1. MIS323 Business Telecommunications
Dr. Jeff Cummings

2. Syllabus Course objectives Text, materials, and tools
Format, structure, and schedule
Grading
Academic honesty
Other issues: please see syllabus 2

3. Course Objectives Infrastructure Fundamentals
Explain how networks such as the Internet move messages from one computer to another through the different hardware and software components
Infrastructure Technologies
Design a network infrastructure (at a novice level) using a variety of LAN, backbone and WAN technologies and components;
Infrastructure Management
Recognize the major decisions needed in managing network infrastructure in organizations (e.g., network security) and understand which options are likely to lead to better performance. 3

4. Textbooks Recommended
Business Data Communications and Networking, Jerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis, 2015, 12th Edition, Wiley. 4

5. Materials Entropy/Course Website
Lecture Notes, articles, assignments, supplementary materials, grades will be posted on Entropy and the Course Website
Communications concerning the course will be sent through UNCW list for course
I will post lecture slides before class in Entropy and the course website, however these slides serve as an outline for the material discussed. 5

6. Tentative Course Schedule
Part 1: Infrastructure Fundamentals
How Things Work
Part 2: Infrastructure Technologies
Stuff You can Buy
Part 3: Infrastructure Management
Keeping the Infrastructure Alive 6

7. Grading Class Attendance/Participation (5%) Exercises (20%)
Review Assignments (12%)
Design Project (10%)
Quizzes (8%)
Exams (45%)
Late work will receive a deduction of 10% per day
Attendance and Participation – This will also include short case presentation that occur after the midterm 7

8. Exercises
You will have the opportunity to get more hands-on application of the material through exercises assigned throughout the semester. White Hat Agreement 8

9. Network Design
The purpose of the design project is to provide the opportunity for you to design a simple network. I will provide a list of possible equipment that you can use along with the cost of each piece of equipment. Your report should include a network diagram identifying all key parts of the network (e.g., hubs, switches, routers, cables, etc.), plus a spreadsheet listing the items you have decided to purchase and their costs. The project will be graded on both the quality and cost effectiveness of the network. 9

10. Questions pertaining to grades MUST be made
Other Comments
If you are going to be gone for a class or an exam, I will need to know at least a week ahead of time to make appropriate accommodations to make up the missed assignment.
Communication is key (keep me informed if you are having issues with groups or the material)
Questions pertaining to grades MUST be made
within 1 week of when the grade is posted to Entropy. No adjustments will be made after the one week period. 10

11. Other Comments Turning in Assignments Honor Code and Cheating
I expect assignments to be submitted in electronic format and typed when appropriate. I will not accept the following:
A photo of the assignment
Assignments turned in a week after the due date
Hand written assignment will be accepted as long as they are legible
Honor Code and Cheating
0 on the assignment
ONE Letter Grade deduction 11

12. My Expectations
Make a serious effort to succeed in my class. Come to class on time and stay until class is over.
Turn off cell-phones while in class
Use lab-computers only for class-related activities
Submit assignments on time
Ask questions, voice concerns, provide feedback via , phone, or during office hours

13. In return, I pledge to Provide a well-organized course
Clearly explain course objectives and concepts
Provide materials to help students understand course concepts
Answer student questions
Be concerned with student learning
Provide students with feedback
Provide assistance outside of class
Provide clear grading policies
Uniformly apply course policies

14. Who I am Dr. Cummings Assistant Professor at UNCW
Ph.D. in IS (Indiana University)
MBA in IS (Texas Tech University)
Industry experience in networking, programming, project management.

15. What I do Teaching interests: Intro to IS/IT
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Networking and Security
Device Development / Software Development
Research Interests:
Social media impact on organizations
Technology adoption
Online Identity
Security/Assurance

16. Useful information Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Cummings Office: CIS 2051
Office Hours:
9:00 – 11:00 & 2:30 – 3:30 T/TH
9:00 – 12:00 & 1:00 – 2:00 W (or by appointment)
Phone:
Entropy:

17. Remainder of Class and Next Class
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Data Communications Next Class: Chapter 2 – Application Layer Register for Entropy