Managing Information Systems

I.     Course Prefix/Number: CIS 203

       Course Name: Managing Information Systems

       Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 1 lab)

II.    Prerequisite

Recommended: CIS 201 and four additional CIS course credits.

III.   Course (Catalog) Description

Course focuses on how to analyze and manage the fundamentals of a computer information system, with emphasis on design, implementation, control, evaluation, and strategic use. Content includes hands-on experience with business software and Enterprise Resource Systems, emphasizing the managerial and strategic aspects of information technology. Course provides an overview of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and/or development/purchase of an information system. Student completes an in-depth business needs analysis, including software and hardware recommendations, plus procedures, prototypes, and a Request for Proposal.

IV.   Learning Objectives

  1. Analyze the computing needs for either a small business or home use.
  2. Evaluate and select software based on its, appropriateness, ease of use, documentation, support, and future expandability.
  3. Evaluate and select hardware based on its suitability, documentation, ease of maintenance, and future expandability.
  4. Identify and explain the importance of the key stages that comprise the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
  5. Explain the variations between the alternatives to tailored information system development.
  6. Describe the types of controls required to ensure the integrity of data entry and transaction processing.
  7. Describe the various kinds of security measures that can be implemented to protect data and Information Systems.
  8. Demonstrate how use of the major types of software can be integrated to produce business reports and quality management information.
  9. Describe the ethical and legal issues in hardware and software selection and development. Also examine implementation (including contractual issues), software protection, back-up, storage, and data integrity.
  10. Exhibit your understanding of various business transactions within an ERP system.

V.    Academic Integrity and Student Conduct


• cheating,
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.



VI.   Sequence of Topics

  1. Business Information Systems
  2. Strategic Uses of Information Systems
  3. Business functions and Supply Chain
  4. Hardware
  5. Software
  6. Networks and Telecommunications
  7. Global Information Systems
  8. Decision Support and Expert Systems
  9. System Planning and Development
  10. Choices in Systems Acquisition
  11. Risk, Security, and Disaster Recovery

VII.  Methods of Instruction

  1. Lecture
  2. Case study
  3. Hands-on exercises and projects
  4. Quizzes/tests


VIII. Course Practices Required

The students will be expected to complete appropriate assignments, quizzes and tests to meet the course objectives.  Number and type of assignments, quizzes, and tests are determined by the instructor.  In addition, the student is expected to complete two written reports; an in-depth needs analysis and presentation; and a case study involving the business systems studied.


IX.   Instructional Materials


X.    Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

  1. Tests
  2. Completion of: short case studies; papers; and lab assignments.
  3. Two individual oral and written presentations
  4. Completion of an in-depth business needs analysis, including recommendation of software, hardware, procedures and RFP (Request For Proposal). A presentation of findings will be required.

XI.   Other Course Information



Resources and support for
  • pregnancy-related and parenting accommodations; and
  • victims of sexual misconduct
can be found at

Resources and support for LGBTQ+ students can be found at