In this course, you will learn structured approaches to defining needs, creating specifications, and implementing new information systems; business-oriented, computer-based systems. In addition, you will learn how to define common processes and procedures, includes data modeling, report generation, life cycle methodology, and traditional and structured tools for development.

You will learn by reading each chapter, review material from external Web sites, case studies, and examination. Students are expected to complete all assignments.

Prerequisite is ITE 115 and ITP100.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

Define information systems and identify the stakeholders in the information systems game.
Define the terms project and project management, and differentiate between project and process management.
Describe the motivation for a system development process in terms of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for quality management.
Describe the design phase in terms of your information building blocks.
Identify feasibility checkpoints in the systems life cycle.
Define systems modeling and differentiate between logical and physical system models.
Define system requirements and differentiate between functional and nonfunctional requirements.
Define systems operations and support.
Distinguish between different types of computer users and design considerations for each.
Define the appropriate format and media for a computer input.
Distinguish between internal, external, and turnaround outputs.
Compare and contrast conventional and modern files, and relational databases.
Define an information systems architecture in terms of data, processes, and interfaces the building blocks of all information systems.

Your course grade will be determined by your participation in forums and by your grades on problems, and exams, according to the following percentages. The review questions at the end of each module are not included in the grade.

Completion of all assignments and exams is required. 

There are 5 exams in this course. Two are take-at-home exams and three exams are expected to take at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : wmally@vccs.edu
Telephone : (207) 738-2414 .
Instructor can arrange 'online' office hours or teleconferences. If you would like to arrange a meeting using one of these two formats, please contact the instructor by email or simply call. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.