The application of advanced features of spreadsheet software and database management software to solve business problems through computer modeling and other techniques. Emphasis is placed on large application development and user-interface design. Computer techniques using other business software and the role of the computer in shaping business are also considered.
Prerequisites: CIS 101 or prior experience with spreadsheet and database software.
Shelly, Cashman, and Quasney; Microsoft® Office Excel 2003, Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques; Course Technology, 2004. ISBN: 0-619-20034-0.
Shelly, Cashman, and Pratt; Microsoft® Office Access 2003, Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques; Course Technology, 2004. ISBN: 0-619-20040-5.
Grades are based on the following assessment items:
Each assignment will involve the design and implementation of a solution to one or more problems using either Microsoft Excel or Access. Assignments are individual assignments (not colaborations), and are to be submitted in electronic form. Your instruction will give you instructions on submitting assignments electronically.
One test will be given related to Excel material covered in the course. The test will be computer-based, and will require you to apply techniques covered in the course. Your instructor may choose to assign part of this test in take-home form.
In lieu of a test for the Access material, students will complete a large-scale Access project. Projects will be assigned to groups of three or four students each, and the projects will be a group effort. Groups will be chosen and projects will be assigned near the beginning of the semester. Students will present their project to the rest of the class toward the end of the semester.
The textbooks used in this course present topics in the context of projects. These projects will be done largely in class, but sometimes finished outside of class. Not all components presented in the textbook will be done - your instructor will announce the parts of each project that will be required.
Collaboration on these projects is permitted, and encouraged.
Textbook projects will be collected and factored into the student's grade. Projects that are completed receive full credit for being done. Projects that are partially completed receive half credit. Late projects will not be accepted.
Students who are active and attentive members of the class, and who contribute to the class from time to time, will receive 5 points for class participation. Students who fall short of this expectation will receive fewer points, commensurate with their level of participation. Also, students who do not abide by Classroom Protocol guidelines will receive a reduced class participation grade.
| Mo | Th | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug | 23 | 26 | Excel Textbook |
| 30 | |||
| Sep | 2 | ||
| 9 | |||
| 13 | 16 | ||
| 20 | 23 | ||
| 27 | 30 | ||
| Oct | 4 | 7 | Access Textbook |
| 14 | |||
| 18 | Excel Test | ||
| 21 | Access Textbook (continued) | ||
| 25 | 28 | ||
| Nov | 1 | 4 | |
| 8 | 11 | ||
| 15 | 18 | ||
| 22 | |||
| 29 | |||
| Dec | 2 | ||
| 6 | Presentations |
Since the Access portion of the course involves a project rather than a test, the final exam date issued by the Registrar will not be used.