UNIVERSITY

OF TEXAS-RIO GRANDE VALLEY

EDINBURG, TEXAS CAMPUS
Management of Government Information Systems
- PAFF 6315 - Online
Course Syllabus

[Upfront Fine Print]
Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is
a question about what and when assignments are due, PLEASE remember
this syllabus is considered to be the ruling document.

Course Start Date: August 23, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Course End Date: October 11, 2017 at 11:59 PM
Prerequisites: None
Fall 2017, Module 1
Central Standard Time (CST)

Course Developed and Instructed By:
John R. Milford, Graduate Professional Practitioner Lecturer III
Department of Public Affairs and Security Studies
Email: john.milford@utrgv.edu (Note, however, all communications are required to be sent
thru Blackboard)
Facilitator Availability: Monday thru Friday, except UTRGV holidays, 7:00 am to 8:00 am (CST);
however, if there are other times that you need to communicate with me, feel free to drop me
an email, including holidays, if it is urgent. (I do not utilize texting for courses)
Feedback: Email correspondence will be provided within 24 - 48 hours. Grading feedback will
be provided within 48 hours.

Required Textbook: Public Administration and Information Technology, Jones & Bartlett
Learning, 2012, Christopher G. Reddick, ISBN 978-0-7637-8460-7

Required Reading: Students are required to read all materials available at the Blackboard
Learn site and within the module for this course on https://coltt.rgv.edu/helpMe/



Course Description:
This course is intended to provide specific overviews of the technological challenges to the
practitioner in local government. A background of the strategic planning process, including
management approaches, for the selection of technology software and hardware will be
presented. Individual components for integration of a computer system for any governmental
entity will be analyzed. A case study analysis practicum will be performed to evaluate the
concepts for implementation of an information technology project.

Student Learning Objectives:
Graduate students who successfully complete the coursework should know and have an
understanding of the following:
 1. The primary concepts of how informational technology systems are integrated within
organizational goals.
2. The concepts of how information technology is formulated through the use of computer
software and hardware.
3. Analyzing the major concepts of information technology thru specific case studies
research to understand how IT works in public administration.

Class Objectives:
The course is intended to increase the students knowledge of information technology concepts
within the context of public administration.

Topics and Objectives:
1. Topics- Information Technology and E-Democracy within public administration.
Objectives:
Identify and recognize concepts of Information Technology and E -Democracy.
Explain the reasons for analyzing Information Technology.

2. Topics- E-Participation and E-Governance
Objectives:
Identify necessary terms and concepts of E-Participation and E-Governance related to
ICT.
Research two different governmental units for the E-Participation and E-Governance
concepts and show the incorporation within each government unit.

3. Topics- Public and private ICT environments, IT leadership and management and E -
Government.
Objectives:
Identify necessary terms and concepts of the public and private ICT environments,
leadership and management and E-Government.
Research: 1) A Chief Information Officer and develop a case study for their
success/failure, 2) A governmental unit for the E- Government concept to show how it
has been incorporated within the structure of the governmental unit.

4. Topics- Enterprise Architecture
Objectives:
Identify necessary terms and concepts of Enterprise Architecture within ICT.
Develop a model Public Management Information System (PMIS) utilizing the five (5)
elements of enterprise architecture.

5. Topics- E-Procurement, E-Commerce and Online Financial Reporting
Objectives:
Identify necessary terms and concepts of E-Procurement, E-Commerce and Online
Financial Reporting within ICT.
 Analyze a governmental units E-Procurement and E-Commerce technology for and
efficiency.
6. Topic- ICT utilized in the Human Resources concept of government.
Objectives:
Identify those ICT concepts utilized in the field of Human Resource departments of
government.
Analyze a governmental units Human Resource Departments ICT for efficiency and
effectiveness.
7. Topic- Information Security and Privacy.
Objectives:
Identify a current problem of information security that exists or existed within a
governmental entity and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
Analyze the problem and providing recommendations or solutions for correcting the
problem.

Online Weekly Schedule:
Electronic weeks begin on Wednesday and end on Tuesday at midnight.
Day 1: Wednesday, Day 2: Thursday, Day 3: Friday, Day 4: Saturday, Day 5: Sunday, Day 6: Monday, Day 7: Tuesday

Academic Integrity
By virtue of membership in the Universitys academic community, students accept a
responsibility to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality and Proprietary Information
One of the cornerstones of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley online learning model is
the practical application of theoretical concepts. You are encouraged to share your personal
and professional experiences as a means to integrate knowledge by reflecting on its application.
However, it is important to note that we all are bound by confidentiality in this class. To assure
that we can have a free and open discussion in which you may elect to discuss your company
and its policies and procedures as they apply to the course material, I expect each person to
respect the confidentiality of what your classmates are willing to share with us. At the same
time, I ask that each of you exercise good judgment in what you choose to share and avoid
disclosing non-public or competitively sensitive information.

As a rule students and faculty members must not share present or past employer information
that is considered to be proprietary, confidential, company-sensitive, or protected trade
secrets. Students are encouraged to examine their organization's limitations on sharing
information externally.

Students and faculty members may appropriately choose to illustrate lessons from their
experience that might challenge these boundaries, without identifying specific employers or
individuals by name.
 If you have any questions about any of the information contained in this syllabus, or about any
other aspect of this class, please do not hesitate to ask!

Services for Persons with Disabilities:
Students with a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which
affects academic performance) who would like to receive academic accommodations should
contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to
initiate services. Accommodations can be arranged through SAS at any time, but are not
retroactive. Students who suffer a broken bone, severe injury or undergo surgery during the
semester are eligible for temporary services. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services
is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or
via email at ability@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108
University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840
(Fax), or via email at ability@utrgv.edu.

MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD:
Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your
UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further instructions.
Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. Online evaluations
will be available:
Fall 2017 Module 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 11
Fall 2017 Module 2 Nov. 29 Dec. 5
Fall 2017 (full semester) Nov. 15 Dec. 6
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADE APPORTIONMENT

Chapter Assessments (9) @ 1% Each 9%
Executive Summary Essays (6) @ 8% Each 48%
Discussion Board Postings
WEEK ONE 1%
WEEK TWO (2) @1% Each 2%
WEEK THREE 1%
WEEK FOUR (2) @1% Each 2%
WEEK FIVE 1%
WEEK SIX (2) @1% Each 2%
WEEK SEVEN (2) @1% Each 2%
Total of Discussion Board Posting Grade 11%
Power Point Presentations:
WEEK FOUR 16%
WEEK SEVEN 16%
Total Power Point Presentations 32%
Final Total 100%




 A = 95 To 100 B- = 80 To 83
A- = 90 To 94 C+ = 77 To 79
B+ = 87 To 89 C = 74 To 76
B = 84 To 86 C- = 70 To 73

Week One Activities and Assignments:

Read and Watch: Read the Foreword, Chapters One & Two for this week. After reading, watch the
power point(s) that emphasizes the main points of the chapters.

Summary of Week One-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Who Are You Posting DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete Chapters One and Two Assessments DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete Executive Summary Essay On assigned DAY FIVE 9 PM
Topic for Chapter One as noted under Week One
Assignments
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points on DAY SIX 9 PM
Discussion Forum
Complete One Posting on a Students Summary on
Forum

Week Two Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapters Three & Four for this week. After reading, watch the power point(s)
that emphasizes the main points of the chapters.

Summary of Week Two-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Chapters Three and Four Assessments DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete Executive Summary Essay on Two DAY FIVE 9 PM
Assigned Questions as noted under Week Two
Assignments
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points DAY SIX 9 PM
on Discussion Forum
Complete Two Postings on Two Other Students
Summary on Forum











 Week Three Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapters Five and Six for this week. After reading, watch the power point(s)
that emphasizes the main points of the chapters.

Summary of Week Three-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Chapters Five and Six Assessments DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete Two Executive Summary Essays on DAY FIVE 9 PM
Assigned Topics as noted under Week Three
Assignments
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points on DAY SIX 9 PM
only One of the essays on Discussion Forum
One Posting on One Other Students Summary on
Forum

 Week Four Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapter Seven for this week. After reading, watch the power point that
emphasizes the main points of the chapter.

Summary of Week Four-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Chapter Seven Assessment DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete Power Point presentation developing a DAY FIVE 9 PM
model Public Management Information System
(PMIS) utilizing the five (5) elements of enterprise
architecture.
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points DAY SIX 9 PM
on Discussion Forum
Two Postings on Two Other Students
Summary on Forum

Week Five Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapter Eight for this week. After reading, watch the power point that
emphasizes the main points of the chapter.

Summary of Week Five-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Chapter Eight Assessment DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete One Executive Summary Essay on DAY FIVE 9 PM
Assigned Topics as noted under Week Five
Assignments
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points DAY SIX 9 PM
on Forum
One Posting on One Other Students Summary
on Discussion Forum

Week Six Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapter Nine for this week. After reading, watch the power point that
emphasizes the main points of the chapter.

Summary of Week Six-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Chapter Nine Assessment DAY THREE 11 PM
Complete One Executive Summary Essay on DAY FIVE 9 PM
Assigned
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points DAY SIX 9 PM
on Forum
Two Postings on Two Other Students
Summary on Discussion Forum

 Week Seven Activities and Assignments:
Read and Watch: Read Chapter Ten for this week. After reading, watch the power point that
emphasizes the main points of the chapter.

Summary of Week Seven-Deliverables:
Assignments Due Date
Complete Power Point presentation on identifying DAY FIVE 11 PM
a current problem of information security that
exists or existed within a governmental entity and
provide recommendations for corrective actions.
Post summary of Three or Four Major Points DAY SIX 9 PM
on Forum
Two Postings on Two Other Students
Summary on Discussion Forum

Assignments

All assignments are due by the date/time listed on the syllabus. Any assignments and/or postings that
are submitted late will not be accepted for a grade, unless the instructor approves mitigating
circumstances. In an online class environment, other students are relying on posted information to
complete their assignments. The online course is designed for all students to learn from each other. In
some respects, the class is a team effort to complete a project
Please make every effort to keep all of your assignments up to date!

Please keep up with your readings and assignments; it is a WIN/WIN for everyone!

PROTOCOLS THE FOLLOWING IS QUITE LENGTHY BUT IS REQUIRED IN ORDER THAT ALL
STUDENTS ACESSING THE ONLINE COURSE IS CONSISTENT AND PROFESSIONAL DURING THE
COURSE.

Classroom Expectations
The following ground rules will help your work in this course to go much more smoothly. Please carefully review
these expectations and follow them.

1. Academic integrity will be appraised according to the student academic behavior standards outlined in
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Student Handbook.
2. Keep up with the reading. You have quite a few chapters, modules, discussion postings, and e -mail
messages to read for the class. Please keep up with the reading. Students who keep up with the reading
tend to do much better in this kind of class than those who do not.
3. Work with others. You are required to make every effort to work effectively and promptly with others.
Fair criticism of your failure to work effectively with others will significantly affect your collaboration and
participation grade.
 E-mail Through Course Messages (Blackboard)
E-mail will be an integral part of this course. Make sure you:


1. Check your e-mail at least twice per week (more often is better).
2. Be patient. Dont expect an immediate response when you send a message. Generally, two days is
considered reasonable amount of time to receive a reply.
3. Include "Subject" headings: use something that is descriptive and refer to a particular assignment or topic.
4. Be courteous and considerate. Being honest and expressing yourself freely is very important but being
considerate of others online is just as important as in the classroom.
5. Make every effort to be clear. Online communication lacks the nonverbal cues that fill in much of the
meaning in face-to-face communication.
6. Do not use all caps. This makes the message very hard to read and is considered "shouting." Check
spelling, grammar, and punctuation (you may want to compose in a word processor, then cut and paste
the message into the discussion or course message tool).
7. Break up large blocks of text into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs.


Never presume that your course messages can be read by no one except yourself; others may be able to read or
access your mail. Never send or keep anything that you would not mind seeing on the evening news

Online Participation Policy
Your success in any online course will heavily depend on your ability to communicate, engage and participate in all
course activities. Successful completion of an online course requires that a student keep up with all assignments,
course work and discussions. Timely participation in online discussions is a very important part of any online
course and participation in discussions, as well as activities assigned, is not optional. You are expected to prepare
and post to discussions in a timely manner consistent with the requirements contained within the course syllabus
and discussion rubric.

Discussion Topics


Many of the "rules of the road" or protocols that apply to e-mail also apply to the use of discussions. Use the
following conventions when composing a discussion posting:

1. During a Discussion assignment, deadlines for posting to and replying will be specified with each
assignment. It is a good practice to always check the Discussions multiple times during the week.
2. If you want to send a personal message to the instructor or to another student, use e -mail rather than the
discussions (see above E-mail Protocols).
3. Use the appropriate Discussion Topic; dont post everything on the "Main" Discussion Topic.
4. Be patient. Dont expect an immediate response when you send a message.
5. A helpful hint for use with both discussions and e -mail --- Compose your message in your word-processing
application in order to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar --- then copy and paste your
composition into e-mail or the discussion. This also saves online time.
6. Everyone should feel free to participate in class and online discussions. Regular and meaningful discussion
postings constitute a substantial portion of your grade.
7. Respect each others ideas, feelings and experience.
8. Be courteous and considerate. It is important to be honest and to express your self freely, but being
considerate of others is just as important and expected online, as it is in the classroom.
9. Explore disagreements and support assertions with data and evidence.
 10. "Subject" headings: use something that is descriptive and refer to a particular assignment or discussion
topic when applicable. Some assignments will specify the subject heading.
11. Use the "reply" button rather than the "compose" button if you are replying to someone elses posting.
12. Do not use postings such as "I agree," "I dont know either," "Who cares," or "ditto." They do not add to
the discussions, take up space on the Discussions, and will not be counted for assignment credit.
13. Avoid posting large blocks of text. If you must, break them into paragraphs and use a space between
paragraphs.
14. Use the General Help Discussion for assistance with technical issues. There will be specific discussion
topics for particular discussions - pay close attention to the assignment, and post appropriately.



Guidelines for Student Participation in Online Discussion Forums
With freedom to voice your opinion and personal thoughts on the web comes responsibility. Keep the following
guidelines in mind when developing your posts:
Netiquette:

Identify yourself by your real name. Be mindful of your personal safety, and avoid including personal
information, such as phone numbers or addresses, in discussion forums.
Write in the first person (this is your opinion).
Use humor, joking, or sarcasm with caution. We often rely on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions
to communicate joking or sarcasm; but these cues are not always clear in an online environment. These
cues can be simulated with emoticons to reduce misunderstandings.
What you write is publicrespect your audience and be mindful of proper netiquette.

Netiquette, also known as 'net etiquette,' includes using language free of profanity, proper tone and
mechanics (including full sentences), as well as courtesy and respect for others' opinions.

"Netiquette" has evolved to aid us in infusing our electronic communications with some of these missing
behavioral pieces. "Emoticons" and other tools have become popular and I encourage their use when it will
add to the clarity of your communication.

Netiquette continues to evolve and constant additions will be added to this growing language. The important
thing to remember is that all of the "cute" symbols in t he world cannot replace your careful choice of words
and "tone" in your communication.



How to Get Others to Read Your Posts:

Jot down notes as you read; and before you post, think about the focus question in the context of
the readings. Address the focus questions as much as possible (Do not let the discussion stray).

Distribute contributions evenly during the discussion period (not concentrated all on one day or at the
beginning and/or end of the period).
Give your post an interesting descriptive subject line to draw attention and invite responses from others.
Avoid cursory, non-contributory posts, such as "I agree" or "great idea." If you agree (or disagree) with a
post, then say why--and support your statement with concepts from the online lecture or assigned
readings, or by sharing a related example or experience.
Avoid using texting abbreviations in your posts.
 Elaborate one single idea and try to keep your message to a couple paragraphs. Long, multiple-screen
"mini-dissertations" are difficult to follow on screen and limit opportunities for the give-and-take essential
to effective dialogue.
Review your comments carefully for grammar and punctuation before you post. Well-formulated,
grammatically correct, clear posts attract more attention (from both instructor and colleagues). Consider
developing your initial posts in a word processing program that allows you to edit for spelling and
grammarthen copy it into the discussion forum. This not only will improve the quality of your posts, but
also has the added benefit of preserving your insights and observations in word documents you can
access after the online course has been completed. Another advantage to composing "offline" is avoiding
a timeout from the online discussion forum while you compose your thoughts--resulting in a loss of your
careful composition!



Earning Full Credit:

Keep your posts related to the focus question.
Think of the assignment as a collegial dialogue--not a writing exercise. Engage in a discussion about the
text and issues of the course materials.
Cite or reference any part of your posts that are not your own original thoughts. (Avoid plagiarizing!) Citing
your sources is especially important in courses where your instructor offers full credit only when citations
support the ideas in your post. When you refer to online resources include a hyperlink directly to the
source to add context to your comments.
After you have posted, check back to see if anybody has responded to youand whether a return
response is desired/expected. Build on others' responses to further develop threads of dialog.
Respond to a colleague who either supports your own thoughts or lacks supporting evidence or seems to
fall short on an important point. Pose questions, offer arguments (distinguish between opinion and
argument), or play "devil's advocate." Avoid responses that offer only right or wrong perspectives while
ignoring other possible answers; pose open-ended questions that invite dialogue.
Participation in online forums may be a significant portion of the assessment for your course, so check
the course requirements for the weighting of the assessment in your final grade as well as the
frequency and requirements for discussion posts to receive full credit.

Viruses


A virus can spell disaster. Your use of a reputable anti-virus program is a requirement for participation in
this course (good ones include McAfee or Norton).
Also, back up your files: "My hard drive crashed." "My modem doesnt work." "My printer is out of ink."
These are todays equivalents of "My dog ate my homework."
These events really do occur and they are really inconvenient when they do. However, these a re not valid
excuses for failing to get your work in on time.











SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY:
As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded
that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty
includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism (including self-plagiarism), and collusion;
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another
person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a
student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all
students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly
enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All
scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.



SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE:

In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a Responsible Employee for
reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a
students time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual
harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion,
or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including
confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to
provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility,
and mutual respect that is free from sexual misconduct and discrimination.

COURSE DROPS:
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official
drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students
considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3-peat rule and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize
how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6 -drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that
undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at
other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3 -peat rule
refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.

Technical Resources

For specific problems in any of the areas below or for further information go to the corresponding link for
assistance.
UTRGV Home Page will help find UTGRV resources
UTRGV Help Desk You can also call the Service Desk at 956-665-2020. (Do not wait until the late minute
and hour before a deadline to ask for help)
Center for Online Learning Teaching and Technology (UTRGVs Blackboard Support) This site provides
information on providing services and facilities that promote, support, and integrate best pedagogical
practices in applied technologies in teaching, learning, and research for traditional and web-based
learning offerings.
o Location: Education Building Room 2.202
o Phone: 956-665-5327
o Monday Thursday 7:30AM 7:00PM
o Friday: 7:30 AM 6:00PM