Handouts and readings from the WWW will be used in the class.

Information systems (IS) are an integral part of the corporate and industrial world today. They are being used in organizations for such purposes as providing products and services, creating competitive advantage, and managing global corporations. It is important for professional managers, regardless of their functional area, to have a basic understanding of IS concepts and the range of factors which contribute to successful use of IS. In this case-oriented course, we will examine these areas extensively. Our primary focus will be on the dynamic interplay between the IS and the organizational context in which it is used.

Four cases will be discussed during the module. You should come to class prepared to participate in the discussion.

A two-page written analysis, exclusive of diagrams, should be prepared for each case. The write-up is due in class on the day the case is discussed. Your write-up will be evaluated based on the level of insightful analysis, and the quality of recommendations made. Your analysis of the case should include the integration of class topics and outside experience, e.g., knowledge gained from your work experience, other classes, and outside research.

This course is not a capstone case course or an integrated business course. As such, do not put exceptional effort into financial, accounting, marketing etc. issues in your analyses. Also, do not look for technology errors or specific technology solutions. These cases do not provide the level of information needed to make meaningful recommendations.

You will be given specific questions to address in your analysis. A good format to follow in your case write-up is:

Problem Statement

Situation Analysis

Possible Solutions

Evaluation of Possible Solutions

Recommendation

There will be an electronic discussion of each of the four cases. This discussion will take place before and after the in-class discussion. Students will conduct the majority of the discussion; I will participate on a limited basis. Each student should participate in a minimum of two of the four electronic case discussions. Both the number and quality of comments contributed to the discussion will be important.

The use of communication technologies is transforming the way work is performed in organizations. This new environment requires changes in work processes and different managerial skills. The objective of this discussion is to help you develop skills in gathering and sharing information in an electronic environment, and to provide you with an opportunity to assess this environment. At the end of the course, each student should prepare a 1–2 page assessment of electronic discussion and the potential for organizational use.

Each group will be responsible for preparing a report on a business or managerial application of information technology. This report may address one of the following:

1. a company’s adoption and implementation of an existing technology (such as workflow software, sales automation software, SAP),
2. the development and use of an application based on an emerging technology (such as neural networks, voice recognition software).
3. a failure of an information system implementation (such as SAP, internally developed systems)

The project will consist of an 8-10 page paper that should, at a minimum, answer the following questions. If you choose Option 3, the questions will have to be modified somewhat. Please discuss these modifications with me.

• What is the application and how does it work?
• What is the underlying technology and how does it support the application?
• Who are the major players (vendors & users)?
• What are possible or expected organizational impacts, e.g., how does it change the way people and/or organizations work?
• What are the potential benefits, limitations, and/or dangers of the business use of the application?

Each group will present their project to the class.

Individual Case Analysis (5% + 15%) 20%

Group Case Analysis (10% +10%) 20%

Group Project and Presentation 20%

Electronic Discussion 15%

Exam 20%

Class Participation 5%