COMPUTER AND PROBLEM
SOLVING – DISC 112
Course introduction
Instructor: Ms. Mahira Ilyas
Course introduction
◦ 100-level course
◦ Lecture component + Lab component
◦ Lectures will focus on theory building and exposure to key IS concepts
◦ Labs will focus on skill development in Excel and Python
◦ Overarching objective: to improve your conversational vocabulary of
some fundamental concepts and give you a taste of practically doing some
of the things we talk about
Course description
◦ Problem solving is an essential skill that managers use in their decision-making
processes. In view of the pervasive use of computers, the contemporary
manager must be aware of the tools and techniques that support problem-
solving and decision-making in the modern business environment
◦ This course aims at developing a basic understanding of
◦ a) the theory of information systems and the role of IS in managing information
◦ b) fundamentals of problem-solving techniques using spreadsheets with
particular emphasis on effectively presenting relevant information (such as
through the development of dashboards)
◦ c) elementary concepts of computer programming to better understand and
support the development of decision-support models
Course objectives
◦ Develop a broad understanding of fundamental concepts of managing
information technology and computing in the modern business
environment
◦ Introduce students to the concept of modeling for improved decision-
making with particular emphasis on developing:
◦ a systematic approach towards building, analyzing and interpreting
results of simple spreadsheet-based models
◦ effective data representation skills
◦ Introduce students to computer programming fundamentals
Key learning Outcomes
◦ Introduction to the process of ‘modeling’ - building, refining and analyzing the
representation of data for greater insights and improved decision-making (using
tools such as excel and Python)
◦ Introduction to Information Systems and how they can support the information
needs of decision makers at various levels within the modern organization
◦ Introduction to the business value of implementing data resource management
processes and technologies in an organization
◦ Introduction to the challenges a business manager might face in managing the
development, implementation, and operations of information technology in an
organization
Grading and assessments
◦ Class Participation & Attendance – 10%
◦ Labs - 25% (individual/group)
◦ Quizzes – 10% (announced/unannounced)
◦ Midterm – 20%
◦ Final – 35% (lab-based comprehensive exam)
Lab assessment – 25%
◦ Labs will be either be individual or group based.
◦ When group labs, members will receive the same marks unless one or more
group members fail to submit the lab in which case there may be a 20% (or
more) deduction in the grade for that lab.
◦ Students will not be allowed to make-up a missed lab by sitting in another lab.
◦ Week 1 lab will be a significantly shorter, a lab to ensure familiarity with the
basic Excel environment and LMS submission
◦ There will be no make-up labs or exams. A single grade will be awarded for
the course (lecture + lab)
How we will communicate
◦ With instructor via:
◦ Email
◦ Office hours
◦ Teaching assistants
◦ With Teaching Assistants (TAs):
◦ TBD – most likely whatsapp groups and email.
Class norms and expectations
◦ You will be assigned fixed seats in the classroom
◦ Please bring in name plates with you for each session to be recognized
◦ You must be in class on time
◦ Marks for promptness (vs attendance) will be given to students who are in
their seats at the scheduled start time
◦ Those in place on the dot will get 1 mark while anyone showing up after will
receive .25 marks
◦ No one to leave the class for the first 40 minutes
Class norms and expectations
◦ Professionalism, excellence in work and attitude is expected. ‘Be a better
version of yourself everyday’
◦ Cheating is NOT allowed
◦ It is unethical and unprofessional
◦ Names of students found cheating will be sent to DC without hesitation
◦ Also, think about what happens to the final grading when everyone ends up
scoring the same as a result of this activity?
Any questions?
Q&A
