205 Business Administration
(915) 747-5496

CHAIRPERSON: Reza Torkzadeh
PROFESSOR EMERITUS: Edward Y. George
PROFESSORS: Mahmood, Torkzadeh
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: Dowlatshahi, Gemoets, Kirs, Martin
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Hall, Koufteros, Pflughoeft
LECTURERS: Duke, Gaytan, McCrae, Tahiliani, Vaughn

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Courses

3102 Introduction to Computers in Business and Organizations (3-0)

For the student who has little or no familiarity with computers, this course serves as an introduction to the essential elements of both computer hardware and software as used in business and other organizations. Elementary programming skills using the BASIC language will be introduced. Will not count for credit for the BBA degree.

An introduction to microcomputer database and spreadsheet applications using an IBM compatible microcomputer and popular software. Coverage includes use of the commands that control the software and will develop accounting, inventory, statistical, personnel, "what-if" simulations, and other applications. Prerequisite: CIS 3102 or equivalent or placement by departmental examination.

RPG, Report Program Generator, is a widely used computer language, particularly among mid-sized systems for creating and formatting business reports. As a non-procedural language, it permits the programmer to give the specifications for a problem and lets the software generate the program. Prerequisite: CIS 3102 or equivalent.

This literacy course introduces the student to the essentials of computer hardware and software. The personal computer operating system and applications such as spreadsheet, database, Internet browsers, and e-mail are discussed. Emphasis will be placed on spreadsheet and database to solve typical business problems. The student will learn data sharing between applications.

This course introduces the student to programming in the most widely used computer language, COBOL. Emphasis will be on good programming practice, following structured program design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of business problems. Prerequisite: CIS 3102 or equivalent.

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3340 Organizational Impact of Information Technology (3-0)

This course integrates both computer concepts and information systems concepts, and provides a strong managerial emphasis. Impact of information technology as well as organizational, global, strategic, and end-user computing issues will be covered. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

An introduction to the fundamentals of management information systems: their dimensions, structures, and requirements. Coverage will include the design, development, implementation, and management of information systems. Prerequisite: CIS 3200 or CIS 3220.

A study of the systems analyst in a business environment. Coverage of the tools, techniques, and procedures used to conduct an analysis of the business system including prototyping, CASE, and 4GL. This course will emphasize the implementation phase of systems analysis projects. Prerequisites: (1) CIS 3235 or (2) CIS 3345 and ACCT 3320.

Techniques and management of computer files on secondary storage devices, including linked lists, trees, queues, and other physical data structures. Logical data structures for databases are examined. Prerequisite: CIS 3235.

All advanced features of COBOL programming language are examined including analysis of sequential, indexed, relative, and direct access file processing systems. Also covered are sort and merge techniques, table processing, utilities, report writer features, core dump analysis, and ABEND debugging. Emphasis is placed on writing structured programs using available structured programming tools and techniques. Prerequisite: CIS 3235 or equivalent.

The application of concepts acquired in systems analysis and design. Students will analyze the needs of an organization and design an information system for that organization. Particular emphasis will be placed on the need for auditing and control of that system. Coverage will include dealing with problems of installation and security. Prerequisite: CIS 3350.

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3420 Object Oriented Programming Environment (3-0)

A study of the conceptual foundation of advanced operating systems designed for use in a business environment and the impact of such systems on programming practices. The study will be facilitated through the use of one or more structured programming languages. Prerequisite: CIS 3355.

A study of artificial intelligence, expert systems, and decision support systems concepts and technologies applied to cover development, implementation, and management of expert systems and decision support systems for business organizations. Tools such as languages, shells, and hardware for utilizing artificial intelligence in designing expert systems and decision support systems are covered. Prerequisites: (1) CIS 3355 or (2) CIS 3345 and ACCT ACCT 3320.

Normalized data base tables are designed, created, and manipulated using an SQL based relational data base management system (DBMS). Common data base utilities are used and prototyping is practiced. Emphasis is placed on the problems and issues of managing in a data base environment. Prerequisites: (1) CIS 3355 or (2) CIS 3345 and ACCT 3320 .

An introduction to network components, transmission links, link control, protocols, network typologies, error detection and correct methods, network management and security, and local area networks. Prerequisites: (1) CIS 3235 or (2) CIS 3345 and ACCT 3320 .

To be arranged with the prior approval of the instructor and the department chairperson.

The student studies a topic as a semester-long project. The project may be independent library research or a work-related task. The student must have the topic approved by the department chair and have a schedule to report progress with the instructor before work commences. Prerequisites: (1) CIS 3340 or (2) CIS 3345 and ACCT ACCT 3320 .

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3499 Current Topics in Computer Information Systems (3-0)

The topic(s) taught any semester change and may include Office Automation, Teleprocessing and Local Area Networking (LAN), and Information Systems Planning. Prerequisite: CIS 3235.

3321 Production/Operations Management (3-0)

Production management and its relationship to marketing, finance, and accounting functions are described. Forecasting demand, aggregate planning, inventory planning and control, and scheduling provide the basis for linking strategic plans to the production plan. Other topics discussed include: quality control, product and process design, facility location and layout, productivity improvement, and project management. Prerequisite: QMB 3201.

Discusses the design and implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT). This includes Just-in-Time (JIT) systems, cellular and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). It also explores the key role that manufacturing plays in product development efforts and cross-functional teams. Other topics such as manufacturing strategy, maintenance, and the design of work systems are presented as well. Case studies and group projects/presentations are used for instructional purposes.

Methods of process analysis in service organizations, methods improvement procedures, and work measurement techniques are developed to provide the basis for analyses of processes, layouts, and job design in an organization. Prerequisite: POM 3321.

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3333 Production Planning and Control (3-0)

Material planning and control systems utilizing material requirements planning (MRP) techniques. Production planning, master production scheduling, MRP, capacity requirements planning and shop for control techniques are examined from both conceptual and practical standpoint. Prerequisite: POM 3321 and QMB 3301.

Various aspects of project management from conception and planning to project control and termination are discussed. Topics include: Project scheduling, precedence diagramming, PERT, CPM, budgeting, and project management information systems. Organizational and conceptual issues such as project team development and management structure will be addressed. Prerequisites: POM 3321 and QMB 3301.

Objectives, principles, and methods in managing the flow and inventory of materials. Special attention to problems encountered in receiving, storing, and disbursing. A major effort is devoted to computer packages designed for inventory control. Prerequisite: POM 3321.

Analysis of logistics concepts, activities, and decisions necessary to plan, implement, and control the private and public physical distribution of goods and services. The focus and emphasis of the course is on physical, human, informational, global, and organizational system components. The course includes such logistics topics as inventory, facility location, warehousing, traffic and transportation, materials handling, packaging, order processing, customer service, and global logistics. Prerequisite: POM 3321.

A study of the most effective methods for improving product and process quality in manufacturing and service operations. The course covers the following topics: statistical control charts, quality auditing, Japanese QC tools, process capability, loss functions, statistical tolerances, and experimental design. Statistical computer software will be used. Prerequisite: POM 3321.

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3390 Internship in Production/Operations Management (0-0-3)

Practical experience in service operations/manufacturing enterprises is emphasized. The student will be required to write a paper in a relevant topic agreed upon with the supervising faculty. This course requires approval of the instructor and department chairperson. Prerequisites: POM 3321 and an advanced elective course in POM.

The student studies a topic as a semester-long project. Prerequisites: POM 3321 and departmental approval.

Topics to be announced. This course may be repeated for credit as topics are changed. Prerequisite: POM 3321.

3201 Fundamentals of Business Statistics (3-0)

Introduction to statistical techniques as applied to business data. Included are descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and variation, probability distributions, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and regression and correlation analysis. A major effort is devoted to computerized solution techniques to provide managerial information. Prerequisite: MATH 3120 or MATH 4109 or MATH 4110 .

Introduction to quantitative methods applied to business decision making. These methods include linear, integer, and goal programming, network analysis, and transportation LP. A major effort is devoted to computerized solution techniques to provide managerial information. Prerequisite: QMB 3201.

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