CIS 66 - Management Information Systems ( Section #5414)
Getting Started

Step 1: Make sure you are prepared to take this class online

CIS66 is an informative and busy class. It is also very time consuming. While some students may be able to complete the class in 6 to 8 hours a week, the average is probably more like 12 - 14 hours a week, and struggling students may spend twice that or even more. [Note: if you are taking the class during the Summer, double all of these estimates!] This being the third semester of offering a CIS66 online it is still very difficult to predict whether a student will be successful.  However, most students who wish to succeed in taking CIS66 online should exhibit most if not all of the following qualities:

1. Attention to detail. If you are already skimming this document, that's a bad sign. Online students don't have the benefit of the teacher reminding them of course policies over and over again. You have to read the syllabus and the assignments very carefully, and follow instructions carefully.

2. Learning Style that tends toward self-teaching rather than the classroom/lecture setting. Students who think they would benefit from sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture should take the class in the traditional classroom setting if at all possible. Some students learn better online, some students don't.

3. Self-Discipline. Many students are not very disciplined but manage to get through a course (or even excel in a course) because the class meets regularly and this forces the coursework to the top of their to-do list. If you take this class, you should commit yourself to a regular schedule of participation in the course and have the self-discipline to stick to your commitment.

4. Not too busy. If you have a lot of other commitments which have priority over this class, you may want to take it later or take it in the classroom.

5. Generally good academically, particularly in critical thinking, problem solving and case study related courses.

6. Perhaps most importantly: willingness to ask for help!

In addition, you must have an email account and internet access and know how to use them. In particular, you must be able to email me your assignments using proper format. If you can't figure out how to do this, your assignments may not be accepted!

Step 2: Have the necessary materials and equipment

Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, 9/E

Kenneth C. Laudon, New York University
Jane P. Laudon, Azimuth Information Systems

ISBN: 0-13-153841-1
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2006
Format: 736 pp
Published: 03/01/2005
 

You will have to have someplace where you can work on a computer which has internet access and the Microsoft Office suite of products (including Ms Word, Ms Excel, Ms Access and Ms PowerPoint) installed.

If you haven't done step 2 yet, you might be able to move on to the remaining steps and return to step 2 later.

Step 3a: Explore The Course Homepage

Find the Syllabus, the Announcements, the Lecture supplemental materials, the schedule and most importantly identifying items you have to submit to me by email. Post a message on the class discussion forum just for fun (and practice).

Step 3b: Explore Textbook's Companion Website

Companion Website for Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, 9/e. Find what resources are available for students on this site

Step 4: Understand Weekly Procedures

Each week (twice a week during the Summer term) you will have to perform the following steps:

1. Look at the Tentative Schedule to see by what date you should start the reading assignments. Read through the chapter supplemental notes I have for you. You will probably find it more convenient to print out the chapter supplemental notes and read them from your hardcopy.

2. Look at the Tentative Schedule again to see what the assigned reading from the text is. Do the assigned reading from the text. Your instructor has provided additional supplemental materials for the text book content review including chapter PowerPoint slideshows and review quizzes.

3. Look at the Tentative Schedule again to see which assignment you should be working on. This information will be shown in the "Assignments / Group Work" column.

4. If there is an assignment due this week, submit the assignment by copying your properly "word processed" response and pasting it into an e-mail message before the due date.

5. Important! When solutions to the assignment become available, look at them and compare your responses to the given solution.

6. Group projects for online section: I am currently working on setting-up a communication module for this collaborative group activity. STAY TUNED!!!

Step 5: Read the Syllabus Carefully

Step 6: Submit a Practice Assignment

Read the short section titled "Hands-On Guide: How to Analyze a Case Study" Appendix 1 (pg.630) of your textbook.

Next do a quick read through of Chapter 1 - Managing the Digital Firm supplemental notes on the course website....to get a feel for the general topic and scope of  content.

Read the section "Window on Technology....UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology" pg 17 of your text book. Using a word processor type your responses to the questions at the end of the case. Copy and paste your properly formatted "word processed" responses on to an email and submit to ssarkar@santarosa.edu. PLEASE! NO FILE ATTACHMENTS!

Step 7: Take a short quiz for some extra credit points (to be announced)

Step 8: Check Frequently For Announcements

Announcements appear on the course homepage (see link above called Home). You must check the announcements at least a 2 to 3 times per week.

Above all, please do not hesitate to ask me for help if you get confused or stuck about any of these instructions!!

______________________________________________
Sujan Sarkar - CIS Instructor, Santa Rosa Junior College
Updated Tuesday January 22, 2008