Information Systems and Supply Chain Management

Bryan School of Business and Economics

479 Bryan Building
336-334-5666
http://bryan.uncg.edu/isscm

Vidyaranya B. Gargeya, Head of Department

Mission

Our mission is to integrate quality instruction in information systems and supply chain management with relevant research and professional services. This integration will help students develop an appropriate background and critical skills needed to function effectively in a global, technology-driven environment. We strive to fulfill this mission as an integral part of the Bryan School of Business and Economics and in support of its mission and purposes. Our chief goal is to provide top-tier information systems and supply chain management programs in North Carolina as assessed by employers of our graduates.

Programs offered by the department include study of information technology and supply chain analysis applied to business operations and management decision making. Career opportunities are excellent for quality graduates of either of the concentrations. All students in departmental programs gain extensive experience using networked computer systems and contemporary applications software.

The department assists professional student development, and assists students with career planning. Students with appropriate academic records are encouraged to seek an internship as juniors or seniors.

Student Learning Goals

The primary Learning Goal for both the Information Systems and Supply Chain Management concentrations is to prepare students to utilize various information technologies and tools and deliver enhanced business productivity.

The following Learning Objectives have been endorsed by the faculty to guide the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the ISSC undergraduate degree program. The first two objectives are common to both concentrations, and these are followed by two more objectives for the IS concentration and two more for the SCM concentration.

Students will be skilled in the application of appropriate end-user computing tools to enhance productivity.
Students can model business data requirements and utilize relational database technology.

Students concentrating in Information Systems will be able to:

Employ a systems approach and a system development method to understand business problems.
Design and develop business software applications.

Students concentrating in Supply Chain Management will be able to:

Apply process analysis to document supply chain management components and propose improvements.
Apply appropriate methods and techniques to analyze and solve supply chain management problems.

Admission and Repeat Policies

Admission to the ISSC Department requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Requirements in future years may be higher depending upon departmental capacity and student demand. If enrollments threaten program quality, students’ registration in upper level courses will be based upon their cumulative GPAs. Information about current ISM admission requirements and policies is available in Rooms 479 and 137 in the Bryan Building.

Professor

Joy Bhadury

Lakshmi Sundaram Iyer

Hamid R. Nemati^G

Prashant Palvia, Joe Rosenthal Excellence Professor^G

Kefeng Xu

Associate Professor

Indika Dissanayake^G

Nikhil Mehta^G

A. F. Salam^G

Rahul Singh^G

Assistant Professor

Moez Farokhniahamedani

Vashkar Ghosh^G

Onyi Nwafor^G

Franck Loic Soh Noume^G

Lecturer

Mary Catherine Chauvin

Samuel Jack Chinnis^G

Anita Kumari Luthra

Anita Van McCoy

Apoorva Patipati Ramesh

Karen C. Pentz

Robert B Smith

Xiaoyang Wu

G: Graduate-level faculty

Business Undergraduate Minor

The Bryan School of Business and Economics offers the Business Undergraduate Minor.

Information Systems and Operations Management (ISM)

ISM 110 Foundations for Analytics using Spreadsheets 3

The course develops introductory spreadsheet skills. Topics focus on the creation of effective spreadsheets and reports and the management of datasets to solve business problems.

Notes: Open to freshmen and other students seeking an introduction to computer usage.

ISM 116 Web Design and Development 3

Students learn skills needed to design effective Web pages by studying the best practices in website design.

Prerequisites: C or better in ISM 110 or equivalent.

ISM 201 Essentials of Cyber Security 3

This course provides an overview of cyber security essentials. Any loss of data or compromise devastates a corporation. This course covers essential aspects of cyber security management.

Prerequisites: ISM 110. Restricted to ISCI students and students who are Pre admitted to or admitted to majors in the Business School (PACC, ACCT, PBAD, BADM, CARS, PECO, ECON, ECOS, PENT, ENTR, PFIN, FINC, PHTM, HTMT, PINT, INTB, PISC, ISSC, or PMKT, MKTG).

ISM 210 Principles of Business Analytics 3

Principles of Business Analytics introduced students to the advanced techniques in the use of business computing applications, including spreadsheets, database systems, and linkage between applications to enhance productivity. Students study how end-user applications are managed and contribute to business.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ISM 110.

ISM 218 Database Systems 3

Study of database management systems including their design, implementation, query and use. Includes an extensive case study requiring the development of a multiple table database system for organizational needs.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ISM 110.

ISM 240 Business Programming I 3

Introduction to the planning and creation of computer programs for solving business-related problems. Emphasis on problem analysis and structured programming techniques. Students utilize a procedural programming language.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ISM 110 or equivalent.

ISM 280 Information Systems for Decision Making 3

The course covers the fundamentals of business information systems in the context of a modern organization. Topics focus on the use of information systems, technologies and business analytics for decision making and competitive advantages.

Prerequisites: ISM 110 or equivalent.

ISM 301 Systems and Process Analysis 3

Focuses on systems and process concepts such as automation boundaries, feasibility assessments, performance measures, information modeling, process reengineering, quality, and value added. Course emphasizes analysis methodologies.

Prerequisites: ISM 218 and ISM 240 or concurrent enrollment in ISM 218 and ISM 240. ISSC or ISCI major.

ISM 310 Business Programming II 3

Study of advanced procedural software structures such as multidimensional arrays and tables, indexed file processing, and interactive processing. Introduction to object oriented software structure such as class definitions, object instances, and class methods.

Prerequisites: C or better in ISM 240.

ISM 324 Secure Networked Systems 3

Networking and telecommunication concepts are described. Technical and organizational activities for securing distributed systems are presented. System security and information assurance methodologies, procedures and best practices are studied.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ISM 201. Restricted to IS majors and Information Technology minors only.

ISM 325 Topics in Applications Development 1-3

Study of specific application development environments and development tools to support business application development.

Prerequisites: ISSC Major.

ISM 326 Ethical Hacking 3

Ethical hacking is presented as a process of intentionally attempting to hack a computer system to understand potential vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could exploit and find ways to mitigate them.

Prerequisites: ISM 324 or concurrent enrollment in ISM 324. Admitted to ISSC major.

ISM 328 Blockchain Technology Applications and Management 3

Evaluate strategies to protect data, including cryptographic systems and their use in real world applications. Examine latest developments in blockchains and their role in security and data management.

Prerequisites: C or better in ISM 201. Restricted to ISCI students and students who are Pre admitted to or admitted to majors in the Business School (PACC, ACCT, PBAD, BADM, CARS, PECO, ECON, ECOS, PENT, ENTR, PFIN, FINC, PHTM, HTMT, PINT, INTB, PISC, ISSC, or PMKT, MKTG).

ISM 411 Undergraduate Internship in Information Systems 1-3

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge and skills to a business situation and develop new work management skills and understandings.

Prerequisites: Admission to the ISSC major and approval of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 s.h.

ISM 425 Business Analytics 3

Study of the techniques and methods of business analytics, including gathering, processing and analyzing large volumes of data to generate insights that inform business decisions.

Prerequisites: ECO 250 and either ISM 210 or ISM 218 or ACC 325. ISSC Major or ACCT Major.

ISM 452 Design of Management Information Systems 3

Development of cost effective computer-based systems to produce information needed for managerial decision making as specified in the information analysis phase.

Prerequisites: C or better in ISM 218 and ISM 240. Any two of the following courses: ISM 301, ISM 310, ISM 324, ISM 326, ISM 411, ISM 425, or SCM 260; ISSC major.

ISM 498 Independent Study 1-3

Individual study of issues or problems in information systems and/or supply chain management. Student must arrange time and course requirements with instructor prior to registration.

ISM 499 Problems in Information Systems and Supply Chain Management 3

Independent study and research with class discussion covering a topic or group of related topics of current interest in information systems and/or supply chain management.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit with approval of Department Head.

ISM 613 Directed Studies 1-3

Individual study problems in the field. Regular conferences with instructor required.

Prerequisites: Permission of MSITM Program Director and instructor who will supervise study.

ISM 635 Principles of Enterprise Resource Planning using SAP 3

A problem-based approach to SAP and Enterprise Resource Planning concepts. Hands-on learning of integrated SAP software modules for business processes such as sales, logistics, material management, procurement, and human resources.

Notes: Same as SCM 635.

ISM 645 Principles of Predictive Analytics 3

Predictive analytics are iteratively generated by analyzing and exploring enterprise data to predict relationships and generate insights for organizations. Principles, models, and methods of predictive analytics are discussed.

ISM 646 Visualizing Data to Design Strategy 3

Data are analyzed to answer questions. Students are exposed to concepts and techniques to understand analytics results and appropriately infer relationships to answer questions and visualize results using contemporary techniques.

ISM 647 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications for Business 3

Cognitive computing and artificial intelligence based applications are increasingly employed by businesses to generate insight from data. Students are introduced to principles, techniques, and models for developing these systems.

ISM 665 Principles of Cyber Security 3

Study of the technical, managerial, and organization issues in systems security, including systems security models, analysis of business process and technology for systems security, and information assurance.

ISM 666 Blockchains and Cryptography 3

ISM 667 Global Cyber Threat Analysis 3

The course focuses on evaluating global cyber threats because of cyber weapons, cyber warfare, and other criminal activities. The course also evaluates defensive strategies and necessary capabilities to combat threats.

ISM 668 Enterprise and IT Risk Management 3

Focus on enterprise and IT risk identification, evaluation, mitigation, and risk-related decision making, given the resource constraints. Students learn foundational theories and framework in risk management. Standard risk management approaches for identifying, analyzing, and responding to risks are introduced. Tools and methodologies for metrics to monitor risk management activities presented.

ISM 670 IT Driven Disruptive Innovation Management 3

Examines the role of disruptive and emerging IT in reshaping business models, strategy, economies, and society by fueling disruptive product and process innovation. Explores processes and governance for IT-driven disruptive innovation.

ISM 671 Organizing Data for Analytics 3

Fundamental concepts of database management systems, including database design, implementation, and the use of the SQL query language.

ISM 672 App Design and Programming 3

Apply fundamental programming concepts in designing and implementing applications for the web. This course provides students the necessary foundations for developing web applications and evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities.

Notes: Same as ENT 672.

ISM 673 Designing Secure Computer and IoT Networks for Business 3

Technology related to internal and external network/telecommunication services. Managerial and business issues related to the identification, acquisition, and management of network/telecommunications services in the contemporary enterprise.

ISM 677 Information Systems Management 3

Examines the role of information technology to improve processes and business performance, analyze the interaction of business strategies, work processes, competitive markets, technology and people for effective IT management.

ISM 678 Project Management for Dynamic Environments 3

Modern methods of defining, planning and executing large IT and other projects. Computer software and network modeling are used to support the efficient scheduling of interdependent activities.

Notes: Students may not earn credit for both ISM 654 and 678.

ISM 688 Projects in Business Analytics 3

A capstone experience in which the students demonstrate a broad knowledge of Business Analytics by undertaking hands-on projects with realistic data.

ISM 695 Special Topics in IT 1.5

Specific course title identified each time the course is offered. Selected topics will address contemporary issues in information technology and its management.

Prerequisites: Admission to MSITM degree program and permission of MSITM Program Director.

Notes: Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies.

ISM 696 Organizational Internship 1-3

Academic and required work components allow students to gain organization experience. Course supervised by a designated graduate faculty member and an organization manager.

Prerequisites: Permission of MSITM Program Director.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

ISM 698 Project in Information Technology 3

Capstone experience in which the student demonstrates a broad knowledge of the material covered in the MSITM curricula by undertaking a project approved in consultation with the MSITM Program Director.

Prerequisites: Completion of at least 18 credits of required coursework for MSITM.

ISM 699 Thesis 1-6

An independent, theory-based inquiry in which a student applied knowledge and skills acquired to the scholarly study of information technology and management.

ISM 701 Predictive Analytics in Information Systems Research 3

Introduction to various techniques available for extracting useful information and business value from the large volume of rich data at the disposal of organizations. Covers the concepts, principles, methodologies, and emerging trends in data mining and predictive analytics. Exposure to research questions that lend themselves to use of predictive analytics.

Prerequisites: Admission to ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 702 Data Visualization for Information Systems Research 3

Prerequisites: Admission to the ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 703 Cognitive Computing and Artificial Intelligence in Information Systems Research 3

Cognitive computing and artificial intelligence based applications are increasingly employed by businesses to generate insight from data. Students are introduced to the current and emerging research opportunities in all aspects these systems.

Prerequisites: Admission to ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 704 Cyber Security Principles in Information Systems Research 3

Study of the technical, managerial, and organizational issues in systems security, including systems security models, analysis of business processes and technology for systems security, and information assurance. Research issues and trends are identified and discussed.

Prerequisites: Admission to ISSCM Ph.D. or permission of instructor.

ISM 705 Blockchains and Cryptography in Information Systems Research 3

Prerequisites: Admission to ISSCM Ph.D. or permission of instructor.

ISM 706 Global Cyber Threats and Risk Management 3

The course introduces proactive methodologies for delivering mitigation strategies to protect against today's sophisticated threats. The course focuses on the global nature of threats and the formation of dark markets. Research trends and opportunities are identified and discussed.

Prerequisites: Admission to the ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 707 Information Technology Driven Disruptive Innovations 3

This course covers both conceptual and practical aspects of IT driven disruptive innovation management. This course primarily focuses on emerging information technologies that drive disruptive innovation and the research issues and opportunities that arise.

Prerequisites: Admission to ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 753 Information Systems Research Seminar I 3

Study of the principles of scientific inquiry and its applications in information systems research. Topics may include different types of knowledge generation, foundations of theory and research design alternatives.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Ph.D. in Information Systems or permission of the instructor.

ISM 754 Information Systems Research Seminar II 3

Current research issues on the intersection of information systems and supply chain systems. Topics may include blockchains, Internet-of-Things, information asymmetry and strategic inter-organizational information systems.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Ph.D. program in Information Systems or permission of instructor.

ISM 755 Information Systems Research Seminar III 3

Study of contemporary and emerging topics in information systems. Topics may include cybersecurity, social and crowd-based technologies, health information and health IT, and analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Ph.D. program in Information Systems or permission of instructor.

ISM 756 Information Systems Research Seminar IV 3

Application of various research techniques in information systems research Topics may include econometrics, game theory, analytical modeling, queueing models, decision theory; experiments, big data techniques, panel data analysis.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Ph.D. program in Information Systems or permission of instructor.

ISM 760 Contemporary Research Methods in Information Systems 3

Focuses on contemporary research methods for studying information systems phenomena, particularly those related to emerging technologies. Emphasizes enhancing doctoral students’ ability to identify, examine, and evaluate different contemporary methodologies regarding philosophical underpinnings of the methodology and dominant research frameworks for use of those methodologies, research paradigms and theoretical conceptualizations.

Prerequisites: Admission to the ISSCM Ph.D. program or permission of instructor.

ISM 782 Practicum in IS Teaching 1-3

Supervised teaching of an information systems (IS) course. Faculty mentor will guide in planning and delivery.

Prerequisites: Permission of PhD Director.

Notes: Course may be repeated for credit. Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

ISM 783 Organizational Research Internship 3-6

Organizational work and research in information systems in actual organization. Expose student to practical and relevant research problems. Supervised by designated faculty member and organization manager.

Prerequisites: Permission of PhD Director.

Notes: Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

ISM 785 Theories of Information Systems 3

Examines underlying theories in information systems research. Theories from organizational behavior, strategic management, economics, other disciplines inside and outside business, and IS will be discussed.

Prerequisites: Permission of PhD Director.

ISM 786 Principles of Scientific Inquiry in Information Systems Research 3

This course is an introduction to topics ranging from the philosophical underpinnings of the field and the dominant research frameworks, paradigms, or theoretical conceptualizations. We will discuss fundamentals of undertaking research, including defining problems, research questions, conducting a literature review, collecting evidence, interpreting findings, and drawing conclusions and generalizations.

Prerequisites: Admission to ISM Ph.D. program or permission of Ph.D. Director.

ISM 788 Seminar in IS Research Methods 3

Research process and various design elements for quantitative and qualitative research in information systems.

Prerequisites: STA 661, STA 662, and permission of PhD Director.

ISM 789 Research Seminar in Information Systems 1-3

Explores current and emerging research topics in information systems.

Prerequisites: ISM 786 or permission of PhD Director.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

ISM 790 Independent Doctoral Research 1-6

Individual work on research issues related to the student's primary area(s) of specialization. Work may consist of original research and/or critical examination and integration of existing literature.

Prerequisites: Permission of PhD Director.

ISM 799 Dissertation 1-24

Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy.

ISM 801 Thesis Extension 1-3

Thesis Extension.

ISM 802 Dissertation Extension 1-3

Dissertation Extension.

ISM 803 Research Extension 1-3

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

SCM 206 Logistics and Transportation Management 3

Microanalysis of logistics and transportation services including customer service, distribution operations, and purchasing. Topics include customer service operations, order processing, facility design and operations, carrier selection, transportation costing and negotiation.

Prerequisites: ISM 110.

SCM 260 Essentials of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 3

Provides an overview of enterprise systems and supply chain business processes. It will introduce students to how enterprise systems are used to manage supply chains and make effective business decisions.

Prerequisites: ISM 110.

SCM 302 Operations Management 3

Survey of the operations functions of organizations with emphasis on design and control decisions. Qualitative and quantitative problem-solving methods used to enhance managerial competence in the operations functions.

Prerequisites: ACC 202, ECO 250, and ISM 110.

SCM 304 Managing and Organizing Projects 3

An introduction to modern methods for defining, planning, managing, and controlling large projects. Computer software and network modeling are used to support the efficient scheduling of interdependent activities.

Prerequisites: ISM 110 and ECO 250.

SCM 402 Logistics and Supply Chain Management 3

Roles of distribution and materials management in operations. Topics include inventory and distribution management, purchasing, logistics and supply chain management. Appropriate software used to facilitate decision-making.

Prerequisites: SCM 206 and ECO 250.

SCM 411 Undergraduate Internship in Supply Chain Management 1-3

Campus monitored, supervised internship experiences in organizations that involve the application of supply chain and operational analysis and methods and the development of professional skills in the field. Internships may be either paid or voluntary and must include a minimum of 50 supervised internship hours per one credit hour earned.

Prerequisites: Minimum 2.50 GPA. ISSC major with a Supply Chain Management concentration and permission of instructor.

SCM 432 Supply Chain Management Project 3

Semester-long project involving Supply Chain Management topics. Activities will include project planning, assessment and implementation planning, application of SCM knowledge and critical thinking to real world problems.

Prerequisites: SCM 302 and SCM 402.

SCM 498 Independent Study 1-3

Individual study of issues and problems in supply chain management. May include certification components and instruction. Students must arrange time and course requirements with instructor prior to registration.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor, senior standing, and approval of written plan of study prior to registration.

Notes: May be repeated for a total of 6 semester hours with approval of department head.

SCM 499 Problems in Supply Chain Management 3

Group study and research with class discussion covering current supply chain management topics. Student teams interact with local firms via company projects.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for a total of 6 semester hours with approval of department head.

SCM 635 Principles of Enterprise Resource Planning using SAP 3

Notes: Same as ISM 635.

SCM 650 Principles of Supply Chain Management 3

This course presents core knowledge related to supply chain management. It provides insight into the complex, cross-functional elements of demand and supply planning and execution in a global environment.

SCM 651 Analytics for Logistics and Distribution Management 3

Course will focus on the analytic tools to make decisions related to logistics and distribution management. Topics will include demand management, sales and operations planning, network design, and location analysis.

SCM 652 Strategic Cost, Procurement, and Supply Chain Finance 3

Overview of strategic cost management and procurement in the supply chain; tactics in effective management of the procurement process and total cost of ownership; management of total supply chain costs.

SCM 678 Project Management for Dynamic Environments 3

Modern methods of defining, planning and executing large scale projects. Computer software and network models are used to support the efficient scheduling of interdependent activities.

SCM 680 Independent Study in Supply Chain Management 3

Explore in-depth contemporary issues of relevance and interest to the student under the guidance of a faculty member.

Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate certificate in Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation Management (SCLTM).

SCM 682 Executive Mentorship in Supply Chain Management 3

Students in the experimental learning course interact with instructor and mentor to gain in-depth knowledge related to supply chains, logistics and transportation. The mentor is an executive within the industry.

Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate certificate in Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation Management (SCLTM).

Notes: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.