Whitten, J.L. and Bentley, L.D. Systems Analysis and Design Methods (bundled with The Visible Analyst Workbench for Windows). Irwin McGraw Hill, Fourth Edition, 1998.

Information systems analysis and logical systems design in organizations. Topics include: application development strategies, information system life cycle, requirements determination, analysis, and specification.

The general objectives of MGT 459 are:

• To provide an understanding of the systems development life cycle with emphasis on the analysis phase.
• To familiarize students with tools and processes used by systems analysts to analyze computer-based systems.
• To provide practical experience in analyzing a computer-based system.

This is the first course for MIS majors in the sequence of Systems Analysis (MGT 459), Systems Design (MGT 460), and Systems Implementation (MGT 461), and focuses on principles and skills. Systems analysis is the study of a business problem or situation and the specification of business requirements for an improved system.

The primary theme of the course is the use of systems analysis techniques and process to develop and document effective computer-based information systems. You will learn how to use a wide variety, of systems analysis tools and techniques including a CASE (computer aided software engineering) tool, Visible Analyst Workbench (VAW). The tools and techniques are used to document intelligent and friendly computer-based solutions for business problems that are being built by systems analysts and programmers.

Students successfully completing MGT 459 will be able to conduct systems analysis using the tools and techniques in an organizational context.

We will use class time to discuss theoretical and practical aspects of system analysis and to complete examples. It is expected that you will complete the readings before class and come prepared to discuss the material. We will use a limited amount of class time for hands-on-work with VAW which may be required for part of your project. You can expect to invest additional hours outside of class to master the software.

You are expected to be in class every session. Past students will verify the importance of class attendance in this course. In any event you are responsible for all announcements, lectures, in-class exercises, home assignments, and handouts.

Three in-class exams will be given. There will be NO comprehensive final exam. Each exam will cover all readings, lectures, and exercises from the date of the previous exam up to this exam date. The format would include multiple choice, matching, short answers, essay, and problem-type questions. Special emphasis will be placed on an integrated understanding of the entire body of knowledge.

Make-up exams will be given only in unusual circumstances (e.g., severe or prolonged illness, death in family, etc.). Arrangements for make-up exams must be made in advance. At the instructor's option, a make-up exam may be waived with the student's other exam grades given higher weights to compensate.

Home assignments are designed to help you learn to apply the conceptual ideas and techniques discussed in class and in the text. They should also give you experience with the types of problems you will encounter on the exams. I highly recommend doing all the home assignments yourself and on time for you to earn good exam grades. The home assignments will not be formally graded, but their solutions will be discussed in class.

You will be working on a systems analysis group project. The project will be broken down into two milestones. Each group will consist of four members. Each group should determine a group/team name and a leader. The leader is responsible for fair allocation of tasks as well as its completion. Leaders should note that the project itself is a learning activity and that one individual should not perform the same task over and over again (for example, one person does the writing of the reports). Any dissension, argument about equity, etc., are to be settled within the group, I will serve as the final arbitrator. If a group cannot function together they have the option of breaking up, however, the individuals will not be allowed to join another group, individuals can either work on their own or form groups amongst themselves. Project leaders are responsible for making sure that the project progresses smoothly and appraising me of any problems that occur. The entire group generally will receive the same grade, however, I reserve the right to differentially assign grades if necessary.

This class mirrors many aspects of MIS profession. Professionals work in a group as a team, sharing their knowledge, skills, and experience to solve a business problem. Similarly, effective participation in class and group project is an important component of this course. Class participation includes contributing to discussions, asking relevant questions, solving problems and practical examples, and participating fully and cooperatively with project group members.

If you are a qualified person with disabilities who might need reasonable accommodations in academic settings, please communicate with me as soon as possible so that we may make appropriate arrangements to meet your needs. Frequently, we need to coordinate accommodating activities with other offices on campus.

The final grade will be determined primarily on the basis of:

A grade of incomplete will be given only when circumstances beyond the student's control cause a substantial amount of work to be unfinished by the end of the semester. Whenever possible, the student is expected to make extra efforts to prevent this situation from occurring. The instructor will be the sole judge of whether an incomplete is warranted.