Discipline: Computer Information Systems Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Computer Information Systems 2


COURSE DESCRIPTION
2 Fundamentals of Systems Analysis Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Study of structured systems analysis techniques. Course includes the identification of problems, fact gathering, report analysis, system/data flow analysis, screen/forms design, creation of user documentation/reports, completion of written and verbal presentations and the use of CASE tools. 54 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Structured analysis of user requirements related to information systems, for eventual design/development of the system.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Register for CIS-96/97. CIS-96/97 are self-paced, competency-based, skill development computer labs. They provide the computer practice times to master the skills taught in the lecture classes. There is one-on-one instructor assistance available with additional help provided by student aides. Basically, the skills that are presented in the lecture classes have to be practiced to be mastered and that is the purpose of CIS-96/97.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Demonstrate an understanding of systems analysis as applied to
      the effective use of computers in business operations.

2.   Analyze various user requirements applying structured analysis
      tools like Data Flow Diagrams, Data Dictionary and Process
      Description.

3.   Design output screens and reports, input screens, and user
      interface screens.

4.   Demonstrate an understanding of various developmental
      methodologies.

5.   Analyze data with relational databases in mind and design
      normalized files.

6.   Demonstrate an understanding of CASE tools.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1.   Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design
   a.   How Information Technology is used by business
   b.   The five components of an Information System
   c.   System Development: Methods, Techniques and Life Cycle
   d.   Information Technology Department and the role of the Systems
         Analyst
2.   Analyzing the Business Case
      a.   Strategic Planning to obtain good business results
      b.   The reasons Systems Requests are made
      c.   Evaluating Feasibility of Projects and assigning priorities
      d.   Steps for a Preliminary Investigation
3.   Requirements Modeling
      a.   Application Development Methods
      b.   Modeling tools
      c.   System requirements and planning for growth
      d.   Fact finding methodologies
      e.   The importance of good documentation of an Information
            System
4.   Data and Process Modeling
      a.   Creating various levels of Data Flow Diagrams
      b.   The importance of a good Data Dictionary
      c.   The use of Process Description Tools as a means of
            communication
5.   Development Strategies
      a.   Impact of the Internet
      b.   Various stages of Outsourcing as a development methodology
      c.   In-House development, pros and cons
      d.   Purchasing a package
      e.   Prototyping
      f.   Evaluation of various CASE tools available on the market
6.   Output and User Interface Design
      a.   Output Design: forms and reports
      b.   User Interface Design: various levels of menus
      c.   Input Design: paper forms and screens, methods of data
            validation
7.   Data Design
      a.   Database Management Systems
      b.   Web based design
      c.   Data design tools
            1.   Entity Relationship Diagrams
            2.   Normalization
            3.   Use of codes
      d.   Data storage
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lectures and discussions on how businesses use Information Systems to control their business operations
  • Computer games on the author/publisher’s web site  to enhance the understanding of structured analysis concepts
  • PowerPoint presentations on various topics, including how to write preliminary investigation reports and the various Developmental Methodologies
  • Demonstration of Web links to company sites that market CASE tools
  • Use of discussions and discussion board to make students interact on the design of various types of screens
  • Handouts to reinforce understanding of concepts of databases and file normalization
  • Class exercises including the design of Data flow diagrams, Data Dictionaries, Process Descriptions.
    • Cooperative learning tasks to encourage teamwork and leadership skills
  • Individual conferences as necessary to assist with problems students may be having
  • Guest lecturers from industry to explain various uses of systems analysis techniques used in the workplace
  • Distance Education: Online, Hybrid, and Web Enhanced.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral reports/presentations on how businesses use Information Systems to control their business operations
  • Written reports at various key stages of structured analysis: the preliminary investigation and the requirements analysis stages
  • Quizzes for each of the concepts of Structured Analysis
  • Written answers to Review Questions to confirm the understanding of basic concepts of Structured Analysis like Data Flow Diagrams, File Normalization, Screen Design and Report writing
  • Case studies to determine how the student applies concepts to analyze business situations as related to Information Technology
  • Situation analysis to determine student critical thinking skills on when to use the various Developmental Methodologies
  • Participation in classroom or online discussion board on topics like CASE tools
  • Class and individual projects in which students will demonstrate critical thinking skills while using systems analysis tools to solve problems
  • Final examination allowing students to explain and demonstrate structured analysis of user requirements related to information systems, for eventual design/development of the system
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Shelly, Gary, Cashman, Thomas and Harry Rosenblatt. Systems Analysis and Design. 7th ed. Boston, MA: Thompson Course Technology, 2007.
11/06
524