Business 472: Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems

27 Miller Hall, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30PM - 9:15PM, Fall Semester 1997

INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Raymond A. Jacobs

OFFICE:

223 Andrews Hall (e-mail: rjacobs@ashland.edu)

OFFICE HOURS:

8:00AM - 11:00AM Monday, and 8:00AM - 9:15AM Tuesday and Thursday. Other times are available by appointment. I use the voice mail system in my office and I check my email frequently, so you can leave messages and expect a prompt response.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Decision Support and Expert Systems: Management Support Systems, Efriam Turban, 4th edition, 1995, Prentice-Hall.

RECOMMENDED TEXT:

Developing Knowledge-Based Systems Using VP-Expert, Dorothy G. Dologite, 1993, Macmillan. (Includes student edition of VP-Expert software.)

SOFTWARE TOOLS USED:

Students will use several software packages for class assignments, including Microsoft Excel and VP-Expert.

PREREQUISITE:

BUS 372 Systems Analysis and Design, or permission of instructor

COURSE DESCRIPTION (1997- 1998 AU CATALOG):

An introduction to the analysis, design, and application of information systems used in the direct support of management decision making, and to the use of expert systems technology.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY:

Material will be presented in class through lectures, case analysis, short videos, software demonstrations and tutorials, World Wide Web sites, and assigned readings in the text and other publications. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions of readings and cases, and may be required to take turns summarizing assigned readings both orally in class and in written form. Homework (including case assignments and library research) and short in-class writing assignments will be used to reinforce and to evaluate your grasp of the information presented. Students will work individually and in small groups on assignments and projects developing prototype DSS and ES, using software available on the lab computers and the Ashland University network. When possible, a cooperative learning approach will be utilized to enable a high level of student involvement through teamwork and peer tutoring.

EXAMS:

There will be two exams given during the semester. The exams will be administered on October 7, and December 9. The typical exam will include a combination of objective (true/false, multiple choice) and subjective (essay) questions. NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN, except under extraordinary circumstances. (Having other exams on the same day does not qualify as an extraordinary circumstance.) If you must miss an exam (for example, due to illness) you must notify me prior to the exam, either by talking with me directly or by leaving a message for me with one of the Business Department secretaries. If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will receive a zero for that exam.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION:

You are strongly encouraged to attend every class. In the event that you must miss a class, you alone are responsible for selecting a fellow student to collect a copy of any materials distributed during your absence and to pass along any information presented, including homework assignments and changes to exam dates (if any). Obviously, missing a class in which you are scheduled to participate in an individual or group presentation will have a negative impact on that part of your grade.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE:

The point breakdown for determining a student's final course grade is as follows: Exam 1, 250 points; Exam 2, 250 points; DSS Project, 150 points; ES Project, 150 points; Homework and other assignments, 200 points. (1000 Total Points Possible) Final letter grades will be assigned using the following scale (expressed in terms of the total number of points earned): 940 - 1000 = A, 895 - 939 = A-, 865 - 894 = B+, 825 - 864 = B, 795 - 824 = B-, 765 - 794 = C+, 725 - 764 = C, 695 - 724 = C-, 665 - 694 = D+, 625 - 664 = D, 595 - 624 = D-, and 0 - 594 = F.

COURSE OUTLINE AND TOPICS COVERED: