\ Business 5 Online
Business Information Systems

Instructor - Cheryl Furbee
Spring 2012
Revised (1/13/12)

Be sure to watch the Welcome Video and read the Online Orientation linked on the instructor's homepage.


Tentative Schedule
Publishers Website

Course Description
Introduction to management information systems, systems design and development, data communications, data management, office automation, computer hardware and software concepts, and using information technology to compete in the business world. Software applications such as word processing (Word), financial spreadsheets (Excel), database systems (Access), and presentation graphics (PowerPoint), are introduced with appropriate business applications. Recommended preparation - CIS 100 or Microcomputer experience. Eligibility for English 100.

Required text and materials
Computers Are Your Future (complete), 11th edition, Catherine Laberta, Prentice Hall, 2010 ISBN 978-0-13-509276-7. NOTE: Be sure you purchase the Complete edition, NOT the Introductory edition. The required text has 14 chapters.

Course Objectives

  1. Define and use data processing terms and concept.
  2. Distinguish system software from application software,
  3. Solve unique business problems using a word processing program.
  4. Deduce the various outcomes of unique business decisions using an electronic spreadsheet program.
  5. Apply the principles of a database program to present. business data in a format that helps in decision-making.
  6. Explain the advantages and the disadvantages of data processing and some application software.
  7. Demonstrate the solution(s) for simple business applications using software.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Compare and contrast data processing terms and concepts.
  2. Solve novel, multi-faceted business problems using software commonly used by local businesses.
  3. Construct graphical presentations that could be used in the workplace as an aid in decision-making.

Communication
Blackboard will be used for communication and testing. Assignments, discussions, and quizzes will be posted here. It is also available for your questions and problems. It is required that you log on at least twice a week. Excessive absences and/or failure to complete five or more weekly assignments throughout the semester may result in being denied access to Blackboard at the instructor's discretion. This denial does NOT drop you from the course.


Software
The Microsoft Office Program, Professional Version will be used for the assignments for this class. You will acquire a basic understanding of the following four programs:

1. Word processing (Word);
2. Spreadsheet (Excel);
3. Database (Access);
4. Presentation graphics (PowerPoint).

Course requirement

Activity
Possible Points
Quizzes (14 @ 35)
490
Computer assignments 4 sets @ 50
200
Discussion/participation (approx)
175
Total (approx)
865

Testing
There will be a 35-point quiz for each chapter in the textbook. These quizzes will consist of 35 objective questions @ 1 point/question. The questions will be based on the material contained within the chapters in the Computers Are Your Future text. It is suggested that you go to the Publisher's Website, select the chapter you are reading, and complete the online study guide before you take the quiz on Blackboard. You are required to take all quizzes during the 5-day "window of opportunity" on Blackboard without the help of a study buddy. The weekly quizzes will generally be open from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. You will be limited to one hour to complete the quiz. Please let me know if this is too much/not enough time. Grades for the quizzes will generally be available Wednesday morning following the quiz. Cheating (as defined by generally accepted college standards in the U.S.) will result in an automatic zero for the exam. There are no "make-ups" for missed quizzes.

Computer Assignments
These assignments relate to the four software programs from Office. You must submit these assignments electronically via Blackboard. NOTE: Cabrillo has the 2003, 2007, and 2010 versions of the software available; you may use either one. If you are using a Mac, please be SURE to save your files in the PC format so the instructor can open them. The software for Macs is quite different from the software demonstrations using a PC. Files copied from another student will result in an F grade for the class. You are encouraged to work together, but you must create your own files - your final submission must be adequately unique to show you have done your own work..

Discussions/participation
Online research of topics from the text and software programs will be posted on Blackboard. For full credit, your responses must be thorough, logical, and posted on time (this requires more than two simple sentences). You should respond to postings from your classmates. All discussions are due by Tuesdays, 11:59 p.m.; no "make ups".

Grading
Your semester grade will be based on your points earned from the tests and assignments. The traditional 90%-100% = A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79% = C, 60%-69% = D, below 60% = F grade scale will be used to assign your grade.

Attendance
Participation in Blackboard is the only "attendance" required. The amount and quality of your participation may be considered when determining your final grade. Excessive absences and/or failure to accurately complete five or more weekly assignments throughout the semester may result in being denied access to Blackboard. This denial may be followed by a drop from the course at the instructor's discretion. However, if the instructor does not initiate a drop, it is your responsibility to withdraw or receive an F grade.

Reading assignments
Reading assignments are specific to the Computers Are Your Future text. No reading assignments are given for the software used for the class. How you acquire the software information is entirely up to you. Software manuals are available at any number of different stores. Any store that sells software generally has the manuals. The Help menu in each program is extremely helpful. Instructor created videos will be available via Blackboard.

Withdrawal policy
You may withdraw from the course with a W grade until 75% of the semester has elapsed. Contact the admissions and records office for details. Failure to follow the withdrawal procedure will result in an F grade being assigned at the end of the semester. If you would prefer a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) instead of a grade, you must inform the instructor by the end of week 5. Be aware that often universities do not accept P for transfer; they require a grade.

Disabilities/Special Needs:
All students needing accommodations should inform the instructor ASAP. Veterans may qualify for accommodations. Wounded Warriors may have acquired injuries which, through the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), entitles the use of accommodations to ensure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities. To determine if you qualify or need assistance with an accommodation, please contact Disabled Student Services, Room 810 479-6379, or the Learning Skills Program, Room 1073, 479-6220.