Lahore University of Management Sciences

DISC 112 – Computer and Problem Solving

Spring 2024-25
Instructors Humbal Tariq
Room No. -
Office Hours MW 1045 – 1230
Email
Telephone -
Secretary/TA Info will be shared in class
Email
TA Office Hours TBD – will be shared by the assigned TAs
Course URL (if any)

COURSE TEACHING METHODOLOGY

 Teaching Methodology: mainly synchronous. (if required by instructor a few may be asynchronous, a blend of both)
 Lecture details: mainly in class live interaction (depending on circumstances may be adjusted as determined by
instructor)

COURSE BASICS
Credit Hours 4
Lecture(s) 2 Duration 75 minutes
Recitation/Lab (per week) 1 Duration 3 hours
Tutorial (per week) On need basis Duration On need basis

COURSE DISTRIBUTION
Core Yes
Elective -
Open for Student Category Freshmen
Close for Student Category -

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Problem solving is an essential skill that managers use in their decision-making processes. In view of the pervasive use of
computers, the contemporary manager must be aware of the tools and techniques that support problem-solving and
decision-making in the modern business environment. This course aims at developing a basic understanding of a) the
theory of information systems and the role of IS in managing information, b) fundamentals of problem-solving techniques
using spreadsheets with particular emphasis on effectively presenting relevant information (such as through the
development of dashboards), and c) elementary concepts of computer programming to better understand and support the
development of decision-support models.

COURSE PREREQUISITE (S)

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COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a broad understanding of fundamental concepts of managing information technology and computing in the
modern business environment which include
a. Information systems to support the information and decision-making requirements of managers at all levels
within the organization
b. Types of information systems commonly used in organizations such as functional and cross-functional systems
c. Networked or “connected” systems and the challenges and opportunities they present across different types of
organizations
d. Data resource management systems and their importance particularly in the context of the large volumes of data
that organizations have to manage in today’s environment
2. Introduce students to the concept of modeling for improved decision-making with particular emphasis on developing
a. a systematic approach towards building, analyzing, and interpreting results of simple spreadsheet-based models
b. effective data representation skills
3. Introduce students to computer programming fundamentals

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. To introduce students to the concept of ‘modeling’ as the process of building, refining, and analyzing the representation
of data for greater insights and improved decision-making
2. To equip students with technical skills of working with the spreadsheet software, Excel
3. To develop skills that enable effective data representation
4. To introduce students to databases and explain how data can be extracted from these into decision models
5. To introduce students to how Information Systems can support the information needs of decision makers at various
levels within the modern organization
6. To introduces students to the various challenges that a business manager might face in managing the development,
implementation, and operations of information technology in an organization
7. To introduces students to the business value of implementing data resource management processes and technologies in
an organization

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM LEARNING GOALS & OBJECTIVES

General Learning Goals & Objectives

1. Goal 1 –Effective Written and Oral Communication
Objective: Students will demonstrate effective writing and oral communication skills
2. Goal 2 –Ethical Understanding and Reasoning
Objective: Students will demonstrate that they are able to identify and address ethical issues in an organizational context.
3. Goal 3 – Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Objective: Students will demonstrate that they are able to identify key problems and generate viable solutions.
4. Goal 4 – Application of Information Technology
Objective: Students will demonstrate that they are able to use current technologies in business and management context.
5. Goal 5 – Teamwork in Diverse and Multicultural Environments
Objective: Students will demonstrate that they are able to work effectively in diverse environments.
6. Goal 6 – Understanding Organizational Ecosystems
Objective: Students will demonstrate that they understand the Economic, Political, Regulatory, Legal, Technological, and Social
environment of organizations.

Major Specific Learning Goals & Objectives

7. Goal 7 (a) – Discipline Specific Knowledge and Understanding
Objective: Students will demonstrate knowledge of key business disciplines and how they interact including application to real
world situations (including subject knowledge).
8. Goal 7 (b) – Understanding the “science” behind the decision-making process (for MGS Majors)
Objective: Students will demonstrate ability to analyze a business problem, design and apply appropriate decision-support tools,
interpret results and make meaningful recommendations to support the decision-maker
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MAPPING OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PROGRAM LEARNING GOALS AND COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES COURSE ASSESSMENT ITEM
OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 - Effective Written and Oral Objective 1 Labs and Quizzes
Communication

Goal 2 - Ethical Understanding and CP, Midterm, Quiz

Reasoning

Goal 3 - Analytical Thinking and Objectives 1-3 Labs, Quizzes, Midterm, Final Exam
Problem-Solving Skills

Goal 4 - Application of Information Objectives 1-3 Labs, Quizzes, Midterm, Final

Technology

Goal 5 - Teamwork in Diverse and Labs

Multicultural Environments

Goal 6 - Understanding Organizational CP

Ecosystems

Goal 7 (a) - Discipline Specific Objectives 1-3 Labs, Quizzes, Midterm, Final Exam, CP
Knowledge and Understanding
(Subject Knowledge)

Goal 7 (b) - Understanding the Objectives 1-3 Quizzes, Midterm, Final

“science” behind the decision-making
process

GRADING BREAKUP AND POLICY

1. Attendance: 4%
 Up to four absences are kept for emergencies and medical conditions. Students should not consider and avail them
casually. For every absence beyond the four allowed, would reduce the attendance score by 1%. A D-grade will be
awarded for more than 8 absences as per SDSB attendance policy.
 A student will be marked late if he/she enters the class on the dot, and beyond. Four lates would be considered equal
to an absence. Ideally students should be well settled in their seats 5 minutes before the class starts.

2. CP - Class Participation: 6%
 Every CP will be marked between 1-3 depending on quality. You may only get one chance to participate in a week.

3. Quizzes: 15% (Surprise, N-2)

 There will be a 5-minute surprise quiz at the start of every class on the topic that was discussed in the last session.
Students are expected to be attentive in class and revise the last session before coming into the class. You will not be
given any extra time if you arrive late in class.

4. Lab Assignment(s): 25% (can be group or individual), N-2 policy will be applied
 Being present physically in the lab is compulsory.
 Group based Labs will be individual-submission assignments: students will be encouraged to work in groups but
submit individual labs. A randomly selected lab from each group will be graded for the whole group. If a student
fails to submit the assignment on time, he / she will not be graded based on other group members’ assignment. The
purpose of this structure is to encourage students to “teach” and help each other in small groups. Students will not
be allowed to make-up a missed lab by sitting in another lab. Always submit your assignment 10 minutes before the
 Lahore University of Management Sciences
deadline. The last 10 minutes should be kept as a cushion for unforeseen technical glitches beyond your control.
5. Midterm: 20% (Theoretical)
6. Final Examination: 30% (Practical, Lab-based)
 This will be a lab-based comprehensive practical exam. The exam will have to be completed individually. To reduce
your end semester workload, the final may or may not include the topics covered before midterm.

There will be no make-up labs or exams. A single grade will be awarded for the course (lecture + lab)

EXAMINATION DETAIL
Yes/No: Yes
Combine Separate: Theoretical
Midterm Duration: TBD
Preferred Date: TBD
Exam Specifications: TBD
Yes/No: Yes
Combine Separate: Practical Lab based
Final Exam Duration: min 2 hours
Exam Specifications: TBD

COURSE OVERVIEW
Lec. Recommended Objectives/
Wk. Topics
# Readings Application
Module 1: Introduction to Information Systems
Introduce format of the course. Operational
1 Course Introduction Laudon and Laudon aspects (LMS and Zambeel). Introduction to
1
Chapter 1 section 1.1, 1.2 information systems
2 How do modern organizations compete with IT?
Information Systems in Global
Laudon and Laudon Understanding the fit between business and IT
3 Businesses
2 Chapter 3 section 3.1, 3,2, 3.4 strategy
4 What is an Information System? What are business
processes? How are they related to information
Laudon and Laudon
systems? Understand information needs at various
5 Chapter 2
levels within the organization and the different
Enterprise Business Systems kinds of decisions they facilitate?
3 Understand different types of information systems
Laudon and Laudon
(from functional to cross-functional and enterprise
6 Chapter 9
information systems). How do enterprise systems
help businesses achieve operational excellence?
7 Familiarize students to the fundamental concepts
Laudon and Laudon
4 E-Commerce involved in e-commerce, m-commerce, and related
8 Chapter 10
payment systems.
9 Laudon and Laudon Introduce students to the fundamentals of data
5 Data Resource Management
10 Chapter 6 management in organizations

11 Introduce students to ethical concerns in the

6 Ethics in the Digital Era Documentary: The Social Dilemma digital age and encourage problem-solving
12 thinking to navigate through such scenarios
13 Cloud Services Slide deck What are cloud services? Make vs Buy Solutions?
Problem Solving by Computer Fairhurst - Chapter 1 & 2
7 Introduce students to problem solving and model
14 Modeling +
building
What-if Analysis Curtis Frye – Chapter 8
15
8 Selected topics Handouts/Chapter TBD
16
* MIDTERM EXAM *
Module 2: Introduction to Computer Programming
9 17 Introduction to Programming AI Sweigart Chapter 1 Introduce the importance of understanding basic
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using Python concepts in computer programming
Introduce the concept of storing information in
18 Variables and Calculations
memory and performing calculations
19
10 Conditional statements AI Sweigart Chapter 2 Revisit conditional statements (If-Elif-Else)
20
21 Introduce students to the concept and use of
11 Loops AI Sweigart Chapter 4
22 repeating statements using loop commands
23 AI Sweigart Chapter 3 Introduce students to good programming practices
12 Functions
24 using procedures and functions
25
13 Selected topics Handouts/Chapter TBD
26
27
14 Revision & practice Handouts
28
* FINAL EXAM *

COURSE OVERVIEW – LAB SCHEDULE

RECOMMENDED
LABS TOPICS SESSION OBJECTIVE(S)
READINGS
Introduction to Spreadsheets: Cells, Ranges,
Lab Guide or Familiarize students with the basic spreadsheet modeling
1 Worksheets & Workbooks, Formatting and
Instructions environment
Entering Data
Introduction to Functions: Performing Lab Guide or
2
Calculations of Data Instructions
Develop MS Excel skills related to Functions and calculations
Cell Referencing in Functions and intro to Lab Guide or
3
logical functions Instructions
Advance Excel Functions: Logical and Lab Guide or
4
Statistical Instructions Develop MS Excel skills related to insight generation and data
Advance Excel Functions: Lookup, Lab Guide or summarization
5
Charts/Graphs Instructions
Lab Guide or
6 Advance Charts & Tables – pivot table/charts Develop data visualization and dashboarding skills
Instructions
Develop students’ ability to clean data and manipulate it to
Data Quality and Manipulation + shape it into required format for modelling
Lab Guide or
7
Instructions
Modelling with What-if Analysis Understand the use of Excel’s What-if Analysis options (Goal
Seek, Data Table and Scenario Manager)
8 TBD - (Maybe no lab in lieu of midterm) TBD TBD
Lab Guide or Develop sufficient understanding of programming with Python
9 Python Programming, Defining Variables
Instructions that students that students can interact with Excel files and
Lab Guide or create automated workflows
10 Conditional Statements
Instructions
Lab Guide or
11 Loops
Instructions
Lab Guide or
12 Procedures and Functions
Instructions
13 Selected topics Lab Guide or
Instructions
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Revision/or Lab (depends on dead week or Lab Guide or
14
not) Instructions

TEXTBOOK (S )/SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS

Click to download softcopies:
Textbooks
1. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (2017), 15th edition by Kenneth C. Laudon, Jane P. Laudon
2. Frye, Curtis D. (2010) Step-by-Step: Microsoft Excel 2010, Microsoft Press.
3. Powell, S. G. and Baker, K. R. (2009) Management Science: The Art of Modeling with Spreadsheets, 3/e, Wiley.
4. Fairhurst, D.S. (2012) Using Excel for business analysis a guide to financial modeling fundamentals. Wiley.
5. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by AI Sweigart
Documentaries
6. The Social Dilemma by Netflix
Online Tutorials
7. Online Python Tutorial W3Schools
Video Tutorials
8. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart