Guided Reading Exercise - CIS 211 - Management Information Systems

Independent Work Policy

On this assignment, students must work independently. Actions such as directly collaborating with students currently enrolled in the class, referring to the work students formerly enrolled in the class, and using other people to complete the assignment are all examples of violations of this policy. Students should use the instructor for any questions about completing the assignment.

Academic Integrity

Students who choose to violate the independent work policy must cite the use of other people's work by including the names of those people in a conspicuous location. By providing citations, students avoid violating the Elon Honor Code. Students who both violate the independent work policy and fail to cite the names of contributors are subject to the Elon University Academic Integrity Policy.

Format

Students must write their answers on exactly one sheet of standard letter paper (8.5 inches by 11 inches, as found in all Elon campus printers). It is recommended but not required that students use word processing software to print their work.

Directions

Respond to items #1 through #3 by reading Chapter 15 of the Baltzan textbook. Respond to item #4 as indicated.

1. Consider two systems you use at Elon: Blackboard, OnTrack, and Outlook Web Access (email). Can we classify either of these as KM, WM, CM, or Groupware? Briefly explain your answer.
2. On p. 205 you learned about how Mars used SNA to analyze how its employees communicate and relate. Consider your use of Facebook (or interview a friend who uses Facebook if you do not). How could a person analyze your use of Facebook to learn more about how you relate to other people?
3. Consider the class registration process. Imagine that a workflow management system handled every detail of that process. List all of the people that you believe take place in the entire process or class registration and briefly explain each person’s role (use no more than one line of explanation for each person identified)
4. Do a bit of Web research on the terms software as a service and/or saas. Briefly explain the SaaS concept. Cite the sources used and please note any sites that had particularly interesting or useful information about SaaS for class discussion.

Delivery

Students must submit their work in person and immediately at the beginning of class on the due date listed. Students may not submit their work electronically and may not have other students submit their work. Late work will not be accepted. Students are advised to print their work prior to their arrival in the classroom.