SMS210 - Microcomputer Applications for Business

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2025-09-22 01:40:32.58
Last review date 2025-11-10 00:15:10.864


Subject Title
Microcomputer Applications for Business

Subject Description
Building on the skills they have previously acquired in Excel and Windows operating systems, students will further develop their proficiency in these areas and add Access to their skill set. Throughout the course, they will apply these software skills to solve business problems.

Credit Status
One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Use information technology terminology and concepts that demonstrate the ability to manage files in a Windows environment.

2. Use a Spreadsheet program to:
a) Assemble business related data into spreadsheets and files to meet normal business operational needs
b) Make effective presentation of business information using spreadsheets layouts, information formatting, and charts
c) Construct formulas using arithmetic operators needed for simple business calculations
d) Recognize when and which built-in functions should be used to address more complex business calculations
e) Apply various built-in statistical, logical and financial functions in meeting the requirements of more complex business calculations.

3. Use a Relational Database Management program to:
a) Assemble business related data into tables and databases
b) Manage the business data and objects within a database from input, quality, integrity, and organizational views
c) Analyze stored data using queries to solve typical business information needs
d) Make effective presentation of business information using forms and reports.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
A fundamental working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems and Excel Software.

Topic Outline
Theory:

  •     File Management in a Windows environment
  •     Comparative advantages and disadvantages of spreadsheets vs. databases for effectively and efficiently managing business data.

Excel:
  •     Creating and modifying worksheets
  •     Effective spreadsheet design
  •     Improving appearance of a worksheet
  •     Efficient creation of formulas
  •     Working with basic and advanced functions
  •     Sorting, filtering and editing lists
  •     Effective presentation of business data
  •     Working with charts
  •     Multiple-sheet workbooks
  •     Analysis tools.

Access:
  •     Efficient and effective database design
  •     Create database, tables and queries
  •     Add, modify and delete records
  •     Print the contents of a table, query, report and form
  •     Create relationships among tables
  •     Create queries
  •     Create reports and forms using wizards.

Mode of Instruction
Classroom/Online Synchronous
A combination of teaching methods will be utilized which may include lectures, case studies, discussions, group and individual work.

Online Asynchronous
This subject is delivered online, in asynchronous format. This may involve the use of digital materials and/or a text, group discussions, interaction with your instructor and online activities.

Prescribed Texts
Both texts are prescribed for Classroom/Online Synchronous AND Online Asynchronous:

Title: New Perspectives  - Microsoft Office 365 & Excel 2016: Intermediate
Author: Parsons; Oja; Carey; Desjardins
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: 9781305880412

Title: New Perspectives - Microsoft Office 365 & Access 2016: Introductory
Authors: Shellman; Vodnik
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: 9781305880283

Texts may be supplied by the Seneca Bookstore. Contact the Bookstore for more information.



To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Reference Material
None

Required Supplies
A medium to store files, for example: a memory stick or writable CD ROM

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation
Grading is based on the following marking scheme:

Classroom/Online Synchronous:

Excel - Test #1 25%
Excel - Comprehensive Test #2 25%
Access - Test #3 25%
Access - Comprehensive Test #4 25%




 


Online Asynchronous:
Discussion Assignments 20%
Project 1 15%
Project 2 15%
Project 3 15%
Final Exam* 35%









English Competency
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for success in business. Therefore, you must demonstrate English competency in this subject in both oral and written work. Ensure your written work includes correct sentence structure, spelling and punctuation. Always spell check, edit and proofread your work.
 
Missed Tests / Late Assignments
Due dates for all evaluations and assessments are posted. Evaluations can include projects, podcasts, videos, assignments, quizzes and/or tests and exams. Students are expected to meet the specified dates and deadlines. It is a best practice for all students to keep a copy of all submitted assignments.
 
Students who have extenuating circumstances that result in their being unable to meet the stated deadline are encouraged to contact their professor(s). A professor may (or may not) grant an extension to a posted due date and can request for documentation. Such extension requests must be discussed prior to the due date, or very closely following. Late submission or completion of any assessments may be subject to a penalty grade deduction. Once feedback is posted and/or discussion of the assessment has taken place, students may not submit that version of the assessment for grading.

In cases of cheating or plagiarism, the College Academic Policy will prevail. Please ensure that all assignments and reports are properly documented.

Students are referred to the Seneca College Library website for MLA Style Citation Guides, Academic Integrity Policy and Copyright guidelines:

https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/

All the academic policies of the College at which you registered apply. This includes, but is not limited to policies related to grading, supplemental exams, deferred exams and accommodations.

Please retain this course outline document for future educational and/or employment use.

Approved by: Poh Tan