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:
A final average is calculated according the the weights above and are rounded to the nearest full percent. The final grade is awarded according to the following scale:
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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.
Regular attendance is an important factor contributing to the student's success in the class. Although much of the material covered in class comes from the textbook, some course content comes from the instructor's notes or other resources, and may be delivered only in lecture form. The student is responsible for all material covered in class, and should arrange to get notes from another student in the event of absence from class. The instructor's notes are not available for perusal by the students.
Your instructor keeps an attendance record for the class, however this record does not directly affect the student's grade. If a student has excessive absence and is not showing responsibility for the course material, a report of concern will be issued to the Advising Center.
If the student is absent on the day of a test, arrangements for a makeup must be made in advance of the test. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the test.
Your instructor will announce the date and time that each assignment is due. This information will also appear on your instructor's web site. Note that, for some classes, assignment due dates might not correspond to class meeting dates.
By turning in assignments on time your work will be graded and returned in a timely manner (usually within one week), and with comments as appropriate.
Late work will be accepted up to two weeks past the due date and will be subject to any or all of the following:
Any work that is not turned in within two weeks of the due date will receive a grade of zero.
The Cedar Crest College Student Guide includes the following under Honor Philosophy, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity and ethics remain steadfast, withstanding technological change. Cedar Crest College academic standards therefore apply to all academic work, including, but not limited to, handwritten or computer-generated documents, video or audio recordings, and telecommunications.
All Cedar Crest students shall:
- Only submit work which is his/her own.
- Adhere to the rules of acknowledging outside sources, as defined by the instructor, never plagiarizing or misrepresenting intellectual property.
- Neither seek nor receive aid from another student, converse with one another when inappropriate, nor use materials not authorized by the instructor.
- Follow the instructions of the professor in any academic situation or environment, including taking of examinations, the following of laboratory procedures, the preparation of papers, and the proper and respectful use of sharing of College facilities and resources, including library and computing resources.
- Abide by the Cedar Crest Computer Use Policy.
- If a student perceives a violation of the Academic Standards, he/she will go to their instructor.
- If you are unable to resolve the problem with the instructor, you should go to the chair of the department. If you need further assistance after consultation with the instructor and the chair, you should see the Provost.
Unless specifically designated by the instructor, assignments for this course are individual assignments, not group projects. It is reasonable and appropriate for students to discuss an assignment outside of class, but the actual assignment work is to be one's own. It is not appropriate to collaborate on assignments, nor is it appropriate to copy another student's assignment, alter its appearance, and present it as one's own individual work. Such behavior is plagiarism and a violation of the Honor Philosophy, and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A second offense will result in a grade of F for the course.
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss these needs with their professors during the first two weeks of class. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations should contact the Advising Center.
In order to remain in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the following policies will be in effect with regard to the release of information related to the student's academic record (i.e. grades):
Your instructor may, at his option, offer the class an extra credit assignment, based on the overall need of the class. How such an assignment affects the grade will be determined if and when the extra credit assignment is offered. Individual requests for extra credit will not be granted.
The Cedar Crest College Student Guide includes the following under Honor Philosophy, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, Classroom Protocol:
Appropriate classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest Honor Code. Such behavior is defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate conversations, and any other behavior that might disrupt instruction and/or compromise students' access to their Cedar Crest College education.
Anyone not registered for the course who wishes to sit in as a visitor must obtain permission from the instructor in advance. Class visitors are to adhere to the same classroom protocol as is expected from registered members of the class. For classes held in a computer classroom, visitors will not be permitted to use the computers in the classroom.
When a class is held in a computer classroom, the computers in the room are to be used for class-related activities only. Using the computers for Web browsing, instant messaging, gaming, or other non-class-related activities is prohibited.
Specifically, students are to follow these guidelines during class:
Any student violating this policy will be subject to the following penalties:
| 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.