COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
BINF 101	D	1	3	0	0	3	5

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	NA
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Ardita Dorti adorti@epoka.edu.al , E-301, Friday 13:15 - 16:15
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Bachelor in Business Informatics (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Monday 08:40-11:30 (E313) & Thursday 8:40-11:30 (E313)
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	Mandatory
Course Description:	The aim of this course is to introduce students with the fundamental concepts of information systems. Information systems are a crucial part of todays’ organizations. Business-Informatics students need to understand the basic concepts of systems and how different components are linked together to serve organizations’ needs. It is important to realize that a particular information technology used by one organization can lead to highly positive results, while the same technology used in another organization could be disastrous.
Course Objectives:	To introduce students to the core concepts of system theory and information systems. To introduce students with the IT dimension and the latest trends in the field. By studying different case studies student will be aware of the importance of implementing IT in organization.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Information
2	Systems
3	IT Infrastructure
4	Business Processes
5	Hardware and Software Technological Trends
6	Business Intelligence and Latest Trends
7	Database Management Systems
8	Telecommunication Networks

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Course Introduction. Syllabus Review. “Introduction to System Engineering” The lecture consists of a brief introduction to system theory, systems definition, systems classifications and characteristics, differences between information systems (IS) and information technology and main functions of IS. Discussion about applications of IS in various fields. (Blanchard & Blyler, 2016, p. 1-8) (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 46 – 48)
2	“Information Systems in Global Business Today” The lecture covers basic concepts related to IS: components of IS and how they are linked together; differences between data, information and knowledge; attributes of information and academic disciplines used to study IS. Case study discussion which aims to deepen understanding of challenges and solutions related to IS in real-world situations. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 46 – 60) (Rainer et al., 2020, p. 8-17)
3	“Information Systems in Global Business Today” The lecture describes changes in IS and how they are transforming business. The role of organizational, managerial and social assets in return on information technology investments is emphasized. Discussion about career opportunities in IS and examples of duties for each job position. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 37 – 57; p. 96 – 98)
4	“Global E-business and Collaboration” The lecture comprises definition of business processes and their relation to IS; explanation of functions, targeted management groups and influence on organizational performance of various types of IS; definition of collaboration and social business and tools and technologies that support them. Case study discussion & online quiz. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 72 – 96)
5	“Information Systems, Organizations and Strategy” The lecture describes features of organizations which managers need to know about in order to build and use successfully IS; impact of IS on organization and challenges posed by strategic IS. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 111 – 123; 138 - 144)
6	“Porters Competitive Forces Model” The lecture consists of description of four forces in the model which determine the organizations strategic position and strategies and discussion about how IS strategies, internet impact and business value chain model methodology help organizations deal with competitive forces. Case study discussion & online quiz. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 123 – 138)
7	“IT Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies” The lecture comprises definition of IT Infrastructure and its components and descriptions of stages and drivers of IT infrastructure evolution. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 197 – 212)
8	Mid-term Exam
9	“IT Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies” The lecture consists of description of current trends in computer hardware and software platforms and challenges of managing IT infrastructure. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 212 – 237)
10	“Foundations of Business Intelligence: Databases and information Management” The lecture covers basic concepts and terms related to file organization; problems with traditional file organization; capabilities of database management systems and descriptions of various database types. Case study discussion & online quiz. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 245 – 260)
11	“Foundations of Business Intelligence: Databases and information Management” The lecture consists of description of the principal tools and technologies for accessing information from databases to improve decision making and the role of data governance and data quality assurance in managing the organizations data. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 260 – 276)
12	“Telecommunications, the Internet and Wireless Technology” The lecture consists of the explanation of topics networking and communication trends; computer network definition; key digital networking technologies; digital versus analog signals; types of networks; transmission media and speed. Case study discussion & online quiz. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 283 – 291)
13	“Telecommunications, the Internet and Wireless Technology” The lecture describes the way Internet and Internet technology work; the role of Internet in supporting communication and e-business; the principal technologies and standards for wireless networking communication and Internet access. Case study discussion. (Laudon & Laudon, 2022, p. 291 – 319)
14	Project Presentations

Prerequisite(s):	NA
Textbook(s):	Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, 17th Edition, ISBN 978-0-13-697127-6 by Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon, published by Pearson Education 2022.
Additional Literature:	Hossein Bidgoli - Management Information Systems-Cengage (2021) R. Kelly Rainer, Brad Prince, Ingrid Splettstoesser-Hogeterp, Cristobal Sanchez-Rodriguez, Sepideh Ebrahimi - Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Businesses -Wiley (2020) Patricia M. Wallace - Introduction to Information Systems – Pearson (2019) Benjamin S. Blanchard, & John E. Blyler -Introduction to System Engineering - Wiley (2016)
Laboratory Work:	NA
Computer Usage:	NA
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Evaluate the role of information systems in today's competitive business environment.
2	Define different types of information systems and their functions.
3	Define organization’s features required to build information systems that satisfy their needs.
4	Define the fundamentals of hardware, software, database management, data communications and systems related to the management activities of an organization.
5	Suggest information technology related solutions that can help solving business problems.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Bachelor in Business Informatics (3 years) Program
1	Identify activities, tasks, and skills in management, marketing, accounting, finance, and economics.	1
2	Apply key theories to practical problems within the global business context.	5
3	Demonstrate ethical, social, and legal responsibilities in organizations.	4
4	Develop an open minded-attitude through continuous learning and team-work.	5
5	Integrate different skills and approaches to be used in decision making and data management.	3
6	Combine computer skills with managerial skills, in the analysis of large amounts of data.	3
7	Provide solutions to complex information technology problems.	3
8	Recognize, analyze, and suggest various types of information-communication systems/services that are encountered in everyday life and in the business world.	5

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	30
Presentation	1	15
Final Exam	1	40
Other	1	15
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	2	32
Mid-terms	1	12	12
Assignments	0	0	0
Final examination	1	18	18
Other	1	15	15
Total Work Load:			125
Total Work Load/25(h):			5
ECTS Credit of the Course:			5

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Moderate student involvement was observed. Overall, the course has provided fundamental understanding of the core concepts of information systems.