MIS 403 Fall 2005

Instructor: Dr. Skip Benamati  Office: 308B Upham 
Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 Mon, 10:00-12:00 Wed., 9:30-10:30 Tue & Thur, or any other time by appointment
Virtual Office Hours: anytime benamajh@muohio.edu
URL: http://www.sba.muohio.edu/benamajh/default.htm
Phone: 529-4835 (office) 9-4826 (department). 

Catalog Description: An introduction to Internet technologies. Focus is on the client and server technologies and design and development of applications with tools using these technologies. User interface design and graphics technology is also emphasized. MIS majors only.

Course Description: MIS 403 will examine the infrastructure of data communications, especially the Internet and the World Wide Web.  Some feel these technologies have revolutionized how businesses do business.  While this may or may not be true (Hopefully you will form your own opinion), the evolution, key technologies, how they work, and why these technologies have had such an impact on business applications are explored.

The course focuses on the Client/Server model of developing applications and the Web as an implementation of this model.  The issues surrounding the various options for logic distribution and leveraging computing power with client/server applications are covered.  Thin client server computing and the Web as a platform for developing these types of applications is an important focus in many industries.  Both client and server side technologies are covered through a combination of lectures, hands on labs, and projects. 

Textbooks:
Lagerstrom, L.R., Programming the Web Using XHTML and JavaScript, 2003, by McGraw-Hill Irwin.
A .NET book is to be determined…

Prerequisites:  MIS 281, proficiency with basic programming concepts, and most importantly a strong desire to learn.

Course Objectives

The objectives of MIS 403 are:

q       In depth analyses of the Internet infrastructure technologies.
q     Understand client/server applications, why they are important and decisions that must be made in implementing them.
q       Understand the Internet as a platform for building C/S applications.       
q       Develop Web applications using both client side and server side technologies
q       Introduce the student to analysis and design of web applications
q       To instill in students that confidence in their ability to learn new technologies.

The liberal education objectives of the course are accomplished through the use of class discussions, essay exam questions, and group projects. The exams, class discussions, and projects aid in the development of critical thinking skills. Lectures are designed to link topics in such a way that the student understands the context for each issue in the course. Presentations, group projects, and group discussions in class are opportunities for engaging with other learners. Time for reflecting and acting comes through exams and in-class discussions. The liberal education objectives of this class can only be met if you attend each class and are prepared to ask/answer questions and discuss the day's material.

Course Requirements

I typically do not curve final grades.  Don't wait until the end of the semester to become concerned about your grade because extra credit work is not an option.  Please see me during the semester to ask questions and get assistance.

Exam One                                        23%     
Exam Two                                       23%        
Final Exam                                       23%                            
Homework & Projects                     23%    
Quizzes/Graded Hands on Labs          4%    
Participation                                        4%

Late Policy: I deduct 10% per day for assignments that are not ready on the due date up to three days.  No assignments will be accepted after 72 hours passed the due date and time.

Participation:  You must be here to participate.  I expect everyone to be an active member of the class. Being here and contributing to class discussions on a regular basis will result in receiving the full 4%.  Simply being here will result in only 1.5%.  Frequent absences, tardiness, or disruptive behavior will result in a 0% for participation.  I will provide feedback on class participation at the time of the first two exams.

Plus/Minus Grading  Grades for the section are based on the following scale:

Description of Assignments

I will distribute a separate handout with the details and grading criteria for the projects.

ü      Up to seven times over the course of the semester, we will have unannounced quizzes or graded lab exercises.  For the labs, I will give the class appropriate time to complete a development exercise.  Exercises will be based on previous class work and homework assigned for that day.

ü      There will also be multiple homework and project assignments throughout the semester.  These are to be completed individually.  Any work found to be done in team fashion will result in a failing grade on that assignment for everyone involved.

 Written Work

You must effectively communicate the technical material of this class to a non-technical audience.  I expect you to meet the writing standards commonly used in business (e.g., correct spelling, subject/verb agreement, complete sentences).  Be clear - don't make me guess what you are trying to say.

Type all written assignments using: 1" margins (top, bottom, left, and right), no type smaller than 12 point (this syllabus is 12 point type), double space, and put your name and section number on the front page. Don't use plastic covers; staple papers in the top left-hand corner.

The Howe Writing Initiative in 204 Laws is an excellent resource for business writing skills.  When in doubt check the Howe Web site.  http://www.sba.muohio.edu/sba_home/Centers/hwinew/default.asp
 

Lab Policies

• No food or drinks will be allowed in computer labs.   Drinks and food should be kept in backpacks if in the possession of students.  If a student fails to comply, he or she will be asked to leave the lab.
• Students are asked to pick up any papers and trash before leaving the lab.
• Students should report the computer number of inoperable computers to faculty at the beginning of class.  Faculty should call or E-mail the information to the SBA IT staff for correction.

Class Communication

Since this is an Internet technologies course, electronic means will be used for all necessary communications in the class. I check my email regularly and will in a timely manner respond to any questions or requests that you might have. I expect the same from you. Learn to rely on the electronic communication means at your disposal. This will increase your efficiency and effectiveness as students.

The MIS 403 Home page (www.sba.muohio.edu/benamajh/404home.html) will serve as the way I will communicate all class wide information. Learn to check the class news page regularly, as it will be updated frequently with assignments, class news and anything else that I wish you to know. You are responsible for anything communicated in this manner.

Topics

The daily topics page lists the topics planned for the class. This is a tentative plan. I reserve the right to adjust the course as necessary. Topics covered during a given week may change. However, changes will not affect the assigned exam dates. To stay abreast of any changes in course topics, rely on the class news page!!!

The PowerPoint presentations and example code used in class will be available through the G-drive. You may print these presentations to use as class notes. I suggest you print them three or four slides per page. I will be updating material as we go to keep it as current and topical as possible. At least 24 hours before each lecture, finalized presentations will be available from the web and in:  G:\Dms\Benamajh\mis403\

I will add and change readings throughout the semester to keep material current.  All readings are not assigned until announced on the class news page. 

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This page was last updated on August 16, 2005