2004-05 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Information Management (IFMG)
Department of Management Information Systems and Decision Sciences
Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
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Note: Except for Accounting, Business Education, and non-business majors who have met the required prerequisites, students scheduling 300 and 400 courses are expected to have achieved junior standing as described in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology Academic Policies.
IFMG 101 Microbased Computer Literacy
An introductory course designed to provide a fundamental understanding of computers. Familiarizes students with the interaction of computer hardware and software. Emphasizes the application of microcomputers, the use of productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet management, file and database management, presentation graphics, web browsers, search strategies, and e-mail), and the social and ethical aspects of the impact of computers on society. (Does not count toward Computer Science major.) Note: cross-listed as BTED and COSC 101. Any of these courses may be substituted for each other and may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats but may not be counted for duplicate credit.
IFMG 201 Internet and Multimedia
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
BTED/COSC/IFMG
101 or prior exposure to word processing and electronic mail
Focuses on the evaluation of information and multimedia resources available on
electronic networks when doing research in an area of one’s choice. Information
literacy course is designed for students to gain a more in-depth understanding
of the information resources available electronically and of how to utilize them
more effectively in communicating. Students learn how to access and utilize
these resources for two-way communications and support for decision making while
incorporating selected elements in multimedia presentations of their own design.
(BTED/COMM/COSC/IFMG/LIBR
201 may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats and may not be
counted for duplicate credit.)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
BTED/COSC/IFMG
101
An introductory course to provide students with a fundamental understanding of
MIS. Systems theory, quality, decision making, and the organization-al role of
information systems are introduced. Information technology, including basic
programming skills, is stressed. Introduces concepts of organization,
information system growth, telecommunications, and re-engineering.
IFMG 210 Introduction to Front-End Business Applications
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
BTED/COSC/IFMG
101
Provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information
technology, and front-end business application software. Explains how
information is used in organizations and how MIS enables improvement in quality,
timeliness, and competitive advantage. As part of this course, students learn
how to design and construct a front-end business application using a programming
language.
IFMG 230 Introduction to Back-End Business Applications
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
ACCT 201 and
IFMG 210
Introduces the back-end business programming language as it applies to business
organizations and their applications. Structured back-end business concepts and
methods are taught as the student learns how to solve business problems using
computers. Involves using files, reports, and tables to produce a variety of
outputs utilized in operating and managing business activities.
IFMG 250 Business Systems Technology
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 210 or
COSC 110
Presents a functional review of computing equipment and the organization of
components and devices into architectural configurations. Also teaches the
principles of system software and build an understanding of combinations of
hardware and software within architectural designs. (Offered as IFMG 350 prior
to 2003-04)
IFMG 251 Business Systems Analysis and Design
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
ACCT 201 and
IFMG 210
Involves teaching the tools and techniques required for the analysis and the
design of business systems. The major steps in the system’s development life
cycle are presented along with practical applications from the major subsystems
of typical business organizations. Issues related to personnel, hardware,
software, and procedures are explored as students work individually and in
project teams to solve typical business application problems. MIS majors are
allowed to count this course towards satisfying their graduation requirements.
IFMG 255 Business Applications in COBOL
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
ACCT 201 and
IFMG
205
Introduces the COBOL programming language as it applies to business
organizations and their applications. Structured COBOL concepts and methods are
taught as the student learns how to solve business problems using computers.
Involves using files, reports, and tables to produce a variety of outputs
utilized in operating and managing business activities.
IFMG 261 Micro Database Systems
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
BTED/COSC/IFMG
101
The fundamentals of database management including different database models and
database design issues are examined. Emphasizes the use of various tools of
relational database software, including report generators, screen builders, and
query facilities. Design techniques and software tools are used in creating a
database application. Intended as an elective for business students who are not
majoring in MIS. MIS majors are not allowed to count this course towards
satisfying their graduation requirements.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As
appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in
the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic
identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered
primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
IFMG 300 Information Systems: Theory and Practice
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
ACCT 202,
BTED/COSC/IFMG
101
Includes basic MIS concepts, fundamentals, and practices. Broad areas of
coverage are principles, the computer as a problem-solving tool, computer-based
information systems (CBIS), organizational information systems, and Information
Systems management.
IFMG 330 Advanced Back-End Business Applications
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 230 or
COSC 220
Explores back-end business programming language as it applies to business
organizations and their applications. Shows ways to embed and link a variety of
techniques of back-end business concepts and methods to solve business problems
using computers and web technologies. The student implements back-end business
and user interface techniques in managing business activities.
IFMG 352 LAN Design and Installation
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
BTST 273 or
IFMG 250 or any
COSC course numbered 300 or
higher
A study of fundamental local area networking concepts. A detailed study of the
basics of local area network (LAN) technology. A comparative study of
commercially available LAN systems and products. Features a hands-on laboratory
implementation of a LAN. Cross-listed as COSC 352. Either course may be
substituted for the other for D/F repeats but may not be taken for duplicate
credit.
IFMG 354 Testing and Controlling LANs
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
COSC 352 or
IFMG 352 or equivalent
Explores local area network (LAN) topologies and their associated protocols.
Introduces ways of interconnecting, securing, and maintaining LANs. Provides
hands-on experience in the interconnection of multiple LANs. Also presents a
hands-on approach to design, testing, and administration of interconnected LANs.
Cross-listed as
COSC 354. Either course may be
substituted for the other for D/F repeats but may not be taken for duplicate
credit.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 352
Introduces the security concepts, operating systems security, network security,
database, web server, and communication security. Public and common practices of
procedures and regulations regarding e-commerce security are explored. Writing
information security policies will be introduced.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
COSC 220
Corequisite:
IFMG 250
A continuation of introductory COBOL with an emphasis on structured methodology
of program design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of
common business-oriented applications. Includes a heavy emphasis on the
techniques and concepts of the table processing, file organization, and
processing alternatives, internal and external sorting, subroutines, and
application development for both the batch and on-line systems. Micro Focus
COBOL software is utilized.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
ACCT 201,
COSC 220 or
IFMG 230 or equivalent
programming course
Emphasizes the responsibility of the systems analyst to include in systems
design the proper management and financial controls and audit trails in business
information systems. The design of controls for application programs and systems
is covered. Audit software packages are examined.
IFMG 450 Database Theory and Practice
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 230 or
COSC 220
Reviews the database design, data model methodologies, physical data structure,
and database development and implementation. The remote data service,
transaction server, and database administration are introduced. Emphasizes the
practical approach in accessing the database using Internet technology.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 250 and
255 or
COSC 220
Develops an understanding of concepts and techniques involving conventional and
structured approaches to analyzing problems of business information systems and
systems definition feasibility, as well as quantitative and evaluative
techniques of business information systems analysis.
IFMG 455 Data Warehousing and Mining
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 450 or
261 or COSC 441, and
MATH 214 or
216
Introduces the strategies, technologies, and techniques associated with this
growing MIS specialty area. Composed of two main parts. In the first part,
students learn the basic methodology for planning, designing, building, using,
and managing a data warehouse. In the second part, students learn how to use
different data mining techniques to derive information from the data warehouse
for strategic and long-term business decision making.
IFMG 460 Analysis and Logical Design
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 352 and
450
Involves teaching the tools and techniques required for the analysis and design
of a business system. Along with in class discussions of the principles and
techniques for analyzing, designing, and constructing the system, the students
also formulate system teams in order to analyze the problems of an existing
business information system, to design an improved system, and to control the
implementation of the new system.
IFMG 465 ERP Technical Fundamentals
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 450 or instructor permission
Provides a fundamental understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Software. Shows students how to use ERP and its various function modules as well
as give students an understanding of the IS implementation, technical,
managerial, coding, and reporting skills necessary to successfully incorporate
ERP into a business enterprise.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 451
A study of tools and techniques for design of a business system. Along with
classroom discussions of principles and techniques for analyzing, designing, and
constructing the system, students formulate system teams to analyze the problems
of an existing business information system, to design an improved system, and to
control implementation of a new system.
IFMG 475 Project Management and Implementation
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 460
Introduces the demands made on the project manager and the nature of the
manager’s interaction with the rest of the parent organization in development of
a Business Information System. Studies the difficult problems associated with
conducting a project using people and organizations that represent different
cultures, politics, and may be separated by considerable distances. Also covers
how to implement and carry out the development of the project using several
Information Systems development methodologies.
IFMG 480 Distributed Business Information Systems
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
IFMG 250
A study of the techniques involved in planning, designing, and implementing
distributed processing systems. Distributed marketing, financial, and corporate
accounting systems are included.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in
the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic
identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for
upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty
member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Individual research and analysis of contemporary problems and issues in a
concentrated area of study under the guidance of a senior faculty member.
Approval based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
IFMG 485 Seminar: IS Current Topics
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 300, senior standing
Current topics and issues in information systems in the business environment are
addressed through systematic coverage of current literature and/or electronic
sources. Practitioner publications and academic journals integrate emerging
technologies and information issues with identification of their impact on the
management of business organizations. Not a capstone requirement but a vehicle
to explore a variety of topics in the field.
var-3-12cr
Prerequisites:
IFMG 352 and
450, consent of department
chairperson
Positions with participating business, industry, or governmental organizations
provide the student with experience in systems analysis. Note: Course can be
taken as a 3cr major-area elective requirement.
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