UNC-CH, INLS 782, IS Effectiveness, Syllabus, Fall 2006

INLS 782
Information Systems Effectiveness
Fall 2006

Thursday, 6:00pm-8:45pm
304 Manning Hall

Instructor: Barbara M. Wildemuth
wildem at ils.unc.edu
210 Manning Hall
Phone: 962-8072 (office); 962-8366 (SILS office); 968-3018 (home)

Overview: Addresses issues of performance measurement and methodology in the evaluation of information systems and services. The roles of objectives, performance measures, data collection approaches, and analytical approaches will be considered.

Rationale: Evaluation and assessment of information system efficiency and effectiveness are often neglected. A fair evaluation is inherently difficult to accomplish, particularly in the context of locally-developed information system applications. Yet, managers and funding bodies often wonder if a particular system is achieving the goals for which it was designed. Using published case studies of organizational information systems, each student in this course will design, conduct and report the results of a realistic (though simulated) evaluation of an information system.

Relationship to other courses in the curriculum: This course complements INLS 780, Research Methods, which provides an overview of some of the methods applied in evaluating information systems and services. INLS 780 is not a required prerequisite, but is highly recommended for those taking INLS 782.

Readings: As assigned on the tentative course schedule. Readings for this course are drawn primarily from the MIS literature. Readings will be added as they are selected by class members. With the exception of the case studies, required readings are available online or on reserve in the SILS Library.

Graded Assignments: Each student's course grade will be based on nine assignments: two measurement memos (10% each), a draft measurement instrument (15%), a research design proposal (10%), participation in data generation activities (required, but not graded), analysis of a data set (15%), oral presentation of a management report (10%), written presentation of a management report (15%), and class participation (15%). The class will be conducted in a participative manner, with members of the class having significant control over the specific content of each class session.

Honor Code: The Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. It should be noted, however, that students are expected to receive (and provide) some assistance regarding the use of hardware and software in the computer lab. Students should NOT receive (or provide) major creative assistance or continuous minor support.

Library and Lab Resources: You will be using SILS library and lab resources during the course of the semester. Please remember that many of your fellow students also need to use the same material. Follow the proper checkout procedures and return materials promptly to be a good SILS citizen.

Other Course Policies

You are encouraged and expected to participate in discussions, both during class sessions and on the Web-based discussion forum.
Reading assignments should be done before class so that you can ask questions and participate in discussions.
All cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class.
If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, come to my office.

This page was last modified on August 15, 2006, by Barbara M. Wildemuth.

Address questions and comments about this page to Barbara M. Wildemuth at wildem at ils.unc.edu.