SYLLABUS FOR
INFS 622, Section 002, Spring 2002
| Course Description | Course Objectives | Required and Recommended Materials | Grading Criteria | Administrative Notes |
Course Description:
This course explores the fundamental concepts of systems analysis, modeling, and design; the activities of systems development life cycle that precede system development. The exploration begins with developing an understanding of the fundamental concepts then proceeds with mastering the concepts through case study and application of tools used to manage system analysis and design. Traditional approaches as well as non-traditional approaches will be compared and contrasted. The benefits and limitations of the major approaches will be explored. Alternative approaches will be studied as time permits.Return to top
Course Objectives:
The overall course objective is to provide the student with the concepts and skills needed to analyze and design information systems. The course concentrates on the front-end of the systems development process; that is, the course focuses more on the analysis and conceptual modeling of systems, the logical and physical design of database structures, and touches on the design and development of computer programs in the group projects.Students who master the concepts of this course will be able to:
- Define, compare, and contrast alternative methodologies used in developing information systems. Be able to articulate the considerations involved in selecting one methodology over another.
- Produce the necessary systems documentation at each point in the analysis and design of an information system, and to do so with clarity and completeness.
- Analyze a business need for information. Develop and document a multi-phase plan that would result in the implementation of the required system.
- Select and use various information gathering techniques for eliciting user information requirements and system expectations.
- Efficiently develop and explain various system description documents, including physical and logical data flow diagrams, entityrelationship diagrams, structured English, structure charts, statetransition diagrams, as well as screen, form, and report layouts.
- Develop a working knowledge of the role of CASE tools in systems design and development by becoming at least a competent user with at least one of the several leading packages. Strongly suggested is ORACLE Designer/2000, Developer/2000, and use Personal Oracle 8. Alternatives include Rational Rose and TogetherSoft Control Center.
- Communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, systems specifications, and be persuasive when presenting the information.
- Develop a personal plan for improving yourself to become a better systems professional or user/manager of a system, by understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and matching those with the critical success factors of a modern business manager. [Optional]
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Required Materials:
- Students must acquire a copy of Modern Systems Analysis & Design, by Hoffer, George, and Valacich: (preferably 3rd edition, ISBN 0-13-033990-3)
- In order to acquire mastery of the subject material, students must regularly access the Internet for course updates and to work on group projects. An e-mail account is vital; high speed, high bandwidth access is strongly recommended.
- Project management software will be necessary in organizing the project activities. Microsoft Project is strongly recommended.
Grading Criteria:
Your grade in INFS 622 is a product of several factors. Please note that you are individually responsible for all aspects of the course, including class participation, project participation, homework, examinations, and the Presentation Day when groups present their projects.Here is the table showing the factors and their respective contributions to your grade.
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Homework | 10% |
| Class Participation | 5% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
| Group Project Paper | 15% |
| Group Project Presentation | 15% |
| Group Project Participation | 10% |
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Administrative Notes
Honor Code:
George Mason’s policy concerning student conduct (e.g. plagiarism) will be used.Homework:
Homework is assigned as per the instructions on the home page for INFS 622, Section 002 and will be collected as per the dates indicated on the class schedule. Note: The homework problems are to be done individually in accordance with the GMU Honor Code.Make-Up Policy:
Make-up exams will not be given except for extreme circumstances, prior arrangements should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.Late Work Policy:
Late assignments will not be accepted.Incomplete Grades:
There are no incompletes in INFS 622!Return to top
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