IDSc Course Descriptions

Key to course numbers, symbols, and abbreviations.

IDSC 3001. Information Systems for Business Processes and Management. (3 cr)
Developing/using IS to support business processes, managerial decision making, and organizational strategy. Technology components of IS. Impact on
organizations. Creation/change processes. Managerial issues. Techniques for designing, developing, and implementing IS. Databases and user interfaces.
Computer/communications network platforms. Internet, e-business, and e-commerce applications. [Prerequisites: BA 1001 or experience using
Windows/Internet.]

IDSC 3101. Introduction to Programming. (2 cr)
This course will introduce students to the basics of computer programming used by companies all over the world to build today’s most sophisticated
information systems. The course covers variables, control structures, data structures such as arrays and collections, elements of programming style, and basic graphical user interfaces (GUIs). [Prerequisites: none.]

IDSC 3102. Intermediate Programming. (2 cr)
This course will supplement students’ basic knowledge of programming concepts by introducing intermediate programming concepts that allow the student to develop larger and more full-featured applications. The course will cover object-oriented programming, database applications, and modern web applications, style, performance, and UI design. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3101 or equivalent experience (based on the instructor’s consent).]

IDSC 3103. Data Modeling and Databases. (2 cr)
Introduce the basic concepts for designing, using, and implementing database systems. Design database using normalization techniques. Retrieve data from database using Structured Query Language (SQL). Analyze a business situation and build an appropriate database application. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3001.]

IDSC 3104. Information Technology Infrastructure. (2 cr)
The course covers fundamental concepts of IT infrastructure and infrastructure planning and management. Topics include fundamentals of networking and telecommunications, storage technologies, operating systems, servers, service-oriented architecture (SOA) and web-services, and the organizing principles of an adaptive infrastructure. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3001.]

IDSC 3202. Analysis and Modeling for Business Systems Development. (4 cr)
Improving and automating key business processes in manufacturing and service industries. Concepts of business process automation, roles of business management and of MIS. Selecting business process opportunities, business process analysis, process modeling of work flow and data flow, decomposition, software tools. Traditional/object analysis methodologies. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3001.]

IDSC 4102. Introduction to Information Systems Analysis.
(3.0 cr; prereq 3001; A-F only)
Life cycle for development of an information system application. Standards, tools, and techniques required in analysis of information requirements and in logical information systems design. Processing alternative approaches to systems design.

IDSC 4103. Database Design, Manipulation, and Management.
(3.0 cr; prereq 3001; A-F only)
Use of computer technology and software to represent, manipulate, and manage data. Facilities for ad hoc interactive use and system development. Principles and techniques of logical database design. Introduction to physical representation and storage of data. DBMS tools to manage data and high-level languages to retrieve and manipulate data.

IDSC 4131. Advanced Database Design and Administration.
(3.0 cr; prereq 4103; A-F only)
Role, organization, functions, and tools of data administration. Data planning and information architectures. Object-oriented DBMS and support for graphics and CAD/CAM applications. Data security, maintaining database integrity, and managing data shared, networked or distributed environment. Strategies for using advanced DBMS tools and CASE tools.

IDSC 4153. Telecommunications: Domestic and International Policy and Regulation.
(3.0 cr; prereq 3001; A-F only)
Regulation and policy making in telecommunications. Evolution of the industry. Industry structure. Models for policy. Roles and relationships of U.S. standards organizations, the telecommunications industry, and governmental units. Evolution of international telecommunications organizations and regulatory systems. Analysis of current issues.

IDSC 4203. Information Technology Infrastructure.
(4.0 cr; prereq 3201, 3202; A-F only)
Technology/infrastructure for developing large-scale information systems. Processes to identify, evaluate, and select appropriate infrastructure components. Application of systems analysis and design techniques in a class project.

IDSC 4204W. Information Services Management. (4 cr)
Information services as a service function. Techniques, activities, and issues for management/control of systems development at project level. Relationship of function, roles, and organizational structures. IS planning/business strategy, skill development, career pathing. Management of acquisition, subcontracting, outsourcing, operations, and user support. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3202.] Note: This is a writing-intensive course of the MIS program.

IDSC 4301. Information Systems Capstone Course: A Live Case. (2 cr)
The IDSc curriculum prepares students to solve managerial problems by the appropriate application of technology. The Capstone Course is an opportunity for students to integrate various technologies to solve a significant problem. Working with people from a host organization, teams of students will solve the problem using a “live case” format. [Prerequisites: IDSC 4204W.]

Elective IDSC Courses

IDSC 4401. Information Security. (2 cr)
Concepts/issues of security and data integrity threats that undermine utility, robustness, and confidence in electronic technologies in facilitating business transactions. [Prerequisite: IDSC 3104 or instructor’s consent.]

IDSC 4411. Accounting Information Systems and IT Governance. (2 cr)
The information technology audit function, internal control, IT audit process, smart IT operations, network security, systems development life cycle, enterprise resource planning risk, compliance issues, IT governance, business continuity, and frameworks and methodologies. Lectures, case studies, and real world examples demonstrate this material. [Prerequisites: IDSc 3001.]

IDSC 4421. Financial Information Systems and Technologies. (2 cr)
IS in financial services, corporate financial operations, and investment management. Traditional vs. electronic financial markets, computerized trading, digital sources of financial data, electronic money, and decision technologies in financial services. Software development skills for personal investments. [Prerequisites: IDSc 3001.]

IDSC 4431. Advanced Database Design. (2 cr) Comparative review of data modeling methodologies. Advanced constructs in database design. Modeling subtypes and supertypes, ternary and higher-order relationships, integrity constraints. CASE tools; representation of facts; verbalization of a data model for human understanding and validation. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3103.]

IDSC 4432. Advanced Database Management and Administration.
(2.0 cr; prereq 4431 or &4431; A-F only)
Managing information resources. Data planning, global information architectures. Advanced data manipulation languages, comprehensive DBMS facilities, and O-O DBMS. Analysis and data mining tools. Deploying/managing databases in a distributed environment. Data integrity, security, and privacy.

IDSC 4441. Electronic Commerce. (2 cr)
The Internet and web technology as a business enabler. Issues and trends surrounding the effective application of e-commerce initiatives. Technological infrastructure, revenue models, web marketing, business to business strategies, online auctions, legal and ethical aspects of the web, web server hardware and software, payment systems, and security. Effective conceiving, planning, building and managing of e-commerce initiatives. [Prerequisites: IDSC 3001.]

IDSC 4461. Data Warehousing.
(2.0 cr; prereq 3202; A-F only)
Designing, developing, using, and managing data warehouses. Data warehousing vs traditional databases. ETL processes. Dimensional analysis and multidimensional modeling. Supporting business intelligence. Marketplace for vendors/tools. Operational performance/management of data warehouses. Deploying data warehouse on the Internet. Hands-on use of data warehousing tools.

IDSC 4490. Information Systems Special Topics.
(2.0 cr [max 10.0 cr]; prereq 3202; A-F only)
Discussion and analysis of current topics and developments in information systems.

IDSC 4491. Independent Study in Information Systems.
(1.0-4.0 cr; prereq #; A-F only)

IDSC 4496. Information Systems Industry Internship.
(2.0 cr; prereq &3202, ?; A-F only)
Learning by working in IS activities and receiving appropriate training from a sponsoring organization. Custom designed to meet pre-established learning objectives. "Work practice" plan required and must be approved by the organization and the director of IDSc undergraduate studies.

IDSC 6040. Information Technology Management.
(2.0 cr; A-F only)
Management of information systems, information technology (IT) in global organization. Strategic uses of IT. Alignment of IT, organizational strategy, internet/Web technologies, and e-commerce customer services. Integration of e-business applications, interorganizational systems, and systems implementation. Management of information as a resource. Lecture, case analysis, classroom discussion.

IDSC 6050. Information Technologies and Solutions.
(2.0 cr; prereq Background in information technology or computer science; A-F only)
Advanced technologies/solutions critical to evaluating opportunities and creating strategic advantage. Technologies covered may include data warehousing, data mining,CRM, ERP, XMA, and wireless. Fundamental knowledge to create a normative base. business applications via short cases. Features/capabilities of commercial software implementations.

IDSC 6101. Individual Productivity With Information Technology.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Concepts, principles, practices for increasing knowledge/productivity. Productivity enhancing software functions/features, software selection/solutions, development processes, advanced use of software packages.

IDSC 6102. Solving Business Problems With Decision Support Tools.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Applying spreadsheet tools in decision support, problem solving techniques. Business modeling, what-if analysis, goal-seeking, charting/graphing, database structuring/querying, financial/statistical analysis, scenario management, development of business applications (using Visual Basic). Lectures, hands-on problem solving.

IDSC 6201. Information Systems Development: Methodologies and Tools.
(2.0 cr; A-F only)
Methods/tools associated with large-scale information systems development. Process modeling, data maodeling. Relational and )-) DBMS. Visual, graphical, object, and procedural systems development languages. Interface design. Application of CASE tools. Lecture, lab.

IDSC 6202. Information Systems Development: Planning and Analysis.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Information systems planning/analysis methodologies, concepts, and techniques. Systems development, problem formulation/prioritization, risk assessment. Establishing enterprise-wide information requirements, Specifiying/verifying application systems requirements with end-users. IS acquisition/implementation. Group project.

IDSC 6401. Decision Technologies for E-Business.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Traditional vs. Web-based decision support. Neural nets, genetic algorithms, evolutionary computing, data mining technologies. Intelligent agent design, construction, and application. Collaborative filtering and recommendation technologies. Spatial/demographic decision tools on the Web. Coverage of technologies are paired with business applications. Hands-on experience with software tools.

IDSC 6421. E-Commerce in the Financial Services Industry.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
IT-focused business models of financial firms. Industry/firm technology infrastructures, applications, and in-firm control technologies. IT in financial markets and investment management. E-brokerage, digital quote vendors, Web-based IPOs. Web-based and home banking systems, traditional/Internet-based e-payment solutions, e-bill payment/presentment. Hands on experience with software.

IDSC 6423. Enterprise Systems Technology.
(2.0 cr; A-F only)
Requirements of architectures of information systems that help integrate business processes and optimize performance across diverse organizations/divisions. Capabilities of information systems in enterprise integration and supply chain management. Linkages necessary between information systems and business processes.

IDSC 6431. Advanced Database Design.
(2.0 cr; prereq 6201, MBA student; A-F only)
Comparative review of data modeling methodologies. Advanced constructs in database design. Modeling subtypes/supertypes, ternary/higher-order relationships, integrity constraints. CASE tools, representation of facts, verbalization of a data model for human understanding, validation.

IDSC 6432. Advanced Database Management and Administration.
(2.0 cr; prereq [6431 or &6431], MBA student; A-F only)
Managing information resources. Data planning, global information architectures, advanced data manipulation languages, comprehensive DBMS facilities, O-O DBMS, analysis/data mining tools, deploying/managing databases in a distributed environment. Data integrity, security, privacy.

IDSC 6441. Introduction to Electronic Commerce.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Web, browsers, search engines, portals and Internet service providers, HTML and Web development tools, intelligent agents, Web site metering tools. E-commerce applications. Client-side Web page development in HTML with a current CASE tool. Server-side development approaches for interactive Web pages with embedded database functionality. Hands-on experience with software development tools.

IDSC 6442. Technologies for Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Traditional firms' planning process to establish e-business operational, sales, and Web-based marketing capabilities. Bundling, aggregation, digital product pricing policies. Technology standards, sponsored technologies. Industry infrastructures for e-commerce. Enabling technologies in business-to-business contexts. Web server and content management. Design issues. Hands-on with software development tools.

IDSC 6451. Fundamentals of Telecommunications.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Layered protocols, protocol stacks. Optical fiber, modems, cable, DSL, TDM, frame relay, ATM, SONET, satellites, wireless. Signaling, multiplexing, circuit/packet switching, data linking and networking concepts, LANs/WANs. Business uses, management/administration issues. Public networks and carrier systems, telecommunications industry, convergence, regulation/standards.

IDSC 6452. Internet Technologies.
(2.0 cr; prereq &6451, MBA student; A-F only)
Structure/organization/evolution of Internet. Standards, IP functions. ARP, DNS, DHCP, routers/protocols. TCP, UDP, multicasting. FTP, HTTP, SMTP, SNMP. HTTP 1.1, IPv6, MIME. Encryption, SSH, SSL, IPSec. Intranets, extranets. Public key infrastructures, certification hierarchies. Products/technologies that support information systems/e-commerce.

IDSC 6461. Data Warehousing.
(2.0 cr; prereq 6201, MBA student; A-F only)
Role of data warehouses in supporting decision making in organizations. Differences from traditional databases, extracting/cleansing data, integrating external data sources, building a historical database. Dimensional analysis, multidimensional modeling. On-line analytical processing.

IDSC 6471. Knowledge Management.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Design, evaluation, use of knowledge in organizations. Leveraging knowledge in workers, structures, processes. Assessment of knowledge needs. Evaluation of key decision processes, information demands, usage patterns, content requirements. Behavioral/cultural barriers. Use of technology for knowledge management.

IDSC 6481. Managerial Decision Making.
(2.0 cr; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Frameworks for making decisions as a manager, knowledge worker, or individual. How policies area adopted. Poor decision making. Learning from mistakes. Bounded rationality, system thinking, concepts of learning.

IDSC 6490. Advanced Topics in MIS.
(2.0 cr [max 10.0 cr]; prereq MBA student; A-F only)
Discussion/analysis of topics/developments in managing information systems.

IDSC 6491. Independent Study in Information Systems.
(1.0-4.0 cr; prereq #; A-F only)

IDSC 8511. Conceptual Topics and Research Methods in Information and Decision Sciences.
(4.0 cr; prereq Business admin PhD student or #)
Relationships to underlying disciplines; major research streams; seminal articles, survey literature, and major researchers. Provides framework for organizing knowledge about information and decision sciences.

IDSC 8521. System Development.
(2.0 cr; prereq Business admin PhD student or #; offered alt yrs)
Why it is hard to develop efficient/effective information systems, what can be done to improve situation. Defining efficiency/effectiveness in development process and in systems. Producing/evaluating artifacts (constructs, models, methods, tools) that enable more efficient/effective information systems to be developed.

IDSC 8711. Cognitive Science.
(4.0 cr; prereq Business admin PhD student or #; offered alt yrs)
Empirically based concepts of knowledge and reason, mental representation and conceptual systems that guide problem solving and decision making. Computational metaphor of mind drawn from psychology, computer science, linguistics, anthropology, and philosophy. Implications for understanding of knowledge work.

IDSC 8721. Behavioral Decision Theory.
(2.0 cr; prereq Business admin PhD student or #; offered alt yrs)
Traditional/current research. Major models/methodologies. Issues of preference, judgment, and choice under conditions of certainty/uncertainty. Seminar format.

IDSC 8722. Heuristic Decision Making.
(2.0 cr; prereq Business Admin PhD student or #; offered alt yrs)
How decisions are made, how knowledge is stored/used, how knowledge of variability/feedback influence decisions. Decisions at strategic, operational, individual level. Exceptional performance, pathologies of decision making. Basis for "best practice." How knowledge is managed in decisions, decision failure. Folly, normal accidents, decision problems in which individuals manipulate information to influence/deceive others.

IDSC 8800. Research Seminar in Information and Decision Sciences.
(4.0 cr [max 20.0 cr]; prereq Business admin PhD student or #)
Topics, which vary by semester, are selected from new areas of research, research methods, and significant issues.

IDSC 8801. Research Seminar in Information and Decision Sciences.
(2.0 cr [max 20.0 cr]; prereq Business Admin PhD student or #)
New areas of research, research methods, issues.

IDSC 8802. Research Seminar in IDSc.
(3.0 cr [max 15.0 cr]; prereq PhD student or #; A-F only)
Topics selected from new areas of research, research methods and significant issues in information and decision sciences.

IDSC 8892. Readings in Information and Decision Sciences.
(1.0-8.0 cr [max 16.0 cr]; prereq Business admin PhD student or #)
Readings useful to a student's individual program and objectives that are not available through regular courses.

IDSC 8894. Graduate Research in Information and Decision Sciences.
(1.0-8.0 cr [max 16.0 cr]; prereq Business admin PhD student or #)
Individual research on an approved topic appropriate to student's program and objectives.