• Course Title
• Purpose of the Course
• Course Objectives
• Required Textbooks and Suggested Reading Lists
• Class and Laboratory Attendance Policy
• Course Evaluation
• Programming Projects

Course Title:  Structured Systems Analysis Method 

Number:        ISS102 0101, 0103, & Lab.
Prerequisite:  ISS101 and ISS101 Lab. or equivalent.

Class Time:    Monday & Wednesday: 
               ISS1020101: 8:00am - 8:50
               ISS1020103: 9:00am - 9:50

Lab.           Lab.  For ISS1020101: Tuesday 11:00am - 12:15
               Lab.  For ISS1020103: Tuesday  1:00pm -  2:15

Extended Lab   For either class: Tuesday 12:15 - 1:00 or
               Monday nights 7:00pm - 8:00 or
               Thursday 1:15pm - 2:00
               
Instructor:    Dr. Michael E. Thombs

Office Hours:  Monday    10:00am-12:00: O'Hare 204 or DEC Lab
               Monday Evenings: 8:00pm - 9:30pm O'Hare 204
               Tuesday   12:15pm- 1:00: DEC Lab., Library
               Wednesday 10:00am-12:00: O'Hare 204 or DEC Lab
               Thursday   1:15pm- 2:00: DEC Lab., Library

Purpose of The Course:

   This course provides the student with an introduction to business information 
systems using the "top-down" process for systems analysis.  Specific  attention 
will be given to the first phase of the system  life-cycle methodology, the system 
study.  The importance of integrating various systems analysis activities, 
management, reviews and concurrent documentation will be stressed. 

   A weekly Lab session will accompany this course.  In the Lab, you will be 
introduced to some of the more popular and useful software-tools prevalent in
business-oriented information systems today.  Class assignments will provide 
reinforcement exercises. Lab Attendance is mandatory.


Course Requirements: 

      . Read the first five chapters and selected texts from chapters six and seven.
  Your instructor will recommend selected sections of the last two chapters. 
      . Class handouts and supplemental reading assignments.
      . Class and Laboratory lecture notes and Lab projects
      . Library research for preliminary investigation analysis
      . Purchase and format three 3½" diskettes.  

Approach:  

     Two regular classes will consist of classroom lectures, discussions, and oral 
reports by students.  Software products used in lab will be demonstrated whenever 
possible in class prior to lab using a portable computer and an overhead.  Labs 
are mandatory and will consist of supervised student activities on the computer in 
conjunction with laboratory assignments.  Labs are due two weeks after they are 
assigned to receive full credit.  Labs will be handed out in class prior to lab.  
Students who are ambitious may work on lab prior to the regularly scheduled lab period.  

Required Text:

  SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, 2nd Edition, Shelly, Cashman, and Adamski. Boyd & Fraser.

     

Course Objectives: 

Upon completion of this course you will be able to: 

1.  Understand the meaning and business implications of the "system" concept. 
2.  Understand the importance of information systems to the overall success 
of the business enterprise. 
3.  Relate the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to the organizational decision   
making process within a company. 
4.  List and discuss activities included in each of the phases of the SDLC.
5.  Understand in more precise terms the various activities in the study phase  
including the preliminary investigation, determining and analyzing requirements, 
information gathering, the content and conduct of the feasibility    analysis, 
and the report to management. 
6.  Demonstrate hands-on expertise in computer-based software packages including: 
word processing, spreadsheets, and database management systems. 
7.  Describe the duties, role, and responsibilities of a Systems Analyst. 
8.  Write a system study report complete with an executive summary, appendices, 
graphs, and other appropriate charts. 
9.  Complete a feasibility analysis for each of several alternative information 
system solutions. 
10.  Perform effective interviews with end-users. 
11.  Perform the research necessary to prepare a report for the Study Phase of an 
information system project. 
12.  Give an oral presentation of the Study Phase report. 
13.  Understand the moral and ethical issues which can arise during an information 
systems project. 

Class and Lab Attendance:
      . Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the end of every class and 
lab.  Authorized absences will be accepted only with prior approved notice. 
      . Athletes must give written notice of absences  prior to conflicting events 
from the head of the Athletic Department.
      . Each student missing a class or lab. is responsible for obtaining any and 
all information pertaining to the missed class lab. session(s).

Class Policy:  Class participation and class attendance are a positive factor 
considered when determining both the midterm and final grades.   Students entering 
late will excuse themselves for the interruption to their classmates.  

Laboratory Policy:  Students are encouraged to help each other, but all projects 
in all parts must be the original work of the individual passing such work for 
partial course credit.  Your instructor has the right to demand proof at any time 
of the genuineness and originality of the work.  This process would most likely be 
demonstrated by asking a student to reproduce a piece of the work from scratch at 
a terminal in a live performance.  Normally, lab attendance will demonstrate 
originality of work.  Exceptions can be made only when they are approved by the 
instructor during the first week of class.  

 
Evaluation: 

     Each student will be evaluated using a point system.   Each course element 
successfully completed will earn points toward a final grade.  100 points earned 
is the same as a 100% grade using a percent grading system.  Your grade will be 
determined by the following:
     30 points for Lab. exercises.  There are ten computer-based lab exercises.  
Each lab will accumulate up to three points.  Each lab will be evaluated using a 
check minus, check, and check plus method.  Zero points will be awarded for missing 
or plagiarized assignments.  Labs will not be returned and it is each student's 
responsibility to verify that assignments have been received and recorded.  The 
instructor will provide several opportunities for students to review lab records 
during regularly scheduled office hours. 
      5 points are subjectively awarded by the instructor for attendance 
and effort.
     10 points Midterm Exam Chapters 1 & 2 Week five
     15 points Final Exam   Chapters 3 - 5 (Finals Week)
     10 points Preliminary Investigation Report
      5 points Preliminary Investigation Oral Presentation
     20 points System Study Phase Report
      5 points System Study Phase Oral Presentation
     
Examinations:  

     Prior notice must be given by the student if an examination will be 
missed.  All such exams may be rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor.   
Please leave a phone message at extension 3115 before the class or lab.  
That will be missed.   

     

 
   
Program Projects: