Information Systems and Technology Management

• BUS-K 303 Technology and Business Analysis (3 cr.) P: BUS-K 201 or BUS-K 204 with a grade of C or higher. An introduction to the ways that technology enables and empowers business decision making.   In this introductory analytics course you will learn how companies apply technology tools to prepare, analyze, model and display the information used to manage their business.  You will apply these same techniques using spreadsheet modeling and other tools. Credit not given for both K303 and (K304 or X201 or X202).
• BUS-K 304 Honors (3 cr.) P: BUS-K 201 or BUS-K 204 with a grade of C or higher and admission to the Hutton Honors College or the Business Honors Program. This course provides an introduction to the decision making process, including both the relevant thought processes and the analytical decision-making tools used by companies to solve a variety of problems. Credit not given for both K304 and (K303 or X201 or X202).
• BUS–K 315 Business Process Management (3 cr.) P: BUS-K 303 or BUS-K 304 (honors) with a grade of C or higher. This course serves as an introduction to Business Process Management (BPM). BPM is the discipline of modeling, automating, managing and optimizing a business process, through its lifecycle, to reach a business goal. In particular, the focus is on enabling technologies of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) and workflow. The sub-topic of automating introduces students to the numerous XML languages, such as BPML and BPEL, associated with business process management systems. Techniques in process measurement such as 6σ and process simulation are also covered.
• BUS–K 327 Modeling Business Data (3 cr.)  P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K 304 with a grade of C or higher. This course provides a strong focus on thinking skills used to enhance the business decision making process. The class process will include breaking down a problem to its core, assembling a plan of action, and then implementing that plan with analytical tools.  Analytic analysis is not simply about the quantitative methods; rather, it must have the qualitative component to be effective – you must be able to properly define the problem.  K327 delivers a strong emphasis on both components.  The qualitative component includes critical thinking, troubleshooting, problem solving, decision making, teamwork and collaboration and process flow. The quantitative component emphasizes analytics.  In this class, we will use Excel as the technology of choice to convert data into information. Data analysis topics include data manipulation, retrieval and calculation.  An additional component of the class will be modeling the decision making process with flow charts and Excel form controls. Class examples will be derived from actual business cases and analysis.
• BUS–K 353 Business Analytics & Modeling (3cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a grade of C or higher. Compared to traditional statistics, which often provide hindsight, the field of predictive analytics seeks to find patterns and classifications that look toward the future. By finding patterns previously not seen, predictive analytics not only provides a more complete understanding of data but also is the basis for models that predict, thus, enabling managers to make better decisions.  This course is an introduction to data mining and predictive analytics. Topics include the use of learning algorithms to find patterns of relationships between data elements in large and noisy data sets, which can lead to actions that accrue organizational benefits.
• BUS-K 490 Independent Study in Decision Sciences (1-3 cr.) Supervised individual study and research in student's special field of interest. The student will propose the investigation desired and, in conjunction with the instructor, develop the scope of work to be completed. Consent of instructor and written report required.
• BUS-S 302 Digital Business Technologies (3 cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a C or higher. This course provides a comprehensive overview of digital technologies within a business context. The business value of a digital enterprise is driven by the flow of information and actions between the digital and physical worlds. The value generating loop includes three steps: 1) Physical-to-digital (P --> D): capturing the digital records from physical data through sensorizing; 2) Digital-to-digital (D --> D): creating business value through visualizing, analyzing and augmenting business decision making; 3) Digital-to-physical (D --> P): creating business value through digitizing processes. This course will provide an overview to digital business technologies including the three value generating transitions, P --> D, D --> D and D --> P.
• BUS–S 305 Technology Infrastructure (3 cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a grade of C or higher. Introduces students to a wide range of telecommunications technologies, including local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, as well as to the uses of these technologies in the organization.
• BUS–S 307 Data Management (3 cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a grade of C or better. The course is designed to improve the understanding of – and develop skills in – the design and implementation of business databases using database management systems (DBMS). Emphasis is on the practical aspects of database design and development. Topics include conceptual design of database systems using the entity-relationship (ER) model, logical design and normalization, physical design, and the relational database model with SQL as a language for creating and manipulating database objects. There is a significant hands-on use of DBMS technology and its use in systems design and implementation.
• BUS–S 308 Business Application Development (3 cr.) P: (BUS-K 303 or BUS-K 304) and BUS-S 302 all with a grade of C or higher. Students are introduced to the concepts of programming and software development. A modern programming language such as Visual Basic.Net or C++ is used to illustrate the concepts. Weekly lecture content is supplemented with lab sessions that provide a hands-on exposition of various programming language constructs and software development strategies. Foundational concepts in object-orientation are also introduced.
• BUS–S 310 Analysis and Design of Digital Solutions (3 cr.) P: (BUS-K 303 or BUS-K 304) and BUS-S 302 all with a grade of C or higher. Analysis of an organization and the subsequent design of solutions to meet business requirements are at the heart of the information systems field. This course follows a structured process called the systems development life cycle that companies use to identify and solve business problems.  Alternative methodologies are also covered. Students learn tools and techniques for conducting projects, including: how to gather system requirements; how to construct models of business processes using data flow diagrams; and how to implement a new solution. While S310 emphasizes the system analyst role, all business students can benefit from the ability to analyze the processes, data, and computer systems that they will encounter in their work.  This knowledge will also benefit them when working with the system analyst to define strategic business solutions.
• BUS-S 326 Web and Social Media Analytics (3 cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a grade of C or better. This course explores issues related to social media and digital business. Useful tools for leveraging network resources and operating business in a networked world will be introduced.  This is a hands-on class where students analyze large data sets and have real life experience of social network analysis, sentiment analysis, web analytics, and so on.
• BUS-S 364 Business Data Programming (3 cr.) P: BUS-K 303 or K304 with a grade of C or better. In the context of business data analysis, this course covers the following steps: 1) define and quantify the business goals of data analysis; 2) prepare and explore data; 3) build, validate and deploy data models. Many business problems require access to databases, so we will learn how to write business programs that retrieve and manipulate data stores in databases and well as text files and other sources. Since analytics is one of the driving factors in corporate application development today, we will also devote a portion of the class to introductory data analysis and accessing data on the web. The course will focus on Python and R using IDEL as the IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for the development environment. NOTE: Prior to spring 2020, this course was offered as BUS-S 355 TOPIC: Business Data Programming.
• BUS-S 375 Introduction to Technology Consulting (1.5 cr.) Department permission required. This course offers a comprehensive overview of technology topics and trends combined with work on practical exercises that will help students to analyze business cases and present solutions in a professional manner. The course is offered as an intensive seminar comprised of videos, lectures and targeted coaching to get you ready for interviews.
• BUS–S 400 Integration of Systems and the Business (3 cr.) P: I-Core with a grade of C or better. The core of every organization's Information Systems, are accounting applications which record, control, report, and augment decision making. Both the future Accountant or Business Technologist needs to understand the importance and interconnected nature of this software. This course introduces or expands understanding of ERP software as it applies to Modern Accounting Information systems at an Enterprise level. Topics include: the SDLC, databases, fraud, internal controls (COSO and COBIT frameworks), analytics, reporting, and software project management. Students typically gain hands-on experience with leading ERP accounting software such as: SAP R/3, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics. Students will draw from lecture, texts, case studies, and team projects. Course content is updated frequently to cover emerging topics and current events in this dynamic field.​ Taught concurrently with BUS-A 337; ODT majors may use either course.
• BUS–S 428 Advanced Application Development (3 cr.) P: I-Core and BUS-S 302 and BUS-S 308 all with grades of C or better.  Introduces students to advanced concepts of programming relevant to the development of business applications. The emphasis will be on the concepts of object-orientation. A modern programming language such as Java will be used to illustrate the programming concepts. UML will be used to illustrate the design concepts.
• BUS–S 433 Information Systems Security (3 cr.) P: I-Core and BUS-S302 with a grade of C or better. This course is designed to be an introduction to the field of information security. Students will learn about 1) telecommunications and network security, 2) applications security, 3) data security, 4) server and client security, 5) access control and identity management, 6) threats, vulnerabilities and controls, 7) security testing and 8) organizational security policies and procedures.  The focus of the course will be on protecting information.
• BUS-S 475 Technology Consulting Essentials (1.5 cr.) Department permission required. The objective of this course is to prepare students for careers in technology consulting. Not only is technology consulting one of the largest knowledge industries in the world, it one of the most challenging.  The process of merging business consulting with technology for an external client is one of the most challenging and rewarding professions you can choose. Technology consultants are highly sought after and compensated, but technology consulting is not for everyone. The course will present the inner workings of the technology consulting industry. Our primary learning objectives are to better understand the basics of the industry such as size, players, dynamics and history; how firms organize and manage activities and strategies; and the lifecycle of a technology consulting engagement. Other topics include selling and proposing technology consulting services, the ethical dilemmas one encounters in technology consulting, and tips for your success in consulting.

Supply Chain Management and Operations Management

• BUS-P 255 Topics in Operations and Decision Technologies (1-3 cr.) Variable topic, variable credit course in Operations and Decision Technologies.  The purpose of this course number is to provide a course number for an experimental course.  The specific variable title is only expected to be used for one term. Sample topic:
  • Business Operations Consulting Workshop (1.5 cr) P: Application and admission to the workshop. Experiences include face time with over six different industry leaders, as well as introduction and expansion on operations consulting frameworks and real life cases.  Parallel to that track, students also receive career definition and guidance, interview practice, and presentation refinement
• BUS-P 256 Business in a Flat World (3 cr.) P: Permission of the Department. Above class is offered to Direct Admit Freshman in the second 8 weeks of the Spring semester, which is followed by a required trip to India in late July/August. In view of greater global integration in economic, technological, political, and ecological spheres, it is increasingly important to understand businesses in the "flat" world.  This course focuses on global interdependence and concentrates on socio-political background as well as the business and its institutional context in India, an emerging economy
• BUS–P 271: Global Business Analysis (1.5 cr) P: D-270 with a grade of C or higher.  Students apply the country analysis skills, learned in BUS-D 270 Global Business Foundations, to a specific country or region.  Many Kelley departments offer versions of this course. This means that, while all versions focus on business analysis, each could emphasize a different field of business and/or region of the world.Sample Topic:
  • Supply Chain Management: Introduces students to concepts around the global sourcing of services, specifically IT Outsourcing. Most Fortune 1000 companies use Global Sourcing as an operational strategy to become and/or remain ‘better, faster, or cheaper.’ Common business processes (known as Business Process Outsourcing or “BPO”), include manufacturing, data processing, call centers, HR/resourcing (known as Resource Process Outsourcing or “RPO”), finance/accounting, and IT (known as IT Outsourcing or “ITO”). The IT research firm Gartner recently predicted that through 2015, IT hiring in major Western markets will come predominantly from Asian-headquartered companies enjoying double-digit growth. Global Sourcing is a fundamental subset of Globalization -- It is here to stay.
• BUS–P 272 Global Business Immersion (3 cr, 8 wks plus travel) P: D270 with a grade of C or higher.  Students begin this course with eight weeks on campus, studying similar topics as those in Global Business Analysis.  In addition, after completing this on-campus work, students spend approximately 10 days – with the class – in the country they have studied.  There, they participate in cultural and business site visits while completing their assigned research. Sample topic:
  • Ghana: New Frontiers in Business: Explore how one of the fastest growing economies in the world innovates to deal with growing industries and markets while lagging in infrastructure.
• BUS–P 300 Introduction to Operations Management (3 cr.) P: A200 or A201 or A202. Only for non-business majors. The operations function is concerned with the activity associated with the production of goods and services. Provides an overview of operating decisions and practices in both manufacturing- and service-oriented firms. While no attempt is made to cover any particular area in depth, standard terms and concepts required to communicate effectively with operating personnel are introduced. No credit toward a degree in business. Students may not receive credit for both P300 and (P370, P304, or P301).
• BUS–P 304 Operations Management: Honors (3 cr.) P:  Business Honors student; completion of all I-Core prerequisites and must have Junior standing. C: M304, P304, Z304, T375. Part of Honors I-Core; students are administratively enrolled. This class is part of the honors integrative core, along with F304, M304, and J304. A survey of operations and supply chain management (OSCM), this course involves the design, planning, execution, and control of the processes which deliver the products of a firm. Topics include inventory management, demand forecasting, aggregate productions planning, shop scheduling, project management, quality control, and layout and process design. The primary focus for integration is a case problem at the end of the semester. Students may not receive credit for both P304 and (P370 or P301 or P300).
• BUS-P 316 Sustainable Operations (3cr.) We study business sustainability from an operations perspective, and its toolkits.  Tools and topics include lean, take-back legislation, environmental management systems and ISO 14001, green buildings and LEED, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint, remanufacturing, recycling, reuse, leasing and servitization, design for environment, ecolabels and sustainability in the supply chain.
• BUS–P 320 Supply Chain Management: Global Sourcing (3 cr.) P: BUS-K303 or BUS-K304 with a grade of C or higher. Sourcing is a vital activity in any business. On average, over 50% of a firm’s revenue is spent by procurement, and recent studies have shown that effective purchasing techniques can do more for a company’s bottom line than nearly any other type of business process improvement. This course is divided into three parts. Operational Sourcing will be our starting point in describing the activities in modern purchasing. In this section of the course, we will identify the purchase function and activities, beginning with the purchasing cycle and how it fits into the global supply chain. We will introduce purchasing documents, policies and procedures. We will also discuss the ethical issues often associated with purchasing and corporate social responsibility. In the second portion of the course, Strategic Sourcing, we will focus on the strategic role of sourcing in the business process as a commodity and category manager. Topics in this section will include cost management, decision making under uncertainty and with multiple objectives, and then communication and negotiation. The Future of Sourcing will be interwoven throughout the semester. Four areas of particular focus will be supply chain collaboration, securing innovation, global sourcing, and collaborative supplier relationships.
• BUS-P 355 Topics in Operations and Decision Technologies (1-3 cr.) Variable topic, variable credit course in Operations and Decision Technologies.  The purpose of this course number is to provide a course number for an experimental course.  The specific variable title is only expected to be used for one term.
• BUS-P 356 Lean Six Sigma (3 cr.) P: BUS-K 303 or BUS-K 304 with a grade of C or higher. The purpose of this course is to introduce undergraduate business students to the Lean Six Sigma problem solving methodology to enable better, more structured problem solving in our students. Lean & Six Sigma are used in various industries and cross-functionally throughout organizations, so this course is applicable to all majors. Our goal is for every student to understand the framework, tools and have the ability to use those tools at the level of proficiency identified by the American Society of Quality (ASQ) at the greenbelt level. To that end, we will study and practice concepts of Lean Six Sigma and review related statistical tools at the green belt level of competency. We aim to equip students to become significant contributors on lean six sigma projects in the future. We will use the "official" training material from ASQ as our course material, and at the end of the class, students will take a final exam that is a simulation of the exam that is given by ASQ (in terms of coverage and length. Actual ASQ questions and exams are confidential and only revealed during an actual certification exam.) With satisfactory performance of the course and final exam a Kelley School of Business Greenbelt Certification may be earned and is a marketable addition to any student’s resume.
• BUS–P 370 Integrated Business Core—Operations Component (3 cr.) P:  Completion of all I-Core prerequisites and Junior standing. C: M370, P370, Z370, and T375. Students enroll using BUS-BE 375. Cross-functional survey of business management. This course examines the processes of organizations that are used to transform the resources employed by a firm into products or services desire by customers.  This includes the processes that move product and information through the various stages of the organization.  The emphasis is on the cross-functional nature of the topic within the organization.  Topics include sourcing; Inventory management; Demand forecasting; Aggregate production planning; Logistics; Project management; Six sigma quality; and Layout and process design. Includes a cross-functional case done in teams. Students may not receive credit for both P370 and (P304 or P301 or P300). 
• BUS–P 421 Supply Chain Management (3 cr.) P: BUS-P 370 or BUS-P 304 with a grade of C C or higher. Supply Chain Management involves the flows of materials and information among all of the firms that contribute value to a product, from the source of raw materials to end customers. Supply chain management today represents a great challenge as well as a “tremendous” opportunity for most firms. Issues will be drawn from marketing (channels of distribution), logistics, and operations management to develop a broad understanding of a supply chain. The course focuses upon the material planning and execution systems used to manage the flow of material in the distribution and manufacturing stages of the supply chain. Topics include computer/software systems for demand management and forecasting techniques; inventory control systems for distribution channels; materials and capacity requirements; planning systems in manufacturing; and scheduling and order dispatching systems.
• BUS–P 429 Operations Processes (3 cr.) P: BUS-P 370 or BUS-P 304 with a grade of C or higher. This course focuses on the study of the processes by which products are created and delivered to customers. The course emphasizes the process flow method using three measures of process achievement: throughput (the rate of product delivery), flowtime (the time it takes to deliver that product), and inventory. Topics include Little’s Law, queueing models, the uses of inventory, the importance of time-based competition, process analysis, and bottleneck analysis. The course covers applications of process analysis to both manufacturing and service industries. Computational analysis using simulation is emphasized.
• BUS–P 431 Supply Chain Management: Logistics and Distribution (3 cr.) P: BUS-P370 or BUS-P 304 with a grade of C or higher. The focus of this course is on logistics and distribution management, from both analytical and practical perspectives. Key logistics and distribution functions covered include logistics strategy, demand planning, design of the warehouse/distribution network, transportation planning and execution, logistics information systems, material handling and packaging systems, and reverse logistics.
• BUS-P 455 Topics in Operations and Decisions Technologies (1-3 cr.): Variable topic, variable credit course in Operations and Decision Technologies.  The purpose of this course number is to provide a course number for an experimental course.  The specific variable title is only expected to be used for one term. Sample topic:
  • Supply Chain Management Practicum (3 cr.)
• BUS-P 481 Supply Chain Planning and Analytics (3 cr.) P: BUS-P 370 or BUS-P 304 with a grade of C or higher. This course focuses on planning tools for managing demand and supply in a supply chain. A fundamental concern for many supply chain managers is to maintain sufficient levels of inventory so that customer demand can be met in a timely fashion. To achieve this goal, supply chain managers lead or participate in several activities that span a wide spectrum from demand planning to production planning. This course introduces models and tools to assist managerial decision-making in the context of such activities. The course puts emphasis on building quantitative models and analyzing those models through spreadsheets.