Management Science 564 Management Science 564I. Course Title, Number, Credit: MSM 564 Data Communications
and Networks
3 credit hours
II. Course Description: A study of the way data and communication systems
are used to network and transmit information. The course will survey the
current uses of telecommunications, management of networks, new technologies
and their capabilities. Examination and use of the Internet will be a major
focus of the course. Special attention will be placed on the increasing
convergence of telecommunications systems, both domestic and global, from
a management perspective. The course will also survey the nature of information,
organizational management, communication theory, emerging technologies,
and the relationship between federal agencies and the execution of public
policy. The course will attempt to place the significance of new technologies
into a context that integrates economic, technological, and industrial factors.
III. Prerequisites: None
IV. Course Objectives:
1. To provide the student with an understanding of the ways different media
and telecommunications services are converging.
2. To provide the student with an understand of how the new communications
technologies function and what place they may have in the media landscape.
3. To provide the student with a foundation for understanding the relationship
between information industries and media technologies.
4. To help the student learn about the concept of the information society
and its economic, political and social implications.
5. To study management issues related to network.
V. Method of Instruction: Seminar and discussion techniques will be used.
Video, audio tape and use of the computer lab may be part of the class experiences.
Part of this course will be taught with material or lectures placed on the
Internet.
VI. Course Outline:
A. Basic Communication Theory
B. Managing telecommunications networks
C. Evaluating telecommunications, digital technology and fiber technology
applications for business
D. Telecommunications and regulation, Telecommunications Act of 1996
E. Telecommunications and a global service market
F. Converging uses of technology
G. Business concerns regarding the telecommunications innovations
VII. Method of Evaluation: This course will be graded as follows:
Final examinations..... 100 points
Abstract...... 60 points
Presentations and class participation..... 40 points
Annotated bibliography..... 50 points
Course Total Equal 250 points
Definition of grade point totals
220 points and above A
210 to 219 A-
200 to 209 B+
190 to 199 B
180 to 189 B-
Below 180 C
VIII. Recommended Texts:
Eddings, Joshua, How the Internet Works, Z-D press, 1996.
Kurland, Messere, Palombo, Introduction
to the Internet for Electronic
Media, Wadsworth, 1997.
Kahn, Telecommunications Fact Book and Illustrated Dictionary, 1990.
Reading materials will be placed on reserve at the library,
handed out in class, or distributed via an electronic bulletin board.
IX. Attendance: Since this is a graduate course, attendance is based upon
your
schedule and availability. Frequent absences will require explanation.
X. Preparation for Papers & Examinations: All papers, handouts, and
written
materials must be typed and carefully prepared. Your research must be
properly cited and must follow a standard research format. You may choose
APA, MLA, or Turabian styles.
XI. Bibliographic Search: During the semester you will choose on particular
technological innovation or technology and develop an annotated bibliography
for distribution to the class. You may choose any topic you wish. Below
are a few examples different topics you could choose:
1. High Definition Television
2. New Telephone Technology Interactive Cable
3. The Internet
4. Interactive Cable
5. Applications of local area networks
