Introduction to Information Systems

IS 4410-004
Spring 2015
Department of Operations and Information Systems
The David Eccles School of Business
The University of Utah
Instructor
Class Times
Classroom
Contact

Jon Soldan
Tuesday 6:15pm 9:00pm
SFEBB 180
Phone: (801) 440-0349 Email: jon.soldan@business.utah.edu

Course Description
In order to succeed in business, companies must understand how to leverage technology. This
course provides an overview of the role and use of information systems in supporting business
processes and decision-making, gaining competitive advantage, and enabling electronic
commerce and enterprise collaboration. Core concepts/disciplines covered include: collaboration
systems, hardware/software, databases, systems development, business intelligence, networks
and telecommunications, e-commerce/web 2.0, security, and process management.
The subjects discussed in the course prepare students in business majors to integrate their
management, accounting, finance, and marketing knowledge with information technology.
Students are requested to use Microsoft Excel and Access in creating file and database
applications.

Course Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Understand foundational concepts of information systems

Comprehend the roles of information systems in business functions and processes
Learn how to leverage information systems to gain competitive advantage in business
Master the basic processes in designing and developing information systems
Become aware of the challenges of information technologies, including security and
ethical challenges.
6. Gain hands-on experience utilizing Microsoft Excel and Access to manage data and make
decisions

Required Textbook (Hard Copy or eTextbook)

1. Hard Copy: Kroenke (2014). Using MIS 7/E. PA: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-354643-8

Canvas
Course presentations, syllabus, assignments, recommended readings, grades, etc. will be
available online. In order to access Canvas, you need to have an active University Network ID
(UNID).

Evaluation
Quizzes 30%
Mid-Term ..... 10%
Assignments 30%
Final Exam ... 20%
Participation . 10%
Quizzes will be short and will be based on the reading assignments (on Canvas). Quiz make-ups
will not be allowed, but I will drop your two lowest scores. Questions will be multiple choice
and true/false.
Assignments should be done individually. Some assignments will require application of the
concepts covered in class/reading assignments by utilizing relevant software, while others may
just require a written response.

Student Absences
Excused Absences Students absent from class to participate in officially sanctioned University
activities (e.g., band, debate, student government, intercollegiate athletics) or religious
obligation, or with instructors approval, shall be permitted to make up both assignments and
examinations. The involved students must deliver documentation to their instructors, preferably
before the absence but in no event later than one week after the absence.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business seeks to provide equal access to its
programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations
in this class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the instructor and to the Center for
Disability Services, http://disability.utah.edu/, 160 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD) to
make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made
available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services. CDS
will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.

Class Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Date
1/13
(Tues)
1/20
(Tues)
1/27
(Tues)
2/3
(Tues)
2/10
(Tues)
2/17
(Tues)
2/24
(Tues)
3/3
(Tues)
3/10
(Tues)
3/17
(Tues)
3/24
(Tues)
3/31
(Tues)
4/7
(Tues)
4/14
(Tues)
4/21
(Tues)
4/28
(Tues)

Topic
Course Introduction
The Importance of MIS
Collaboration Information Systems

Assignments
Read Chapter 1

Strategy and Information Systems

Read Chapter 2
Assignment # 1 Due Next Week
Read Chapter 3

Hardware, Software, and Mobile Systems

Read Chapter 4

Database Processing

Read Chapter 5
Assignment # 2 Due Next Week
Read Chapter 6
Mid-Term Next Week

The Cloud
Mid-Term Review
Mid-Term Exam
Processes, Organizations, and Information Systems
Social Media Information Systems

Read Chapter 7
Assignment # 3 Due Next Week
Read Chapter 8

Quizzes/Due Dates
Quiz Chapter 1
Quiz Chapter 2
Assignment # 1
Quiz Chapter 3
Quiz Chapter 4
Quiz Chapter 5
Assignment # 2

Quiz Chapter 7
Assignment # 3

No Class Spring Break

Business Intelligence Systems
Development Processes

Read Chapter 9
Assignment # 4 Due Next Week
Read Chapter 10

Information Systems Management

Read Chapter 11

Information Security Management

Read Chapter 12
Assignment # 5 Due Next Week
Final Exam Next Week

Course Wrap-up, Career Day, Review for Final

Final Exam

Quiz Chapter 8
Quiz Chapter 9
Assignment # 4
Quiz Chapter 10
Quiz Chapter 11
Assignment # 5