ITM - Information and Technology Management

This course studies the integration of information systems solutions and business processes. Topics include how information and information systems relate to business processes; how organizations use information systems for competitive strategy, supply chain and resource management; and how information systems are developed and managed. The ethical implications of information systems and international dimensions of information systems use are also covered. Students apply knowledge acquired in this course to use contemporary software applications and an enterprise resource planning simulation to run their own simulated company.

Studies the fundamental concepts of designing and writing computer programs to solve problems. Emphasizes structured programming and object-oriented methods in the .NET environment. Includes Web-based client-server application development using contemporary programming tools.

This course provides an introduction to IT infrastructure for students majoring in management information systems. Topics covered include computer and systems architecture, communication networks and the services and capabilities enabled by IT infrastructure solutions in an organization. It gives students the knowledge and skills they need for communicating effectively with professionals whose special focus is on hardware and systems software technology, and for designing organizational processes and software solutions that require in-depth understanding of the IT infrastructure capabilities and limitations. The course focuses on Internet-based solutions, computer and network security, business continuity, and the role of infrastructure in regulatory compliance.

This course introduces students to analysis and design of business information systems. The course addresses the key concepts of user requirements, modeling and information systems project management. The course covers object-oriented requirements modeling approaches. A semester-long project provides students with the opportunity to integrate concepts in analyzing and designing an information system using a prototyping approach with a rapid application development tool. The project management component of the course exposes students to project feasibility analysis, project tracking, developing service requests and reporting minutes of meetings.

This course focuses on integration of business processes across different functional areas in an organization. Students will learn about enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and their role in integrating business processes within and across organizations. Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to configure business processes within an organization using a contemporary ERP system, SAP. The course provides students an opportunity to study and compare integration of business processes using ERP systems in two organizations which culminates in a research paper and presentation to the class. Case studies, business simulation, and business process modeling are used to enhance student understanding.

This course introduces students to the concepts of Information Systems (IS) security and development of organizational policies to implement IS security controls. IS security architecture and design, network, application and information security are examined. Security threats and vulnerabilities that affect different IS are identified and methods for controlling those threats are discussed. The students learn how IS security risk can be measured and subsequently managed through the process of business continuity planning and disaster preparedness. The course concludes by examining the standards in IS security and current regulatory and ethical considerations pertaining to IS security and risk management.

This course emphasizes advanced programming concepts, development of web-based client server applications and integration of applications with enterprise systems. Topics include contemporary languages and methodologies used in the business community to support interoperable computer-to-computer interaction over a network. Students complete hands-on exercises, expand their personal e-portfolio of professional skills, and participate in an experiential learning project with an outside organization.

This course examines the short-and long-term decisions that are made in manufacturing and service systems relating to the operations function. Emphasis is placed upon maximizing productivity, improving quality and discussing key issues within operations which are of relevance in a firm’s ability to remain competitive in a global economy. The course also covers global supply chain management aspects such as outsourcing/offshoring and strategic use of information systems. Students are given realistic exercises and gain hands-on experience using a contemporary enterprise information system.

Studies fundamental concepts of data and information management with primary focus on database systems, including identifying organizational requirements, conceptual data modeling, logical and physical database design, SQL and database administration tasks. Other topics include business intelligence technologies, data quality management and emerging trends. This course requires completion of an application prototype on a currently popular DBMS.

An in-depth study of IT infrastructure, network design and management. Additional topics include network security, virtualization, cloud computing and emerging IT technologies. Course includes hands-on experience designing and installing a small network.

The course continues with systems development in an enterprise environment with an emphasis on governance and strategy.  The course focuses on topics such as developing system and network architectures, capturing data, process and security requirements, designing user interfaces and documentation, implementing systems and planning for transition and training.  Moreover, the course covers international governance standards using case examples from global companies.  Governance topics include global strategy development, business alignment, strategic planning and other IS frameworks.  The course provides students with the opportunity to earn the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) designation, an internationally recognized professional certification.

The course focuses on the use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, and explanatory and predictive models to generate data-driven insight for decision-making and competitive strategy. Students gain knowledge and skills to manipulate and analyze large data sets. Topics include the strategic value of business intelligence and analytics, relevant concepts related to databases and data warehouses, data and text mining techniques, and business applications of data mining and analytics. Students use software tools to analyze large data sets.

This internship exposes the student to a real life learning experience. Students are hired by an organization for the specific objective of gaining work experience in that organization. The paid or unpaid internship position should be relevant to the student's major, and is worked out between the organization and the student. Completion of this internship helps students partially attain the following goals of the College of Business. May not be used to satisfy major requirements. Approval of the department chair required.

A course offered at the discretion of the ITM department. Subject may focus on a topic of current interest in the field, training in a specific area of the field, or a topic that is of interest to a particular group of students.

A readings or independent study course taken under faculty guidance for variable credit.

For graduate students only. This course provides an integrated view of managing information systems and operations. Case studies and the SAP enterprise system are used to address key concepts. The course covers the strategic use and development of information systems as well as providing hands-on experience with enterprise systems. Emphasis is placed on managing the supply chain and its impact on strategic planning. The course addresses each element in the operation of a successful supply chain including having the right quantity, quality, location, time, price and information at each stage of the supply chain process. Both classroom and alternative instructional methods may be employed.

For graduate students only. This course is a study of project management using the systems approach to problem solving. This course covers the nine project management knowledge areas. Contemporary project management software is used to illustrate all concepts. The course covers management of multiple projects, new product development, and large technology programs. Information-processing methods such as the Design Structure Matrix are used to analyze task dependencies. Methods for managing uncertainty in project management are covered. Students use case studies, readings and software applications to learn the sophisticated techniques and management designs used to effectively manage risk and uncertainty, financial exposure and human constraints.

For graduate students only. Leading companies compete on analytics. This course focuses on using data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and data-driven insight to support decision-making and actions. Students gain knowledge and skills to manipulate and analyze large data sets for the purpose of business intelligence and decision-making. Topics include the strategic value of analytics and building analytical capabilities, relevant concepts related to databases and data warehouses, data and text mining techniques, and business applications of data mining and analytics. Students apply analytic technologies to explore and analyze large data sets.

For graduate students only. This course examines enterprise system concepts with a focus on understanding how enterprise systems integrate information across business functional areas. Students will learn the fundamentals of a current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application (SAP). The use of enterprise systems at both the transaction processing level and the managerial level is covered. Case studies, business simulation, and hands-on exercises with an enterprise system are used to enhance student understanding. Configuration of an enterprise system for business processes is covered. Students will prepare a comparative analysis of two enterprise systems.

For graduate students only. The course presents an integrated approach to managing IT organization by guiding the participant though a process of effectively aligning, investing, measuring, deploying and sustaining the strategic and tactical direction of IT organizations in 21st-century businesses. The course leverages and integrates current and emerging industry best practices, standards guidelines and leading company case studies. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate an IT management plan by studying an IT organization in a contemporary business as part of the semester-long project.

For graduate students only. This course focuses on innovation's role in 21st-century organizations. It addresses the need for a systemic approach to building innovation capabilities and the challenges of integrating the many facets of innovation management. Leading innovators and building innovative organizations are covered from both a theoretical and applied approach. Topics addressed include fundamental theories of innovation; developing an innovation strategy; innovation as a business process; the role of the innovation context including leadership and organization, culture and values, people and skills, and processes and tools; and assessing and improving innovation performance.

International students must consult with the Office of International Programs. May be used to satisfy up to two hours of practicum requirements.

A course offered at the discretion of the ITM department. Subject may focus on a topic of current interest in the field, training in a specific area of the field, or a topic that is of interest to a particular group of students.

For graduate students only. Contemporary topics in information systems and technology management.