Operations and Information Systems

Introduction to quantitative methods for analyzing business problems. Analytic methods include decision analysis, linear programming, queuing and simulation. Applications address issues in areas such as marketing, production, finance and logistics.

Provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts of software application development for business in an object-oriented, Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment utilizing structured programming concepts. Course involves hands-on application development in a 4GL environment.

Structure and foundations of information systems for management from both a user's and designer's perspective.

An introduction to databases and Database Management Systems (DBMS). Topics include basic concepts of database technology, an introduction to SQL, techniques for logical and physical database design, interaction with a commercial DBMS, and data warehousing.

An overview of the information system and systems development life cycle (SDLC). Emphasis on tools and techniques that analyst can use to document information systems. Current, classical and structured tools for describing data flow, data structure, process flow, file design, input and output design and program applications will be discussed.

This course, a MIS elective, focuses on implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) and its impact on business change process in organizations. ERPs integrate information and applications, spanning the functional boundaries within an organization. The goals of the course are to help students understand ERP systems and their underlying components and technologies, and the business change process with ERP in organizations. The course covers people and technical issues during the pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation stages of the ERP systems life-cycle.

Principles of production/operations management. Nature and function of production systems; operational planning and control; plant layout; materials handling; inventory and quality control.

A supply chain consists of all of the activities and organizations required to produce and deliver a good or service from raw materials to the final end user. Global Operations and Supply Chain Management (GOSCM) involves the coordination of this complex network of organizations and flows of materials, funds, and information among and between the stages of a supply chain. GOSCM integrates the traditional business functions of operations, marketing, logistics, finance, and information systems in an international business context. The course traces the flow of products and services from development through delivery to the final user and will address topics such as global sourcing strategies, managing demand and supply uncertainties distribution strategies and logistics network design for global operations, global strategic alliances, and the role of information technology and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in managing global supply chains.

An introduction to databases and Database Management Systems (DBMS). Topics include basic concepts of database technology, an introduction to SQL, techniques for logical and physical database design, interaction with a commercial DBMS, and data warehousing.

A comprehensive overview of concepts and practice in Business Data Communications and Networking. Explores the principles and applications of data communications in organizations from familiar applications into the more technical aspects of telecom architecture. Analyzes the various types of telecom networks, and how they are designed and configured, including issues involving the management and decision-making process within the telecom department. Students provided with hands-on network administration and configuration experience with a LAN administrator.

Study of computer-based information systems that combine the modeling and data retrieval capabilities of the computer to support nonstructured problem solving. Course will present theory and an opportunity to build a working decision support system.

This course famiiliarizes students with current and emerging electronic commerce technologies using the Internet. Focus is on both Web Design and E-Business. The web design portion provides a foundation for designing dynamic interactive websites for electronic commerce. It addresses planning and developing well-designed websites that combine effective navigation with the balanced use of graphics, text, color, and database access. The electronic business section covers both the theory and practice of doing business over the Internet including issues relating to Internet techology for business advantage; managing electronic commerce funds transfer; reinventing the future of business through electronic commerce; business opportunities in electronic commerce; electronic commerce website design; social, political and ethical issues associated with electronic commerce; and business plans for technology ventures.

This course addresses one or more current topics to the field of Information Systems. Topics can change at each course offering. Typically, the course will focus on an emerging information technology, discussing fundamental concepts and the technology's application to and effect on business. Examples of possible topics are expert systems, hypermedia and hypertext systems, factory automation systems, and the planning for and management of information resources. Subject matter to be announced in advance. Visit the current semester schedule on the Continuing Studies website for more details.

This case-based course will examine methods and strategies for managing and controlling material movement, with particular emphasis on international operations, from the purchase of production materials to the control of work in process to the distribution of the finished product. Strategies that will be discussed include the design of international distribution networks, the use of third-party logistics providers, and the creation of links between logistic systems and marketing to create competitive advantage. The course will also explore tactical issues that must be managed to pursue a logistics strategy successfully, including choices regarding means of transportation, packaging, and inventory policies. Underlying themes of the course will be the use of information technologies (such as electronic data interchange and bar coding) and mathematical models to support logistics decision-making.

This course is intended to provide students with the necessary tools and understanding for managing service operations. Service firms represent the fastest-growing sector of the economy. This course will focus on the various aspects involved in the management of service operations. The service operations are managed differently to their intangibility, time-sensitivity, high levels of customer involvement and lack of engineering standards. This course will explore topics such as design and delivery of services, the measurement of productivity and quality, managing capacity and demand, redesign of service delivery processes, management of technology, and others.

Views quality control from the total or company-wide perspectives. It contains traditional material on statistical process control (SPC), quality cost, quality assurance, quality information systems, as well as the recent management theories and ideas of Deming, Jurand, Ishikawa, and Taguchi.

Topics of current interest in operations management. Subject matter to be announced in advance.

Opportunity for students to earn academic credit through the integration of professional work experience with related academic work. Project jointly supervised by a faculty member and representative of the employing organization.

Internship In OM

This course will look at the roles of quality in Information Systems as it relates to Information Systems Development and Information Technology including Data Quality, Information Systems audits, the use of busines process reengineering IT-enable change, and change management. The course will include real world case studies.