scholarly journals Introductory Information Systems Course Redesign: Better Preparing Business Students

10.28945/4058 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 113-126
Author(s):  
Gina Harden ◽  
Robert M. Crocker ◽  
Kelly Noe

Aim/Purpose: The dynamic nature of the information systems (IS) field presents educators with the perpetual challenge of keeping course offerings current and relevant. This paper describes the process at a College of Business (COB) to redesign the introductory IS course to better prepare students for advanced business classes and equip them with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills demanded in today’s workplace. Background: The course was previously in the Computer Science (CSC) Department, itself within the COB. However, an administrative restructuring resulted in the CSC department’s removal from the COB and left the core course in limbo. Methodology: This paper presents a case study using focus groups with students, faculty, and advisory council members to assess the value of the traditional introductory course. A survey was distributed to students after implementation of the newly developed course to assess the reception of the course. Contribution: This paper provides an outline of the decision-making process leading to the course redesign of the introductory IS course, including the context and the process of a new course development. Practical suggestions for implementing and teaching an introductory IS course in a business school are given. Findings: Focus group assessment revealed that stakeholders rated the existing introductory IS course of minimal value as students progressed through the COB program, and even less upon entering the workforce. The findings indicated a complete overhaul of the course was required. Recommendations for Practitioners: The subject of technology sometimes requires more than a simple update to the curriculum. When signs point to the need for a complete overhaul, this paper gives practical guidance supplemented with relevant literature for other academicians to follow. Recommendation for Researchers: Students are faced with increasing pressure to be proficient with the latest technology, in both the classroom where educators are trying to prepare them for the modern workplace, as well as the organization which faces an even greater pressure to leverage the latest technology. The newly designed introductory IS course provides students, and eventually organizations, a better measure of this proficiency. Future Research: Future research on the efficacy of this new course design should include longitudinal data to determine the impact on graduates, and eventually the assessment of those graduates’ performance in the workplace.

10.28945/4782 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 081-092
Author(s):  
Irene Govender

Aim/Purpose: This study seeks to understand the various ways information systems (IS) students experience introductory programming to inform IS educators on effective pedagogical approaches to teaching programming. Background: Many students who choose to major in information systems (IS), enter university with little or no experience of learning programming. Few studies have dealt with students’ learning to program in the business faculty, who do not necessarily have the computer science goal of programming. It has been shown that undergraduate IS students struggle with programming. Methodology: The qualitative approach was used in this study to determine students’ notions of learning to program and to determine their cognitive processes while learning to program in higher education. A cohort of 47 students, who were majoring in Information Systems within the Bachelor of Commerce degree programme were part of the study. Reflective journals were used to allow students to record their experiences and to study in-depth their insights and experiences of learning to program during the course. Using phenomenographic methods, categories of description that uniquely characterises the various ways IS students experience learning to program were determined. Contribution: This paper provides educators with empirical evidence on IS students’ experiences of learning to program, which play a crucial role in informing IS educators on how they can lend support and modify their pedagogical approach to teach programming to students who do not necessarily need to have the computer science goal of programming. This study contributes additional evidence that suggests more categories of description for IS students within a business degree. It provides valuable pedagogical insights for IS educators, thus contributing to the body of knowledge Findings: The findings of this study reveal six ways in which IS students’ experience the phenomenon, learning to program. These ways, referred to categories of description, formed an outcome space. Recommendations for Practitioners: Use the experiences of students identified in this study to determine approach to teaching and tasks or assessments assigned Recommendation for Researchers: Using phenomenographic methods researchers in IS or IT may determine pedagogical content knowledge in teaching specific aspects of IT or IS. Impact on Society: More business students would be able to program and improve their logical thinking and coding skills. Future Research: Implement the recommendations for practice and evaluate the students’ performance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoran Minovski ◽  
Bojan Malchev ◽  
Todor Tocev

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact and benefits of the latest information technologies on Accounting Information Systems (AIS). Taking into account the numerous papers related to new technologies and their application in the accounting profession within Industry 4.0, and conducted survey about perception of practitioners in Republic of North Macedonia, this paper summarizes the characteristics and key benefits of some of the new technologies for the functioning of AIS in the digital age. First of all, the evolution of AIS is elaborated, based on theoretical and empirical analysis of the accounting process from the appearance of the first AIS up to nowadays’ services and techniques available for supporting the accounting function. The first technology to be elaborated is Big Data and its potential to change the business landscape, especially in the field of automating operation processes, customer engagements, and predictive decision-making process. Secondly, the Blockchain Technology as an example of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), which adoption brings new possibilities in eliminating or redefining the role of entities external to the company. Cloud Computing i.e. Cloud Accounting is the third technology which is elaborated in this paper through the services it offers on the cloud, especially the way AIS process, store and backup the sensitive and confidential data. Last but not least, Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that could change the professional services, the need, and opportunities that are provided for a solution to the current accounting issues. In summary, taking into account the relevant literature and the perception of the respondents-practitioners, increased use of these technologies is necessary because their application reduces costs; increases transparency and confidence in information; flexibility, i.e. no time and space restrictions on their use, etc., which is especially useful in the current state of Pandemic, caused by the virus COVID-19.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Wares ◽  
John Isaacs ◽  
Eyad Elyan

Abstract Mining and analysing streaming data is crucial for many applications, and this area of research has gained extensive attention over the past decade. However, there are several inherent problems that continue to challenge the hardware and the state-of-the art algorithmic solutions. Examples of such problems include the unbound size, varying speed and unknown data characteristics of arriving instances from a data stream. The aim of this research is to portray key challenges faced by algorithmic solutions for stream mining, particularly focusing on the prevalent issue of concept drift. A comprehensive discussion of concept drift and its inherent data challenges in the context of stream mining is presented, as is a critical, in-depth review of relevant literature. Current issues with the evaluative procedure for concept drift detectors is also explored, highlighting problems such as a lack of established base datasets and the impact of temporal dependence on concept drift detection. By exposing gaps in the current literature, this study suggests recommendations for future research which should aid in the progression of stream mining and concept drift detection algorithms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-137
Author(s):  
Kingsley Ofosu-Ampong

This article examines gamification literature on education since 2011. Using highlighted themes from Kirriemuir and McFarlane’s review on games and education as a starting point, the study identified 32 published papers. Furthermore, the study evaluated and identified previous conceptual and methodological approaches for evaluating gamification in education research. Using the identifying themes, the study discusses the development and use of gamification in education (Theme I), the application of gamification in education (Theme II), and the impact of gamification in education (Theme III) and propose that there is increased gamification and game elements research activities bridging the idea of gamified information systems in education and offering interesting opportunities for future research. The study concludes with future research directions for gamification in education.


2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472093078
Author(s):  
Amy Glasofer ◽  
Catherine Dingley ◽  
Andrew Thomas Reyes

Background: Significant pharmacotherapy disparities exist among children from ethnic minorities with ADHD. Objective: The purpose of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on African American caregiver medication decision making (MDM) for children with ADHD. Method: Databases queried for this review included the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO, PubMed, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). Information regarding the unique culturally specific barriers and supports to MDM were examined through the relevant literature search. Results: Fourteen articles were included in this review (seven observational studies, four qualitative studies, three mixed methods studies). Three main themes were identified which include (a) fundamental perspectives of ADHD, and cultural norms for child behavior; (b) the impact of fundamental perspectives on MDM in ADHD; and (c) ADHD diagnosis and treatment as forms of social control. Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations for clinicians are provided, along with direction for future research.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio Boulianne

Purpose – This study investigates the impact that software utilization may have on students' knowledge acquisition of the accounting cycle. Differences in knowledge acquisition are examined between three groups of students: those who completed an accounting case manually using the traditional pencil and paper approach, using software, and first manually and then using software. The main research question is: “To what extent does using computers to study the accounting cycle lead to better knowledge acquisition?” This paper aims to inform changes in accounting education. Design/methodology/approach – The survey method was employed to collect information from accounting students in a Canadian business school. A total of 1,053 usable questionnaires were returned. Declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge are the theoretical underpinnings. Findings – The results indicate that students who first completed the case manually and then completed the same case using accounting software experienced the best knowledge acquisition. This suggests that the best manner for students to acquire concrete knowledge of the accounting cycle is by completing cases using both methods. The results also indicate that students who completed the case using only the software experienced better knowledge acquisition than did students who completed the case only manually. This suggests that software can be effectively utilized and integrated in class to improve knowledge acquisition of accounting information systems. Originality/value – Little investigation has been performed on the usefulness and impact accounting software utilization may have on students' level of learning. The findings may benefit students and faculty members by helping in curriculum design changes, course design, and computer implementation decisions. The findings of this study have the potential to make a difference in the way that educators teach and business students learn. Business education may be improved by the judicious use of software in the classroom.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Léa Lugassy ◽  
Ludivine Amdouni-Boursier ◽  
Haoues Alout ◽  
Romuald Berrebi ◽  
Christophe Boëte ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The control and prevention of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases is often based on the reduction of host or vector populations, involving but not limited to preventative culling and use of insecticides. Yet, destructive interventions such as these have shown several limitations including ineffectiveness on arthropods and negative impacts on ecosystems. An alternative strategy would be to rely on the natural ecosystem functions and their careful management to regulate such diseases. The goal of our work was to evaluate existing scientific evidence on potential links between ecosystem components/functions and 14 vector-borne and zoonotic diseases impacting human health and answer the question: “What evidence exists on the impact of specific ecosystem components and functions on infectious diseases?”. Methods We searched for scientific articles published in English and French and screened them in a 3-round process (title, abstract and full-text). Articles were retained, without any geographical limitation, if they matched the following eligibility criteria: an exposure/intervention linked to changes in biological communities, habitats, or landscapes; an outcome consisting of any measure of infection in vector, animal or human hosts; and the presence of a comparator, in time and/or in space. The results are presented as a systematic map, followed by a narrative review where the amount of papers allowed for synthesis. Results Searches in 5 scientific publication databases allowed to retrieve 9723 unique articles, among which 207 were retained after the screening process. The amount of relevant literature was highly variable depending on diseases, and the types of exposures also varied greatly among studies focusing on the same disease. A hundred articles presented in the map were unique in their “disease x exposure” combination and thus not eligible for further narrative description. The remaining 107 articles were organized in 34 “disease x exposure” groups, encompassing 9 out of the 14 initial diseases. The groups were composed of 2 to 16 articles and were examined to provide a description of the current state of knowledge for those diseases. Conclusion Studies investigating the interaction between infectious diseases and ecosystems components and functions are still very scarce, and certain diseases are much more studied than others. Out of 14 diseases, 8 generated less than 10 relevant articles, while 2 diseases (Lyme disease and West Nile disease) represented 44% of all relevant studies. Although several vector-borne diseases included in the review represent a major health issue in the world, such as malaria or dengue, they have been exclusively studied under the prism of land-use, and we were unable to find relevant studies that tested the regulatory role of animal biodiversity-related functions. The role of predation in the regulation of vector and host populations has rarely been studied, with the exception of schistosomiasis. The dilution and amplification effects were addressed in several studies focusing on the composition of ecological communities. This map is a first step and could be upgraded in order to guide future research projects with the aim to conduct meta-analysis and build a robust evidence base to inform decision-making.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Patience Mutsvairigwa

The main aim of the study was to investigate the impact of recruitment policies and induction programmes on employee retention. The Durban Central Fire Station was used as a case study for this investigation. Relevant literature from periodicals, journals, textbooks, theses and dissertations was reviewed. A quantitative research design was adopted for this study through the administration of a pre-coded structured closed-ended questionnaire to the 126 employees at the Durban Central Fire Department. Only 110 of the 126 administered questionnaires were returned. However, of the returned questionnaires, 5 were discarded due to incomplete responses and the final questionnaire returns numbered 105, which resulted in an 83.3% response rate. The data collected from respondents were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 in order to conduct non-parametric tests for testing the generated hypotheses. In total, 13 hypotheses were formulated for this study’s empirical analysis. Furthermore, the Pearson’s Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests were carried out on the formulated hypotheses to ascertain whether a statistically significant relationship existed between the variables. The study’s notable findings showed that a positive relationship existed between recruitment policies and employee retention, hence recruitment policies do have an impact on employee retention. The findings also showed that a moderately significant relationship existed between induction programmes and employee retention at the Durban Central Fire Department. Based on the findings, the researcher then recommended that the Durban Central Fire department should clarify expectations to its employees, encourage socialisation and positive work relationships, increase the duration of the induction programme and conduct exit interviews. The researcher concluded the study with suggestions for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-579

An expanding amount of research and a growing number of scientific publications are devoted to the problems of business model innovations, given their increased theoretical and practical significance. However, this concept is not well developed. There are very few publications in Bulgaria dedicated to the theory of business models and in particular to their innovation. A study of the processes of innovation of business models in Bulgarian enterprises, including their activity and the actual results achieved by their implementation, has not yet been made. In view of this, the purpose of this article is to briefly present the results of a study of the effects of business model innovation, conducted in a sample of Bulgarian enterprises, as well as to clarify their impact on the economic results of enterprises. The results of the empirical study demonstrate the impact of the innovation capacity of enterprises on the level of economic results achieved through these innovations. The main hypotheses of the study are: 1. Firms that innovate their business models achieve higher economic results than the average level of results for the respective industries. 2. The positive impact of business model innovations on the economic results of enterprises is stronger than the impact of individual innovations of another kind. 3. The economic results of the conducted innovations of the business models are higher in the industries with high innovation capacity than in the industries with low capacity. 4. The economic results of the conducted innovations of the business models are higher in the big enterprises than in the small and medium enterprises with lower innovation capacity. The authors hope that this article would provoke a discussion on these and other similar issues related to this topic. The results would assist future research as well as business leaders in making management decisions in developing strategies. The paper is organized as follows: Section 1 is a introduction and a overview of relevant literature, Section 2 explains the methodology, Section 3 presents the results of the empirical study and a discussion of the results and Section 4 contains the conclusion.


2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke M. Leeds ◽  
Radwan Ali

This paper describes the revitalization of Business Information Systems and Communication, a high enrollment, prerequisite course for all undergraduate business students in the Coles College of Business.  An overview of the course components is presented and original structure described. The rationale for change, technologies leveraged and measures of success are presented. The change drivers are identified and their impact on undergraduate curriculum delineated. Lessons learned and future implications are discussed.


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