Everything here is subject to change! 
Changes will be announced in class and on Desire2Learn. 

It is your responsibility to check for changes in schedule, assignments, etc.

Instructor

Student Learning Objectives

This course introduces you to multiple systems development methodologies such as traditional structured development, object-oriented development, and agile methods. Adopting the analyst / designer's perspective, this course focuses on analysis and design, introducing you to several analysis and design models and techniques.

The primary learning objectives center on development of the analytical approaches and skills of a systems analyst. These include:

·         Understanding modern approaches to systems analysis and design
·         Ability to create customary analysis and design documents, models, diagrams, etc.
·         Understanding and ability to use structured design techniques and tools
·         Understanding the Systems Development Lifecycle

More specific learning objectives are stated at the beginning of each chapter of the textbook. You will have several opportunities to develop and to demonstrate these skills -- both individually and in small groups -- as you complete various exercises and perform activities based on case problems.

Prerequisites

BUS91L.

Required Text

Valacich, Joseph S., George, Joey F. and Hoffe, Jeffrey A. Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design. 5th Edition. Pearson: 2012.

The book is available online as well as in hardcopy. Either is fine. You will need the book with you in class.

General Course Policies

We will spend the class time on discussion of assigned readings, working on examples and exercises that allow you to practice the concepts presented in the text. You are expected to participate actively in class, and your grade depends on it. I will lecture on selected key topics, but you are responsible for all concepts covered in the assigned readings. You should complete all assigned readings and exercises before coming to class and ask questions about anything you don't understand.

Check the handbook for COB students for general guidelines for nearly every academic assignment business faculty require--plus advice on studying, participating, etc. More resources for you are available on the COB website: www.cob.sjsu.edu under students.

• Readings. You are always responsible for reading the assigned chapters before class, completing a Reading Journal, and generally being prepared to discuss the material. There will be few formal lectures. I assume you can and will read, so class time will be used to clarify principles from the reading and practice applying them. Bring the book to class.
• Desire2Learn. Desire2Learn is the central information repository for this class. You are expected to log onto Desire2Learn at least once a week to check for new information, download reading journals, etc.
• Email. Email is the fundamental communication means between classes. I expect you to check and respond to email at least daily, preferably more frequently. You should be sure your D2L email forwards to your regular email account.
• Class starts on time. Please get to class on time, prepared to begin promptly at the appointed hour. Please plan ahead with regard to traffic, parking, etc. Arriving late and disrupting the class is rude, shows poor management skills and will negatively affect your participation grade.  
• Assignments will be graded for grammar, spelling, clarity of presentation and overall appearance as well as content. Unless you are told otherwise, everything that is handed in for a grade must be prepared electronically with an appropriate word processing and or graphical tool such as MS Word, Visio, Microsoft Project or Microsoft PowerPoint.  Most assignments will be turned in via D2L. Assignments and/or requested information turned in electronically must be scanned and cleaned of any computer virus. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the course. Late assignments are only accepted with a valid reason (such as a medical emergency). If accepted, it must be within a week of the due date, and there is a 10% penalty on the grade for that assignment. Reading Journals may never be submitted late--don't even ask.
• Always make backups of all assignments before submitting them. A disk or system crash is no excuse for not completing assignments on time. A backup also protects you from accidental loss on my part.
• Contacting Me: I am here to help you, but you have to let me know what you need. I will be happy to talk with you during scheduled office hours, after class or during breaks, through email, by phone, or by appointment as necessary. If you need to contact me outside of class and office hours, email is the most reliable way to do so. 

Grading

 This is all subject to change. We will discuss changes in class to be sure everyone knows in advance what is happening.

The following approximate scale will be used on total percentage earned by student. I do award + and - grades for borderline scores.

Team Case Analysis

Each team will execute a systems analysis project based on a case study that will continue throughout the semester. Although some class time may be available during class to work on your project, in general, you will have to meet outside of class to do this work. Plan on meeting at least weekly for most of the semester.

Team In-Class Exercises

Teams will also work on and present in-class exercises. These will be assigned, completed and turned in during class time. As time permits, teams will be asked to present their work. HINT: Most of the in-class exercises start diagrams and other documents that become part of your final case analysis.

If you aren't in class, your grade for the assignment will be 0. Otherwise, the grade is a team grade. These are graded pass/fail: a passing grade gets all the points. You are encouraged to bring a computer to class (one for the team) and submit these directly to D2L. However, these may be handwritten and turned in at the end of class. Please write neatly: if I can't read your writing, your grade for the assignment will be 0 (for everyone).

Reading Journals

There will be a reading journal for each reading assignment to help you focus on the assigned readings and to prepare for the class discussions and in-class exercises. Reading Journals will be available on Desire2Learn when the assignment is made. Submit them via D2L. Your grade for each reading journal  is all or nothing: if you submit the journal  on time and you've clearly put reasonable thought into it, you get the points. If your RJ is late or if it is too sketchy, your grade for that Reading Journal will be 0.

Online Review Aids

There will be a number of online review aids (quizzes) assigned during the semester to help you learn the material. Review Aids will generally be available immediately following the class when a chapter is discussed, and will be due approximately a week after it becomes available. Watch D2L for specific dates/times. If you do not submit the Review Aid by the due time, your grade for that assignment will be 0. You may redo the Review Aid as many times as you wish. Your highest score up until the due date will be your grade. Questions (or variations) from the Review Aids will be included on the midterm and final.

Homework Exercises

There will be a individual homework assignments periodically during the semester. These will be designed to help you practice applying the concepts learned. This in turn will help you on exams, in accomplishing the team project and ultimately in being successful in other classes and your career.

Participation

Participation is effort as well as value delivered. That means active involvement in and out of class by participating in discussions, working well with your team and contributing your share of work, etc. Everything you do in the class and with your team can help or hurt your participation grade. For example, leading discussions and asking questions helps, sleeping or doing non-related activities hurts. Working hard helps, but not delivering your share of the work at an acceptable quality level hurts. Everyone starts with 75 points. Showing up for most classes, speaking up occasionally and not doing anything disruptive (like texting, web surfing) lets you keep your 75 points. Enthusiastic, regular participation throughout the semester gets you more points. If you "go the extra mile" for your team, you gain points. If you are a challenge for your team, you lose points.

Peer Assessment

Peer assessments will give you the opportunity to rate your teammates contribution and participation in your team. The assessment counts directly in your grades, so please be objective and fair. If a teammate did an outstanding job, recognize it. If a teammate did not do their share, reflect that as well.

If You Need Help

If you are having trouble understanding the material, having technical, writing or management difficulties with your project or team, etc., please ask for help right away! The only stupid question is the one not asked. Please ask for help as soon as you are aware of the problem. If I don't know about it until the end of the semester, it's too late to help. You can come see me during my office hours or make an appointment.

Class Schedule

Details will be announced in class and posted on Desire2Learn.

University Policies

Academic integrity

You should know the University’s Academic Integrity Policy and resources that are available at
http://www.sjsu.edu/studentconduct/Students/Student_Academic_Integrity_Process/
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development.

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. NOTE: there are rules around the use of open-source software and the accompanying documentation. If your project involves use of either, make sure your use meets the requirements. If you are not sure what that means, please see me!

If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.

General College of Business Policies

Failure to observe the following College of Business policies will adversely affect your grade and, depending on the nature of the violation, will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University for disrupting the course. Such referrals can lead to suspension from the University. 

• Laptops may be used in class for taking notes or completing assignments. Surfing the web, playing games or using them for anything not directly related to the current class activities is a violation of CoB and class policies.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in class except for water in a container that can be sealed between drinks (i.e. bottled water or a sports bottle). Please turn off your cell phone ringers and do not answer calls during class.
• Professional behavior is expected at all times. This includes showing respect for alternative points of view, diverse abilities, cultural and linguistic perspectives.