MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECIVES

MIS 1050 Basic Computer Applications 3 credits

Students gain the computer skillsneeded to succeed in their academic careers and in today's workplace. Major topics include basic computer operations and software productivity tools: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics and email.Students learn the mechanics of using Microsoft Office productivity tools;how to select the most appropriate productivity tool for a task; and how to efficiently use these tools to store data, analyze data and communicate information.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Define basic computer terminology and identify the major hardware components of a computer system.
  2. Use file management techniques to efficiently maintain files.
  3. Use a word processing program to create a professionally formatted,multi-page document that incorporates text, tables, column formatting and graphics.
  4. Create professional presentation slides thatintegrate text, graphics and multi-media objects to effectively communicate a message.
  5. Develop spreadsheet formulas that properly use different types of cell references and functions.
  6. Create formatted charts using data in a spreadsheet.
  7. Use basic and advanced spreadsheet functions to analyze data.
  8. Describe the purpose of a database management system.
  9. Createand save database forms, reports and queries that filter and summarize data in a database.
  10. Describeand use Microsoft Office integration features.

MIS 1110 Introduction to Management Information Systems 3 credits

Explores current Information Systems concepts and technologies. Students learn how information systems give a business or organization a competitive edge by providing technologies that help managers plan, control, and make decisions. Includes topics such as hardware and software components of an information system, e-business concepts and implementation, and a survey of common information systems used today.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Define the role of information systems in a business or organization.
  2. Comparethe different types of information systems, such as Transaction Processing, Decision Support Systems, Executive Information Systems, Geographic Information Systems and Expert Systems.
  3. Define the role played by various information technologies, such as database management systems and telecommunications in today’s information systems.
  4. Identify and describe the fundamental hardware and software components of an information system.
  5. Describe the systems development life cycle and identify various methodologies for its implementation.
  6. Explain the importance of addressing security issues in today’s information systems.
  7. Identify the ethical and social issues related to information systems.

MIS 1200 Introduction to Programming Languages 3 credits

Introduces students to fundamental programming concepts and techniques. Topics include the development and documentation of logic, syntax, programming control structures, data structures, programming paradigms, and a survey of modern programming languages. Focuses on the problem solving process as it applies to the development of computer programs. In a hands-on environment, students will design, code, and test simple programs. An introductory programming course which does not require any prior programming experience.

Prerequisite: MIS 1050 or MIS 1600

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Design, code and debug simple programs.
  2. Develop programs that employ reusable programming modules.
  3. Document an algorithm using pseudocode, flowcharts and activity diagrams.
  4. Properly use sequence, decision and iterative control structures in a program.
  5. Comparedifferentprogramming languages and describe the types of applicationsfor whichthey were designed.
  6. Write simple programs using different types ofprogramming languages.

MIS 1300 Information Technology Infrastructure 3 credits

Students will develop a thorough understanding of the current operating systems, networks, and communications infrastructure. Includes an understanding of the functions of operating systems, fundamental automated data and voice communications concepts and terminology, and modes of data transmission, transmission media, and different types of networks.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Understand the functions of operating systems.

2. Understand commercial and private communications media.

3. Understand the development and potential future of business communications.

4. Understand current software trends for data communications.

5. Understand networks and network design fundamentals.

6. Understand the function of collaborative software systems.

7. Understand how to use the web for business.

MIS1500 Productivity Software3 credits

Students gain the computer skills needed to succeed in their academic careers and in today's workplace. Major topics include file management and office productivity tools: Word-Processing, Visual Presentation, and Basic to Advanced Spreadsheet usage. Students learn the mechanics of file management and the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools; how to select the most appropriate productivity tool for a task; and how to efficiently use these tools to store data, analyze data, and communicate information. In this course, students gain hands-on, practical experience using currently popular word-processing, presentation, and spreadsheet programs.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Use file management techniques to efficiently maintain files.
  2. Use a word-processing program to create a professionally formatted, multi-page documents that incorporate text, tables, columns, and graphics.
  3. Use a presentation program to create professional slide presentations that integrate text, graphics and multi-media objects to effectively communicate a message.
  4. Use a spreadsheet program to efficiently create professionally formatted worksheets and charts.
  5. Use advanced spreadsheet formatting to better display data in a more useful format.
  6. Develop simple and complex spreadsheet formulas that properly use different types of cell references and functions, especially financial, logical, lookup and statistical functions.
  7. Create formatted charts to represent data in a visual format.
  8. Analyze data using spreadsheet scenario tools and data management features, including filtering, subtotals, pivot tables and pivot charts.
  9. Use tools to determine and present multiple scenarios based on calculations of one set of data.

MIS 1600 Advanced Office Applications 3 credits

Students learn how to accomplish specific business processing objectives by organizing and manipulating data in an electronic spreadsheet and a database. Covers both intermediate and advanced features of spreadsheets and database management programs. Emphasis will be placed on the efficient utilization of spreadsheets and databases to produce information that is meaningful in making business decisions. Students gain hands-on experience using current spreadsheet and database programs.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Efficiently create professionally formatted worksheets and charts.
  2. Develop simple and complex spreadsheet formulas that properly use different types of cell references and functions, especially financial, logical, lookup and statistical functions.
  3. Analyze data using spreadsheet scenario tools and data management features, including filtering, subtotals, pivot tables and pivot charts.
  4. Describe the use and functions of database programs and how they preserve the integrity of data.
  5. Create and maintain database tables, forms, and reports.
  6. Analyze data using SQL and advanced QBE queries.
  7. Use database features to import and export data andshare data between applications including WEB pages.
  8. Use database security features to protect data.

MIS 1800Collaboration and Web Programming 3 credits

Introduces students to basic elements of collaborative tools and web programming concepts. Use these tools to develop skills in business process integration with web applications.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Understand how collaborative software products are used to interface with the web.
  2. Understand current trends in web interaction with corporate systems.
  3. Understand why the web is being used for corporate systems interaction.
  4. Use collaborative tools to interact with corporate systems
  5. Use web authorizing tools to interact with corporate systems

MIS 2140 Business Application Programming I, 3 credits

Introduces students to the elements of business programming using a selected programming language. Study of the program development cycle and practice designing and writing business application programs. In designing programs, students will learn to identify program requirements, data requirements, user interface requirements, and the programming processes needed to develop a solution. Based on their designs, students will code, test, and evaluate their programs.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Describe the program and data design methods used in programming.
  2. Comparethestructured, object-oriented, and event-driven programming paradigms.
  3. Identify the elements of business applications.
  4. Understand syntax and error handling processes in a popular business programming language.
  5. Describe the steps in the program development cycle: analyze, design, interface, code and test.
  6. Develop and document programs using programming tools.
  7. Write computer programs using a Windows based language.

MIS 2150 Business Application Programming II 3 credits

Advances the students knowledge of programming concepts and design principles acquired in MIS 2140. Students will develop more advanced algorithms and use more complex data structures. Concepts of GUI, web enabled and event-driven programming will be utilized.
Prerequisite: MIS 2140

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Incorporate information stored in a database into an application.
  2. Identify the elements of graphical user interface programming.
  3. Use controls and audit trails in programming.
  4. Develop web based programs using programming tools.
  5. Develop programs requiring the use of more complex data structures.
  6. Develop a more thorough understanding of the complete process of program development.
  7. Write programs that interact with databases and the web.

MIS 3100 Graphics and Web Design 3 credits

Focuses on Web concepts and high quality Web Design; as well as digital image/graphic design and manipulation for the Web and Print Media. Important issues such as sequential communication, editorial design, and visual communication for the Web will be studied and applied within this course. Students will integrate text, digital images/graphics, and other design applications into Web site design. Web site and digital image design will be applied using the most powerful and up to date industry software (Adobe Creative Suite).

Prerequisites: MIS 1050 or MIS 1600

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Analyze, evaluate, create, and manipulate digital images/graphics for use on a Web site and print media using the most current industry software (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite).
  2. Analyze, evaluate, and create Web sites that meet standard navigational and accessibility standards of the industry.
  3. Apply the basic design principles to both digital images and Web sites.
  4. Use a software package (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite) to create a Web site and digital images/graphics used within the site.
  5. Apply additional design elements unique to Web development that promote ease of use (navigation) and accessibility.
  6. Create and Modify CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and Templates for Web site design (Use and Understanding of Basic HTML coding).

MIS 3200 Database Design and Implementation 3 credits

The design, implementation and maintenance of databases play a key role in the success of modern information systems. Students examine the logical design and physical organization of data in an enterprise database. Various approaches to data management are discussed with focus being placed on relational database management systems. Topics include the advantages of using database management systems, the proper design and implementation of a database, accessing and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL), and the role of a database administrator.
Prerequisite: MIS 2140

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Describe the database development cycle.
  2. Identify data requirements for a database.
  3. Analyze data requirements and use this analysis to develop the conceptual design of a database.
  4. Develop an Entity-Relationship diagram that documents the conceptual design of a database.
  5. Develop and document a relational data model and a physical database design.
  6. Use SQL to create databases and to retrieve and manipulate data in a database.
  7. Write an application program that interacts with a database.
  8. Describe common database security and control measures implemented to protect databases.

MIS 3250 ERP Business Applications – SAP 3 credits

Introduces students to the concepts used with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Students examine the relationships and interdependence of programs used to create information systems for organizations. Customer Relationship, Supply Chain, Production and Financial system models will be featured. Implementation issues are examined for SAP including technical structure.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants student to:

  1. Have studied the fundamentals of ERP Systems using SAP.
  2. Have examined Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Production Management, and Financial Systems, including how they interact with ERP.
  3. Understand the issues associated with the implementation of ERP systems.
  4. Understand the interaction of ERP systems for the Global organization.
  5. Understand centralized and distributed approaches used with ERP systems.
  6. Understand the concepts of ERP deployment for Global organizations.

MIS 3300: Project Management, 3 credits

Students will examine the significant role that project management plays in the successful completion of an information technology project. The skills, tools, and best practices used to effectively manage a project from its inception to successful closure will be discussed. Students will learn how to control the scope, time, cost, and quality of projects, and gain hands-on experience using project management software.

Prerequisite: MIS 1050 or MIS 1600

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Describe the constraints that affect project management.
  2. Describe the project management framework, which includes the stakeholders, project management knowledge areas and project management tools and techniques.
  3. Identify the phases of the project life cycle and compare the project life cycle and the product life cycle.
  4. Describe the main processes and deliverables in managing a project.
  5. Effectively use project management software to design a project.
  6. Work within a group to maximize group effectiveness of a project.
  7. Analyze project requirements and develop a complete project plan for a business process change.

MIS 3400 Systems Analysis and Design 3 credits

Examines the various tools and methodologies for the development and implementation of a business information system. Students will also examine the logical and physical organizations of data in an enterprise database. The systems approach is discussed in detail in conjunction with current concepts of systems analysis and design. The life cycle concept, the importance of implementing controls during the planning, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation phases of a management information system to solve business management problems are highlighted.

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Describe the development life cycle of information systems.
  2. Compare the different methods and tools used in systems analysis and design.
  3. Describe the architecture and functionsof database management systems.
  4. Use currently popular database management systems.
  5. Analyze information requests and write advanced SQL queries that produce the requested information.
  6. Describe the responsibilities of a database administrator.
  7. Analyze and document current business processes and systems using diagramming tools.
  8. Participate as a team member in the analysis and documentation of a business process.

MIS 3850 Special Topics 1 – 3 credits

Various topics in management information systems. These may be one-time or occasional course offerings.

Prerequisite: Dependent on specific course content

MIS 4000 Advanced Information Systems Project 3 credits

Capstone course for the MIS concentration and is designed to consolidate the business and information systems knowledge acquired during the completion of the program. The skills, tools, and best practices used to effectively manage a project from its inception to successful closure will be discussed. Student teams will manage an information systems project that improves business operations. Students will apply project management best practices as they work through the project life cycle. This course promotes the development of consultative communications skills and interpersonal skills with team members and other project stakeholders.

Prerequisites: MIS 3400

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Describeand implement project management best practices.
  2. Develop interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  3. Work within a team todevelop a project plan for a business process change;analyze and document requirements for a new information system or for a change to an existing system;develop programs for the system;writeuser documentation; andevaluate the team’s project plan and its execution.

MIS 4110 Systems Project I 3 credits

Students majoring in MIS apply the concepts learned in prior courses along with new knowledge about computer system analysis and design to step through the entire systems development life cycle in a team environment. A business process will be analyzed and documented for a selected business. Emphasis will be placed on the overall design of a business information system using a macro perspective as well as interaction with other systems. The analysis of the business process and the data design will be completed within this course.

Prerequisite: MIS 3400

By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

  1. Develop a project plan for a business process change.
  2. Gather information about a business process.
  3. Develop diagrams depicting both current and proposed business processes.
  4. Design the required database and interaction of databases for the business process.
  5. Develop a systems project proposal.
  6. Present the project proposal to stakeholders for approval.

MIS 4210 Systems Project II 3 credits