Course Descriptions
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (OMIS)
Professors: Narendra Agrawal, Robert A. Collins, Manoochehr Ghiassi, Chaiho Kim, Steven Nahmias, Stephen A. Smith, S. Andrew Starbird
Associate Professors: Charles D. Feinstein, Andy A. Tsay (Chair)
Assistant Professor: Mu Xia
Acting Assistant Professors: Haibing Lu, David Zimbra
Joseph S. Alemany Professor: Chaiho Kim
JCPenney Research Professor: Stephen A. Smith
Naumes Family Professor: Robert A. Collins
Lecturers: Homi Fatemi, Niles Walker
Note: The following three courses are required of all MBA students. Please see Preprogram Competencies and Waiver Rules. OMIS 353 must be completed within the student’s first two quarters in the program.
OMIS 351. Mathematical Analysis (Preprogram Competency)
Addresses fundamental concepts and manipulations of differential and integral calculus. Includes mathematical modeling and problem formulation. Must be completed by the end of the student’s first quarter in residence. Graded pass/no pass. Does not count toward degree requirements.
OMIS 353. Statistical Methods
Introduces probability and statistical analysis, emphasizing applications to managerial decision problems. Includes topics on descriptive statistics, probability theory, sampling distributions, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and simple and multiple regressions. Additional topics may include exploratory data analysis, analysis of variance, and contingency tables. Must be completed by the end of the second quarter in residence. Prerequisite: Demonstrated math analysis/calculus proficiency. (3 units)
OMIS 355. Computer-Based Decision Models
Integrative course focuses on using computer-based models to improve managerial decision-making. Treats rigorous formulation of business decision problems, computer-based solution methods, and interpretation of results. Features sensitivity and scenario analysis, mathematical programming and decision analysis. In some cases, simulation may be included. Applies techniques to problems in operations management, finance, accounting, and marketing. Prerequisites: OMIS 353, and spreadsheet proficiency. (3 units)
Note: The following course is required of all MBA students:
OMIS 357. Operations Management
Surveys methods for planning and executing processes to achieve high quality, low cost, and timely delivery of goods and services. Draws on topics from capacity analysis, forecasting, inventory planning, supply chain management, Lean Production, statistical quality control, aggregate planning, and MRP. Emphasizes operational knowledge that is essential for all other functions in a firm. Prerequisite: OMIS 355. (3 units)
Note: The following courses are offered as electives and/or as part of a concentration:
OMIS 362. Computer Simulation and Modeling
Uses computer simulation to design and operate complex processes or systems. Employs design, validation, operating procedures, and analyzing results of computer simulation experiments. Studies examples of computer simulation applications, including different types of scheduling, such as assembly line and job shop, distribution system design, inventory reordering design, waiting line systems, and manufacturing processing design. Cross-listed as MSIS 626. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisites: OMIS 353 and knowledge of one programming language. (3 units)
OMIS 366. Database Management Systems
Introduces database management and database management systems (DBMS). Teaches technical and managerial skills in database planning, analysis, logical design, physical design, implementation, and maintenance. Features hands-on training in database design, development, and implementation using relational DBMS software. Emphasizes designing and developing reliable databases to support organizational management. Cross-listed as MSIS 603. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: Computer experience. (3 units)
OMIS 368. Software Project Management
Provides 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 software definition, design, implementation, and validation of software products. Cross-listed as MSIS 606. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: Knowledge of or experience with a high-level programming language or permission of instructor. (3 units)
OMIS 372. Information Systems Analysis and Design
Examines methodology to assist in analyzing and designing computer-based information systems for business applications. Features tools including data flow diagrams, flowcharts, Structured English, pseudo code, hierarchy charts, structure diagrams, and Warnier-Orr charts. Requires applying these tools to a systems development project. Cross-listed as MSIS 602. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
OMIS 374. Artificial Intelligence
Provides a survey of basic concepts in artificial intelligence and their applications to business-oriented problems. Includes production systems, search techniques, knowledge representation, and inference techniques as well as calculus, statistical and probabilistic reasoning, design and implementation of expert systems, and understanding natural languages. Entails application developments using Expert System shells. Prerequisite: OMIS 353. (3 units)
OMIS 378. Information Systems Policy and Strategy
Studies strategic management and deployment of information systems and technologies (ISTs) to improve business competitiveness. Examines of the role of IST strategy in enabling companies to effectively manage in the turbulent and dynamic business environment brought about by the Internet. Analyzes new business opportunities in electronic commerce brought about by ISTs, including organizational redesign that these technologies require. Considers 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 MSIS 604. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
OMIS 384. Supply Chain Management
Focuses on the key challenges and issues relating to design, analysis, and management of manufacturing and logistics systems to gain competitive advantage through adaptive and time-responsive supply chains. Includes topics on the role of information technology in logistics, rapid logistics, inventory and capacity planning, supplier relationships, supply chain network design, and managing product proliferation. Prerequisite: OMIS 357. (3 units)
OMIS 386. Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
Introduces technologies and managerial issues related to data warehousing, business intelligence, decision support systems, data mining, Web mining, and customer relationship management. Teaches technical and managerial skills in using and developing decision support applications. Emphasizes learning how to derive business value from large amounts of data. Provides hands-on training using a variety of BI tools. Cross-listed as MSIS 621. Credit will not be given for both. Prerequisite: OMIS 366 or knowledge of database management systems. (3 units)
OMIS 388. Supply Chain Outsourcing
Frames the make-buy decision for managers contemplating what to outsource and offers guidance for negotiating terms, monitoring performance, and enhancing control. In many products’ path to market, the outsourcing of even more functions—including product design, materials procurement, manufacturing, and logistics—has created supply chains with unprecedented capabilities, as well as novel forms of dysfunction. Prerequisite: OMIS 357. (3 units)
OMIS 390. Integrated Product Development
Introduces the methods companies use to develop and release new products as new product development is a challenging, rewarding activity that can make the difference between success or failure for a company, especially in technology-based industries. The traditional view that new product development is an “art” practiced by engineers has now given way to an understanding that it is a discipline that must be learned and practiced to be successful. Examines the sequence of activities needed to successfully develop and launch a new product or service; understand how the different functions and roles in product development interrelate and work together; learn how to balance strategic and tactical activities in successful product development; develop a better understanding of how to determine and satisfy customer needs; understand the financial aspects of product development; develop the skills to analyze and improve product development efforts within a company. Prerequisite: OMIS 357. (3 units)
OMIS 696. Experimental Course
Covers special topics; offered on an occasional basis. (3 units)
OMIS 853. Business Analytics: Statistical Methods and Decision Analysis
Provides an overview of the basic topics in business statistics and integrates that discussion with decision analysis. Includes topics on basic probability laws’ discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distributions, estimation theory, hypothesis testing, and simple and multiple regressions. In addition, discusses decision trees in deterministic and stochastic environments, and decision with sample information. Open to AMBA program students only. (6 units)
OMIS 857. Analysis and Management of Operations
Analyses making effective operational decisions with the help of spreadsheet models. Emphasizes the rigorous formulation of business decision problems, obtaining analytical solutions, and understanding managerial insights. Focuses on operational decisions and analytic techniques related to production of goods and services. Includes computer-based methods such as forecasting, optimization and sensitivity analysis. Explores operations management topics on capacity planning, inventory management, materials requirement planning, Lean Production, scheduling, and quality management. Open to AMBA program students only. (6 units)
