Course Syllabus

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

SPEA V369- 13044

Managing Information Technology -- Summer 2026

Instructor: Jacob Farmer (contact via messages in Canvas)

Class Meeting: Meets online asynchronously

Office Hours: by request, schedule via self-service tool on course Canvas site

Course Description: Analysis and discussion of information technology as applied to problem solving and management in public and non-profit sectors. Topics include management, infrastructures, policies, and concepts such as scalability, manageability, security, and cost of technology. Focus is on high-level issues surrounding IT and the strategic positioning of IT in all sectors of business.

Primary Learning Outcome: By the end of the semester, students will be able to propose and defend an IT solution that addresses a problem or fulfills a business/organizational need. Students will learn to learn to “think like an IT manager” and to effectively apply analytical reasoning to address technology opportunities and challenges.

This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of managing information systems within a private, public or non-profit organization. The course is intended to provide students with a management perspective of information technology and to help them understand the fundamental requirements of designing, implementing and guiding technology in an organization.  Students will be exposed to the universe of business information technology management; the key core technology areas (e.g., networking, database management, cloud computing and security) and how IT management functions to enable organizational success. 

O’Neill School expectations of civility and professional conduct^[1]

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously because O’Neill is the training ground for future leaders in government, civic organizations, health organizations, and other institutions charged with providing resources for the public, and for members of society who are vulnerable and who are lacking in power and status. Precisely because O’Neill graduates tend to rise to positions of power and responsibility, it is critical that the lessons of honesty and integrity are learned early.

O’Neill requires that all members of its community – students, faculty, and staff – treat others with an attitude of mutual respect both in the classroom and during all academic and nonacademic activities outside the classroom. A student is expected to show respect through behavior that promotes conditions in which all students can learn without interruption or distraction. These behaviors foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom:

• Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be prepared for class.
• Students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. Eating, sleeping, doing work for another class, wandering in and out of the classroom, and packing up or leaving class early are not civil or professional behaviors.
• Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom.
• Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings.
• Students must address faculty members, other students, and others appropriately and with respect, whether in person, in writing, or in electronic communications.
• Students must show tolerance and respect for others.
• Students must not destroy or deface classroom property nor leave litter in the classroom.

Course Requirements:

Graded course components are as follows:

Reading, assignment, and exam due dates are listed in Canvas.

• Quick Checks (20%)
  • Each module in the course will contain short "quick checks" about the materials in that module. These are designed to be low stakes opportunities for students to assess their comprehension. The lowest scored quick check will be dropped, and quick checks are locked at no more than two attempts.
• Quizzes (15%)
  • At regular intervals throughout the semester, students will take a short quiz in Canvas over the material covered in the previous week(s). The lowest score will be dropped.
• Assignments (15%)
  • Throughout the summer students will complete several individual assignments to augment or practice what we are learning in class.
• Exams (50%)
  • There will be 3 exams given in this course and they will all be given through HonorLock. In order to ensure that the testing attempts evaluate student learning appropriately, the course uses a flexible exam policy as outlined in Additional Course Policies

Schedule of Assignments: Course dates, readings, assignments, tests, etc. are posted on Canvas. The posted schedule is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.

Grading Scale:

Please note that grades are calculated at their full precision and that scores will not be rounded.

Required Materials: No textbook is required for purchase for this course. Students should have access to a computer that can be used for online classes. See the course policies for more information. No prerequisite course required, but SPEA-V261 is suggested for students with minimal Information Technology (IT) experience.

Basic Computer Literacy: This course assumes students have some experience with computer systems and, at minimum, basic computing skills. This course will NOT teach basic computer literacy or skills. All students must know how to use: e-mail, MS-Office, and other online resources. It is assumed you have some experience, and a working understanding of MS-Office Applications and Web browsing/searching. If you have any concerns or doubts about your computing skills please come and speak with me immediately.

Additional Information Please be sure you are also familiar with information listed here: Additional Course Policies

[1] These expectations are excerpted from the O’Neill School Honor Code which can be found under Student Ethics and Policies: https://oneill.indiana.edu/undergraduate/course-advising/advising/resources.html