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Course Descriptions — Information Systems Management (IFSM)

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)

(Course activities require access to a standard office productivity package, i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.) An overview of computer information systems in which hardware, software, procedures, systems, and human resources are explored in relation to their integration and application in business and other segments of society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 301, CAPP 101, CAPP 300, CMST 300, IFSM 201, or TMGT 201.

IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)

(Course activities require access to Microsoft Office Professional.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201 and basic knowledge of office productivity software. An overview of information systems and how they provide value in organizations by supporting organizational (or business) objectives. Discussion covers human aspects of computing, types of computer systems, and general theory of systems and their relationship to the overall organization.

IFSM 302 Workplace Productivity (3)

Recommended: IFSM 201. A survey of techniques for improving the productivity of practices and procedures in the workplace. Teaming (e.g., encouraging employees’ participation in group activities, brainstorming, and making meetings more effective) and problem solving (e.g., simplifying work; charting work-flow processes; diagramming causes and effects; and using Pareto analysis, histograms, and total quality management) are the two major approaches emphasized.

IFSM 303 Human Factors in Information Systems (3)

Recommended: IFSM 201. A general survey of the application of human factors to the design and use of information systems. Topics include the history, evolution, and current state of the human/computer interface. The contributions of psychology, engineering, and physiology to the development of ergonomics are described.

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)

Recommended: IFSM 201. An introduction to information systems as used to provide information for decision making in a democratic society. Discussion covers the philosophy, techniques, and ethical considerations involved in evaluating information systems.

IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts (3)

Prerequisite: CMIS 102 or CMIS 102A. A survey of computer systems. Emphasis is on the interrelationships of hardware architecture, system software, and application software. Topics include the architectures of processors and storage systems and implications for system software design. Discussion also covers the effects of the design of hardware and system software on the development of application programs in a business environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 270, CMIS 310, CMSC 311, or IFSM 310.

IFSM 350 Wireless Telecommunications (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 201. An analysis of technical and managerial perspectives on basic concepts and applications in wireless telecommunication systems. The implications of the regulatory environment and communications standards on transmission of voice and data are examined. Other topics include an overview of second generation (2G), third generation (3G), and global systems of mobile (GSM) wireless communications; code-division multiple access (CDMA); and trends in wireless communication. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 350 or IFSM 398W.

IFSM 410 Database Concepts (3)

Prerequisites: CMIS 102 (or CMIS 102A) and IFSM 300. An introduction to the design and management of database systems in a business environment. Topics include the role of databases in organizations, the management of information as a critical business resource, types and functions of database management systems, conceptual data modeling and entity/relationship and semantic data models, and the fundamental principles of relational and object-oriented database design. The implementation and maintenance of database management systems and the role of the database administrator are discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 320 or IFSM 410.

IFSM 411 SQL (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 410 or CMIS 320. In-depth practice using Structured Query Language (SQL), the most common database manipulation language. Business-related case studies illustrate the various uses of SQL. Discussion covers the underlying theory of relations (including relational operators, keys, and entity and referential integrity). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 420, IFSM 411, or IFSM 498I.

IFSM 420 Advanced Database Concepts (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 411 or CMIS 320. Investigation and application of advanced database concepts, including database administration, database technology, and the selection and acquisition of database management systems. An intensive practicum in data modeling and system development in a database environment is provided. An overview of future trends in data management is also included.

IFSM 430 Information Systems and Security (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 300. A survey covering aspects of establishing and maintaining a practical information security program. The security aspects and implications of databases, telecommunication systems, and software are examined, along with techniques used to assess risks and discover abuses of systems.

IFSM 431 Policy Planning for Security Architects (3)

Prerequisites: IFSM 300 and an upper-level writing course (such as COMM 393 or WRTG 393). A study of various aspects of information assurance (IA) policy planning in an organizational context. Topics include the impact of current legislation and government regulations directing the focus of policy formulation. Key analysis procedures, such as security requirements analysis and risk assessments, are examined to determine their role in policy formation. Projects include generating an information security program for an organization.

IFSM 432 Disaster Recovery Planning (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 300. Recommended: IFSM 430. A study of disaster recovery and emergency planning as applied to the information-systems function in corporations. Topics include security risk evaluation and management, creation of threat profiles, continuity of operations planning, contingency planning, and incident reporting. A self-directed approach/tool for the conduct of information security risk evaluation is introduced. Projects include developing a security protection strategy and plan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 432 or IFSM 498N.

IFSM 433 Information Security Needs Assessment and Planning (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 300. Recommended: IFSM 430. In-depth practice in gathering security requirements to generate a security plan. Topics include the collection and analysis of functional security requirements, risk analysis, requirements traceability matrices and the collection of metrics, the investigation of physical security, operational procedures and legal issues related to information security, and the identification of education and training requirements. Projects include generating a site security plan based on site-specific or case-study requirements.

IFSM 438 Project Management (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 300. An exposition of planning, scheduling, and controlling a system project during its life cycle. Topics include the use of project-management techniques such as PERT (Project Evaluation and Review Technique) and Gantt charts and other techniques of planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Demonstrations and exercises in using project-management software are provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 438 or TMGT 430.

IFSM 450 Telecommunication Systems in Management (3)

Prerequisites: IFSM 300 and IFSM 310. An analysis of technical and managerial perspectives on basic concepts and applications in telecommunication systems. An overview of data communication protocols and standards; local area networks, wide area networks, and internetworks; and trends in telecommunications is provided. The implications of the regulatory environment and communications standards on transmission of voice, data, and image are examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 370, CMSC 370, or IFSM 450.

IFSM 454 Information System Security Mechanisms (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 450. Recommended: IFSM 430. A hands-on technical examination of six areas of security vital to any organization: authentication, authorization and access control, confidentiality, availability, data integrity (encryption), and nonrepudiation. Topics include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), vulnerability software, Public-Key Infrastructure (PKI), IP security (IPSec), virtual private networks (VPNs), and Web server lockdown procedures. Review also covers the types of attacks often launched on the Internet and how they are performed. Projects include demonstrations of network software used to gain information about a network, perform attacks, and/or prevent attacks.

IFSM 457 Cyberterrorism (3)

(Formerly IFSM 497C.) Prerequisite: IFSM 300. An overview of the issues surrounding cyberterrorism, including low-level threats (attacks that vandalize Web pages or launch denial of service), middle-tier threats (online fraud and industrial espionage by companies, organized crime, and nation states), and high-end threats from nation states and terrorist groups. Socioeconomic motivations and the “hacker mentality” are explored. Review also covers common network and security loopholes, the concept of social engineering and its impact on IT security, existing government regulations, and the National IT Security Plan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 457 or IFSM 497C.

IFSM 459 Security Issues and Emerging Technologies (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 450. Recommended: IFSM 430. A detailed overview of various emerging network technologies such as wireless networks based on IEEE 802.11 standards, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET), and wireless packet data networks like GPRS and CDMA 2000. Discussion covers the various applications based on these technologies (such as wireless and mobile Internet access, voice over IP, location-based services, etc.) and the security issues involved in supporting these applications. Existing solutions and mechanisms for addressing the security requirements for these applications are examined, and the impact of the solutions on the quality of service is analyzed. The emerging security standards and best practices for these new technologies are also described, along with their salient strengths and weaknesses.

IFSM 461 Systems Analysis and Design (3)

Prerequisite: IFSM 300. A study of the methods used in analyzing needs for information and in specifying requirements for an application system. Implementation of the operational system, integration of computer technology, and aspects of organizational behavior in the design support system are examined. Topics include the concept of the system life cycle, the iterative nature of the processes of analysis and design, and the methodology for developing a logical specification and physical design for an operational system. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 436, IFSM 460, or IFSM 461.

IFSM 485 Trends and Projects in Information Assurance (3)

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits.) Prerequisite: IFSM 454. A study of information assurance that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Emerging issues in information assurance are considered.

IFSM 486A Internship in Information Systems Management Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in information systems management. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to information systems management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Coop toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

IFSM 486B Internship in Information Systems Management Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in information systems management. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to information systems management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Coop toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).