John F. Schrage

Denormalization guidelines for base and transaction tables

This article outlines heuristic guidelines for denormalizing transaction tables in relational databases. Denormalization as a process seeks to improve the response time for data retrieval while maintaining good system performance for row insertions, updates, and deletions. These guidelines apply especially for client-server environments where response time for on-line, transaction-processing systems is critical to end-user satisfaction and productivity.

Preparing End User Support Specialists

Abstract Specializations within the field of information systems (IS) have become common. End user support (EUS) is a growing area that requires further examination by academia and consideration as a new IS specialization. In this article, the authors examine two views of an IS course dealing with EUS. Each course went through a similar evolution, but faculty expertise prevailed in the final development of each course. Both academic programs use a traditional approach combining theory and student projects to simulate the duties required in user support. The evolution of both courses continues.

Integrating computer science and information systems

The Master of Science, major in Computing and Information Systems (CIS) is a graduate program offered jointly by the graduate faculties of the Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and the Department of Computer Management and Information Systems in the School of Business. We describe the nature of the program and emphasizes the advantages of a joint degree program that spans academic units. We also touch on problems that may be encountered and how they can be overcome. The successes realized and situations encountered by this merger may benefit other institutions that face similar resource constraints.

Career oriented graduate program in management systems

The Master of Science in Management Systems within the School of Business at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville is an advanced degree designed to combine the professional qualifications and interests of students with study in the field of managerial information systems design and administration. The existing baccalaureate program entailed a specialization in information systems from the Management Science Department and numerous related positions were found in area businesses, but no advanced program was being offered in systems.

An intensive instruction format for information systems

For over fifteen years Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville has offered management information systems courses using an intensive weekend format at locations around the United States. Although a variety of information systems courses in the Masters of Business Administration has been provided, the most frequently taught course has been Introduction to Information Systems. The introduction course combines elementary computer and data processing concepts, programming, applications, and systems analysis and design. However, the emphasis of the course is analysis and design of systems from a manager, or user frame of reference. Because of the nontraditional format of the course, a variety of instructional strategies have evolved to insure successful student achievement of course objectives. Frequent comparisons between the test scores of students finishing the off-campus program and students completing the on-campus program indicate that the achievement levels are equivalent.

Methods and approaches for teaching systems analysis (Panel Session)

Effective teaching of Systems Analysis, Information Systems, or Management Information Systems requires innovative approaches that go beyond the traditional classroom approaches. The panel will present ideas that have worked successfully and can possibly be utilized by other departments. The approaches center on the application of learned material into a setting that will allow the student to experience the “work place” environment. Actual projects done in a team setting is the real key to improving the students learning of the subject material in systems analysis and design courses. This approach involves the skills of working in a team, writing, and presentation. The graduate gains experience and therefore preparation for the eventual job they will be doing from their class projects. Requirements of the faculty increase somewhat in this type of approach and the panel will discuss these issues also. Robert A. Barrett, Moderator In the area of systems analysis, information systems, and management information systems, we have in past symposiums presented papers that outline the courses and the course contents. We have not dealt with some of the approaches or methodologies of student assignments and work. Our department has an advisory committee that provides input/guidance to the needs that business and industry have in regards to the individual who is working as a programmer, programmer/analyst, or systems analyst. One of the major issues that is being discussed (and has been over the past two years) is the writing, speaking and team concept abilities of the working professional. We have incorporated many of the needs in the individual classes to enhance and reinforce the learning of the student in these three areas. We put the student into teams as much as possible and require as many written reports and presentations as possible. Ernest A. Kallman At Bentley the systems design course is a capstone course for seniors only. Its objective, beyond the obvious purpose of covering the systems design function, is to help the student make the transition from textbook understanding of information systems to actual real world experience. To that end some part of the course is given over to topics such as installation organization and management. To add further realism a team project is assigned which requires the observation of an actual computer installation in some organization other than Bentley College. John F. Schrage The curriculum follows concepts noted in the major computer curricula studies from ACM on both undergraduate and graduate levels. The DPMA model curriculum also influenced the program in information systems. The programs provide training and education in both programming and systems with specializations somewhat determined by each student. The number of systems courses has expanded in the last three years. The systems concepts are presented, reinforced in intermediate courses, and culminated in a real-world project for both levels of students. The capstone situation for all students in the computer area is a real-life problem and solution. Students form into teams of three or four and find an area company which has a systems-oriented problem applicable for solution within the ten-week term. The team approach is used in most of the courses, but the independence of students in this course shows more on adapting for the job market. Team work is done in all courses after the introduction course in concepts and programming.

Review of "A Guide for Selecting Computers and Software for Small Businesses, by Enockson, Paul G.", Reston Publishing Company, 1983

This little book (109 pages) is excellent for the company considering the small computer and its software. The material is requirements-based and walks through an example of acquisition. The Appendices are the key to the book and provide checklists for hardware/software purchases. The content is based on determining requirements for the organization then going through a step-by-step process in solving those needs.

Review of "Introduction to IBM OS/JCL, by Still, Russ", Applied MicroSystems, Inc., 1983

This computer assisted instruction diskette for the Apple II computer provides an overview of the job control language structure for the IBM OS system. Almost every employer wants their new programmer trainee to have an exposure to the control language structure. Even if the computer system used by the organization is not an OS IBM system, the concepts provide the beginning fundamentals for control language for other hardware.

Review of "EDP Auditing, by Weber, Ron", McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1982

This book provides an excellent overview of EDP auditing concepts that could be useful to almost any person with an interest in computers. The overall organization is such that the material could be used for general or specific applications for various individual backgrounds.

Review of "Business Computer Systems and Applications, by Eliason, Alan L. and Kent D. Kitts", Science Research Associates, Inc., 1979

For individuals without a diverse background of business applications, the above two books are essential. The Business Systems book provides a batch orientation to the major business applications and has generated the demands for the second application book by Eliason. The On-line Applications updates the basic applications of the business to the on-line environment and notes some of the problems associated with the processing change.