Information systems are essential to the effective operation and management of virtually all business functions. The focus of this course is on the development process of computer-based information systems. Unlike small programming projects, large and medium scale systems development projects require project management and analysis and design techniques to effectively manage groups of programmers, to elicit requirements and feedback from users and to properly design relatively large software systems. A major component of this course focuses on the analysis and design of a medium scale information system. The project entails active participation by students working in groups of two or three.
Milestones are due throughout the semester.
It is expected that groups write professional, detailed, typed reports that effectively address and answer the case-based project question or milestone . Unprofessional reports that do not demonstrate sufficient understanding of the course material, tools, and problem solving methods will necessarily receive low grades. It is the responsibility of each student to identify an important topic or research question to be addressed. Prior approval of the instructor is necessary before starting the individual, semester paper . The final project is divided into 2 assignments.