MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
CIS 310 COURSE SYLLABUS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course number: CIS 310
Credit/Contact hours: 3
Term: Fall 2000
Course title: Systems Analysis

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor name: John Phillips
Instructor office location: Elliott 213A
Instructor office hours: To be announced.
Instructor telephone: 570-662-4704
Instructor e-mail address: jphillip@mnsfld.edu

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description

An introduction to the concepts of systems analysis and design. Problem definition; data gathering, information analysis, presentation techniques, implementation planning, system controls, documentation. Prerequisite: BUS 130 or 230, and CIS 203 or 206.

Textbook

System Analysis and Design, Kendall & Kendall, 1999, Prentice-Hall, ISBN: 0-13-646621-4.

Course Outline

1. Assuming the role of the Systems Analyst
2. Understanding organizational style and its impact on information systems
3. Determining feasibility and managing analysis and design activities
4. Sampling and investigating hard data
5. Interviewing
6. Using questionnaires
7. Observing decision-maker behavior and the office environment
8. Prototyping
9. Using data flow diagrams
10. Analyzing systems using data dictionaries
11. Describing process specifications and structured decisions
12. Analyzing semi structured decision support systems
13. Preparing the systems proposal
14. Writing and presenting the systems proposal

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

Class schedule

MWF 11:00 - 11:50 AM

Equipment and supplies

Access to the Internet is required either using your own computer or by using a computer in the school's computer lab. Presentation materials and other supplies may need to be purchased for your team project. You should keep a backup copy of all work you do on one or more diskettes.

Grading scale and policy

(Refer to the Mansfield University Catalog for grades that can be awarded.)

A >= 90%
B >= 80%
C >= 70%
D >= 60%
F < 60%

In addition, the instructor may choose to further differentiate grades with plus and minus subdivisions as outlined in the catalog.

Quizzes are closed book, closed notes, and timed. Neither early quizzes nor makeup quizzes will be given, however, your 2 lowest quiz grades will be dropped to allow for any unavoidable or excused absences.

Homework assignments will be displayed on-line at http://coursenotebook.com. Follow the directions found at that location. Homework must be posted within the specified time frame or no credit will be given. Homework must be the student's own work.

The group project is a substantial part of the student grade. Therefore, a very high quality product will be required. Grading will be based on the level of difficulty, written documentation, oral presentation, level of teamwork and organization, group rating of individual contributions, log of individual work, and overall level of quality.

The final exam will be closed book and closed notes. However, you will be allowed a one-page (8.5 x 11 inch) note sheet. The exam will be comprehensive.

Instructor's expectations

This course places an emphasis on working as a team member. You will be evaluated on written and verbal communication skills along with technical skills. On the team project you will be expected to do your fair share of the work assigned. You are expected to try and get along with your teammates and to learn to work with the diverse personalities that may be present to achieve your goals.

Late assignment policy

No late assignments will be accepted.

Make-up exam policy

No make-up exam will be allowed without prior arrangements being made. A make-up exam must be taken when scheduled.

Methods of instruction

We will cover one textbook chapter each week. You are expected to read each assigned chapter prior to the lecture. Feel free to ask questions on any material you need clarified during the lecture. Example problems will be worked and some time will be allocated to group activities.

Quiz and final examination schedule

Quiz 1-14 weekly starting the second week
Final Exam to be announced

Unique requirements of the course

This course is a designated writing course. Writing is a key component of systems analysis and you will have many written assignments. Student participation is also essential to this course. You will be expected to participate to the best of your ability and to work in a professional manner with your fellow students.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes the following actions, as well as other similar conduct aimed at making false representation with respect to the student's academic performance:

(1) cheating on an exam,
(2) collaborating with others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of the course,
(3) submitting, if contrary to the rules of the course, work previously submitted in another course,
(4) knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above actions, including assistance in an arrangement whereby work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other that the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed,
(5) plagiarism.

Please refer to the Mansfield University Student Handbook for further information.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all courses and course activities for which they are registered. Any class meeting missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity of learning and may adversely affect a student's achievement in the course.

Classroom Etiquette and Student Behavior Guidelines

Students will demonstrate respect for instructors and fellow students. Behavior that is disruptive to a positive learning environment reported by the instructor will result in a warning on the first instance; the second instance might result in expulsion from the course or campus.

Disability Support Services

Students with disabilities are advised, in compliance with federal and state laws, that accommodations and services are available through the office of Center of Services for Students with Disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to contact Disabled Student Services Advisors at this location and to submit appropriate documentation prior to receiving services.

Eating, Drinking and Smoking

Eating and drinking are not allowed in the classroom or laboratory areas. Smoking is not permitted in any College building.

Student Responsibility Policy

When a student attends the College, s/he becomes subject to its jurisdiction. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, in all areas of campus life. By enrolling, they pledge to obey the rules and regulations of the College and are responsible for observing all College policies and procedures as published in the student handbook, the College catalog and other College publications. The student will be responsible for preparing for class, participating in class, and completing assignments on time.

Websites of Interest

Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses

The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade is October 27th. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary forms to the Registrar's Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the student to a grade of "W" in the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus as the course progresses.

COURSE TIMELINE