Operation Excellence - Practical Connection Assignment
School of Computer and Information Sciences
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Information
ITS631 - M20 Operational Excellence
Summer 2021 Full Term
Course Format: Hybrid
CRN: 31428
Class Time and Location: F 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM, NKY
Residency Session: 05/21/2021 - 05/23/2021
Instructor Information
Name: Niccole Hyatt
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 000-000-0000
Office Location: Virtual
Office Hours/Preferred Contact Times: By request
Course Description
This course focuses on the skills & knowledge to guide an organization in its best use of
technology to achieve its business goals and objectives. Although technical knowledge
& skills are essential for technology professionals, this course focuses on the
development of more general leadership skills. The ability to communicate with a broad
set of stakeholders is essential & this course will offer exercises in skills such as
negotiation, persuasion, agility, coaching & facilitation through case studies, role
playing and simulation. Technology leaders must also understand the elements of
developing & implementing an overall IT Strategy for the organization. This course will
review the various levels of strategy & how strategy is implemented.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course:
Explore the various organizational learning theories to develop an understanding
of the interaction of theory to practical approach,
Investigate the theories of globalization to enhance understanding of how
various factors within the globalization framework influence operational
Excellency,
Ascertain the importance of resource management principles that influence the
success of operational excellence,
Learner Outcomes
.Understand how organizational culture impacts productivity
Understand how innovation assists organizations with transformation principles
and practices
Analyze the concepts in the overall understanding of Information Technology
which enhance the efficiency of operational efficiency within an organization
Develop best practices and understanding of the concepts that influence
operational excellence
Understand how Big Data impacts business intelligence, scientific discovery, and
our day-to-day life.
Course Website
Access to the course website is required via the iLearn portal on the University of the
Cumberlands website: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/ilearn/
or https://ucumberlands.blackboard.com/
Required Books and Resources
Title: Information Technology and Organizational Learning
ISBN: 9781351387583
Authors: Arthur M. Langer
Publisher: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2017-10-17
Edition: 3rd ED.
Course Required text can be found and purchased via the UC Barnes and Noble
Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/page/find-textbooks
Suggested Books and Resources
Information Technology and Organizational Learning
ISBN: 9781138238589
Authors: Arthur M. Langer
Publisher: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2017-10-17
Requirements and Policies
Academic Dishonesty Policy
As a Christian liberal arts university committed to the pursuit of truth and
understanding, any act of academic dishonesty is especially distressing and cannot
be tolerated. In general, academic dishonesty involves the abuse and misuse of
information or people to gain an undeserved academic advantage or evaluation.
The common forms of academic dishonesty include:
1. cheating – using deception in the taking of tests or the preparation of written
work, using unauthorized materials, copying another person’s work with or
without consent, or assisting another in such activities;
2. lying – falsifying, fabricating, or forging information in
either written or spoken presentations;
3. plagiarism –
using the published writings, data, interpretations, or ideas of another without
Episodes of academic dishonesty are reported as appropriate to the Vice President
for Academic Affairs. The potential penalty for academic dishonesty includes 1) a
failing grade on a particular assignment, 2) a failing grade for the entire course, 3)
suspension or expulsion, or (4) revocation of a degree.
Attendance Policy
Course enrollment and participation will be monitored and verified for all students
during the first two weeks of classes. Lack of participation during this time may
jeopardize enrollment status. Each student is expected to meet course expectations by
completing the coursework required each week. Active participation and staying abreast
of the material is essential to success. Program specific attendance policies may still
apply.
Executive Residency Attendance Policy
Attendance to each Executive Residency class session is mandatory. Students may
make-up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their
academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being
dismissed from the University.
Each student must be in attendance for the entire duration of the required residency
weekend. Late arrivals and/or early departures are not permitted. Punctuality is
important as each student is required to have the documented in-seat time per course
requirements.
A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a
$300 Residency Make-Up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation
from the program department providing an explanation as to why the schedule
residency session was missed. Make-Up sessions must be completed prior to the end of
the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive
program.
Participation Policy
Students are expected to actively participate in intelligent discussion of assigned
topics in all areas, such as: Discussion Board Activities, Synchronous Sessions,
Forums, Shared Papers, etc.
Point adjustments will be taken for non-participation.
Disability Accommodations
University of the Cumberlands accepts students with certified disabilities and provides
reasonable accommodations for their certified needs in the classroom, in housing, in
food service or in other areas. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must
submit a completed Accommodations Application form and provide documentation of
the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator (Mr. Jacob Ratliff, Boswell Campus
Center, Student Services Office Suite, [email protected]). When all
paperwork is on file, a meeting between the student and the Coordinator will be
arranged to discuss possible accommodations before accommodations are formally
approved. Students must then meet with the Coordinator at the beginning of each
semester before any academic accommodations can be certified for that term.
Certifications for other accommodations are normally reviewed annually.
Academic Appeal
Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to challenge a grade. If
discussions with the course instructor and department chair do not lead to a satisfactory
conclusion, students may file a formal written appeal with the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, who will forward the appeal to the chair of the Academic Appeals
Committee. This formal written appeal must be filed by the end of the 4th week of
classes in the next regular term following the term in which the course in question was
taken. The Academic Appeals Committee then gathers information from the student, the
instructor, and any other relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its
recommendation on the complaint to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After
reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for
Academic Affairs will inform the student and instructor of the disposition of the
complaint no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the complaint was
filed. Records of all actions regarding academic grade appeals, including their final
disposition, are maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic
Appeals Committee. (Undergraduate Catalog/Graduate Catalog)
Student Responsibilities
Students should:
Use University of the Cumberlands email system for all academic, administrative,
and co-curricular communication between faculty, staff and peers.
Check for email and class announcements using iLearn (primary) and University of
the Cumberlands webmail (secondary) daily.
Demonstrate Cumberlands Character in and outside the classroom per the
University Mission & Vision
Ensure you have consistent required technology for the course
Participate in courses regularly to:
Find announcements and updates
Complete assignments on time. Keep in mind that all deadlines use Eastern
Standard Time (EST).
Engage in discussion
Connect with fellow students and faculty
Present written work in an academic and professional manner.
Take examinations on the designated dates and times. Students should make
arrangements with faculty before the designated date for any needed
accommodations.
Contact faculty or student success coordinator with questions or concerns.
Course Policies
1. The only authorized electronic means of academic, administrative, and co-
curricular communication between University of the Cumberlands and its students
is through the UCumberlands email system (i.e. Webmail). Each student is
responsible for monitoring his/her University email account frequently. This is the
primary email account used to correspond with you directly by the University;
imperative program information is sent to this email account specifically from
campus and program office.
2. Students should check for e-mail and class announcements using iLearn (primary)
and University of the Cumberlands webmail (secondary).
3. Students are expected to find out class assignments for missed classes and make
up missed work.
4. Students are expected to find out if any changes have been made in the class or
assignment schedule.
5. Written work must be presented in a professional manner.
6. Work that is not submitted in a professional manner will not be evaluated and will
be returned as unacceptable.
7. There is a craft to writing. Spelling, grammar, punctuation and diction (word
usage) are all tools of that craft. Writing at the collegiate level will show careful
attention to these elements of craft.
8. Work that does not exhibit care with regard to these elements will be considered
as inadequate for college writing and graded accordingly.
9. Students are expected to take the examinations on the designated dates. If you
are unable to take the exam on the scheduled date and know in advance, you are
to make arrangements with your professor before the designated date. If you miss
the exam, you must have a legitimate reason as determined by your professor.
Recognizing that a large part of professional life is meeting deadlines, it is necessary to
develop time management and organizational skills. Failure to meet the course
deadlines may result in penalties. Keep in mind that all deadlines are set using Eastern
Standard Time (EST). Late assignments will NOT be accepted.
Course Activities and Experiences
Students are expected to:
Review any assigned reading material and prepare responses to homework
assigned.
Actively participate in activities, assignments, and discussions.
Evaluate and react to each other’s work in a supportive, constructive manner.
Complete specific assignments and exams when specified and in a professional
manner.
Utilize learned technologies for class assignments.
Connect content knowledge from core courses to practical training placement and
activities.
Links to Support
UC Academic Catalog: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/academic-catalog
UC Student Handbook: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/student-handbook
Academic Resources & Writing Center: www.ucumberlands.edu/learningcommons
Library: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/library/
Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/home
About University of the Cumberlands:
https://www.ucumberlands.edu/about/presidents-welcome
Instructions for Accessing, Downloading, and Activating Office 365 Pro Plus
(free for UC Students):
https://helpdesk.ucumberlands.edu/support/solutions/articles/7000045435
Course Evaluation
A student will be evaluated/weighted on the following basis:
1. Exams - Each exam will consist of multiple-choice, multiple answers, matching,
and True/False questions. Exam items derived primarily from lectures and
readings. Exams will be available through iLearn and completed independently.
2. Homework Assignments, Discussion, & Quizzes – Assignments, Discussion, &
Quizzes will be given throughout the term. Each quiz will consist of multiple-
choice/answer, short answer questions, matching, and True/False questions — quiz
items derived primarily from lectures and readings. Quizzes will be available
through iLearn and completed independently. Assignments and Discussions will
come from the course lectures, materials, and required reading assignments.
3. Practical Connection Assignment – Written Assignment where students will reflect
on course concepts and their practical connection to a working environment.
Please note:
Portfolio Project: 35% Course Grade.
Midterm: 30% Course Grade.
Discussion Boards and Weekly Assignment: 35% Course Grade
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given
above in evaluation methods. The overall course grade will be determined according to
the following scale:
A= 900 – 1000 (90% - 100%)
B= 800 – 899 (80% - 89%)
C = 700 – 799 (70% - 79%)
F < 699 (Below 69%)
Course Schedule
Grading
Category Activity Title
Grade
Allocation
(% of all
graded
work)
Lesson 1: What is an Information System/ IT Resource Management
Required
Readings Chapter 1 (What is an Information System)
(Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
Chapter 1 (The Revell Corporation)
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #1 5
Homework Chapter 1 – study questions 1-5, Exercise 3 &
4 (Information Systems for Business and
Beyond). Submit the above homework in one
document.
5
Homework Chapter 1 – Review the Key Lessons from
Chapter 1 – Explain the five key lessons and
note the importance of each key lesson from
chapter 1. Also, note why is it important to
understand these basic concepts. (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning
Textbook) The above submission should be
one page in length and adhere to APA
formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 2: Hardware Basics/ IT Dilemma
Required
Readings Chapter 2 (Hardware) (Information Systems for
Business and Beyond)
Chapter 2 (The IT Dilemma) (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #2 5
Homework Chapter 2 – study questions 1-10, Exercise 2, Lab 2
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 2 – Note why the IT organizational structure 5
is an important concept to understand. Also, note
the role of IT in the overall business strategy.
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning Textbook)
The above submission should be one page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
Lesson 3: Software Basics/ Organizational Dynamism
Required
Readings Chapter 3 (Software) (Information Systems for
Business and Beyond)
Chapter 3 (Technology as a Variable and
Responsive Organizational Dynamism)
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #3 5
Homework Chapter 3 – study questions 1-8, Exercise 2, 4, & 5
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 3 – Complete the two essay assignments
noted below: (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
Review the strategic integration section. Note what
strategic integration is and how it ties to the
implementation of technology within an
organization.
Review the information technology roles and
responsibilities section. Note how IT is divided based
on operations and why this is important to
understand within an organization.
The above submission should be two -pages in
length (one page for each question) and adhere to
APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 4: Data and Databases / Organizational Learning Theories and
Technology
Required
Readings Chapter 4 (Data and Databases) (Information
Systems for Business and Beyond)
Chapter 4 (Organizational Learning Theories
and Technology) (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #4 5
Homework Chapter 4 - study questions 1-13, Exercise 4, 5, & 6
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 4 – Review the section on Linear
Development in Learning Approaches. Discuss how
learning changes over time impact organizational
culture. What is the impact of this cultural change
on the success of IT projects? (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
The above submission should be one -page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 5: Networking and Communication Information Systems /
Managing Organizational Learning and Technology
Required
Readings Chapter 5 (Networking and Communication)
(Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
Chapter 5 (Managing Organizational Learning
and Technology) (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #5 5
Homework Chapter 5 – study questions 1-9, Exercise 1 & 3
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 5 – Review the Roles of Line Management
and Social Network and Information Technology
sections. Note the various roles in the organization
and note the similarities and differences within each
5
role. Also, note how innovation technology
management shapes how we communicate
amongst coworkers within an organization.
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
The above submission should be one-page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
Lesson 6: Information Systems Security / Organizational Transformation
and the Balanced Scorecard
Required
Readings Chapter 6 (Information Systems Security)
(Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
Chapter 6 (Organizational Transformation and
the Balanced Scorecard) (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #6 5
Homework Chapter 6 – study questions 1-10, Exercise 3, 6, & 7
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 6 – Review the section on knowledge
creation, culture, and strategy. Explain how balance
scorecards impact knowledge creation, culture, and
strategy. Why are these important concepts to
understand within an organization? (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
The above submission should be one -page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 7: Does IT Matter
Required
Readings Chapter 7 (Does IT Matter) (Information
Systems for Business and Beyond)
0
Discussion Discussion #7 5
Homework Chapter 7 -Homework – study questions 1-10,
Exercise 1-3 (Information Systems for Business and
Beyond) Submit the above homework in one
document.
**STUDY FOR MIDTERM NEXT WEEK**
5
Lesson 8: Business Processes
Required
Readings Chapter 8- study questions 1-10, Exercise 1, 2,
& 3 (Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
0
Discussion Discussion #8 5
Homework Chapter 8- study questions 1-10, Exercise 1, 2, & 3
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
5
MIDTERM MIDTERM EXAM DUE BY SUNDAY 11;59pm, ET 50
Lesson 9: The People in Information Systems / Virtual Teams and Outsourcing
Required
Readings Chapter 9 (The people in Information Systems)
(Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
Chapter 7 (Virtual Teams and Outsourcing)
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #9 5
Homework Chapter 9 – study questions 1-10, Exercise 3 &4.
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 7 – Review the section on dealing with
multiple locations and outsourcing. Review figure
7.2 and note how virtual team communications
further reiterates the importance of this model.
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
The above submission should be one-page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 10: Information Systems Development / Synergistic Union of IT
and Organizational Learning
Required
Readings Chapter 10 (Information Systems
Development) (Information Systems for
Business and Beyond)
Chapter 8 (Synergistic Union of IT and
Organizational Learning) (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #10 5
Homework Chapter 10 – study questions 1-10, Exercise 1
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond).
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 8 - Review the Siemens AG case study. Note
the importance of understanding the
interrelationships amongst all the senior leaders at
every location. Pay special attention to Figure 8.1
and Figure 8.2. Note how the corporate CIO should
engage with each of the regional leaders. Why is
this important? (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
The above submission should be one-page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
Lesson 11: Globalization and the Digital Divide / Forming a Cyber Security
Culture
Required
Readings Chapter 11 (Globalization and the Digital
Divide) (Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
Chapter 9 (Forming a Cyber Security Culture)
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #11 5
Homework Chapter 11 – study questions 1-10, Exercise 1, 3, &
4 (Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Homework Chapter 9 – Review the section on Establishing a
Security Culture. Review the methods to reduce the
5
chances of a cyber threat noted in the textbook.
Research other peer-reviewed source and note
additional methods to reduce cyber-attacks within
an organization. (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
The above submission should be one-page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
Lesson 12: Ethical and Legal Implications of Information Systems
Required
Readings Chapter 12 (The Ethical and Legal Implications
of Information Systems) (Information Systems
for Business and Beyond)
0
Discussion Discussion #12 5
Homework Chapter 12 -Homework – study questions 1-11,
Exercise 1 & 2 (Information Systems for Business
and Beyond) Submit the above homework in one
document.
5
Lesson 13: Trends in Information Systems
Required
Readings Chapter 13 (Trends in Information Systems)
(Information Systems for Business and
Beyond)
0
Discussion Discussion #13 5
Homework Chapter 13– study questions 1-10, Exercise 1, 2, &4
(Information Systems for Business and Beyond)
Submit the above homework in one document.
5
Lesson 14: Digital Transformation and Changes in Consumer Behavior
Required
Readings Chapter 10 (Digital Transformation and
Changes in Consumer Behavior) (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #14 5
Homework Chapter 10 – Review the section on the IT leader in
the digital transformation era. Note how IT
professionals and especially leaders must transform
their thinking to adapt to the constantly changing
organizational climate. What are some methods or
resources leaders can utilize to enhance their
5
change attitude? (Information Technology and
Organizational Learning)
The above submission should be one-page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
Portfolio Project This week select an organization that has a Global
platform (they operate in more than one country),
that has demonstrated operational excellence. In
this paper, perform the following activities:
Name the organization and briefly describe
what good or service they sell and where they
operate.
Note how they are a differentiator in the
market.
Note the resources used to ensure success in
their industry (remember resources are
comprised of more than just people).
Explain what actions the company took to
achieve operational excellence.
The above submission should be three pages in
length. Remember the total length does not include
the APA approved cover page or the references.
There should be at least three APA approved
references to support your work.
145
Lesson 15: Integrating Generation Y Employees to Accelerate
Competitive Advantage
Required
Readings
Chapter 11 (Integrating Generation Y Employees to
Accelerate Competitive Advantage) (Information
Technology and Organizational Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #15 5
Homework Chapter 11 – Review the employment challenge in
the digital era (as well as the entire chapter). Reflect
on the various challenges are present in the digital
era. Will things get better or more complicated as
times goes on? Explain. What are some methods to
assimilate new generations into the workforce to
think about competitive advantage?
5
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
The above submission should be one -page in length
and adhere to APA formatting standards
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
Lesson 16: Toward Best Practices
Required
Readings Chapter 12 (Towards Best Practices)
(Information Technology and Organizational
Learning)
0
Discussion Discussion #16 5
Homework Chapter 12- Review the section on the definitions of
maturity stages and dimension variables in the CEO
Technology Best Practices Arc. Define each of the
maturity stages and performance dimensions. What
are the key concepts from each section?
The above submission should be two-pages in
length and adhere to APA formatting standards.
**Remember the page length does not include the
APA cover page or any references**
5
*ALL DUE DATES AND ASSIGNMENTS SUBJECT
TO CHANGE
**All assignments are due in iLearn by 11:59pm EST
on SUNDAY of the corresponding week…EXCEPT the
last week of class when all assignments are due on
THURSDAY at 11:59pm EST.
NOTE: There is a Residency Requirement
Associated with the 16-week course and will
be offered based on availability with the
school. Course instructor will advise students
about the residency date, place and schedule.
The graded portion of the residency is:
-Team Plan – 100/600
-Team Paper – 400/600
-Team Presentation – 100/600
Syllabus Disclaimer
This syllabus contains important information critical to your success in this course. It
includes guidelines for this course and the instructor’s current expectations about
content, schedule, and requirements necessary for each student to achieve the best
educational results. While you must review and become familiar with the contents of
this syllabus, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments or change in the
syllabus from time to time. Any changes to the syllabus will be discussed with the
students.