MIS 423 - STUDY GUIDE

APPROXIMATE FORMAT

• Discussion Questions; possible topics
  1. How to use computers more effectively in business.
  2. How to use technology to enhance productivity.
  3. The features and functions of microcomputer applications software.
  4. Using microcomputer applications to increase productivity in knowledge work.
  5. Using microcomputer applications to access, organize, and analyze data.
  6. Designing and developing microcomputer applications.
• A simple case requiring the use of Microsoft Excel; You may be expected to enhance your spreadsheets with some simple macros.
• A simple case requiring the use of Microsoft Access; I will provide you with the data.

CONTENT

1. Chapter 1 - Knowledge Work, Knowledge Workers, and Productivity
   1. examples of knowledge work and knowledge workers
   2. difference among different types of knowledge
   3. impact of resources on task performance
   4. productivity and efficiency
2. Chapter 2 Knowledge Workers and Information Management
   1. organizational and individual IS's
   2. organizational and individual information management
   3. templates
3. Chapter 3 Analyzing Individual Knowledge Work
   1. kinds of knowledge work tasks
   2. groups of knowledge work activities
   3. analysis of knowledge work
4. Chapter 4 Analyzing Collaboration and Work Management Requirements
   1. pros and cons of collaborative work
   2. costs of collaboration
   3. workgroup technologies
   4. analysis of collaborative work requirements
5. Chapter 5 Analyzing Data and Communications Requirements
   1. sources of data
   2. requirements for collecting data
   3. computer communications
   4. data and communications requirements
6. Chapter 6 Organizing and Managing Sofware and Data
   1. managing and controlling packaged software
   2. organizing directories
   3. maintaining data and software integrity
   4. sharing data among applications
7. Chapter 7 Accessing Organizational Data
   1. managing organizational data
   2. review of data concepts
   3. relational databases
8. Chapter 8 Accessing External Data
   1. external data categories and sources
   2. accessing external data sources
   3. locating data sources
9. Chapter 9 - Selecting an Approach to Computer Solutions
   1. Alternative Approaches to Software Solutions for Knowledge Work
   2. Selecting Among Productivity Alternatives
   3. Custom Applications Development
   4. Customizing by Selecting Package Options
   5. Customizing Procedures Using Macro Recording
   6. Reducing Access Time for Frequently-used Macros and Templates
   7. Using Help Facilities
10. Chapter 10 - Developing a Simple Program
    1. Programming Knowledge for Users
    2. Program Architectures
    3. Program Control Structures
    4. Adding Control Structures and Dialog to Recorded Macros
11. Chapter 11 - Designing and Implementing a User Interface
    1. User Interface Design
    2. Types of User Interfaces
    3. Software Development Environments
12. Chapter 12 - Developing Solutions Using Database Software
    1. Database Software and Personal Productivity
    2. The "Make or Buy" Decision for Database Applications
    3. Review of Database Concepts and Definitions
    4. The Database Application Development Process
13. Chapter 13 - Evaluatiing, Refining, and Integrating Applications
    1. Application Evaluation
    2. Refining the Application
    3. Application Integration