LIBR 243
System Analysis
Fall 2004

Nancy Burns
E-mail

GREENSHEET

Course Description:

Study of systems analysis applied to information organizations. Emphasis on the methods and tools for studying and designing the processes by which information centers deliver services.

Objectives:

• To develop the ability to analyze information-centered organizations and their component operations, objects, and services in a system context, encompassing the mission, objectives, resources, and constraints of the organization and the application of tools and perspectives of systems analysis.
• To develop the ability to design and evaluate information system and subsystem objects and strategies for improving operations, through the formulation and analysis of alternatives and consequences in a system context.

The course supports the following SLIS objectives:

The principles and practices of management as specifically applied to information environments; the application of diverse technologies to information management.

Text: (Required)

Osborne, L & Nakamua, M. (2000). Systems Analysis for Librarians and Information Professionals. (2^nd Edition). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

[Order online from the publisher or any online book seller]

Course Requirements:

Note: This class is entirely web based, there are no class meetings. Enroll in the course Blackboard site beginning July 12.

Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

 ASSIGNMENTS:

Discussion Board (on Blackboard):

If you do not already have an account on Blackboard (http://tigris.sjsu.edu), please create one and enroll in this class—make sure you find the section with my name on it.

We will use the case study that is at the end of each chapter in the textbook as the basis for this discussion board. You are required to access the discussion board at least once each week and comment on the questions that follow the case study (Fort Memorial Library) at the end of each chapter. You can reply to someone’s comment or question or ask a question of me and your classmates, or make any sort of original comment or contribution.

Due by the end of each week (arbitrarily set as each Sunday at midnight)
30% of grade

Systems Study:

Pick any sort of system you have easy access to, this can be a library or any modestly complex task within a library, a computer system of any sort, your out-of-control storage area (shed, garage, attic, or cabinets/drawers), any collection of complex size, your child’s classroom or school, any organization you belong to or a volunteer activity. There are many choices and I will be happy to help you choose an appropriate study, just email me what you are thinking of working on and I will help you decide if that is an appropriate system. It should have some level of complexity but not be so huge you can’t do a good study within the semester—a pencil box is too small but your desk could be big enough.

You will use all the steps we are going to study in this project. You may submit any step to me for guidance at any point during the semester but the grading will follow the schedule outlined here, if your study does not require one of these steps be sure to explain why you are omitting it:

 Topical Essay:

Pick any topic related to systems theory or systems study, read about it in at least five articles, book chapters, or online essays/reports. Then write an essay that sums up your reading. This is not a major research paper, just an essay. I have no preference as to length but would guess that most essays run 4-7 pages. Do not let page length influence you, long or short is fine as long as the quality is there. Please use APA style. Spelling, grammar, and organization count too. No abstract is required but a title page and References are. You do not need to get my approval on a topic but I will be happy to help you find one you will enjoy.

Due: November 29
20% of grade

Sample topics (don’t be limited by this list)

• Introduction to chaos theory
• TQM
• Flowcharting in the 21 st century
• Using PERT/CPM
• Project management
• Complexity
• History of systems theory
• Kenneth Boulding
• Ludwig von Bertalanffy
• The learning organization
• Using data flow diagrams
• Interviewing
• Data collection techniques/problems

Note: Any assignment can be turned in before it is due. If for any reason you will not be able to get an assignment to me by midnight on the date it is due, please let me know why and we can work out an alternate date for you. Unless you have an emergency of some sort, all work must be in by December 6th.

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