2007-08 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 nonbusiness 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
3c-0l-3cr
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 providing a fundamental understanding of MIS. Systems theory, quality, decision making, and the organizational 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
Prerequisite: 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 builds 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
Prerequisite: IFMG 210
Involves teaching the tools and techniques required for analysis and 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 may count this course towards their graduation requirements.
IFMG 255 Business Applications in COBOL
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: 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 may not count this course towards 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: COSC/BTED/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 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: 1) learn the basic methodology for planning, designing, building, using, and managing a data warehouse, and 2) 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 and provides 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 and politics and that 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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