Valacich, J. S., & George, J. F. (2020). Modern systems analysis and design (9th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN: 978-0135172759, 0135172756

All other reading materials and resources will be available via the D2L course website. 

Any software required for this course will be available in computing labs on campus, as well as on DePaul’s Virtual Lab.

The final course grade will be determined based on work in the following categories:

• Case Studies and Exercises: 15%
• Quizzes: 15%
• Project: 20%
• Midterm Exam: 25%
• Final Exam: 25%

Additional details each category are available in the course syllabus on this page.

All scores are averaged on a two-hundredths model and rounded up to the nearest percentage when .50 and over. The instructor reserves the right to add up to 2% to the total overall percentage for outstanding classroom engagement.

There are no pre-requisites for this class.

• Explain the system development life cycle and why it is critical to successful systems projects through case studies.
• Describe how information systems projects are initiated and managed through course discussions and assignments.
• Articulate the responsibilities and key skillsets of an effective systems analyst through a project plan.
• Develop a business case and systems specification document.
• Analyze, model, and specify a system’s requirements through group discussion, evaluation, and assessment.
• Draw E-R diagrams, DFDs, Use Case Diagrams and other diagrams based on conditions and criteria.
• Perform requirements gathering using appropriate techniques through discussions and online forums; and
• Apply systems analysis concepts working on a project.

Case Studies and Exercises (15% of Final Grade)

Case studies and practical exercises provide an application of the concepts and approaches reviewed in class and in course readings. These assignments are designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of systems analysis and design by analyzing real-world scenarios, identifying requirements, modeling processes, and designing solutions. Through these case studies, you will have the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Some case studies may be completed individually, while others may require collaboration in groups to simulate real-world project environments. Each case study assignment will require the submission of documentation which may include requirements documents, process models, logic models, database designs, and/or prototypes.

Quizzes (15% of Final Grade)

Aside from class meeting weeks when exams are scheduled, or projects are due, brief quizzes will be assigned. Quizzes will contain between 7 and 10 multiple choice questions and one short response question from the assigned reading. To provide you the best opportunity to showcase your understanding, you will be provided two possible short response options – only answer one of the two.

I get it… quizzes can be stressful! Your lowest quiz score will be dropped from your overall quiz score calculation. This calculation is handled automatically by D2L.

Project (20% of Final Grade)

You will select one of the available case studies and conduct the systems planning, systems analysis, and systems design phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), using either a traditional or object-oriented approach. Additional instructions and resources will be provided in D2L. The purpose of this case study project is for you to apply data modeling, process modeling, and user interface design skills to a semi-realistic scenario. Each of the case studies assigned in Valacich and George will give you practice opportunities for preparing your final project.

Midterm Exam (25% of Final Grade)

The midterm exam will include multiple choice, true/false and case/essay questions based on material from weeks 1 – 4 of our class meetings. Remember, this includes any lecture, discussion topics, and notes, as well as any handouts or assignments. To help you prepare for the midterm exam, you will have access to a study guide in D2L on April 22, 2024. All students, regardless of section, will take the midterm exam in D2L using Respondus LockDown Browser.

Final Exam (25% of Final Grade)

The final exam will include multiple choice, true/false and case/essay questions based on material from weeks 6 – 8 of our class meetings. Remember, this includes any lecture, discussion topics, and notes, as well as any handouts or assignments. To help you prepare for the final exam, you will have access to a pre-recorded preparation session and study guide in D2L on June 3, 2024. All students, regardless of section, will take the final exam in D2L using Respondus LockDown Browser. This is not a proctored exam. If you prefer to not install Respondus on your personal machine, DePaul lab computers do have this application already installed and available for completing your final exam. Please see the Respondus LockDown Browser section later in the syllabus for more information.

This course will require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser for online exams. For exams, you will not be able to take the exam using a regular browser. It must be taken using the LockDown Browser application. LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications, and you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

When taking an online exam using it, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted.
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc.
• Clear your desk of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices.