Information Systems Concentration Guidelines

Concentrations in Information Systems

Introduction

What is "information systems?" Clearly, the subject of information systems involves "information" and "systems." Information is data that has been given meaning through some process. Through its attribute of meaning, it therefore has added value. Systems are the ways in which we develop that information. This would involve the development and use of models as well as the development and use of processes that will help us implement those models.

For the student who wishes to develop a degree program in information systems, definition is the initial challenge and, as the definition develops, the degree program will also take shape.

There are, of course, many ways to approach information systems. Many professionals and educators have tried to identify different approaches by adding adjectives, which has led to terms such as "management information systems" and "computer information systems. " The general understanding was that MIS would be more focused on the management aspects, while CIS focused on the technical aspects. However, as the area has developed, the differentiation between the managerial and the technical has certainly blurred. These guidelines have therefore adopted the more general title of information systems.

At Empire State College, the variation among degrees in information systems occurs with the identification of the area of study. There are three primary areas of study where a degree in information systems can reside: Business, Management and Economics; Science, Mathematics and Technology; and Interdisciplinary Studies. In order to help the student identify the most appropriate area of study, separate guidelines are provided for each of these areas of study. However, a common core of knowledge has been identified that is appropriate for any of these areas of study.

Students can consider other possibilities than IS for their concentration titles. For example, in the Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) area, a student who comes to Empire State College with substantial experience and/or transcript credit in computer technology may want to build on that background to develop a degree program in information technology. A SMT student who wishes to have a more theoretical approach, including extensive study of mathematics and algorithms, may want to pursue a degree in computer science. In the Business, Management and Economics (BME) area, a student pursuing a degree in information systems management may consider taking studies such as accounting information systems, human resource information systems, and so on depending on his/her interests and needs.

Common Core of Knowledge for Information Systems

In any degree program, progression and integration are important. Progression is important because one needs to move from a foundation to a deeper level of understanding. Integration exists when links exist among the degree program studies.

The common core of knowledge for information systems addresses the aspects of progression and integration. To begin, the foundation is defined, which is important for any degree program. Then, the essential links are presented. From these essential links, the rest of the degree program will then differ, depending on student goals and interests.

Here are the core areas that the relevant areas of study faculty have agreed upon as essential for a degree in information systems:

• Computer Fundamentals: This area is composed of three sub-areas, all of which need to be addressed—applications, programming and introductory IS concepts. Applications would include word processing, use of spreadsheets, database management and telecommunications. The knowledge of telecommunications should include a basic understanding of networks and the Internet. Programming is introductory programming and can be in any language. Introductory IS concepts would provide an overview of the area, including basic hardware and software aspects, as well as common applications of IS, including, but not restricted to, the use of IS for decision-making support.
  
  
• Business, Management and Economics Fundamentals: Information systems exist within organizations. In many cases, the organization is involved in business transactions. Therefore, some basic understanding of business and management fundamentals is important. This could be chosen from one or more of the following areas: economics, behavior/ management, and/or finance/accounting.
  
  
• Quantitative Reasoning: All students should already have (or develop) skill and confidence with the interpretation of material containing quantitative information and mathematical symbols, and they should have (or develop) an ability to express ideas using mathematical symbols and language. That is, it is important to be able to articulate one's understanding of mathematics, not just be able to do calculations. The choice of mathematical subject matter for development of quantitative reasoning will depend on the student's background and interest. Subjects such as algebra, statistics, finite math or technical math are all good choices. In addition, students would greatly benefit from an understanding of basic statistical concepts.
  
  
• Systems Analysis and Design (advanced level): Key to the understanding of information systems is an understanding of systems analysis and design. This includes an understanding of the systems lifecycle as well as systems and network models.
  
  
• Information Technology (advanced level): Information technology concerns the hardware aspects of information systems. Many students come to Empire State College with background in information technology. This may include training in networks or the underlying technology of the World Wide Web. It may also include an advanced understanding of programming languages. In this area, currency is important and students without currency should regain currency in their contract learning. Contract learning could include study of data communications and networking or advanced programming languages.
  
  
• Information Systems (advanced level): In addition to systems analysis and design, which was already identified as a core subject, and an understanding of systems and information technology, a student should have an advanced level of understanding in databases, MIS or project management in information systems. Any advanced- level IS study should include some aspect of decision-making.
  
  
• Understanding of the Environment in Which One Works: Information systems always exists in some context and there is wide variability in that context. Often the environment is a business organization, but this is not necessarily the case. Examples of studies that would give a student this perspective would be: technology and society, technology management, cross-cultural management, organizational behavior, computer ethics, human-computer interaction or e-commerce.

• Telecommunications Management—A responsibility for the operations and performance of the communication network within the organization. This would include studies such as project management, computer operations and computer security.

• Database Management and Administration—A combination of data management and data administration roles and responsibilities, including studies such as relational databases, enterprise data modeling, client interface and management information systems.

• Accounting and Financial Management--This involves such responsibilities as dealing with investments in vertical information systems, procurement, operations management, and implementation of an information systems’ financial strategy within the organization. Cost accounting is an integral part of this area.

• Planning--This would include positioning of IS within other organizational functions to support business strategies and goals and would include studies such as business planning, strategic planning, strategic control systems and systems development.

• Programming—One possible area to investigate further is programming. This does not mean the study of several specific languages. Rather, students are encouraged to consider integrative studies such as: object oriented programming, theory of programming languages and artificial intelligence.

• Networks—A student may be interested in the role of network administrator. For this student, studies such as data communications, voice systems, computer security and network administration would be of interest.

• Web Design—The web has become a very attractive environment. The goal would not be to learn specific packages, but principles that would have a longer life. Suggestions include web programming, web design and web development.

• Databases—Databases are at the center of any information system. Any degree program in information systems should include study of databases. Further study of databases would include areas such as data modeling, database management, relational databases, decision support systems, enterprise data modeling, artificial intelligence and expert systems.

• Telecommunications—The area of telecommunications is broader than the study of networks. This area would look at the integrated nature of telecommunications, where voice, data and graphics are united.