MIS 650  Project Seminar

Fall/Winter 2005-6
Syllabus
Oakland University
School of Business Administration

Section 44759; 3 Credits

N. b. This is the official "contract" specifying responsibilities in this course.  Each student has been given an abbreviated version of this webpage.  In keeping with an emerging tradition, the syllabus only provides "contractual" information.  Details about specific deliverables, a specific timetable and other details about class process and content are contained in web pages on this website.

 Course Description:

"This course will explore a variety of topics related to IT Management in a seminar format.  Each student will also complete an in-depth analysis of an IT management issue.  Specific project topics will be chosen by the student and approved by the instructor." -- Oakland University Graduate Catalog.

This is the capstone course in the MSITM program.  In this course, students will integrate the learning in previous courses and perform a project about IT management under the supervision of a professor in the School of Business Administration.  The project will demonstrate the student's proficiency in a selected area of expertise in MIS management.

Learning Objectives:

Students in this course will be assisted in achieving the following objectives:

1. To understand how knowledge is generated in the IT management field
2. To be able to analyze a problem in IT, develop a plan for solving it, and carry out the background research necessary to solve the problem
3. To develop a description of the problem solution and to write it in an acceptable way

 Prescribed Book:

There is no prescribed book.  Readings will be assigned and students will also take suggestions for readings from supervisors.

         Grading Weights                                           Assignment of Gradesa

Attendance and Participation:

Attendance will be taken each class and counts as a component of the final course mark (as part of participation).   In the event that you are unable to attend a class, please inform the instructor prior to the class via e-mail or telephone. Participation in this class is very important.  We will be discussing issues that are pertinent to your life and your employment; your expert opinion is valued! In addition, it is crucial to set up and attend meetings with your supervisor.  Failure to do so can seriously and negatively impact both your performance as well as your grade.  One component of the supervisor's evaluation is attendance at scheduled meetings. 

Course Pedagogy:

The course will consist of four lectures, a series of meetings with a project supervisor, and a project presentation, to be arranged at the end of the semester in which the student is registered.  Additional personal (one-on-one) consultations with the instructor may be arranged to suit the convenience of the student or instructor as needed.

Deliverables

There are two deliverables: a project proposal and the project report. The project proposal is submitted via the course website and automatically emailed to the instructor.  The project report is also to be submitted electronically to the supervisor and the instructor simultaneously.  Because of the potential for assignments to go astray, it is recommended that you create the responses to the proposal request off line in a word processor and then copy and paste it into the appropriate part of the form before submitting.  This will enable you to retain a copy.

Late Assignment Policy

Late assignments will be not be accepted. If you anticipate problems with the time frames for the deliverables, please contact the instructor at the first moment possible.  Students who fail to hand in the project proposal in a timely fashion will not be allowed to proceed with their projects and maybe asked to drop the course.

Project

Details are available on the project proposal webpage.

Project Presentation

Each student will make a 30-to-60-minute presentation to the instructor and project supervisor (and others, if appropriate) upon completion of the project. This presentation will take place toward the end of the semester in which the student is doing the work.   Students should make available to the instructor and project supervisor the following items:

1.      A PowerPoint presentation of no more than one hour

2.      A one-page printed executive summary of the presentation

3.    Any ancillary materials the student feels appropriate and helpful.

Examinations:

There will be no examinations. 

Course Website

Visit http://www.sba.oakland.edu/Faculty/licker/index.htm  and click on "Current Teaching" and then "MIS 650".

The website contains links to static material (the syllabus, the schedule, details on the deliverables and the lecture material) as well as some dynamic material, including course announcements, additional readings and materials and comments. As the course progresses, the website is also likely to expand…stay tuned. 

MIS 650 Schedule (Tentative)

This webpage last updated September 12, 2005