LOYOLA COLLEGE
SELLINGER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Summer Session II, 1999

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on the effective management and application development of microcomputer systems. Students learn to effectively employ end-user hardware and software in a business setting. Topics include the art and technology of effective business presentations, database analysis and design, operating systems, advanced spreadsheet concepts, and cooperative processing. (Taken from Loyola Catalog)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Advance your personal effectiveness through major computer tools for communication,
   documentation, analysis, presentation, and management.
2. Advance your organizational effectiveness through the practical understanding of key organizational technologies and their impact.
3. Improve your ability to research and evaluate computer tools.
4. Learn from your classmates experiences and improve your teaming skills.
5. Enhance your communication skills and apply these skills in class exercises, homework assignments, and a team project.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Midterm Exam

There will be a in-class midterm exam. The contents and format of the exam will be discussed during a prior class (5 days in advance of exam). Unexcused absence from the examination will result in a zero (0) grade. Make-up exams will be given only if the student’s absence has been excused by the instructor in advance. In cases of illness, a written excuse from the physician will be required.

Team Project

The team project will consist of teams of four or five students. Each team will produce a substantial written paper, a supporting Web site, and deliver a 20 minute oral presentation. Guidelines for the team project (including suggested topics) will be distributed during the third class session. All team members are expected to participate equally.

Current Events Presentation

Each student will prepare a current events presentation. The presentation will consist of a written executive summary and a 5 minute oral presentation (utilizing PowerPoint slides). The purpose of these presentations is to expose the class to a wide variety of relevant IT issues. Four students will present during each class session. Guidelines for the presentation (including suggested topics) will be distributed during the second class session.

Homework & In-Class Assignments

Homework and in-class assignments will be completed throughout the semester. There will most likely be 4-5 homework assignments worth 20-25 points each. There will most likely be 7-10 in-class assignments worth 10-15 points each. Some assignments will be graded (A, B, C, F) and some will be pass/fail (all points or zero points).

Subjective Class Participation

Subjective class participation is your contribution to the class discussions based upon readings, presentations, and various class exercises. This contribution can take the form of asking thought provoking questions or providing examples of concepts discussed in class.

Due to the time-constrained nature of this course, full attendance is expected. An attendance sheet will be distributed at the beginning of each class. Arrival after the first ten minutes of class will be considered late and duly noted. It is not possible to make up class work missed due to absence. The only exceptions to this rule will be for documented (doctor's note, etc.) cases of severe illness.

The following classroom conduct guidelines are important to maintaining an environment conducive to learning. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will negatively impact your class participation grade.

1. Class will always start on time. You are expected to be there!
2. Class will always end on time. Do not leave early or "pack up" to go until class is dismissed.
3. Do not "linger" back from breaks. There will typically be a 15 minute break in the middle of class and then we will start promptly thereafter.
4. Do not eat in the classroom. This is extremely disruptive and disrespectful to your instructor and your peers. Drinks are fine in the classroom but are not allowed in the lab.

GRADING:

The breakdown of points to determine your grades is as follows:

Grades will be given on the basis of the following final point totals:

Notes:

1. Graded exams and projects will be retained by the instructor for future reference.
2. You are responsible for all material covered and any announcement made in any class session, whether you are present or not.
3. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the schedule should it become necessary.