USCGA management information systems

The Management Information Systems class at the United States Coast Guard Academy looks to provide Management majors with a deeper look at the more technical side of the major. In this course, students are exposed to a broad range of computer technology including, but not limited to, social networking, databases, Microsoft Access, and anything and everything to do with the internet and Google. Students should leave the course with a greater appreciation for and understanding of the technical side of the business sector.
Cadets, or Midshipman, receive an introduction to several software platforms for various business tools. These include Microsoft Access and Excel. Since the Commandant of the USCG has moved to Twitter and even Facebook, cadets even receive an introduction to blogging and other social networking media. Cadets have also brought the Coast Guard Academy into the next phase of email and a document systems, with an introduction and test program to using gmail and Google for the Academy. The class stresses the importance of understanding the limitations of the software and how to better utilize the tools we are given as management majors.
The class meets twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes in addition to a two-hour and forty-minute lab period once a week. Discussions regarding the basics of information systems and the latest technologies are instructor lead, and David M. Kroenke's text entitled USING MIS is heavily referenced during class. Each student prepares a 10-15 minute presentation regarding a new and interesting technology or IS of their choice. Past presentations have included Google Chrome, NetFlix, and the iPod Touch. The purpose of these presentations is to expose students to the many available technologies that have the potential to improve the way we do business not only in the private sector but in the US Coast Guard as well. Lab periods are dedicated to hands on use of programs such as Microsoft Access, blogs, Excel, and Google. Students will leave MIS with a greater knowledge of how businesses and other entities use technology to their benefit and how information systems can be adapted to the user's specific needs. Students will also have the ability to analyze Information System effectiveness and productivity.
Since this class is worth 4.0 Credits, it has a lab that meets every Monday or Wednesday afternoon. In this lab, students learn skills that help them to better use all of the resources that are at their fingertips. Students complete labs about using Microsoft Access, GoogleDocs,Tumblr.com, and entries. These labs generally do not take the full amount of time allotted for the lab period. However, the lab is one of the more informative labs that the students can take as management majors. As a Management Information Systems student at the USCGA, I can attest that the information above is true.
The class goes into various parts of technology and how it can be implemented into everyday life. The Chapters from the book covered so far are The Importance of MIS, Collaboration Information Systems, Information Systems for Competitive Advantage, Hardware and Software, Database Processing, Data Communication, How the Internet Works, Business Process Management, E-Commerce and Wed 2.0, and Business Intelligence Systems. This class has been very informative. The class has focused on how to further implement the topics talked about into everyday life, business, and the organizations. The ethics of following through with some of the various common business practices are also discussed within some of the homework and class sections.(Ben Cariddi)
The course has covered various topics on information systems and intends to further cover topics "Managing Development" and "Information Systems Management" in upcoming chapters. The course will also hold a group project contributing to a large portion of students' grades. The group project will consist of students in teams of four to research and identify a specific company, product or technology that has not entered in to the "mainstream marketplace" but, looks to play a key role in the future. The teams of students will then conduct an executive summary and present their project to the class through a ten minute, informative video. The video will not only be graded, but also judged by the rest of the students; the top video will earn a teacher-chosen prize to be announced. (Maddie Buchert)
The class meets in Saterlee Hall, one of the first buildings built on the base. It is also one of the southernmost points on campus and is conveniently located near the front gate. The building is divided into sections by department. On the first floor, the Mathematics and Management majors have offices and classrooms. On the second floor, Humanities takes up both sides of the building. OCS is also able to use the space for classroom instruction. There is also a basement and it is here that Cadets in MIS learn how to implement technology into business. The room is set up like a horseshoe and has wi-fi access.
The classroom is conveniently located adjacent to the Management Department lounge. The lounge is made available to cadets as a place to study or do homework. It is also a great place to take naps or watch the big game as it is furnished with very comfortable couches, chairs, and a flat screen TV. This lounge is arguably one of the nicest, major specific lounges on campus. It certainly beats out the OR lounge of a chair and a table in a hallway.
Recently, the MIS classroom has changed its look. Since the classroom has been in use, there was a U-shaped design to all the desks. This set up was good for class discussions however, it was not conducive to entering and exiting the small classroom. The new set up is much more traditional; desks are in two rows with a single isle down the middle. Entering and exiting the classroom is now much easier. The next order of business for this classroom is to acquire new chairs. Big things to come in the MIS classroom this year.
Instructor
The class is currently taught by Dominic P. Tenorio, Lieutenant USCG. Lieutenant Tenorio is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems in the Management Department of the United States Coast Guard Academy. Lieutenant Tenorio has received a Bachelor's Degree in Management Studies at the University of Maryland University College as well as a Master's Degree in IT Management from TUI University. Lieutenant Tenorio's professional society memberships include the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. According to the USCGA website, "Prior to assignment at the Academy, LT Tenorio served as a Regional Manager and Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) for the short-range maritime communications upgrade project, Rescue 21, at the Project Resident Office in Scottsdale, Arizona."
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