we will consider checking for late assignments or allocating some
partial credit. Important: One assignment that all students must
complete---sooner or later---is the Roll Call forum, since your peers will read
it for selecting partners for the final project.
If you have any questions or
concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me ASAP.
Sincerely,
Walter
Rodriguez, Ph.D., P.E.
wrodrigz@fgcu.edu
To jump
to ISM 6021 Syllabus Part I: Getting
Started, Lessons and Assignments, please click
http://itech.fgcu.edu/cis/assign.html |
Additional
Information:
| Students will develop an strategic e-business
plan or write an MIS research paper |
University
Statements:
Academic Behavior Standards and Academic
Dishonesty
All students are expected to demonstrate honesty
in their academic pursuits. The university policies regarding issues of honesty
can be found in the FGCU Student Guidebook under the
Student Code of
Conduct and Policies and Procedures
sections. All
students are expected to study this document which outlines their
responsibilities and consequences for violations of the policy. The FGCU
Student Guidebook is available online at
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/judicialaffairs/new.html
Disability Accommodations Services
Florida Gulf Coast University, in accordance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act and the university’s guiding principles,
will provide classroom and academic accommodations to students with documented
disabilities. If you need to request an accommodation in this class due to a
disability, or you suspect that your academic performance is affected by a
disability, please contact the Office of Adaptive Services. The Office of
Adaptive Services is located in Howard Hall 137. The phone number is
239-590-7956 or TTY 239-590-7930
Student Observance of Religious Holidays
All students at Florida Gulf Coast University
have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their
religious observances, practices, and beliefs. Students, upon prior
notification to their instructors, shall be excused from class or other
scheduled academic activity to observe a religious holy day of their faith.
Students shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up the material
or activities covered in their absence. Students shall not be penalized due to
absence from class or other scheduled academic activity because of religious
observances. Where practicable, major examinations, major assignments, and
University ceremonies will not be scheduled on a major religious holy day. A
student who is to be excused from class for a religious observance is not
required to provide a second party certification of the reason for the absence.
In lieu of including the full policy in the
course syllabus, provide a link to General Counsel Policies at: http://www.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/policies-view.asp
Additional Resources:
General Education
Information on General
Education program requirements is available online at
http://www.fgcu.edu/General_Education/index.html
Service-Learning
Information on
integrating service-learning into the course and course syllabus is available
online at
http://www.fgcu.edu/Connect/
Distance-Learning
Information on distance
learning courses is available online at
http://itech.fgcu.edu/distance/
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