TENTATIVE SYLLABUS

 

CIS 261.001 -- ADVANCED MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS -  Spring 2007 MWF {10:00-10:50} OC2005
Dr. Abbas Foroughi - Office: OC3018 Office Phone: 465-1667
Office Hours: MWF (9:30-10:00, 11:00-11:30 a.m.) and W (5:00- 6:00 p.m.), or by appointment
E-MAIL: aforough@usi.edu,  Homepage: http://business.usi.edu/aforough

Note:  TENTATIVE SYLLABUS is subject to change. For the most up-to-date syllabus for this class, click on the following URL: http://business.usi.edu/aforough/Spring2007/cis261s2007/c261sylls07.htm

** When you send me an email message, please always begin the “Subject” of your message with “CIS261”**

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In CIS261, students will continue to practice the microcomputer applications and problem-solving skills introduced in CIS151, the prerequisite for this course. Students will perform Windows file management and will be able to apply advanced spreadsheet and database concepts, using Windows XP and Office, with specific emphasis on Excel and Access, to the solution of business problems.

 

COB SKILL DEVELOPMENT

This course will contribute to several of the College of Business skill development objectives:

1.   Use of Technology--students will demonstrate skill in using spreadsheet software, presentation software, and data base software.

2.   Analytical Problem Solving—students will practice applying these software toward the solution of business problems.

3.   Ethical Decision Making—students will recognize the importance of ethical behavior regarding the use, storage, and manipulation of data in organizations.

 

TEXT/MATERIALS REQUIRED

1.  Grauer, Robert T. and Maryann Barber. Microsoft Excel 2003 Comprehensive, Revised Edition, (from the Exploring series) New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2006. http://www.prenhall.com/grauer/

2.   Grauer, Robert T. and Maryann Barber. Microsoft Access 2003 Comprehensive, Revised Edition, (from the Exploring series) New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2006 .http://www.prenhall.com/grauer/

3.   Portable storage: flash/jump/thumb drive, to download data files from the text web site, as assigned. Students who have a home computer may choose to download the data files there. Lab assignments will usually be copied to the instructor’s flash drive or to the classroom network drive.

4.    3 diskettes (3-1/2”, high-density), to be brought to each class session.

Note: Completion of assignments for this course requires considerable time in a lab setting--either on or off campus. Students who choose to work off campus must have the appropriate versions of the software being used.

 

PREREQUISITE:  CIS151

 

MAJOR STUDENT OUTCOMES

1.     Students will practice available functions/features in spreadsheet and database software, both in and out of class and on application-based exams,, which will expand their knowledge, beyond the basics, of the available functions/features in spreadsheet and database software.

2.     Students will analyze and evaluate business problems presented in unstructured mini-cases that provide opportunity to apply creative problem- solving, and will design solutions for them, using Excel or Access.

3.     Students will appropriately apply formulas and functions to new situations and problems.

4.     Students will practice creative thinking and will adapt and assemble specific software functions/features and integrate them in the design of problem solutions.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

Academic dishonesty such as plagiarism, cheating, etc. WILL NOT be tolerated. Students are encouraged to consult the university's code of conduct regarding this matter. Any instance of dishonesty may result in expulsion from the course with a grade of "F".

 

MAKE UP EXAM POLICY:

Make up exams will be given to students receiving PRIOR permission to be absent during the regular exam period. Such permission will be granted only if a strong need is demonstrated by student. Make up exams will likely be different (both in form and content) from the regular exam.  

 

Making up an exam in a skills-based, laboratory class requires reserving equipment and software and is often difficult given the schedules of the instructor, the student, and others involved in reserving a classroom. Make-up exams will not be given during class time and will differ from regular exams in both form and content.

 

DISABILITY SUPPORT:

Students with disabilities can receive assistance through the University Counseling Center. More information is available from the Counseling Center in OC 1022, (812)464-1867 or TDD (812)465-7072. Students are encouraged to discuss any special needs with instructor at the beginning of the semester.

 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

Student grades will be based on:  

 I .    Exams  (350 points)

There will be 3 exams, worth a total 350 points..  Exams 1 and 2, each worth 100 points, will cover Excel. Exam 3 will  cover Access and will be worth 150 points.

 II.     Quizzes  (60 points)

Six unannounced quizzes will be given, worth 10 points each, a total of 50 points.

III.    Lab Assignments (210 points)

Students will complete 14 lab (homework) assignments, each worth 15 points, designed to reinforce classroom instruction.

1.     Labs must be submitted at the beginning of the class period due. Students should arrive to class with the lab assignments completed and ready to submit (printed, labeled, stapled). Class time WILL NOT be used for finishing homework or for printing homework.

2.     Late assignments will be accepted at a reduced value (each calendar day an assignment is late reduces its value by 10%). Any assignment submitted after class has started is considered late.

3.    Lab assignments should be clearly labeled with student name and the name and number of the assignment (Example: Lab#1 Adam Smith).  

4.    When submitting Excel labs, and unless otherwise instructed, students should submit a copy of the work with the worksheet values showing and a copy with formula values showing.

5.     Students should also bring an electronic copy of the homework/lab file to class, with the file clearly labeled (Example: Lab#1 Adam Smith . xls or mdb). Sometimes, only the “hard copy” of your lab assignment will be collected, while other times students will be required to copy their file to the instructor’s flash drive or the classroom network drive.

6.    Out of class prep time: For each hour in class, students should plan to spend a minimum of two hours outside of class to read textbook assignments, complete projects, review materials, etc.

 

IV. Attendance and Class Participation (30 points)

1.       Attendance is required and expected at all class meetings. Text material will be demonstrated in class, homework will be assigned, and some assignments will be completed in class. Therefore, attendance is necessary to avoid missing assignments.

2.       It is your responsibility to contact the instructor about homework assigned during absences. Attendance will be taken. Your final grade will be reduced in the event of excessive absences.

3.       Students are expected to participate in class, which means coming to class prepared to answer questions about the chapter materials. This class involves much learning-by-doing in class. Absences will affect student grades in this class.

4.       While in-class exercises may not be formally graded, your efforts and progress in this area will be noted. You must complete all “in class” assignments. If you are absent when an assignment is completed in class, you are expected to complete this work on your own time and submit the work within the week. Failure to actively participate in such activities or failure to submit work missed WILL result in grade being lowered accordingly.

5.       You are responsible for everything covered in class – whether present or absent.

6.       You are expected to pay attention to lectures and demonstrations. YOU SHOULD NOT CHECK EMAIL or SURF the WEB while the instructor is talking or instructing! This type of behavior is rude and distracting to other students. Please do not PRINT documents during class. The printers here are for classroom use only. In short, pay attention – your screen should reflect what is happening in the class at all times. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE INSTRUCTOR EMBARRASS YOU BY ASKING YOU TO PAY ATTENTION.

    In short:

 

 

 

 

 

TENTATIVE SYLLABUS

CIS 261.001 --ADVANCED MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS -  Spring 2007 MWF {10:00-10:50} OC2005
Dr. Abbas Foroughi - Office: OC3018 Office Phone: 465-1667
Office Hours: MWF (9:30-10:00, 11:00-11:30 a.m.) and W (5:00- 6:00 p.m.), or by appointment
E-MAIL: aforough@usi.edu,  Homepage: http://business.usi.edu/aforough

Note:  TENTATIVE SYLLABUS is subject to change. For most up-to-date syllabus for this class, please click on the following URL: http://business.usi.edu/aforough/Spring2007/cis261s2007/c261sylls07.htm

** When you send me an email message, please always begin the “Subject” of your message with “CIS261”**