Instructor Manual
for Introduction to
Information Systems,
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,Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Information Systems
Chapter Outline
1.1 Why Should I Study Information Systems?
1.2 Overview of Computer-Based Information Systems
1.3 How Does IT Impact Organizations?
1.4 Importance of Information Systems to Society
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the reasons why being an informed user of information systems is important in today’s world.
2. Describe the various types of computer-based information systems in an organization.
3. Discuss ways in which information technology can affect managers and nonmanagerial workers.
4. Identify positive and negative societal effects of the increased use of information technology.
Teaching Tips and Strategies
Today’s students use technology in ways that were not even dreamed of just a decade ago. However,
because these students have grown up surrounded by and using various technologies, information
technology has become an integral part of their lives. Unfortunately, many students seldom think about
the whys and wherefores behind the technologies the use every day.
I have found they often fail to recognize, understand or even see how information technology impacts
them, their lives and their careers. So it is important to let them know what is in it for them, even if they
are not majoring in information Systems. The textbook authors do a good job of this by including a
“What’s In It For Me?” section at the start of each chapter.
Throughout this course, it is important for us, their instructors, to encourage our students to step back and
observe the bigger picture as to what comprises the fundamentals of Management Information Systems.
Unfortunately, if you have not found out already, you will find some students who will think this class is
boring or even complain they already “know it all”.
Point out that they should look at the “What’s In It For Me?” section of the chapters. This should be done
early in the course. As part of your course introductions on the first day of class, you might consider
asking students what their major course of study is. Knowing each student’s major and possible career
goals will help you tailor examples, classroom assignments and discussion to the interests of the students.
Explaining how MIS has affected businesses as well as workers alike helps to get students interested in
this class. It also helps students to understand the importance when they are told stories of how computers
have evolved and how MIS and Decision Support Systems (discussed in a late chapter) have made
management decision-making easier and more reliable.
To support your class discussions and examples through the course, I try to bring in examples from the
local area. Most communities around college and university campuses have businesses or government
agencies that operate data centers. Many times, students are unaware that they are there. In most cases,
the local Chamber of Commerce or, if your school has one, a group of local business leaders you
periodically meet with your dean might in you find these sites.
Copyright ©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. IM 1-1
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,Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
You might also consider supporting your class discussions on the importance of computer technology
using examples of how companies have moved to email to save money over using snail mail (postal
service). Students can be introduced to the concept that IT must be paired with business processes to
harness IT’s potential.
IT is important to business leaders all over the world. There are salary statistics for all majors (you can get
this information from USA Today’s website www.usatoday.com), Payscale.com (www.payscale.com) or
Salary.com (www.Salary.com). Historically, there are always a few IT-related jobs in the top 10 highest
paying jobs for college grades. This usually gets some students’ attention, especially if they realize that if
they are more technology savvy they will tend to make more money.
Finally, have your students look at the local Help Wanted ads to see how many job postings for what
might be considered non-technical jobs require some IT knowledge.
Blackboard/CMS suggestions
Most colleges and universities have design requirements on the structure of online courses and what
should be included in the campus’ Course Management System where the class is online or as a
supplement to an in-class lecture-based class. So what I am including here in this section for this and the
rest of the chapter Instructor Guides is based on what I have learned from nearly fifteen-years teaching
this class, and almost ten-years teaching it online.
I usually start the term with an online discussion question asking the students about their majors, what
they think their technical knowledge is (this can sometimes be surprising because they usually over over-
estimate what they really know), and if they any fears about technology. For this exercise, I usually do not
permit others in the class to comment on another student’s response. I use this mainly to gage the
knowledge and background of the class.
I always record a short video for each chapter for my online classes. I have found that if I record a
complete lecture, most students do not watch it. So I do a ten to fifteen minute chapter overview video.
If you are teaching an online class or are looking for a short video for a lecture class, I can usually find
topic relevant videos at http://youtube.com. The problem is that sometimes they are product demos or
sales videos, but they still usually present relevant information or concepts.
The Opening Case – FanDuel and DraftKings
1. Describe how information technology is essential to the companies’ operations.
ANSWER:
FanDuel and Draft Kings operate web-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) games. These companies
spend millions of dollars on computing power from Amazon Web Services and other cloud
computing providers. Cloud computing (discussed in Technology Guide 3) enables the companies to
manage, as only one example, the increase in web traffic just before Sunday’s NFL kickoff. At that
time, the firms must manage hundreds of thousands of simultaneous users, who make a myriad of
roster changes per hour. The companies also provide millions of live scoring updates per minute
during games, meaning that they must manage almost 10 terabytes of network traffic during game
day. They also must have easy-to-use apps.
Level: Easy
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
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, Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
2. Is information technology one of the companies’ problems? Explain your answer.
ANSWER:
No. Their main problems include the obstacle that they can operate only as long as the federal
government and state governments allow them to do so; pending litigation in three states; and the fact
that 60 percent of the firms’ revenue comes from approximately 15,000 high-volume players
wagering at least $10,000 per year.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
3. Describe the companies’ information technology infrastructure. Now discuss possible technological
problems that the companies might have.
ANSWER:
A company’s information technology infrastructure is composed of their platform, personnel and
services. FanDuel and DraftKings utilize free web based apps that need constant updating with new
statistics meaning they use a large number of personnel. This can provide challenges if a competitor
comes out with a more appealing app/platform and/or develops a way to update at the same speed
with less resources.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
4. The companies face serious problems that are not related to information technology. Can information
technology help them address these problems? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
ANSWER:
The companies face regulatory problems in that they operate through a loophole in the US law that
allows for online betting and they must operate within guidelines at both the Federal and State level.
In addition, they have face legal challenges. Students can argue the impact information technology
can have on these areas.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
IT’s About Business - 1.1 New Delivery Services Use Information Technology
1. Describe the information technology used and developed by the entrepreneurs who founded Instacart,
Postmates, GrubHub/Seamless, Uber, and Ola Cabs. What is the impact of these technologies on the
costs of starting a business?
Copyright ©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. IM 1-3
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Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
for Introduction to
Information Systems,
7e Kelly Rainer, Bra
Prince (All Chapters)
Downloaded by: tutorsection | Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
,Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Information Systems
Chapter Outline
1.1 Why Should I Study Information Systems?
1.2 Overview of Computer-Based Information Systems
1.3 How Does IT Impact Organizations?
1.4 Importance of Information Systems to Society
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the reasons why being an informed user of information systems is important in today’s world.
2. Describe the various types of computer-based information systems in an organization.
3. Discuss ways in which information technology can affect managers and nonmanagerial workers.
4. Identify positive and negative societal effects of the increased use of information technology.
Teaching Tips and Strategies
Today’s students use technology in ways that were not even dreamed of just a decade ago. However,
because these students have grown up surrounded by and using various technologies, information
technology has become an integral part of their lives. Unfortunately, many students seldom think about
the whys and wherefores behind the technologies the use every day.
I have found they often fail to recognize, understand or even see how information technology impacts
them, their lives and their careers. So it is important to let them know what is in it for them, even if they
are not majoring in information Systems. The textbook authors do a good job of this by including a
“What’s In It For Me?” section at the start of each chapter.
Throughout this course, it is important for us, their instructors, to encourage our students to step back and
observe the bigger picture as to what comprises the fundamentals of Management Information Systems.
Unfortunately, if you have not found out already, you will find some students who will think this class is
boring or even complain they already “know it all”.
Point out that they should look at the “What’s In It For Me?” section of the chapters. This should be done
early in the course. As part of your course introductions on the first day of class, you might consider
asking students what their major course of study is. Knowing each student’s major and possible career
goals will help you tailor examples, classroom assignments and discussion to the interests of the students.
Explaining how MIS has affected businesses as well as workers alike helps to get students interested in
this class. It also helps students to understand the importance when they are told stories of how computers
have evolved and how MIS and Decision Support Systems (discussed in a late chapter) have made
management decision-making easier and more reliable.
To support your class discussions and examples through the course, I try to bring in examples from the
local area. Most communities around college and university campuses have businesses or government
agencies that operate data centers. Many times, students are unaware that they are there. In most cases,
the local Chamber of Commerce or, if your school has one, a group of local business leaders you
periodically meet with your dean might in you find these sites.
Copyright ©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. IM 1-1
Downloaded by: tutorsection | Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
,Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
You might also consider supporting your class discussions on the importance of computer technology
using examples of how companies have moved to email to save money over using snail mail (postal
service). Students can be introduced to the concept that IT must be paired with business processes to
harness IT’s potential.
IT is important to business leaders all over the world. There are salary statistics for all majors (you can get
this information from USA Today’s website www.usatoday.com), Payscale.com (www.payscale.com) or
Salary.com (www.Salary.com). Historically, there are always a few IT-related jobs in the top 10 highest
paying jobs for college grades. This usually gets some students’ attention, especially if they realize that if
they are more technology savvy they will tend to make more money.
Finally, have your students look at the local Help Wanted ads to see how many job postings for what
might be considered non-technical jobs require some IT knowledge.
Blackboard/CMS suggestions
Most colleges and universities have design requirements on the structure of online courses and what
should be included in the campus’ Course Management System where the class is online or as a
supplement to an in-class lecture-based class. So what I am including here in this section for this and the
rest of the chapter Instructor Guides is based on what I have learned from nearly fifteen-years teaching
this class, and almost ten-years teaching it online.
I usually start the term with an online discussion question asking the students about their majors, what
they think their technical knowledge is (this can sometimes be surprising because they usually over over-
estimate what they really know), and if they any fears about technology. For this exercise, I usually do not
permit others in the class to comment on another student’s response. I use this mainly to gage the
knowledge and background of the class.
I always record a short video for each chapter for my online classes. I have found that if I record a
complete lecture, most students do not watch it. So I do a ten to fifteen minute chapter overview video.
If you are teaching an online class or are looking for a short video for a lecture class, I can usually find
topic relevant videos at http://youtube.com. The problem is that sometimes they are product demos or
sales videos, but they still usually present relevant information or concepts.
The Opening Case – FanDuel and DraftKings
1. Describe how information technology is essential to the companies’ operations.
ANSWER:
FanDuel and Draft Kings operate web-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) games. These companies
spend millions of dollars on computing power from Amazon Web Services and other cloud
computing providers. Cloud computing (discussed in Technology Guide 3) enables the companies to
manage, as only one example, the increase in web traffic just before Sunday’s NFL kickoff. At that
time, the firms must manage hundreds of thousands of simultaneous users, who make a myriad of
roster changes per hour. The companies also provide millions of live scoring updates per minute
during games, meaning that they must manage almost 10 terabytes of network traffic during game
day. They also must have easy-to-use apps.
Level: Easy
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Copyright ©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. IM 1-2
Downloaded by: tutorsection | Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
, Introduction to Information Systems, 7th Edition Instructor’s Manual
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
2. Is information technology one of the companies’ problems? Explain your answer.
ANSWER:
No. Their main problems include the obstacle that they can operate only as long as the federal
government and state governments allow them to do so; pending litigation in three states; and the fact
that 60 percent of the firms’ revenue comes from approximately 15,000 high-volume players
wagering at least $10,000 per year.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
3. Describe the companies’ information technology infrastructure. Now discuss possible technological
problems that the companies might have.
ANSWER:
A company’s information technology infrastructure is composed of their platform, personnel and
services. FanDuel and DraftKings utilize free web based apps that need constant updating with new
statistics meaning they use a large number of personnel. This can provide challenges if a competitor
comes out with a more appealing app/platform and/or develops a way to update at the same speed
with less resources.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
4. The companies face serious problems that are not related to information technology. Can information
technology help them address these problems? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
ANSWER:
The companies face regulatory problems in that they operate through a loophole in the US law that
allows for online betting and they must operate within guidelines at both the Federal and State level.
In addition, they have face legal challenges. Students can argue the impact information technology
can have on these areas.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.1 /Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Application
AACSB Category: Technology
IT’s About Business - 1.1 New Delivery Services Use Information Technology
1. Describe the information technology used and developed by the entrepreneurs who founded Instacart,
Postmates, GrubHub/Seamless, Uber, and Ola Cabs. What is the impact of these technologies on the
costs of starting a business?
Copyright ©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. IM 1-3
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Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
