Nov 25, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

Department of Business Information Systems and Operations Management


The Department of Business Information Systems and Operations Management (BISOM) offers majors in two dynamic disciplines toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree: (1) Management Information Systems (MGIS) and (2) Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM). In addition, the department offers two minors: one in MGIS and another in OSCM. The focus of these programs is development of information technology and operations managers who can enhance the productivity of the firm in a knowledge-driven economy. Both majors offer students an integrated background in the functional areas of business and focus on enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills using current technology.

A Major in MGIS involves the application of information technology and analytical skills to the solution of organizational problems and opportunities for innovation. MGIS graduates are prepared for positions in the design, planning, development, implementation, and management of information systems.  The Department of BISOM offers three concentrations for MGIS students: (1) a general MIS concentration, (2) a Business Intelligence and Analytics concentration, and (3) a Systems Analysis concentration.  All three concentrations are designed to provide both technological and managerial knowledge relevant to the development and use of computer-based information systems.  The MIS concentration prepares students for careers in the information systems function of organizations.  The Business Analytics concentration is designed for students who are planning to pursue careers in analytics.  Students planning to pursue a career as business analyst or project manager are encouraged to elect the Systems Analysis concentration.   

A Major in OSCM focuses on the efficient use of resources to provide quality goods and services. OSCM enables students to pursue such careers in supply chain management, production planning, project management, quality assurance, and operations. Environments in which OSCM graduates are in high demand include health care, government, manufacturing, and service industries.

Who uses Management Information Systems?

All businesses use MGIS to make forecasts, manage day-to-day operations, schedule personnel and equipment, manage quality and inventory, work with suppliers, and undertake projects. In addition, management depends on information systems to collect and analyze data to make decisions. Data on customers, suppliers, competitors, and others are the main inputs to decision making at all levels of the organization. While all organizations have information systems needs, some industries have much greater reliance on them. These include banking, insurance, large-scale retailing, and communications.

Skills for Management Information Systems majors include:

  • Analytical problem solving
  • Business process skills
  • Communication skills
  • Information technology skills
  • Organizational skills

Who uses Operations and Supply Chain Management?

All businesses, including for profit and not-for-profit, manufacturing and services, use OSCM. These businesses have to make forecasts, manage day-to-day operations, schedule personnel and equipment, manage quality and inventory, work with suppliers, and undertake projects. While OSCM has always been important in manufacturing, service organizations are discovering the importance of being able to effectively and efficiently manage operations. Financial services
and health care industries have been on the leading edge in using OSCM to improve operations. Company expenditures on programs such as Six Sigma, total quality management, and operational risk management are in the billions of dollars.

Skills for Operations and Supply Chain Management majors include:

  • Analytical problem solving
  • Communication skills
  • Information technology skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Project management skills

Programs

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