American University of Nigeria

School of Information Technology & Computing

Course Information:
A. Course Title: Software Applications 1
B. Course Number: INF 102
C. Prerequisites: CIE 111
D. Term: Fall 2022
E. Sections: 1
F. Meeting Times: S1: T/R – 11:30am – 1:00pm

Instructor Information:
Instructor Office Hours (AS 120) Telephone E-mail
Chioma TBA 08056200037 [email protected]
Anadozie

Page 1
Catalog Description:
This course provides the knowledge and skills at the root of providing solutions
to everyday business related problems using technology. We will study the
design, development and implementation of information technology based
systems and analytical models that support managerial and professional work.
It includes the design and application of database systems and decision support
systems using microcomputer applications. Software focus will be spreadsheet
and database. Topics will include sample database projects, scenario analysis
and solver. The level of development will be from intermediate to advanced.

Course Objectives:
The goal of this course is to enhance students’ skills and knowledge of the
theory of decisions and decision support systems. Emphasis would be laid on
database management, modeling, group and organizational decision support
systems using a spreadsheet.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:
 To review and clarify the fundamental terms, concepts and theories
associated with databases and decision support systems
 To analyze examples and case studies documenting computer support for
organizational decision making, and various planning, analysis and
control tasks.
 To acquire skills in the analysis, design and implementation of
computerized decision support systems.
 Develop database applications using ACCESS
 Develop Decision Support Systems using EXCEL Scenario Manager
 Develop Decision Support Systems using EXCEL Solver
 Develop Decision Support Systems using EXCEL Functionality
 Develop Integrated Decision Support Systems with EXCEL and
ACCESS
 Develop professional presentations for Decision Support using MS-
OFFICE
 To deduce that most Decision Support Systems are designed to support
rather than replace decision makers and the consequences of this
perspective for designing DSS.

Page 2
  To evaluate organizational and social implications of Decision Support
Systems.

Course Activities:
The focus of most class days shall be a formal lecture, workshops, and open
class discussions on selected relevant topics. Students shall be organized in
study groups to prepare and report on assigned reading material. Individual as
well as group participation in this class is important.

Resources:
Recommended books:
1. Joseph A. Brady, Ellen F. Monk, and Gerard S. Cook. Problem-Solving
Cases in Microsoft ACCESS and EXCEL Ninth Annual Edition.
Thompson Course Technology Incorporated.
2. Shelly Cashman Series, Microsoft Office 2010, Introductory Concepts
and Techniques, Cengage Learning
3. E-book (http://ebooks.aun.edu.ng)
4. Other E-Resources
5. Course Management System: http://canvas.aun.edu.ng

Other materials:
Course Supplies, Materials and Software:
Microsoft Office Professional
Laptop with Windows 10 or Higher Platform

Course Schedule:

WK Topics Readings Activity:

1-2 Introduction to course Tutorial A of Textbook 1 Talent Agency
3-4 Database Design Tutorial B of Textbook 1 Database Cases 1 - 4
4 Database Revisions Tutorial A&B Database Exam
5 Term Paper/Project Assigned WAC 1 WAC 1 Due
6-8 Intro to Decision Support Tutorial C of Textbook 1 Ted and Alice Case
Systems (DSS)
9 Scenario Analysis Case 6 of Textbook 1 Case 6 Due
10 Intro to DSS using Solver Tutorial D of Textbook 1 Tutorial D Due

Page 3
 12 - 13 Solver Analysis Tutorial D of Textbook 1 Solver 1
14 Revisions Revisions Final Exam

Student Assessment:
Mid-Term Exam 30%
Final Exam 30%
Labs 10%
Term Paper/Term Project 20%
Class Participation/Attendance 10%

Course Policies:
Students are expected to individually invest at least 12 hours a week outside of
class on the course material (approximately, twice the formal class time, a
common expectation at university level). This shall include reading, problem
solving and any other practical work. You are advised not to build up any
backlog. Be forewarned that if you do not personally apply the necessary effort
on a weekly basis then you shall, in all likelihood, fail this course.

Students are expected to attend all classes; to be prepared for and participate
constructively to any class discussions; and finally to take all examinations.

All students must comply with the AUN Student Academic Integrity Code.

Classroom Etiquette:
 Cell phones. Turn off cellphones before entering the classroom (without
exception)
 Other mobile, tablets, and recording devices. Turn off all tablet, mobile
and/or recording devices before entering the classroom (except where
required as part of the proceedings of the class and only if expressly
authorized by the instructor)
 Be on time for class. The only circumstance in which lateness may be
tolerated is when it is due to a scheduling issue. Late arrivals can be

Page 4
 distracting to the instructor and disruptive to the class. If you arrive late,
take the first seat available rather than hunting around for a “good” seat.
 Talking in class. Conversations need to stop when the instructor is ready
to begin class. Some classes shall involve a class discussion and those
shall be conducted in an orderly and respectful manner throughout.
 Reading in class. Avoid at all cost any behavior that indicates to the
instructor that you are not paying attention.
 Assignment day. All assignments due shall be turned in at the beginning
of class without exception. It is rude simply to turn up to turn in an
assignment at the beginning of class and then to leave immediately after –
this behavior is strongly discouraged
 Leaving early. Sometimes you have to leave the class early. You should
let the instructor know in advance if this is going to happen; and sit near
the door to make less of a disturbance when leaving.
If you fail to comply with the above, and in particular, if any prohibited device
is discovered being used in the classroom then the student discovered using the
device as well as the owner, if present, shall be asked to leave the class. In those
circumstances the student(s) are considered absent from the class.

Examination Rules:
For all common examinations, you must bring your ID card. The following
items are prohibited inside the room where the examination will take place:
 Study materials including notes, papers, textbooks, study guides, scratch
paper, present/future value tables, or calculator manuals.
 Cellular telephones, pagers, headsets, computers, electronic organizers,
personal data assistants, or any other remote communication or
photographic devices.
 A watch with an engaged audible alarm or timer.

The following items may be used in the exam room.

 Writing instruments.
 Medicine, tissues, and other medically necessary personal items.
 Erasers, calculator batteries, pencil sharpeners, eyeglasses, earplugs

Page 5
Notes to Students:
 It is not possible for an instructor to deal with all material in the text,
therefore the onus is on the student to read and fill in the gaps.
 All the mandatory exercises and homework assignments must be
completed by all students at the time specified. The instructor will review
these in class to enable you to identify your mistakes. On completion of
both any mandatory and self study quizzes a student should be adequately
prepared for the exam.
 The onus is on the student to complete all the book review questions.
These will assist in testing your theoretical knowledge.
 Regular quizzes will be given. A few of the quizzes will be standardized,
while the instructor will decide if he finds a need for additional quizzes.
 Grades are allocated for mandatory homework assignments.
 There are homework assignments to be done in groups. Your grades for
such assignments are jointly earned as a group.
 We learn from our mistakes, failure is the stepping stone to success.
Therefore it is not a requirement that homework be correct, but that you
learn from your errors.
 To appeal a grade, send an e-mail to your instructor's e-mail address
within two weeks of publication. Overdue appeals will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: If my instructor does not insist on a particular topic in the book, or does not
cover it, does it mean it can’t be in the exam?
 You are responsible for all parts of the chapters that are indicated in the
Syllabus and/or assigned in the homework. Refer to the course sequence
to know what will be covered in each exam. You are also encouraged to
read other references besides the book for other perspectives on the
concepts and principles needed.
Q2: Why a comprehensive (cumulative) final exam?
 Many concepts will be used in subsequent courses, and later at work. It
also covers everything and hence gives a broader picture of what you
have learned. It carries the most weight.
Q3: Will there be any possibilities of re-do exams?
 In very, very rare circumstances! The Dean must approve.
Q4: Will the lowest exam be dropped?
 No. No exam will be dropped.

Page 6
Q5: What happens if I am late for an exam?
 If you show up late, you will not have extra time.
 If you show up very late (late enough that some students have left the
examination room), you will not be allowed to take the exam and this will
result in a mark of 0% for you.
Q6: Can my instructor do anything about my final grade?
 No. You are in control of your grade depending on your mastering of the
topics and performance in the exams.
Q7: What do I have to do if I find an error in the grading of one of my exams?
 You should definitely check your exam copy as you receive it.
 You must report any grading error to your instructor during the class
session where your exam will be handed back to you. Your instructor will
then take the necessary steps to rectify the situation if there was, indeed, a
grading error (which is obviously humanly possible).
 There will be no grading corrections possible if an error is not reported in
the same class session as the exam is handed back to you.
Q8: What is the grade scale for the course?
 The following (and AUN-typical) grading schedule will be used:
o A 95% - 100%
o A- 90% - 94%
o B+ 86% - 89%
o B 83% - 85%
o B- 80% - 82%
o C+ 76% - 79%
o C 73% - 75%
o C- 70% - 72%
o D 60% - 69%
o F 0% - 59%

Page 7