Management Information Systems II

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel (formulas, formatting, relative and absolute references).

• ME1. Interactive Lecturing with Live Computer Demonstration: presentation of concepts with real-time demonstration in Excel, followed by immediate replication by students (all OAs).

• ME2. Progressive Practical Exercise-Based Learning: individual resolution of computer-based exercises, with increasing levels of difficulty and scenarios close to professional practice (OA1-OA5).

• ME3. Project-Based Learning: development, over the course of the semester, of a management tool (dashboard) integrating PivotTables, simulation and macro/VBA automation (OA2-OA5, CD1-CD3).

• ME4. Guided Autonomous Work: supplementary exercises outside class, assigned progressively throughout the semester, with instructor feedback.

Upon completion of this course unit, students will be able to:

• OA1. Identify the conditions for using database functions in spreadsheets.

• OA2. Build and configure PivotTables and PivotCharts, applying sorting and filtering operations on data according to different criteria.

• OA3. Apply simulation tools – scenarios, goal seek and Solver – to solve management problems.

• OA4. Create and use command macros to automate repetitive procedures.

• OA5. Develop and debug VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) procedures to automate data-management solutions.

Associated skills:

• CD1. Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving: ability to model and solve management problems using spreadsheets.

• CD2. Advanced Digital Literacy: mastery of productivity tools widely required in the job market (Excel/VBA).

• CD3. Technical Communication: ability to document and orally defend the automation solutions developed.

• P1. Database Functions

• 1.1. Conditions and syntax of use

• 1.2. Practical applications in a management context

• P2. PivotTables and PivotCharts

• 2.1. PivotTable areas and configuration

• 2.2. PivotChart configuration

• P3. Simulation

• 3.1. Scenarios

• 3.2. Goal Seek

• 3.3. Solver

• P4. Macros

• 4.1. Recording, editing and running command macros

• P5. VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)

• 5.1. Programming fundamentals and the VBA Editor

• 5.2. Developing automated procedures applied to management

Students may choose one of two assessment regimes.

A) Continuous Assessment

MA1: 4 multiple-choice mini-tests (15 min, no prior notice; Moodle). AI directive: Level 0.

20% (5%×4) · no specific minimum

MA2: Computer-based practical test (45 min); non-digital reference materials allowed. AI directive: Level 0 - no access to AI assistants during the test.

25% · min. 9.5 (continuation requirement)

MA3: Second computer-based practical test, under the same conditions as MA2. AI directive: Level 0.

30% · min. 9.5 (continuation requirement)

MA4: Applied project - a management tool built in Excel/VBA (individual or small group). AI directive: Level 2 (AI allowed to support syntax/documentation research; full generation of the solution by generative AI is not permitted). A declaration of AI use is mandatory.

15% · min. 9.5

MA5: Individual oral presentation and defence of the project (MA4): each student explains and demonstrates how their solution works. Mandatory to validate MA4. AI directive: Level 0.

10% · min. 9.5

Continuation requirements: a grade equal to or above 9.5 (on a 0-20 scale) in both MA2 and MA3, and no more than 3 absences from taught classes up to the last day of classes.

Final Grade Formula (Continuous Assessment):

CF = 0.20 × MA1 + 0.25 × MA2 + 0.30 × MA3 + 0.15 × MA4 + 0.10 × MA5

Working Student Status:

Exempt from the attendance requirement. MA4 may be completed individually (the assignment already allows for this format); all other components remain mandatory, including the individual oral defence (MA5).

Grade improvement / retention:

Students may choose to keep the grades obtained for MA1, MA4 and MA5 during the semester and repeat only MA2 and/or MA3, within the deadline set by the academic calendar, upon registration with the instructor.

B) Examination-Based Assessment (Resit/Special Examination Periods)

An exceptional route for students who do not complete continuous assessment; assessment based solely on a final examination is not the recommended regime.

MA6: Computer-based practical examination (90 min); non-digital reference materials allowed.

70% · min. 9.5

MA7: Individual oral examination, briefly defending the solutions developed during the practical exam.

30% · min. 9.5

Examination Formula:

CF = 0.70 × MA6 + 0.30 × MA7

Under either regime, passing the course unit requires a minimum final grade of 10 (on a 0-20 scale).

In either regime, in the event of a well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the exam correction phase, the student will be called to take an oral examination to verify the knowledge and skills demonstrated in the written exams. The oral examination will be conducted by a board consisting of the course unit's instructor and two other instructors from the same field. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and skills shown in the written exam, that exam will be annulled.

NAO