Teaching Case: Design and Development of a Special Population Resource Connection Database

Connecting people with resources is a common activity. However, special situations have unique data needs. Without the appropriate leadership and tools to manage the data, the connections may never take place. This case examines the data needs associated with providing resources and social connections for families having a member with a special need. The case provides a realistic scenario that can be used in a systems analysis and design, database development, or graduate-level management information systems course. The case focuses on developing a database to provide a support system for connecting caregivers of loved ones having special needs with people in similar circumstances, volunteers, and social and employment opportunities. Two assignment options are provided, allowing instructors to select an assignment based on course material coverage. Suggested assignments include the development of process modeling diagrams such as a data flow or swimlane diagrams and database design and development artifacts

Examining Approaches to Effective Concept Delivery; One Professor\u27s Approach in the MIS Survey Course

As part of the introductory level, management information systems (MIS) course, some of the topics covered during the semester include software, Decision Support Systems (DSS), the hardware and software purchase process, and individual hardware components. Considering the characteristics of today’s learner, these concepts are often best learned through projects and exercises. However, due to time restrictions, learning resources must be critically evaluated to determine their overall contribution to the learning process. The author describes two approaches that were used, in a junior level MIS survey course, to address multiple MIS concepts and illustrate their interrelationships. In light of AACSB considerations, the University’s University Studies Program learning goals and objectives were also examined to observe how well the intentions of the project addressed the Program’s learning objectives. The question that this paper attempts to address is, “Considering the current generation of students, what approach to addressing MIS hardware and software concepts will be most effective?

Encounters with Bigfoot on the Strip: The Risks and Liabilities of Online Reviews

As commerce associated reviews grow in popularity, social media posters, reviewees, and hosting services should be aware of the legal responsibilities associated with such posts. In this teaching case, the authors describe a recent lawsuit brought against a TripAdvisor.com reviewer, providing an opportunity for classroom discussion of these complex legal issues. As the online reviewing of businesses, products, and services increases, and the dependence of consumers on these evaluations concurrently expands, students would benefit from an understanding of the risks and liabilities associated with online reviews for review posters, businesses, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The case can be used in an undergraduate or graduate level management information systems course or as part of a capstone class experience. Suggested assignments include discussion questions regarding defamation, negligence, tortious interference, and disclaimers; an evaluation exercise containing examples of reviews with acceptable and libelous content; and a discussion exercise in which students discuss similar lawsuits

Revitalizing a Struggling MIS Program on a Shrinking Budget

With rising unemployment figures and the current economic crisis, the job outlook for graduating students is dismal. However, when economic forces stabilize and companies start rebuilding their workforce, technically skilled employees should be in demand. Few, if any, jobs are untouched by either the direct or indirect impact of some form of informationbased technology. News reports have emphasized the increase in U.S. outsourcing to overseas employers, yet examination of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and economic “think tank” white papers indicate that outsourcing is not the problem that we are led to believe. When the job/applicant demand begins to grow and student interest fails to peak, what, can we as educators, do to attract and retain the current generation of students in technology-oriented majors? This paper addresses some of the steps taken at one regional institution to sustain their MIS program while increasing student interest in the field

Using a Modified Understanding by Design® Framework to Incorporate Social Media Tools in the Management Information Systems Curriculum for Generation Y and Z Students

Students in the 21st century management information systems (MIS) classroom are seeking not only conceptual understanding but also methods of communicating that are familiar and accurately reflect how they learn and acquire knowledge. Concurrently, employers of 21st century job applicants are still looking for many of the same skills they sought more than a decade ago. As a result, teachers are tasked with curricular planning that involves a delicate balance between content, resources, tools, and environmental demand. In this paper, the authors propose a modification to a well-established course design framework – Understanding by Design® – as a solution to combining MIS content and sought-after soft skills with social media tools and resources favored by the current college-aged population: digital pioneers and natives of Generations Y and Z

Examination of E-Learning Success in the Higher Education Environment: A Case Study

To compete in today’s Internet-based society, almost every college and university offers an online-based option of study whether it is a complete university experience, an entire degree program, specific course offerings, individual course sections, or web-based components used to enhance face-to-face learning. Many universities, and their faculty, have hastened to develop and keep updated online materials, yet have not stepped back to examine the materials from the end users’ perspective. In this document, the authors build upon established research to apply the organizational e-learning success model developed by Wang, Wang, and Shea (2005) to the online learning environment at a regional Midwestern university with a population of approximately 10,500 students