BA4312 TOPICS IN MIS
| Course Code: | 3124312 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Business Administration |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Res.Dr. HATİCE GONCA BULUR |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
Today, information systems are essential tools enabling businessesto reach their strategic objectives. Public and private sector organizations invest large sums to implement information systems. In most cases, these investments represent at least 50% of the organization’s capital expenditure. Operational excellence, improved customer service, enhanced product/service development, new business opportunities are only part of the returns expected from information systems.
Yet, the past decade has shown that information systems do not always meet expectations. Many information system projects at the organizational and even national level have been unsuccessful. In a time when it is no longer possible to ignore the role of information systems, it is essential to understand the dynamics that influence the outcome of information system projects. This course is designed to explore some of the factors that are critical determinants for the successful implementation of information system projects.
Topics are divided into four parts: Part I covers the reasons and sources of information systems project requests, and the review and evaluation process of project requests. Part II focuses on the importance of the requirements determination (systems analysis) phase of the system development life cycle, detailing the activities during this phase, and showing how the transition to the design phase can be achieved. Part III stresses the importance of user friendliness in system success, and covers input and output design issues. Part IV discusses the significance of information systems planning in aligning systems with organizational strategies, and the information systems planning techniques.
Course Content
The course provides a practical understanding of the concepts and theories involved in the development and implementation of Management information systems. The identification of various information subsystems, the initiation of and responsibility for the MIS project, the strategies for the determination of the system requirements, methods and tools for the analysis and design of the new system, software and hardware selection criteria are among the topics discussed through various case studies.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Course Specific Skills:
1. Be aware of the sources and acceptable reasons for system project initiations
2. Understand the project review and selection process
3. Carry out a preliminary investigation to clarify and understand a project request
4. Evaluate information systems project requests
5. Derive Information Systems Performance Criteria
6. Distinguish the phases of requirements determination (systems analysis)
7. Determine and evaluate system outputs/reports/screens
8. Determine and evaluate system inputs/forms/screens
9. Align information system plans with organizational strategy
10. Understand the challenges of information systems planning
11. Evaluate the spectrum of techniques for information systems planning
Discipline Specific Skills:
12. Recognize the role of managers in selecting systems that are critical for the organization
13. Understand the crucial role of managers at the requirements determination and design phases
14. Recognize the importance of information systems planning
15. Understand the link between the organization’s strategy and information systems planning
16. Understand how organizations use information systems to achieve strategic objectives
17. Gain a practical perspective on how to create opportunities and add value through information systems
18. Identify the determinants of system success and failure
Personal and Key Skills:
19. Develop analytical skills for evaluating information systems projects
20. Determine information systems performance criteria
21. Prepare an information systems project proposal
22. Evaluate an information systems project proposal
23. Deliver detailed requirements during requirements investigation
24. Criticise system outputs/reports/screens
25. Criticise system inputs/forms/screens
26. Understand the changing world of information systems planning
27. Link the concepts covered in the course to real world applications
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | They attain advanced level of knowledge in the functional areas of business administration such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, finance, organization management, human resources, and operations management. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | They are capable of identifying and analyzing legal, environmental and social factors, which influence the basic functional areas of the business administration. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | They understand and implement rational, systematic and scientific approaches effectively in problem solving and decision-making processes. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | They are capable of applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating the knowledge they have in diverse fields efficiently | ✔ | |||
| 5 | They are capable of transferring information by using efficient verbal and written communication techniques. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | They are capable of performing professional communication effectively also in English. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | They know the methods of performing efficient teamwork. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | They are capable of following the contemporary techniques, scientific and technological developments in their fields and are able to conduct research and studies in order to develop their business administration related knowledge, skills, and competences. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | They are knowledgeable in the areas of professional ethics and responsibility. | ✔ | |||
| 10 | They are capable of utilizing their knowledge and skills efficiently in global and multicultural contexts. | ✔ | |||
| 11 | They are knowledgeable in the issues of environment, social responsibility, social justice, quality and cultural values | ✔ | |||
| 12 | They have a creative, innovative and critical perspective. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution