Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Biography
I received my Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma in the spring of 1997 with studies concentrated in Information Technology and Accounting. I earned my Oklahoma Certified Public Accountant license in 1999 and have maintained my license throughout my career. In addition, I completed the Graduate Certificate in Digital Technologies program in the fall of 2021 at The University of Oklahoma. My background includes extensive industry experience in business analysis, software development, implementation, administration, financial analysis, data analysis, and business intelligence. Before I began teaching full-time, I worked in Oklahoma City as the Manager of Business Intelligence and Analysis for an organization in the private sector. My hobbies include training for triathlons, tinkering around on my old Jeep, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
MIS 3353 Databases or permission.
Course Materials
Grades
Student grades are earned through the following activities:
| Description | Points/Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
|
Quizzes |
There are 9 Quizzes, and students get to keep the highest 8 grades. |
10% |
|
In Class Exercises |
There are 18 In Class Exercises, and students get to keep the highest 16 grades. |
15% |
|
Homework Assignments |
There are 9 Homework assignments, and students get to keep the highest 8 grades. |
15% |
|
Chapter Reflections |
There are 9 Chapter Reflections, and students get to keep the highest 8 grades. |
10% |
|
Exams |
There is a Midterm Exam worth 25%, and a Final Exam worth 25%. |
50% |
Total |
100% |
Scale
Letter grades are based on the following percentage totals:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Quizzes
Quizzes assess the lecture materials and assigned readings. Quizzes are open book, open notes, etc. They are to be completed individually and are due before the next class period.
In Class Exercises
In Class Exercises consist of short essays, exercises, and diagramming projects that help reinforce the lecture materials and assigned readings. In class exercises can be completed as a team, whereas the only stipulation is that team members rotate to different teams each class period. This stipulation helps simulate the real-world environment where team members build on their abilities to work with different team members' skill sets, communication styles, and personalities. These In Class Exercises must be completed and submitted on Canvas by the end of the class period.
Homework Assignments
Homework Assignments are similar to In Class Exercises, but on a larger scale. Homework assignments are to be completed individually, and are due before the next class period.
Chapter Reflections
Chapter Reflections should summarize the student’s learning experience (engagement with materials, quizzes, in class exercises, homework assignments) in two paragraphs with a minimum of 10 lines per paragraph. There are 3 parts to the Chapter Reflection:
- Summarize the week’s learning materials (readings, media, recorded lectures, and Live Sessions) and how they relate to the module learning objectives.
- List two topics of interest from the week’s content using the following questions as guidance:
- What are topics that are most interesting to you?
- What are topics that can be utilized immediately at your work/internship?
- What is a question that you still have about this week’s learning topics?
Chapter Reflections are to be completed individually, and are due before the beginning of the next class period.
Exams
Both the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam are a combination of T/F, MC, and Short Answer questions as well as Diagramming exercise(s).
Course Policies
Communication
Please address me as Professor or Professor James. When you send an e-mail to me, please be sure to include the course number or some course identifier in the Subject line. Additionally, please identify yourself in the text of your e-mail, otherwise, I may not figure out who you are just by your email address alone. Please note that if your question is relevant to the class, I will forward your email with my response to the class – so be sure to proofread your email and use good email etiquette because it may be seen by your classmates. It is the student's responsibility to receive/check incoming mail in a timely fashion (e.g., not regularly checking your email, having a “full mailbox” condition, etc.).
Attendance and Participation
Every class is important so please do not send an email asking “whether we will cover anything important tonight." Each session may have class participation activities. If you miss participating in an activity assigned to your team, you will receive a zero for that assignment. An absence from an assignment, homework, exam, or project shall be considered “excused” if it occurs because of any of the following situations and the instructor was contacted prior to the due date:
-
Illness or hospitalization of the student or an immediate family member due to illness or accident.
-
Death in the student’s immediate family (for example, spouse, parents, guardians, siblings, children).
-
Summons of the student to appear for Jury Duty or before a court.
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Any other explanation that has been approved by the course coordinator or instructor.
To be successful in this course, you must stay active and involved throughout the entire course. Students are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course. You should also regularly communicate with the instructor as part of your overall learning experience, check into the course frequently for announcements (usually on the course home page), and actively participate in discussion events (both formal and informal).
As noted above, each class will include a participation activity, to be submitted on Canvas, that will demonstrate that students are paying attention, and are participating in the tasks that are asked of them. If a student misses a class, their participation activity grade will be zero for that assignment.
Late Policy
Each assignment has a clearly defined due date. You are expected to deliver assignments on time. Contact the professor if you intend to submit a late assignment. If the late assignment was due to an excused absence as outlined above in the Attendance and Participation section, the arrangements will be made for submitting a late assignment based on the circumstances.
Feedback
Students can expect a response to emails within two business days, and feedback on all work submitted within 7-10 business days. Your instructor will be as responsive as possible to requests for phone, in office, or online meetings as well.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That assumption means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Academic Integrity for Generative Artificial Intelligence Programs
I expect you to use AI (ChatGPT) to help you get started on course assignments. I am happy to meet with you if you need help with the assignment or need help with how to use ChatGPT.
However, be aware of the limits of ChatGPT:
- If you provide minimum effort prompts, you will get low-quality results. You will need to refine your prompts in order to get good outcomes. This will take work.
- Don't trust anything it says. If it gives you a number or fact, assume it is wrong unless you either know the answer or can check in with another source. You will be responsible for any errors or omissions provided by the tool.
- AI is a tool, and you need to acknowledge using it. Please include a paragraph here explaining your interaction with ChatGPT, and what prompts you used to get the results.
Using AI programs and not disclosing where and how that content is used is considered academic dishonesty and will be considered a violation of academic integrity. If the usage of such programs is found without disclosure, students will receive a “0” for the grade and will be reported to OU’s Integrity Council. Students unsure about using AI tools in coursework should speak directly to their instructor or seek guidance from the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, the privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important in this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they can enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability or a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Institutional Equity Office (M-F, from 8-5, at 405-325-3546) or OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013).
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in the innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional information about severe weather preparedness is available through the Department of Campus Safety's Emergency Management Division.
OU-Norman Campus: Tornado Refuge Protocol
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits.
- Assist those who may need help.
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area.
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
OU Fire Safety on Campus Video
Calendar MIS 3373 S
| Week | Date | Day | Topic | Before Class | During Class | After Class - DUE BEFORE NEXT CLASS |
| 1 | Jan 16, 2024 | Tuesday | No Class - Inclement Weather | - | - | - |
| 1 | Jan 18, 2024 | Thursday | Course Introduction | - | Course Introduction - PowerPoint | - |
| 2 | Jan 23, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 1 - Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design | Read Ch. 1 | Chapter 1 - PowerPoint | Ch. 1 - Quiz |
| 2 | Jan 25, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 1 - Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (continued) | Review Ch. 1 | In Class Exercise 1-1 EOC | Ch. 1 - Homework |
| 3 | Jan 30, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 1 - Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (continued 2) | Review Ch. 1 | In Class Exercise 1-2 UML | Ch. 1 - Ch. Reflection |
| 3 | Feb 1, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 3 - Requirements Determination | Read Ch. 3 | Chapter 3 - PowerPoint | Ch. 3 - Quiz |
| 4 | Feb 6, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 3 - Requirements Determination (continued) | Review Ch. 3 | Guest Speaker: Jim Frisch, The Williams Companies, In Class Exercise 3-1 - DUE BY 11:59PM TONIGHT |
Ch. 3 - Homework |
| 4 | Feb 8, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 3 - Requirements Determination (continued 2) | Review Ch. 3 | In Class Exercise 3-2 EOC | Ch. 3 - Ch. Reflection |
| 5 | Feb 13, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 4 - Business Process and Functional Modeling | Read Ch. 4 | Chapter 4 - PowerPoint | Ch. 4 - Quiz |
| 5 | Feb 15, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 4 - Business Process and Functional Modeling (continued) | Review Ch. 4 | In Class Exercise 4-1 EOC | Ch. 4 - Homework |
| 6 | Feb 20, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 4 - Business Process and Functional Modeling (continued 2) | Review Ch. 4 | In Class Exercise 4-2 UML | Ch. 4 - Ch. Reflection |
| 6 | Feb 22, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 5 - Structural Modeling | Read Ch. 5 | Chapter 5 - PowerPoint | Ch. 5 - Quiz |
| 7 | Feb 27, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 5 - Structural Modeling (continued) | Review Ch. 5 | Guest Speaker: Traci Tabyanan, American Fidelity Assurance Companies, In Class Exercise 5-1 - DUE BY 11:59PM TONIGHT | Ch. 5 - Homework |
| 7 | Feb 29, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 5 - Structural Modeling (continued 2) | Review Ch. 5 | In Class Exercise 5-2 UML, Midterm Preview | Ch. 5 - Ch. Reflection |
| 8 | Mar 5, 2024 | Tuesday | Midterm Exam: Ch. 1,3-5 | - | - | - |
| 8 | Mar 7, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 6 - Behavioral Modeling | Read Ch. 6 | Chapter 6 - PowerPoint | Ch. 6 - Quiz |
| 9 | Mar 12, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 6 - Behavioral Modeling (continued) | Review Ch. 6 | In Class Exercise 6-1 EOC | Ch. 6 - Homework |
| 9 | Mar 14, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 6 - Behavioral Modeling (continued 2) | Review Ch. 6 | In Class Exercise 6-2 UML | Ch. 6 - Ch. Reflection |
| 10 | Mar 19, 2024 | Tuesday | Spring Break | - | - | - |
| 10 | Mar 21, 2024 | Thursday | Spring Break | - | - | - |
| 11 | Mar 26, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 7 - Moving on to Design | Read Ch. 7 | Chapter 7 - PowerPoint | Ch. 7 - Quiz |
| 11 | Mar 28, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 7 - Moving on to Design (continued) Class not meeting today - In Class Exercise 7-1 is due before midnight tonight, and the Ch.7 Homework will still be due before 4:30PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. | Watch these 5 videos that are located on the RESOURCES: Chapter 7 page:
Chapter 7 – Author’s PowerPoint Presentation – Slide 1 through Slide 5. |
In Class Exercise 7-1 EOC: Due before Midnight, 3/27/2024 | Ch. 7 - Homework |
| 12 | Apr 2, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 7 - Moving on to Design (continued 2) | Review Ch. 7 | Guest Speaker: Brittany George, Weaver Assurance, Tax, Advisory, In Class Exercise 7-2 - DUE BY 11:59PM TONIGHT | Ch. 7 - Ch. Reflection |
| 12 | April 4, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 8 - Class and Method Design | Read Ch. 8 | Chapter 8 - PowerPoint | Ch. 8 - Quiz |
| 13 | Apr 9, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 8 - Class and Method Design (continued) | Review Ch. 8 | Guest Speaker: Rob Carnes, Love's Country Stores , In Class Exercise 8-1 - DUE BY 11:59PM TONIGHT | Ch. 8 - Homework |
| 13 | Apr 11, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 8 - Class and Method Design (continued 2) | Review Ch. 8 | In Class Exercise 8-2 UML | Ch. 8 - Ch. Reflection |
| 14 | Apr 16, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 9 - Data Management Layer Design | Read Ch. 9 | Chapter 9 - PowerPoint | Ch. 9 - Quiz |
| 14 | Apr 18, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 9 - Data Management Layer Design (continued) | Review Ch. 9 | In Class Exercise 9-1 EOC | Ch. 9 - Homework |
| 15 | Apr 23, 2024 | Tuesday | Ch. 9 - Data Management Layer Design (continued 2) | Review Ch. 9 | In Class Exercise 9-2 UML | Ch. 9 - Ch. Reflection |
| 15 | Apr 25, 2024 | Thursday | Ch. 10 - Human–Computer Interaction Layer Design | Read Ch. 10 | Chapter 10 - PowerPoint | Ch. 10 - Quiz |
| 16 | Apr 30, 2024 | Tuesday | Dead Week - No Class | - | - | - |
| 16 | May 2, 2024 | Thursday | Dead Week - No Class | - | - | - |
| - | May 10, 2024 | Friday | Final Exam: Ch. 6 - 10 | 10:30am | - | - |