MIS Graduate Course Descriptions

MIS 555 MGMT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This course focuses on the management and use of information technology (IT). As the use of IT in society grows, particularly in business, our graduates are likely to become responsible for managing some technology resources and to participate in IT planning and development projects as founders, sponsors, team members, managers of development or end-user developers. Students should become effective users and evaluators of information, IT, and information services. The course explores a number of IT-related topics such as the strategic role of IT, IT planning and architecture, building the telecommunication highway system, management issues in systems development, the expanding universe of computing, group support systems, intelligent systems, electronic document management, and managing the human side of systems. PREREQUISITE: ACC 500

MIS 673 DATA MANAGEMENT
Data has been recognized as an important corporate resource and databases have evolved into a central component of business information systems. Topics include semantic data modeling using entity-relationship and object models; data structuring with normalization; relational database design, implementation and manipulation with SQL (Structured query language); and some evolving technologies such as data warehousing, on-line analytical processing, object-oriented databases, and data visualization. Hands-on exercises include the use of a relational database system with SQL and data modeling CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555

MIS 674 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DESIGN
The focus of this course is on the early phases of information systems development starting with requirements analysis and specification. Alternative systems development methodologies including conventional structured approaches are reviewed but the emphasis is on distributed processing together with object-oriented analysis and design, rapid application development and prototyping, the use of CASE (computer aided software engineering) tools and GUI ( graphical user interface) design with event-driven computing. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555.

MIS 676 SYS PLANNING/IMPLEMNTATN
This course stimulates an information systems project. It summarizes and extends the concepts of process-, data-, and object-oriented methodologies, related CASE tools and integrates the techniques presented in the prerequisite courses. It also covers additional topics of interest to systems developers and managers. A major component of the course involves field projects in which students play the role of MIS consultants. This includes discussion of the consultancy process, the interview process, precise problem formulation, team building, oral presentations, report writing and techniques for researching hardware and software. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555.

MIS 677 INFO SYSTEMS PROJECT MGMT
Information systems projects are often late, over-budget, technically inoperable, operationally infeasible and in some cases never finished. One of the roots of this problem has been the lack of experienced management. What is needed are appropriate managerial procedures of estimating, planning, scheduling and control. This course will define the essential components of good management of any kind of project, but the emphasis will be on management of information systems and technology projects. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555 or equivalent.

MIS 680 ELECTRONIC BUSINESS
Although this course provides an understanding of evolving Internet technologies, it primarily explores the business implications of these fascinating developments. It explores the tools, skills, business and social implications of emerging electronic business. In addition to acquiring basic skills for identifying electronic business opportunities and creating a presence in the online marketplace, the student reexamines fundamental processes of business as they are performed in cyberspace in contrast to the marketplace. This helps the students evolve a perspective about the business in the next century and helps them understand changes as the cyberspace grows increasingly important in the global economy. PREREQUISITE(S): MIS 555 or equivalent.

MIS 681 E-BUSINESS STRATEGIES
This course is focused on business strategy implications of the digital economy. It is primarily a case-based course, where students learn to develop and use the managerial and strategic reasoning skills needed to guide their organizations in the turbulent digital economy. This is a hands-on class only to the extent that students use the existing web infrastructure to facilitate their interactions with other students, such as team members and the instructor. PREREQUISITE: MIS 680

MIS 682 E-BUSINESS INTERFACE DESIGN
This course focuses on the three discrete segments of E-Business interfaces. (1) a study of E-Business interfaces- their layout, design, navigation components for their business purpose and viability. (2) a technology transfer of the tools of the trade used to construct these interfaces. (3) development of effective web interfaces using these tools. This course is technical and creative, but it also engages in a study of business purpose and viability of interface design. PREREQUISITE(S): MIS 555.

MIS 683 INFO TECH STRATGY/ARCHTR
This course addresses the fundamental aspects of developing an information technology (IT) strategic plan and the enabling IT architecture to support enterprise business processes. Students explore the importance of strategic alignment of business and technology as well as the contribution IT has on the value chain. Students will be able to more effectively use and manage IT from an enterprise view and from an architectural perspective. The course includes lectures, practical case discussions and current events in the industry. It also explores how IT can be leveraged to improve shareholder value, customer satisfaction and the competitive position of the firm. This is intended to be an advanced level managerial course for practitioners who have ambitions to be a senior IT executive, management consultant or a technical analyst. PREREQUISITE(S): MIS 674 or equivalent.

MIS 686 TELECOMMUNICATIONS MGMT
This is a nontechnical introductory course intended to familiarize the students with the field of telecommunications. It covers the basic technologies employed in voice and data communication systems and their business applications. The structure, regulation and history of the telecommunications industry will be discussed as well. This course is useful to students without previous training in telecommunications. In addition, professionals who already have a specific knowledge in a particular aspect of telecommunications should find this course valuable in broadening their knowledge of the field. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555.

MIS 689 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Leading organizations are moving to create new knowledge and systematically take advantage of this wealth of accumulated knowledge. This course explores the new strategies, processes and technologies supporting knowledge from a management perspective. Topics include the development and creation of new knowledge, knowledge support systems, the replacement of human decision-making by technology, and the maintenance and dissemination of knowledge. The course includes reading, lecturettes, case discussions and a project. PREREQUISITE (S): MIS 555.

MIS 798 SPECIAL TOPICS
Content and format of this course are variable. It involves an in-depth study of current issues in information systems and technology. Subject matter constantly changes and will be indicated in class schedule.

MIS 799 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Available for graduate students of demonstrated capability for intensive independent work in information systems. PREREQUISITE(S): MIS 555 and written permission.