Decision and Information Sciences

Students should carefully note course prerequisites as they are strictly enforced. A current/revised listing of course prerequisites is available each term in the Undergraduate Programs office located in Room 100, Stuzin Hall.

An introduction to information systems in organizations for undergraduate students. Topics include the range of computer hardware, software and communications available in the marketplace; a review of languages; examples of applications in organizations; management of information and computer technology; and current trends and future directions. Students are required to have a basic knowledge of microcomputers and familiarity with DOS, spreadsheets and word processing.

This course focuses on the design and application of systems in businesses for routine data processing, management reporting systems, and decision support systems. It uses state-of-the-art software to aid the student in employing planning, life cycle, structured analysis, and design processes concepts in hands-on applications of transaction systems and executive information systems. Students will work with applications on microcomputers and mainframes.

This course focuses on how workstations in various environments can communicate with computer-based systems used in businesses for routine data processing, management reporting systems, and decision support systems. Topics include the convergence of computers and telecommunications in modern businesses, basic data representation problems, the use of local area networks in businesses, office automation applications, using microcomputer-mainframe systems for reporting and decision making, and strategic management questions relating to businesses goals, long-range planning and budgeting.

Policy and management issues surrounding information systems and operations management in today’s enterprises.

This course focuses on the practical issues relating to the introduction and use of knowledge-based systems in a wide range of business situations. Particular attention is given to understanding how to build systems to support managerial planning and decision making in various functional areas of business, such as finance, marketing, production, distribution, personnel and accounting.

Variable content course providing an opportunity for in depth study of topics not offered in other courses and of topics of special current significance.

Managerial concepts and quantitative tools required in the design, operation, and control of production systems and their relationship to business functions.

Managerial concepts and quantitative tools required in the design, operation, and control of service systems and their relationship to other business functions. Operations planning and control decisions in service-oriented firms are reviewed by examining the nature and characteristics of service delivery systems, investigating different design alternatives, and reviewing approaches for forecasting, scheduling, and controlling service flow and activities.

An in-depth view of the control and planning of production systems to include independent and dependent demand systems, JIT, production planning systems, aggregate planning, master production scheduling, quality control and quality assurance programs, and forecasting models.

The first part of a two-course sequence in which multi disciplinary teams of engineering and business students partner with industry sponsors to design and build authentic products and processes—on time and within budget. Working closely with industry liaison engineers and a faulty coach, students gain practical experience in teamwork and communication, problem solving and engineering design, and develop leadership, management and people skills.

Second part of MAN 4538-4539 sequence.

A course for advanced undergraduates, covering both the philosophy inherent in total quality management (TQM) systems and the technical aspects of quality design and measurement systems.

Introductory survey of quantitative methods for managerial decision making, including linear programming and related techniques, with applications to business and economic analysis.

Concepts and techniques of the simulation approach applied to complex managerial problems.

Reading and/or research in decision and information sciences. A written report is required.

Variable content course providing an opportunity for in depth study of topics not offered in other courses and of topics of special current significance.

Applied work in decision and information sciences. Requires several papers and reports. Will be counted as free-elective credit only.

This course permits formal coursework taken at a foreign university as part of an approved study abroad program to be recorded on the transcript and counted toward graduation.

A thesis is required for award of high or highest honors. To qualify for the thesis option, students normally have completed 90 semester hours of coursework (exceptions may be made) and must have at least a 3.6 GPA at the time they enroll. The thesis will be reviewed by at least one faculty member chosen by the honors coordinator for the student’s major department.