Course Syllabus-Fall 2023

MIS 250: Introduction to Problem Solving with Spreadsheet Analysis and Information Systems-3 Credits

Class Meeting Location and Time

Class Location: Library 202E

Class meeting dates and times: Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor Information

Melany McNew

Email:mlm551@psu.edu

Office hours: By appointment

Office: NA (Remote via ZOOM)

Phone: NA (Voice via ZOOM)

Course Description

Introduction to Problem Solving with Spreadsheet Analysis and Information Systems Management introduces students to the use of information technologies for business problem solving and decision-making. This course explores the application of spreadsheet engineering concepts and principles of data management, business modeling, and reporting to business problems. Students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of these concepts through their application in examinations, practical lab    exercises and assignments. Concepts are contextualizedina broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends.

The structure of this course intends to provide a well-rounded level of competency in the use of    spreadsheet software as a tool while exploring problem decomposition and solution planning and construction. Therefore, the focus of the course is on developing problem-solving strategies while gaining insight on the tactical use of spreadsheets.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must be in the following majors (semester classifications): CABUS_PMAJ (1-11), MRKT_BS (1- 11), ACCT_BS (1-11), MNGMT_BS (1-11), FINCE_BS (1-11), INFSY_BS (1-11), PSMCA_BS (1-11), or

2BACA_AS

Required Textbooks

Go! Microsoft Office 365-Excel 2019 Comprehensive with MyLab IT Access Card*

Authors: Shelley Gaskin and Alicia Vargas

ISBN: 8220123770044

Publisher: Pearson

* Please note, this is an electronic resource. You are purchasing access to the MyLab online platform. The textbook is delivered via this platform in electronic format, along with several other resources we will be using throughout the semester.

Couse Learning Outcomes

•    Describe how organizations gain competitive advantage through information systems

•    Explore how to manage information systems infrastructure and services

•    Examine how BI, Big Data and analytics improve competitive strategy

•    Explain how business processes are enhanced using enterprise information systems

•    Explore how supply chain and customer relationship management strengthen business to business relationships

•    Examine how to develop, acquire and secure information systems

•    Create, edit and format Excel workbooks

•    Create formulas and apply functions within workbooks

•    Illustrate data in Excel using charts and diagrams

•    Organizedata using sort, filter, tables and PivotTables

•    Prepare data using analysis tools

•    Automate within Excel workbooks by employing the use of macros

Course Structure

Class Period Format: The class will consist of a demonstration of skills and techniques discussed in the Microsoft Excel textbook. You will follow along with the hands-on demonstration.

Excel Assignments: Assignments will be lab-based, meaning you will be asked to demonstrate your

proficiency in using Microsoft Excel by completing a simulation exam, hands-on projects, and quizzes.  These assignments will be linked into the Canvas learning management system via Pearson’s MyLab IT platform.

MIS Theory: A small portion of our classes will consist of lectures, small group work, and class

discussions, which will deal with the topics current to the management of information systems. These

topics will help round out the importance of basic knowledge surrounding information systems and how their management impacts the overall organization.

MIS Projects: Working individually, you will be asked to complete two projects during the semester.

Project specifications are determined within the first three weeks of the course based on student

feedback. Projects typically allow for multiple means of representation-meaning if you prefer to do a

podcast vs. writing a paper, the submission is typically flexible provided it meets the intended

objectives. The projects are meant to be enjoyable and allow you the opportunity to explore certain MIS areas that are of interest to you.

Grading Policy

Class Participation: Class participation will be graded based on contribution to class discussions and completion of in-class exercises. In-class exercises are not homework, but rather are part of your class participation. Since some class periods will center around lectures, small group work, discussions, and all include demonstrations of Microsoft Excel, it is imperative that you make every effort to attend class. An unexcused absence from class will constitute a 0% participation grade for that class period. If you will need to missa class period, you will need toe-mail me as soon as possible (preferably before class) with justification for the absence. Absences may be excused at my discretion, and you may be given the

opportunity to make-up the missed in-class assignments. It will be your responsibility to obtain the material and assignments that were discussed during your absence from class.

Excel Assignments: Lab assignments will be due each week throughout the semester. Each week will consist of a Microsoft Excel simulation exam, an Excel grader project, and short quiz. All items are delivered within Canvas via MyLab IT. Each simulation question allows 99 attempts per question; each Grader project allows 5 separate submissions, each quiz allows 3 submissions. The highest scored submission is recorded towards your grade. Since Grader assignments require you to use the Excel to complete a set of tasks,the time you will need to dedicate to them may vary depending on your level of comfort in working with a set of features. However, you should plan to spend at least three hours working on the assignments. Lab assignments are individual assignments and should be worked    independently.

Excel Exams: Two exams will be given during this course. The first set of exams will cover chapters 1-5. One short critical thinking exam and separate hands-on project exam covering chapters 1-5 will be administered. This exam will be very similar to the Grader projects from chapters 1-5. A second hands-   on exam will be given during finals week. This exam will cover chapters 6-10 and will be administered in the same manner as the first exam.

Exams are individual assignments and should be worked independently.

Projects: More specific information and instructions will be presented later in the semester separately from this syllabus regarding two individual MIS projects.

Class Policies

Attendance Policy: The University requires regular attendance by students. Therefore, it is suggested that you attend all classes. Review the Grading Policy in this syllabus for specific information on how   class participation will be evaluated.

Class Cancellation Policy: If a class is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, students will be   notified via Canvas. I will make every attempt to send the notification at least two hours before the start of class.

Electronic Devices and the Internet Policy: The use of cell phones or and other electronic devices for

personal use is not permitted during class. However, in order to receive campus alerts, you may set your devices to vibrate. E-mail, web-browsing, online social networking, and/or chat sessions are also not

permitted during class. You may use a computer for note taking and during the in-class exercise portions of class.

Late and Incomplete Assignments: All assignments listed in this syllabus must be submitted to receive a  grade. If an assignment is not submitted, you will automatically receive 0 points (0%). Late assignments    will not be accepted,except in cases of extreme emergency. In such situations,a late assignment may be excused at my discretion, and you may be given the opportunity to make-up the assignment. Please

note that I will not grant an excuse or an extension for an assignment if technical difficulties and/or    issues prevent you from completing it. Be sure to plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to work on the assignments, with extra time allotted in case you run into technical difficulties and/or issues.

Makeup Exams and Quizzes: Makeup exams and quizzes will not be given unless arrangements are made in advance or except in cases of extreme emergency that prevent you from taking the exam   during the scheduled exam period. In cases that seem questionable, I may require proof that an emergency occurred.

Professionalism Policy: Your attitude toward this class should always be professional. Your written work and assignments are expected to be neat and organized, complete, and professional. All your work must be typed and submitted through Canvas, unless otherwise specified. Where applicable, all your references and sources must be cited. You are expected to treat everyone in this class with professional courtesy and respect. Your class participation and/or overall semester grade maybe negatively impacted if you are found to be in violation of this class policy at anytime.

Semester Schedule: There is a Module in Canvas for each week of this course. The Modules contain the materials and assignments that correspond to that week’s lesson. Each week’s Module will be unlocked on Monday.

Detailed Class Schedule (subject to change-MIS projects not yet listed)

Point Breakdown

Please note that assignments are subject to change based on overall class preferences and content progression. Any changes to point values, assignments, etc. will be immediately provided in Canvas throughout the semester.