Introduction to computer components. Hands-on exposure to PC-based applications including word processing, spreadsheet, statistics, database, electronic mail, business graphics, and introduction to internet.

Suggested lab work (Closed Lab)

Programming assignments to exercise the use of various tools taught in the course. This may include solving business problems and/or implementing mini-projects. These include spreadsheet, data base, and statistical tools. Mainly, students will use MS Office software.

A survey of MIS concepts. Information systems for operational, tactical and strategic management in the various functions of an organization. Overview of end-user computing.

Fundamentals of systems development life cycle. Basic systems analysis and design tools: data dictionary, data flow diagrams, process specifications, entity-relationship diagrams, and CASE tools. Emphasis on front-end phases of SDLC. Practice of analysis and design through case studies.

Introduction to COBOL language fundamentals, designing structured programs using basic structured and modular programming techniques. Developing high level programs: control break processing, data validation techniques, interactive processing, array processing & table handling, and file maintenance. The course will also provide exposure to program test planning and test data design.

Database versus file processing environments. Data resource management. Database support for various levels of management. Relational Database model. Conceptual data modeling. Logical database design. Integrity and security. Database languages including SQL and QBE. Data and Database administration.

Information Technology (IT) in today’s world. Evaluation of the impact on individuals, organizations, society, and quality of life. Social and ethical considerations including privacy, piracy, accuracy, accessibility, and dysfunctional behavior. Legislative responsibilities, computer crimes, copyrights, patents, and other legal issues.

A period of 28 weeks of business employment for MIS students to get practical training in the area of management information systems with reputable business organizations and as approved by the Department. Each student is evaluated on his performance on the job and is required to submit progress reports and a formal report about his coop work experience. The final report will be evaluated by a team of three faculty members, including the advisor.

Development of computerized business systems using CASE tools, DBMS, 4GL and/or application generators. Project management techniques. Emphasis on back-end phases of SDLC. Team projects to develop real business systems.

Introduction to Management Support systems (MSS): Decision Support Systems, Group Decision Support Systems, and Executive Information Systems. Expert Systems and Neural Networks. Tools and Techniques for developing and using these systems. Integration of MSS. Team projects to develop MSS.

Suggested Laboratory Work (Closed Lab)

Work on different tools used in developing management support systems. Use of tools such as Access, Excel, Expert Choice, IFPS, VP Expert, Exsys, EIS Commander, and Flagship. By using one or more of these tools, students will develop prototypes systems in one or more of the following areas: decision support system, expert system, executive support system, and natural language processing system.

Business programming in a database environment. Client/server concepts and applications. Multi-user system considerations including concurrency control and security. Program efficiency, program test planning and test data design, program maintenance, and online documentation.

Concepts and supporting technologies for group decision making activities. Topics include conceptual foundations of group decision process and techniques, structure of GDSS, level of GDSS support, technologies of GDSS, organizational and individual impact of decision making in groups. Team work approach will be applied to projects and class assignments.

Suggested Laboratory Work (Closed Lab)

Work on different tools used in developing and using group decision support systems. Student will practice group decision processes in actual specialized lab. Students will also develop prototypes for an actual GDSS using a specialized lab software, such as Lotus Notes.

Auditing of computer-based information systems. Audit environment and information systems controls. Theory of internal control and application of audit procedures in a computerized environment. Techniques for evaluating applications, data integrity, general operations, security, systems software and maintenance.

Fundamentals of managing End User Computing (EUC) activities and resources. Technological, organizational, and behavioral issues related to EUC. Potential benefits, growth, problems and risks. Use of information center to promote, support, control, and manage EUC.

Theories and practices in the management of organizational information systems resources. Frameworks for introduction, evolution, and assimilation of information systems into an organization. Roles of IT and roles of people using, developing, and managing systems. Global concepts of IT. Societal and ethical issues related to IS design and use.

Coverage of contemporary and advanced MIS topics, such as data management, information processing, decision making, and social implications of information technology.