Course Listings

Concepts and Applications of Information Technology

IFSM 201 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Access to a standard office productivity package, i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, required.) An introduction to data and the range of technologies (including hardware, software, databases, and networking and information systems) that provide the foundation for the data-centric focus of modern organizations. The objective is to apply knowledge of basic technical, ethical, and security considerations to select and use information technology (and the data that arises from technology) effectively in one's personal and professional lives. Discussion covers issues related to technology as a vehicle for collecting, storing, and sharing data and information, including privacy, ethics, security, and social impact. Applied exercises focus on the manipulation, analysis, and visualization of data and effective data communication strategies. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 301, CAPP 101, CAPP 300, CMST 300, IFSM 201, or TMGT 201.

Information Systems in Organizations

IFSM 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: "An overview of information systems and how they provide value by supporting organizational objectives. The goal is to analyze business strategies to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes and to identify information system requirements by analyzing business processes. Discussion covers concepts of business processes and alignment of information systems solutions to strategic goals."

Foundations of Management Information Systems

IFSM 301 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 300. An overview of information technology management and governance. The goal is to be familiar with IT organizations, management of IT strategy, and factors in IT decision making. Topics include strategic alignment, portfolio management, risk management, business continuity, compliance, and organizational relationships.

Ethics in Information Technology

IFSM 304 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A comprehensive study of ethics and of personal and organizational ethical decision making in the use of information systems in a global environment. The aim is to identify ethical issues raised by existing and emerging technologies, apply a structured framework to analyze risk and decision alternatives, and understand the impact of personal ethics and organizational values on an ethical workplace.

Information Systems in Healthcare Organizations

IFSM 305 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An overview of how information systems provide value by supporting organizational objectives in the healthcare sector. The goal is to evaluate how technology solutions support organizational strategy in the healthcare environment and improve quality of care, safety, and financial management. Topics include the flow of data among disparate health information systems and the ethical, legal, and regulatory policy implications.

Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts

IFSM 310 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the hardware, software, and network components of computer systems and their interrelationships. The objective is to select appropriate components for organizational infrastructures. Discussion covers the application of system development life-cycle methodology to build secure integrated systems that meet business requirements. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 270, CMIS 310, CMSC 311, or IFSM 310.

Enterprise Architecture

IFSM 311 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 310. A study of enterprise architecture and frameworks, including the transition of current business processes and functional systems to an enterprise solution. The aim is to analyze how enterprise architecture and resulting enterprise systems support an organization's ability to adapt and respond to a continually changing business and competitive environment.

Office Automation

IFSM 320 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Recommended: IFSM 201. An examination of office information systems and decision-support systems as emerging critical elements of data and information systems for business uses. Emphasis is on information-processing considerations at the systems level, including analysis and management of support activities. Discussion covers interfaces between machines and their users, current and future technological trends, and their effects on data processing and the office environment.

Telecommunications in Information Systems

IFSM 370 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 300. An introduction to telecommunication infrastructure. The goal is to plan, analyze, and design a secure telecommunication infrastructure that meets business needs and protects information assets. Topics include cybersecurity, data communication protocols and standards, networks, and trends in telecommunications. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 370, CMSC 370, CSIA 302, IFSM 370, or IFSM 450.

Managing and Leading in Information Technology

IFSM 380 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 201 or IFSM 300. A foundation in leadership skills for the fast-paced information technology environment. The goal is to expand interpersonal communication skills, think critically, solve problems, and apply basic management principles to complete tasks effectively. Topics include effective communication in customer facing and managerial environments, critical thinking and problem solving, time management, and the application of leadership and management concepts in the workplace of today and tomorrow.  Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 380 or IFSM 250.

Business Continuity Planning

IFSM 432 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 311. An analysis of the requirements for business continuity and disaster recovery planning related to mission critical business information systems. The goal is to assess the risk to continuity of business processes, develop a Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Plan according to industry standards and best practices, and develop a test plan. Topics include risk assessment and organizational requirements for maintaining systems. A group project is designed to produce and validate a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 432 or IFSM 498N.

Information Systems Project Management

IFSM 438 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 300 or CSIA 350. A practical application of project management principles and procedures. The objective is to manage and control IT projects in alignment with organizational strategic goals and within resource constraints and to manage high-performing project teams to implement IT solutions. Topics include the development, control, and execution of plans to manage information systems projects as part of a team and the use of Microsoft Project to develop project schedules and related components. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 438 or TMGT 430.

Agile Project Management

IFSM 441 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: IFSM 438. An advanced study of agile project management methods for software development. The objective is to apply agile practices to better manage projects characterized by complexity and uncertainty with responsiveness and adaptability and to consider alternative approaches to managing projects by matching the approach to the characteristics of a project. Topics include estimation techniques; the scrum (software development) process, i.e., inspect, adapt, and improve; and dealing with organizational impediments to adoption.

Systems Analysis and Design

IFSM 461 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: IFSM 311 and either IFSM 330 or CMIS 320. A project-driven study of tools and techniques for translating business requirements into operational systems. The goal is to plan, build, and maintain systems that meet organizational strategic goals by applying enterprise architecture and enterprise governance principles and practices. Topics include processes and system development life-cycle methodologies, data modeling methods, and the importance of stakeholder involvement. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 436, IFSM 460, or IFSM 461.

Management Information Systems Capstone

IFSM 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: IFSM 438 and IFSM 461. A practical application of the knowledge and experience gained from previous study in management information systems. The aim is to demonstrate a mastery of management information systems concepts. Emerging issues and trends in management information systems are considered.