MINF 2650

MINF 2650 (Principles of Data Management and Analysis)

* The information below is tentative and subject to change. (updated on 1/5/2018)

• Course Description

An introduction to information systems with a focus on the collection, manipulation and analysis of structured data.

Students will utilize spreadsheets and relational databases to formulate solutions to common business challenges.

In addition to fundamental data planning and modeling concepts, students will be introduced to data analysis and visualization techniques,

as well as the use of structured programming to automate some data management tasks.

• Required Text and Supplies (Tentative)

  • MyITLab for Excel 2016 and Access 2016: Exploring Series (with eText). You can purchase the myitlab with eText in the Pearson Website via D2L on the first day of class. Instructions of how to purchase your access to the myitlab and eText are available on D2L.

  • Your access to myitlab and e-text is good for one year from the date of purchase. You can get temporary MyITLab access without payment for 14 days. You will need to purchase to continue using MyITLab beyond the 14-day trial period. [MyITLab with Pearson eText for Exploring Microsoft Office 2016, MaryAnne Poatsy, Keith Mulbery, Jason Davidson, and Robert Grauer, ISBN-10: 0134455878, ISBN-13: 9780134455877, Publisher: Pearson]

  • Physical access to a reliable computer running Windows version 7, or later

  • Software required: MS Excel 2016, MS Access 2016

  • A USB storage device for storing copies of your completed files. Please do NOT rely on campus computers for long term storage of your work.

  • A reliable high-speed internet connection.

• Important Technology Checklist

  • If you use your own computer for this course, it must meet the system requirements for MyITLab. Click the Getting Started link in MyITLab to view the requirements, check your settings, and run the Browser Tune-up.

  • Use Microsoft Office 2016 to complete homework projects. If you use other versions (such as Office 2013 or Office for Macs), you may not be able to complete all of the steps and you will lose points. (Microsoft Access is not available for Mac.)

  • Before you begin a homework project, save a copy of the starting file to your desktop or USB drive.

  • Save backup copies of completed projects prior to submitting files to MyITLab in case you need them later.

  • Ifyou are taking a face-to-face or hybrid section of this course, please use a campus computer to complete assignments.

• MyITLab Support

  • If you experience a technical problem when using MyITLab, click the Help & Support link (the question mark icon) in the upper right corner of the MyITLab window. This will open a window where you can access a number of support resources.

  • Your first action should be to follow the System Requirements link to verify that your computer meets minimum requirements to work with MyITLab. Review the requirements carefully and run the appropriate Browser Tune-up for your operating system. Many technical problems can be resolved or avoided with this simple step!

  • If you still need help, follow the 24/7 Technical Support link to get help by chat or phone. There is no fee for this support; it is included with the purchase cost of your MyITLab access code.

  • When you report a problem through Pearson 24/7 Technical Support, you will be given an “incident number”. Please email this incident number to me so that I can follow up on your behalf.

• Responsibilities

• 1. Check D2L (assignment, schedule, discussion board, email) EVERDAY

  2. Start working on assignments/projects from DAY ONE

  3. Complete all work on time. (No late submission accepted)

  4. Review materials (and textbook) regularly

  5. Behave as a responsible adult. / Treat others with respect.

• Course Contents (Tentative)

I. Excel (70%)

• • Introduction to Excel

  • Formulas and Functions

  • Charts

  • Datasets and Tables

  • Subtotals, PivotTables, and PivotCharts

  • What-If Analysis

  • Specialized Functions

  • Statistical Functions

  • Multi-Sheet Workbook Management

II. Access (30%)

• • Introduction to Access

  • Tables and Queries in Relational Databases

  • Using Queries to Make Decisions

  • Creating and Using Professional Forms and Reports

  • Data Validation and Data Analysis