BUS 311 provides an introduction to the essential role of information and its management in the modern corporation. Emphasis is on computer-based information systems. The course surveys several topics including systems development, database, hardware and software concepts, the Internet and e-commerce, and ethical implications of information systems development.

In Spring 2006 the Department of BAE adopted a Statement of Student Academic Responsibility. Here is the statement, which every student in this course will be required to sign.

In Spring 2005, the Department of BAE adopted a set of learning objectives for the department.  Here are the learning objectives of the department that this course addresses.

In Spring 2002, the faculty  adopted a set of goals and objectives for the Information Systems major.  Here are the goals and objectives of the information systems major that this course addresses.

On March 16, 2000, the faculty approved a set of goals and objectives of the undergraduate program. Here are the goals and objectives of the undergraduate program that this course addresses.

The University has specific policies in place regarding Academic Integrity. Here are the University Standards of Academic Integrity.

• Required Textbooks:
  • Laudon, K. C. & Laudon, J. P. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2006. Purchase ONE of the following alternative media:
    • ISBN: 0-13-153849-7 (Print version- Most expensive alternative)
    • ISBN: 0-13-169455-3 (CD version - More economical than print)
    • ISBN: 0-13-170522-9 (Digital online version - Most economical choice. Use URL: http://www.safarix.com/ to set up your account on Safari and to purchase the digital version of the text.
       
• Prentice Hall Companion Website for this textbook
  • Use this website to review concepts covered in the textbook, to complete certain homework assignments and to prepare for exams.
     
• Required Computer Software (available on the PCs in the Library PC Lab
  • MS FrontPage
  • MS Word 2003
  • MS Access 2003
  • MS Visio 2003 

Bring the textbook with you to class unless told otherwise.
 

• All assignments and project requirements are posted on the web portal in the Coursework section. Assignments and projects must be uploaded to the portal. Exams will be taken offline, in class.

• Class Attendance
  
  Theory and practice work together in BUS 311to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of Business Information Systems. Attendance at all lectures and labs is required. Unexcused absences will result in the reduction of the student’s final grade percentage by 1 % for each unexcused absence. (E.g., one unexcused absence could lower a final grade of 97 to 96, etc.)  Students with more than 9 absences for any reason (3 weeks) will have missed too many lectures to have mastered the material and will therefore not be permitted to pass the course. Students are expected to arrive to class on time and to remain in class the duration of the class meeting.
   
• Makeup Policy:
  • Makeups are given only for College excused absences -- i.e. athletic events, etc.
  • The student must contact me before the due date to arrange a makeup.
  • The makeup must be taken as close to the regularly scheduled exam as possible. 
     
• Assignments
  
  All posted assignments must be completed and uploaded in the Coursework Section of the classroom Web portal by Midnight on the Sunday the assignment is due. Any homework that is uploaded late will receive an automatic 10 % markdown on the grade for that homework.
   
• Grade Progress and Help Outside of Class
  
  All grades will be posted on the web portal. Voluntary group review and work sessions can be held at times convenient to the class at the main campus of Mount St. Mary's University. Students may also contact Professor Yelovich at either telephone number on this syllabus, at the office or at home. Students should not hesitate to contact Professor Yelovich via telephone or email for help or tutoring.
   
• General

  Students are expected to read their assignments before class and to come to class prepared to discuss them. Classroom emphasis is on discussion of topics that the student should be familiar with before class. Classroom discussion is organized as if the student read and studied the material before class. Students who do not do so will have a difficult time understanding class discussions.  The classroom will be a place for adults to engage in an intellectual discussion.

  Attendance is expected for every class.  I will assist students in mastering material missed during class ONLY IF the absence was excused.  Students are expected to arrive to class on time and to remain in class the duration of the class meeting.

  In case of conflict between University regulations and anything on this syllabus, University regulations apply. For any situation not explained on this syllabus, University regulations apply.

  Any student who is differently abled and needs special arrangements for studying or taking exams should see me.

  CHEATING IN ANY FORM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!  It is the student's responsibility to understand and adhere to the "College Standards of Academic Integrity" as explained starting on page 142 in the 2004-06 Undergraduate Catalog.

• Distribution of Total Requirements 

  • Exam 1	20 %	100  points
    Exam 2	20 %	100  points
    Exam 3 (Final)	20 %	100  points
    Individual Project	20 %	100  points
    Homework/Participation	20 %	100  points
    TOTAL	100 %	500  points

• Calculation of Letter Grade
   

  • A  = 93 – 100 %

    A- = 90 – 92 %

    B+ = 88 – 89 %

    B   = 83 – 87 %

    B- = 80 – 82 %

    C+ = 78 – 79 %

    C   = 73 – 77 %

    C- = 70 – 72 %

    D+ = 68 – 69 %

    D   = 63 – 68 %

    D- = 60 – 62 %

    F   =   0 – 59 %

© 2006 Bruce Yelovich