Santa Clara University

Course Descriptions

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MSIS)

Professors: Manoochehr Ghiassi (Faculty director), Chaiho Kim  
Associate Professors: Narendra Agrawal, Charles D. Feinstein, Andy A. Tsay
Assistant Professors: Aslihan Celik, Manoj Parameswaran

MSIS 601. Object-Oriented Analysis and Programming
Provides students with advanced topics in object-oriented programming methodology. Instructor will present different programming paradigms and discuss object-oriented programming concepts including principles of data abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. The course will emphasize problem solving using Java programming language. Topics covered include classes and objects, data abstraction, “agents, message, and methods”, class hierarchies and inheritance, I/O packages, applets, exceptions, and multithreaded programming. Students are required to develop several programming assignments using the Java programming language in various computer environments. Prerequisite: Knowledge of C programming language or equivalent.  (3 units)

MSIS 602. Information Systems Analysis and Design
Methodology to assist in the analysis and design of computer-based information systems for business applications. Tools include data flow diagrams, flowcharts, Structured English, pseudo code, hierarchy charts, structure diagrams, and Warnier-Orr charts. Application of these tools to a systems development project is required. Cross-listed as OMIS 372.  Credit will not be given for both.  Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 603. Database Management Systems
This course aims to give an understanding of and hands-on experience with the most widely used database tools. The objective of this course is to convey intermediate to advanced database concepts and to acquaint students with state-of-the-art software tools. The course will rely on classroom discussions, media articles and cases, as well as programming exercises and an integrative group project. Use of database software is required. A lab fee is required. Cross-listed as OMIS 366. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: experience with computer usage.  (3 units)

MSIS 604. Information Systems Policy and Strategy
Strategic management and deployment of information systems and technologies (ISTs) to improve business competitiveness. An examination of the role of IST strategy in enabling companies to effectively manage in the turbulent and dynamic business environment brought about by the Internet. Analysis of new business opportunities in electronic commerce brought about by ISTs, including organizational redesign that these technologies require. An examination of implementation and change management issues related to IST deployment in the new environment. Focuses on drawing lessons from the experiences of leading companies that are deploying ISTs to define and support their e-commerce strategies. Cross-listed as OMIS 378.  Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 605. Telecommunications and Business Networks
This course provides the essential technical understanding necessary to evaluate and integrate telecommunication technologies into sustainable business models as well as to make decisions concerning the communications infrastructure in any organization. Covering technologies including voice and data networks, local and wide area networking, internet, and generations of wireless technologies to form the basis for the discussion of economic and managerial issues about how the technology is deployed, including issues of interoperability, scalability, regulations, security, service level agreements, convergence, unified messaging, and service quality.  Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 606. Software Project Management
An overview of software project development methodology, covering both technical and managerial aspects of software development. Examines alternate software life cycle models and introduces modern techniques for definition, design, implementation, and validation of software products. Cross-listed as OMIS 368.  Credit will not be given for both.  Prerequisite: Knowledge of or experience with a high-level programming language, or permission of instructor.  (3 units)

MSIS 621. Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
Topics covered will include building systems and interfaces to collect data from traditional data sources as well as from Web browsers; transforming and loading such data into data warehouses and data marts; and extracting information from the traditional data warehouses, as well as from Web-enabled data warehouses. Also covers building multidimensional data cubes, OLAP servers and clients, data mining, and building infrastructure to support real-time customer relationship management. There will be hands-on exercises and a group project. A lab fee is required. Cross-listed as OMIS 386.  Credit will not be given for both.  Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 622. ERP Systems
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems attempt to integrate all departments and functions across a company onto a single computer system that can serve every department’s particular needs for data that is up-to-date and accurate, and independent of language, location, and currency. These systems dictate a standard data format across the entire organization; they are modular, multifunctional, and compatible with third party software. This course has dual foci: the first is on analyzing ERP systems through a managerial perspective, and the second focus is on system implementation. A hands-on group project emphasizes the application of the concepts and techniques discussed in class. The class will also investigate multivendor systems and integration issues.  Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 623. Financial Information  Systems
Course examines the analysis, design and implementation of enterprise information systems as they relate to the accounting function and the financial management of a firm. Particular emphasis is placed on learning not only what functions the systems provide, but also understanding their technological structure and the linkages with business strategy. Moreover, this course is intended to enable students to develop the ability to recognize organizational situations for which information system controls and assurance would help achieve organizational goals and to participate in the planning, development, and implementations of control devices in highly automated contexts.  Prerequisites: ACTG 300 and knowledge of database management systems.  (3 units)

MSIS 624. E-Business Technologies
Strategic management and deployment of information systems and technologies (ISTs) to improve business competitiveness. An examination of the role of IST strategy in enabling companies to effectively manage in the turbulent and dynamic business environment brought about by the Internet. Analysis of new business opportunities in electronic commerce brought about by ISTs, including the organizational redesign that these technologies require. An examination of implementation and change management issues related to IST deployment in the new environment. Focuses on drawing lessons from the experiences of leading companies that are deploying ISTs to define and support their e-commerce strategies. Cross-listed as OMIS 378.   Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 625. Information Security Management
Computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way we live and do business but have left us vulnerable to a number of security threats. Virus writers or computer hackers take advantage of the relatively unknown properties of the computers and the networks. In addition to this kind of malicious attack, a computer system is also prone to abuse by its legitimate users. Information security’s objective is to implement overall security policy and procedures. This course covers the techniques and technologies of information and data security.  Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 626. Computer Simulation and Modeling
Use of computer simulation to design and operate complex processes or systems. Design, validation, operating procedures, and analysis of results of computer simulation experiments. Study of examples of the applications of computer simulations, including different types of scheduling, such as assembly line and job shop; distribution system design; inventory reordering design; waiting line systems; and the manufacturing processing design. Cross-listed as OMIS 362.  Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisites: OMIS 353 and knowledge of one programming language.   (3 units)

MSIS 641. Information Technology: Ethics and Public Policy
An introduction to the normative principles for ethical decision making: which principles are applicable and weighing conflicting principles. Course includes in-depth explorations of contemporary ethical and public policy issues relating to information technology, with class lectures and discussions supplemented by guest speakers from government, industry, and two of the University Centers of Distinction (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and Center for Science, Technology, and Society). Prerequisite: none.  (3 units)

MSIS 642. Capstone Project I
(3 units)

MSIS 643. Capstone Project II
(3 units)