Schedule Units 1-2

Week 1

Introduction

January 12

Learning Outcomes
Class Introduction
Define IT, IS, MIS
Contrast IT needs of start-ups vs. global firms
Describe role of systems in business career

Topics and Required Reading

1.0. Tips from WordPress founder 
Lessons, Quotes, and Productivity Tips from WordPress Founder Matthew Mullenweg

1.1. The modern organization is a system and set of processes
What is MIS? (read page contents and watch embedded videos)
Difference between IS, CS, and IT
Information Systems vs. Information Technology
Strategic Uses of IT in Business

January 14

1.1.2. Evolution of organizational systems from start-up to global enterprise
10 Differences Between Working for a Startup vs. Corporation
11 Things to Consider Before Going to Work for a Startup

Week 2

Introduction

January 19

Learning Outcomes
Understand the opportunities for utilizing IT skills in a business career
Understand the challenges related to IT and ethics
Learn how to manage your digital identity

Topics and Required Reading
1.2 What’s in it for you?
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers.

1.2.1. Systems and your career in business
Wikipedia, Business Analyst
Wikipedia, Systems Analyst

January 21

1.2.2. Your digital identity
Online Identity Overview, by the Internet Society
Manage Your Digital Identity

1.3. Ethics of analysis and use of systems, data, and information
12 ethical dilemmas gnawing at developers today

Week 3

Systems analysis 

January 26

Learning Outcomes
Prepare a swim lane diagram for a multi-step process
Prepare a simple entity relationship diagram

Topics and Required Reading
2.1. Analyzing organizations as systems and processes
Wikipedia, Systems Analysis
Systems architecture
Systems Architecture Fundamentals – Conceptual, Logical, Physical Designs

2.1.1. Process decomposition: swimlane diagrams
A Guide to Process Mapping
An Introduction to Swimlane Diagrams

January 28

2.1.2. Data modeling: entity relationship diagrams
Nishadha. Ultimate Guide to ER Diagrams
Entity Relationship Diagram Examples

Week 4

Systems analysis

February 2

Learning Outcomes
Interpret a conceptual architecture diagram
Understand the basics of how the Internet works

Topics and Required Reading
2.2. Systems architecture: devices, network, data, apps

2.2.1. Visualizing architecture: conceptual diagramming
Concept map
What is a Concept Map?

February 4

2.2.2. How the Internet works
How does the internet work? – James May’s Q&A
There and Back Again: A Packet’s Tale – How does the Internet work?
How the Internet Works

Week 5

Midterm Exam

February 9

Midterm Preparation

February 11

Midterm Exam #1 – Assess week 1-4 learning objectives