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Course Description

Surveys information technology, transaction processing, transaction cycles, internal control, computer security, systems development, and reporting systems. Examines several typical AIS application subsystems, such as order entry/sales, inventory, purchasing/payables/cash disbursements, billing/receivables/cash receipts, and materials planning/production. Introduces students to ERP systems, including SAP.

Prerequisite: ACC300.

 

Course Objectives

• To provide an overview of the concepts, objectives, and importance of accounting information systems.
• To learn the operational and information functions of several major AIS subsystems and how those subsystems interface with one another.
• To introduce the student to a computerized accounting system.
• To develop proficiency in using a variety of tools used in documenting systems.
• To develop and enhance skills involving team participation, researching technical topics, and oral and written communication.
• To acquire an understanding of the system development process.
• To enhance the student’s knowledge and understanding of current technological developments.

 

Required Materials

Accounting Information Systems, James A. Hall. South-Western College Publishing, 2001.

 

Course Activities to Meet Objectives

Classes will be a combination of lectures and discussion. Students must complete the several assignments using SAP. There will be several writing/research assignments, some of which will be group assignments. In addition, there will be a group research paper and presentation.

To achieve the above outcomes students should (1) read and study the assigned material in the text and (2) prepare the assigned exercises, problems, research and writing assignments.

Communication Skills:

Verbal and written communication skills are extremely important skills needed by accountants. All students are expected to participate actively in class discussions. Classroom participation will be evaluated in terms of the quality (not quantity) of discussion by the student. Students will provide written work for me primarily via the Writing/Research Assignments. These assignments will be graded based on content, grammar, and spelling.

Writing/Research Assignments:

These assignments are intended to help you:

• improve and synthesize your understanding of accounting by applying the concepts that have been developed in class;
• develop your research skills;
• enhance your critical thinking skills;
• improve your interpersonal skills (on group assignments); and
• improve your writing skills.

Use the following guidelines in preparing these assignments:

• All assignments must be typewritten (preferably using a word processor) and spell checked.
• Put your name, course number and section, and name of assignment on a cover sheet stapled to the front of the assignment.
• Each group assignment should have a sheet attached stating the percentage participation of each student in the group while preparing the case and signed by all group members.

Learning To Learn:

I will assume that you have a sincere desire to learn and assume that you are self motivated. If not, you will not succeed in this course or in the profession of accounting. This course will require a significant dedication on both of our parts. I will do everything in my power to assist you in this goal. However, in the final analysis, how you do is mostly up to you. I am a resource person and the required materials are resource books. It is your responsibility to take advantage of the resources available.

Additional Resources:

Any student having problems with course material should feel free to see me during my office hours. Additional help is available from:

The Accounting Lab: This is located HB099. Hours of operation are posted on the door. Phone: (978) 542-6251.

The Learning Center: This is located on the fourth floor of the Library and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 5:00. Accounting tutors are available there, free of charge.

The Writing Center: This is located in Meier Hall, Room 223.  Phone:  (978) 542-6491.

 

Ethics And Integrity:

Ethics and values are very important in accounting and the world of business. It will be assumed, unless there is evidence to the contrary, that you are an ethical individual. To help you meet this responsibility, the ethical standards for this course are presented below:

All work on exams must be the exclusive work of the individual. Unethical behavior on exams includes:

• copying from someone else’s exam;
• assisting (either actively or passively) someone else in copying from your exam;
• using unauthorized notes while taking an exam;
• receiving or attempting to receive advance copies of the exam;
• giving information about an exam to someone who has not yet taken the exam; and
• requesting information about an exam you have not yet taken from another student who has taken the exam.

Unless otherwise indicated, it is acceptable to discuss the Writing Assignments and Research Assignments with other students. It is not acceptable to copy (in part or in its entirety) another student’s work or to allow another student to copy your work. Research sources are to be cited and information obtained from research is to be clearly labeled as such.

Any act of an unethical nature will result in the awarding of the grade of "F" for the course, and the notification of the Dean of Students.

 

Schedule of Assignments

See separate handout.

 

 Course and Grading Policies

The semester grade will be determined as follows:

Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	20%
Research Paper/Presentation	15%
SAP Assignments, Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Class Participation	45%

Students who are unable to take an exam at the scheduled time must notify me (or leave a message for me in the SOB Office) prior to the end of the exam. Students who have an excused, documented absence from an exam will be allowed to take a make-up exam.

 

Last Day to Withdraw from the Course

The last day on which withdrawal from the course is permitted with a "W" grade is the last day of the tenth week of the semester.

 

College Policy Statement

"Salem State College is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable academic accommodations, aids and adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability requiring an accommodation, aid or adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with Disabilities who have not previously done so should provide documentation to and schedule an appointment with the Office for Students with Disabilities and obtain appropriate services."

 

 

 

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