Business Administration: Information Technology (OL1)

About BUS 1140 OL1

An overview of the functional areas of business and the importance of information technology to the success of the organization with coverage of essential communication, problem solving and productivity tools employed in the modern enterprise. Prerequisites: Business Administration major.

Notes

BSAD majors and 2BUS Co-Majors only; Asynchronous online

Section Description

This course covers practical and conceptual data manipulation and management techniques. The objectives include: 1) gaining a basic understanding of some of the complexities associated with organizing and using data, and 2) introducing students to MS Office productivity software (MS Office Suite). This course is classified as a Quantitative and Data Literacy course.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Spreadsheet Modeling. Use a recent version of Microsoft Excel to:
a. Organize and manipulate data using pivot tables, filters, multi-level sorts, data validation,
conditional formatting, goal-seek, named ranges.
b. Create and use logical functions such as IF, nested IFs, lookups, multi conditional tests.
c. Aggregate and summarize data (mean, median, mode, and standard deviation for multi-dimensional summaries).
d. Employ data importing, data cleansing, query by example, and data source connectivity tools.

2. Data Modeling and Query. Use a recent version of Microsoft Access to:
a. Design a basic relational database using Entity Relationship Diagramming (ERDs).
b. Build/implement the design using Primary Keys, Foreign Keys, and table joins (inner & outer).
c. Populate a basic database that they designed with actual data.
d. Employ Query by Example including aggregate, parameter, calculated fields, and criteria
syntax.

3. Data Visualization. Use a recent version of Microsoft Excel to:
a. Construct charts and tables such as area charts, scatter plots, bar charts, etc.
b. Edit and format charts and table

Section Expectation

The course is organized into four week-long "modules". We will cover four book chapters each week – four chapters per module. Each chapter includes online reading, a software-based practice exercise, and a graded Excel-based HW. There is an Excel-based Capstone project (or test) at the end of each week. The level of difficulty will increase each week as we cover basic, intermediate, and then more advanced skills.

The course modality is online. This is an accelerated four-week asynchronous class with no scheduled meeting times. This class will require effective time management and individual effort (reading, following lecture notes, problem-solving, and spending time practicing with Excel without my direct guidance). There are no face-to-face office hours. As the semester is condensed into four weeks, we will progress quickly. Waiting until assignments are due to go back and attempting to learn the material is not a good way to approach the class.

This is a class focused on using Microsoft (MS) Excel. MACs do not inherently run MS applications like Excel. There is an Excel version for MACs, which is fine for this class. MAC-based tests and HWs may be slightly different from PC-based tests and HWs. Please use a PC for this class if you feel this is a problem. Students are expected to use software without my direct guidance.

Time requirements will be different for each student. Some students are comfortable using various computer applications and may have even used Excel before. Other students may be less comfortable using computer applications. We are covering an entire semester's worth of material in one month! I encourage students who prefer guided in-person class lectures rather than a self-taught approach, are uncomfortable experimenting with technology on their own, or would like a slower pace with established office hours to take BUS 1140 in person in the fall or spring.

Students MUST have an operational laptop or desktop installed with the required software to be successful in this class. Students are responsible for all material covered. Students without functional computers or the proper software are NOT excused from assignments. The ability to connect to the internet and complete assignments on time is YOUR responsibility. To succeed in this class, you must have a reliable internet connection. Please note that I cannot/will not grant extensions due to technical/connectivity issues on the user side. You have some flexibility in completing the assignments, but late assignments are penalized.

Students will access the course through Brightspace and can access the publisher’s (Cengage) material (readings, videos, HWs, tests) through Brightspace. In addition to context provided by Cengage, I will post some exercises and videos to help students learn and practice.

I have posted a video overview on configuring OneDrive – a MS-based cloud storage option supported by UVM. Alternatively, students will need to save files on their personal computers.

Evaluation

The course will consist of 12 hands-on computer-based HW assignments, which will count for 25% of the course grade. There is one HW drop. Capstone projects/tests will comprise the rest of the grade. Test #1 = 15%. Test #2 = 20%. Test #3 = 20%. Final exam = 20%. There are no test drops or test replacements. Due to the accelerated nature of the course, there are no extensions or makeups for missed/late tests or HWs. Students MUST complete assignments by the due date.

GRADING SCALE:
A+: 97 above B+: 87-89 C+: 77-79 D+: 67-69 F: 59 below
A: 93-96 B: 83-86 C: 73-76 D: 63-66
A-: 90-92 B-: 80-82 C-: 70-72 D-: 60-62

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks
• Summer University Pricing
• Summer Housing