Hybrid Business Information Systems — Comprehensive Study Notes

Hybrid Business Information Systems: Comprehensive Notes

  • Instructor and office

    • Steven Skaggs (or Steven/ Professor Skaggs) teaches Business Information Systems at Boston. Over 20 years of teaching here.
    • Office location: upstairs in the building, in one of two doors leading to a corridor with 15–20 offices; room 277. Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday right after class, in addition to other times as needed.

  • Course format and schedule

    • This is a hybrid class (mixed in-person and online):
    • In-person meetings occur on Mondays from 09:3009:30 to 10:4510:45.
    • The rest of the content is delivered online.
    • We meet again next Monday for in-person lecture, discussion, and activities.
    • Important scheduling notes:
    • The online portion is heavier than a typical fully in-person class.
    • There is a Labor Day class, which makes the online workload heavier initially.
    • Regular cadence: weekly online readings and video/videos, plus in-class sessions on Mondays.
    • Exams and term milestones
    • Two major exams: a midterm and a final.
    • Midterm generally around week 99.
    • Final is scheduled for the last class meeting around early December (roughly Decemberext8December ext{ }8).

  • Online components and materials

    • Lecture videos
    • In-class lectures are 75 minutes long, which can be hard to stay focused for in one sitting; videos are shorter, typically 88–1515 minutes each.
    • Some videos may be longer (up to 2020–2525 minutes) or combine two chapters into one video.
    • Do not skip the videos; they contain important material and build on what we cover in class.
    • Readings and online content
    • Heavy readings early in the course due to the Labor Day offset; consistent weekly reading is expected.
    • Podcasts
    • AI-powered podcasts introduced in the spring; generally well-received by students.
    • Accessibility: podcasts can be streamed inside Canvas or downloaded for offline listening (approx. 88 minutes per episode).
    • Chapter quizzes and assignments
    • Quizzes and assignments live in Canvas; how to navigate Canvas is straightforward.
    • Expect to allocate time across weeks; there are at least two assignments with different time estimates: one can be completed in about 0.50.5 hour (30 minutes); the other takes 22–44 hours.
    • You have months to complete the longer assignment; plan across weeks rather than cramming.
    • Course content scope
    • The course is a broad survey of introductory business topics; it covers many topics at a foundational depth (six inches deep) rather than deep dives into a single topic.
    • This means careful review of notes from prior weeks is essential to avoid last-minute cramming before the midterm.

  • Resources and tools

    • Microsoft Office 365 (free for students)
    • Access via the syllabus portal; you can download and install on Windows or Mac.
    • Login is through your X-number (IWCC) credentials; online version and downloadable full-featured product available.
    • Installation steps: access the link in the syllabus, use the dropdown in the upper-right to download and install; passwords follow the X-number convention.
    • Wall Street Journal and other library publications
    • The syllabus includes access to three publications funded by the library (e.g., Wall Street Journal). Balance between conservative/liberal perspectives is noted.
    • If you have trouble logging in to read full articles, contact the library (chat or help desk) for assistance; issues can take 2–3 days to resolve.
    • Library resources (equipment loans)
    • Laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot loan program available for the semester.
    • Application process via self-service; you log in and submit the request electronically.
    • Other hardware and services
    • Some students may access need-based loans for hardware or internet connectivity; details are available through the library or student services portal.

  • Course structure and content delivery tools

    • Canvas
    • Canvas is used for all course materials (syllabus, lectures, quizzes, assignments, modules).
    • There is a dedicated module structure where I post handouts, slides, and assignments; if a handout is given in class, it’s usually posted there rather than handed out again in class.
    • Modules and content organization
    • Modules act as a catch-all for material; PDFs and slides can be downloaded.
    • The lecture slides may be posted as a dictation or slides; PDFs can be downloaded from a separate media page.
    • Videos are hosted on a separate media page within Canvas.
    • Chapter structure and reading flow
    • There is a standard book format with page numbers; you can download the chapter PDF for offline reading.

  • Policies, expectations, and practical guidance

    • Attendance and participation
    • You will meet with the instructor about 15–16 times in the term.
    • If you miss more than three meetings, it’s considered excessive; there is a risk of being withdrawn (coauthored with policy): instructor may issue a W grade for those who drop or stop attending.
    • Makeups and taking exams
    • There is no guaranteed makeup policy; missing exams is up to the instructor. Plan to avoid missing exams.
    • Communication and FERPA
    • Phone calls are discouraged because the instructor is not always available to return calls; FERPA restrictions require secure communication.
    • Preferred channels: Canvas inbox messages or email so identity and existence in the class can be confirmed.
    • Use of AI and academic integrity
    • AI tools (e.g., GPT-4, Gemini) can be used as tutors for step-by-step explanations, but there are guidelines in the policy; read the policy to determine when and how to use them.
    • Academic integrity and work habits
    • The instructor emphasizes consistent effort: don’t rely on last-minute cram sessions; long-term retention requires regular study and engagement with online and in-class material.
    • Syllabus as a contract
    • Read the syllabus in full; it is a contract for how the course operates, including assessments, deadlines, and policies.
    • Accessibility and accommodations
    • If you have a disability and require accommodations, inform the instructor so arrangements can be made.
    • Student self-assessment and growth activities
    • An activity called Personal SWOT analysis is used: evaluate strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T), and set four personal goals.
    • Real-world examples include corporate social responsibility discussions; you should reflect your genuine beliefs in such topics when writing.
    • Coursework components and grading emphasis
    • Chapter quizzes: contribute to roughly 35%35\% of the overall course grade; performed through Canvas.
    • Midterm and final exams: major components of the grade, in addition to quizzes and assignments.

  • Study strategies and exam preparation

    • Practical study tips
    • Do not rely on cramming for the midterm; consistent weekly study is advised.
    • Review notes from the past weeks to maintain continuity and understanding across topics.
    • Time management and workload expectations
    • The rule of thumb often cited is 66 hours outside for every 11 hour in the classroom; if you are taking 1515 credit hours, the workload is substantial and may require balancing work commitments.
    • The two major assignments have different time demands and deadlines; plan one short task (approx. 0.50.5 hour) and one longer task (2–42–4 hours) with months to complete.
    • Real-world relevance and depth
    • The course covers broad topics in business information systems; students learn foundational skills applicable across business functions, including how to leverage information systems in management and operations.
    • Preparation tools
    • Use the online lecture videos, the podcasts, and the chapter quizzes to reinforce learning.
    • Access to Office 365 and library resources can help with assignments and professional development beyond the classroom.

  • Next steps for new students

    • Read every word in the syllabus; use the Canvas dashboard to access your class materials.
    • Upload a clear head-and-shoulders selfie in the assignments module to help the instructor associate your name with your face.
    • Become familiar with the modules, chapters, and media pages to locate PDFs, slides, and videos efficiently.
    • If you miss a class, check the module for handouts and notes rather than asking the instructor for copies.
    • If you need accommodations or have accessibility concerns, contact the instructor early in the term.

Key reminders (quick recap):

  • Hybrid class with in-person Mondays (09:30−10:4509:30-10:45) and online content weekly.
  • Two major exams: midterm (around week 99) and final (around Decemberext8December ext{ }8).
  • Chapter quizzes account for roughly 35%35\% of the grade; two assignments with varying time commitments; long-term planning advised.
  • Resources include free Microsoft Office 365, Wall Street Journal access, library publications, and device loans (laptop/ hotspot).
  • Clear channels for communication: Canvas inbox or email; avoid phone calls due to availability and FERPA why.
  • Syllabus is a contract; attend regularly; missing more than three sessions risks withdrawal; makeups are not guaranteed.
  • Use AI tools thoughtfully and in accordance with policy; avoid disallowed reliance.
  • Upload a profile photo to help with identification; explore modules and media pages for full materials.