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IS424 A -- Current Topics in SAD, DSS and Database
Winter, 2003
General Information
- Acceptable Use Policy: http://www.umsl.edu/help/userrights.html
- Computing Information: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/
- Computer Lab Information: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/instructionalcomputing/
- Advanced MIS Lab Information: http://www.umsl.edu/business/mis/MISlab.html
- Library Information: http://www.umsl.edu/services/library/library.html
- UMSL Home Page http://www.umsl.edu/
- MIS Home Page http://www.umsl.edu/business/mis
Texts:
Required
- •Alexander, C., The Timeless Way of Building, New York: The Oxford Press, 1979.
- •Weinberg, G.M. and D. Weinberg, General Principles of Systems Design, New York: Dorset House, 1988.
Related and Interesting Classics
- •Brooks, F.P., The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering, Anniversary Edition, Addison-Wesley, 1995.
- •Norman, Donald A., The Design of Everyday Things, New York: Doubleday, 1988.
- •Weinberg, G.M., The Psychology of Computer Programming: Silver Anniversary Edition, New York: Dorset House, 1998.
Readings: see schedule
Supplemental Materials
- Class Web Site http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/424A/index.html
- Current Page http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/424A/current.html
- Web Help http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/help/index.html
- JAVA Script Help http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/help/Links_java.html
Prerequisites: Only students officially admitted to the Ph.D. Program in Information Systems are allowed to register for class. In addition, students must have completed MS/IS 480 and MS/IS 485.
Course Description: The official description of the class is:
- Advanced topics of current interest in management information systems.
- Content to be determined each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit.
The unofficial and working description of the class is: a seminar in the topics of systems analysis and design, database, and decision support systems. Hence, it has become known as “the technical seminar.” Approximately one-third of the class will be devoted to each subject, although the topics often will be integrated in individual classes.
Semester Goals: This class addresses a series of questions: Why is there not more IS research directed toward systems analysis and design, database and decision support systems? Clearly these three topics are critical for effective business applications in the 21st Century. However, most of the development and drive comes from industry. Why? If the development and drive come from industry, is this a good thing or a bad thing? What kinds of research agendas might be developed to address these questions? How might we apply the theories addressed in your other seminars to address questions of systems analysis and design, database and decision support systems? We will address these issues primarily in terms of Web Design.
In order to understand these issues, we must (a) understand the history that got us to this point, and (b) have some practical hands on experience. To this end, we will examine the history of systems development in the first class and use that as the basis for our ongoing discussion. In addition, we will experience some of the technical issues with the design of web pages.
Exams: There will be a midterm and a final exam, and both will be take home exams and due on the date stated below.
- Midterm exam: March 10
- Final exam: May 12
Grading Policy: The following proportions will be used for grading.
- Website - 5%
- Class Participation - 10%
- Discussion Leading - 10%
- Paper - 35%
- Midterm - 20%
- Final - 20%
Course Format: Classes will often be student led discussion of research projects. Papers will be assigned to a student who will review the research (see below). All students will be expected to contribute to the discussion by identifying the strengths, weaknesses and extensions of the research. Since this is a class of questions, students will be asked not only to discuss the assigned readings, but to bring to the discussion readings from other classes or outside readings. Students will be asked to sign up for papers starting in week 3.
Reviewing Research: When reviewing a research paper, you should address each of the following issues:
1. What is the research question? What is the problem in the real world?
2. Who cares about the question, and why is it important?
3. What else has been done in the literature?
4. How will the authors address the issue?
5. How will they operationalize the variables in the study?
6. What are the results?
7. What do the results mean?
8. Who cares about the results and why are they important?
9. What is the next step in the research program?
Research Proposals: Each student will create a proposal for research on some topic of systems analysis and design, database or decision support systems. You should think of these proposals as a first step in creating a publishable journal article. As such, the proposals should answer the same questions that area addressed when reviewing research (see above). Select a topic that is interesting to you. Perform a preliminary literature search to ensure that your idea has not already been completed and that you have a fresh approach. You may want to consult with the instructor about topics and the literature.
Submit a written proposal by February 27. The instructor will make copies of the proposals and distribute them to your mailboxes on February 28. On Monday, March 3, each person will present his or her proposal to the class for discussion. Please plan for no more than 15 minutes for your presentation. Other students should have read the proposals and be prepared for discussion.
Academic Honesty: According to the University Standard of Conduct, Section 6.0101,
The Board of Curators recognizes that academic honesty is essential for the intellectual life of the University. Faculty members have a special obligation to expect high standards of academic honesty in all student work.
Students have a special obligation to adhere to such standards.
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For the purposes of this class, cheating will include: plagiarism (using the writings of another without proper citation), copying of another (either current or past student's work), working with another on individually assigned work or exams, unauthorized marking on a graded paper or exam, or in any other way presenting as one's own work that which is not entirely one's own work.
Any student who is caught cheating on any assignment or exam will receive a grade of zero (0) for that assignment or exam. Further, a recommendation will be made to the appropriate university officials that additional disciplinary action be taken.
Rights and Responsibilities of Computer Users
As part of its educational and research missions, the University of Missouri-St. Louis strives to provide quality computing facilities. These include large and small systems, communication networks, and personal computers, as well as associated software, files and data. Although computers affect how individuals communicate and interact with each other, computers do not change underlying societal values and established individual rights with respect to personal privacy and ownership of property. Computing facilities are recognized as community resources. Each computer user, therefore, is expected to act responsibly so as not to violate the rights of others. Access to computing resources is contingent upon prudent and responsible use. Inappropriate use of computing services and facilities will not be tolerated and may result in loss of computing privileges. In addition, disciplinary and/or legal action will be pursued for violation of these codes and statutes through appropriate University procedures.
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Tentative Schedule
January 27: History of Systems Development Practices
- • Hardware and Software experience
- • Alford, Mack, “Software Requirements in the 80's: From Alchemy to Science,” ACM, 1980, p. 342-349.
February 3: Design from a Web Perspective - Practical Issues
- • Sauter, V.L. “Web Design Studio: A Preliminary Experiment in Facilitating Faculty Use of the Web,” in Anil Aggarwal (Ed), Web-Based Education: Learning from Experience, Harrisburg, PA: Idea Group Publishing, 2003.
- • Ball, N.L., “Design Science II: The Impact of Design Science on e-Commerce Research and Practice,” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 7(2), July, 2001.
February 10, 17, 24 and March 10: What is Good Design? (We will focus on subsets of these articles)
- •Alexander, C., The Timeless Way of Building, New York: The Oxford Press, 1979.
- •Weinberg, G.M. and D. Weinberg, General Principles of Systems Design, New York: Dorset House, 1988.
- • Alford, Mack, “Software Requirements in the 80's: From Alchemy to Science,” ACM, 1980, p. 342-349.
- •Davis, D. M., “Like Water for Data Flow,” Interactions, X.1, January-February, 2003, p. 17-20.
- •Banker, R.D., G.B. Davis, and S.A. Slaughter, “Software Development Practices, Software Complexity, and Software Maintenance Performance: A Field Study,” Management Science, 44(4), April, 1998, p. 433-450.
- •Basili, V.R., B. Perricon, “Software Errors and Complexity: An Empirical Investigation,” Communications of the ACM, 27(1), January, 1984, p. 41-52.
- • Harter, D.E., M.S. Krishnan, and S.A. Slaughter, “Effects of Process Maturity on Quality, Cycle Time and Effort in Software Product Development,” Management Science, 46(4), April 2000, p. 451-466.
- • Herbsleb, J., D. Zubrow, D. Goldenson, W. Hayes and M. Paulk, “Software Quality and the Capability Maturity Model,” Communications of the ACM, 40(6), June, 1997.
- • Hjelm, S.I., “The Making of Brainball,” Interactions, X.1, January-February, 2003, p. 26-34.
- • Krishnan, M.S., M.I. Kellner, “Measuring Process Consistency: Implications for Reducing Software Defects,” IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 25(6), November-December, 1999, p. 800-815.
- • Mann, C.C., “Why Software is So Bad,” Technology Review, August, 2002, p. 33-38.
- • Marriott, P., “Asynchronous Voice: Some Design Issues,” Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, 3(3), 2001, p, 22-43.
- • Nelson, H. James, D. Armstrong, and M. Ghods, “Old Dogs and New Tricks,” Communications of the ACM, 45(10), October, 2002, p.132-137.
- • Sauter, V.L. and L.A. Madeo, "User-Acquainted Diagnostic Support Systems," Conditionally Accepted for Publication by Omega: The International Journal of Management Sciences, August, 2001.
- • Seddon, P.B., S. Staples, R. Patnayakuni, and M. Bowtell, “Dimensions of Information Systems Success,” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 2(20), November, 1999, including Alter, S., “The Siamese Twin Problem: A Central Issue Ignored by ‘Dimensions of Information System Effectiveness,’” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 2(20), November, 1999.
- • Te’eni, D. “Review: A Cognitive-Affective Model of Organizational Communication for Designing IT,” MIS Quarterly, 25(2), June 2001, p. 251-312.
- • Ulrich, W., “A Philosophical Staircase for Information Systems Definition, Design and Development,” Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, 3(3), 2001, p. 55-84.
March 3 Project Proposal Presentations
March 17 and 31 What does Decision Making have to do With It: Decision Support Systems? (We will focus on subsets of these articles)
- • Cohen, M-D., C.B. Kelly, Andrés L. Meaglia, “Decision Support with Web-Enabled Software,” Interfaces, 31(2), March-April 2001, p. 109-129.
- • Colebatch, H., S. Horrocks, and J. Smith, “Executive Models of Informing: An Empirical Study,” Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, 3(3), 2001, p. 21-32.
- • Dickson, G. W., G. DeSanctis, and D.J. McBride, “Understanding the Effectiveness of Computer Graphics for Decision Support: A Cumulative Experimental Approach,” Communications of the ACM, 29(1), January, 1986, p. 40-47.
- • Farhoomand, A. F., and D. H. Drury, “Managerial Information Overload,” Communications of the ACM, 45(10), October, 2002, p.127-131.
- • Fichman, R. G., C.F. Kemerer, “The Illusory Diffusion of Innovation: An Examination of the Assimilation Gaps, ISR, 10(3), September, 1999, p. 255-275.
- • Gregg, D.G., U.R. Kulkarni, and A.S. Vinzé, “Understanding the Philosophical Underpinnings of Software Engineering Research in Information Sciences,” Information Systems Frontiers, 3(2), June, 2001, p. 169-183.
- • Jarvenpaa, S. L., and G. W. Dickson, “Graphics and Managerial Decision Making: Research-Based Guidelines,” Communications of the ACM, 31(6), June 1988, 764-774.
- • Lerch, F. J., and D.E. Harter, “Cognitive Support for Real-Time Dynamic Decision Making,” ISR, 12(1), March, 2001, 63-82.
- • Olson, D.L., “Rationality in Information Systems Support to Decision Making,” Information Systems Frontiers, 3(2), June 2001, p. 239-248.
- • Saaty, T.L., “Reflections and Projections on Creativity in Operations Research and Management Science: A Pressing Need for a Shift in Paradigm,” Operations Resesarch, 45(1), January-February, 1998, p. 9-16.
- • Sauter, V.L., "Intuitive Decision Making and its DSS Requirements," Communications of the ACM,42(6), June, 1999, p. 109-115.
- • Sauter, V.L. and D. Free, "Competitive Intelligence Systems: Qualitative DSS for Strategic Decision Making," Accepted for Publication by The Database for Advances in Information Systems, January, 2002.
- • Tufte, E.R., “Visual and Statistical Thinking: Displays of Evidence for Making Decisions,” Reprinted from Tufte, Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative, 1997.
April 7 Multiculturalism and DSS
- • Chau, P.Y.K., M. Cole, A.P. Massey, M. Montoya-Weiss, and R.M. O’Keefe, “Cultural Differences in the Online Behavior of Consumers,” Communications of the ACM, 45(10), October, 2002, p. 138-143.
- • Marcus, A., “User Interface Design and China: A Great Leap Forward,” Interactions, X.1, January-February, 2003, p. 21-25.
- • Quaddus, M.A., and L.L. Tung, “Explaining Cultural Differences in Decision Conferencing,” Communications of the ACM, 45(8), August, 2002, 93-98.
- • Sauter, V.L., "A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Modeling and Model Management Needs in a Decision Support System," Global Issues of Information Technology Management, S. Palvia, P. Palvia and R.M. Zigli (eds.), Harrisburg, PA: Idea Group Publishing, 1992, p. 332-355.
- • Vlahos, G.E. and T.W. Ferratt, “A Comparative Study Between Managers of Corporations in Greece and the U.S. Regarding their Use and Perceived Value of Computer-Based Information Systems in Supporting Decision Making,” SIGCPR/SIGMIS Annual Conference, Denver Colorado, 1996, p. 103-113.
- • VanSlyke, C., C.L. Comunale, and F. Belanger, “Gender Differences in Perception of Web-Based Shopping,” Communications of the ACM, 45(8), August, 2002, p. 82-92.
April 14, 21 Data Mining
- • Amyth, P., D. Pregibon, and C. Faloutsos, “Data Driven Evolution of Data Mining Algorithms,” Communications of the ACM, 45(8), August, 2002, p.33-37.
- • Apte, C., B. Liu, Pednault, E.P.D., and P. Smyth, “Business Applications of Data Mining,” Communications of the ACM, 45(8), August, 2002, p. 49 -53.
- • Bradley, P., J. Gehrke, R. Ramakrishnan, and R. Srikant, “Scaling Mining Algorithms to Large Databases,” Communications of the ACM, 45(8), August, 2002, p.38-43
April 28, May 5 Presentations
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