Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA)

CISA courses were designated with the subject prefix MIS through Summer 2022.

[1] Courses in Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA)

1300 BUSINESS COMPUTING This course is required for all business majors as a part of the business foundation. The course is designed to build competency in desktop tools for use in making business decisions. The primary focus is learning significant spreadsheet competence augmented with file management skills and hands-on assignments and projects based on real-world scenarios. Classes are conducted in a networked computer laboratory using current desktop decision-support software such as Microsoft Excel. Prerequisite: Knowledge of keyboarding and basic spreadsheet skills.

2330 BUSINESS STATISTICS This is a required course for all business majors as a part of the business foundation. The mode of instruction is lecture, working problems, and discussion. This course includes an introduction to descriptive statistics, probability theory (theoretical and empirical), discrete and continuous distributions, estimation, and sampling concepts. An emphasis is placed on hypothesis testing including type I and type II errors. This is an introductory statistics course. No credit will be awarded for more than one introductory statistics course. Prerequisite: Any 1000-level MATH course. [ACTS: BUSI2103]

3V82 INTERNSHIP IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND ANALYTICS (Variable credit: 0-3 credit hours) Internships are available to provide students academic credit for experiential learning. To earn 1, 2, or 3 hours of credit, the internship must include a minimum of 40, 80, or 120 hours of information systems and/or analytics work, respectively. Zero credit internships require a minimum of 40 hours of information systems and/or analytics work. It is possible to divide these three credit hours into two different terms, so that the first term would be one (or two) credit hours and the other term would be one (or two) credit hours. Prerequisites: Junior status, consent of department chair.

3300 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND PROGRAMMING This course introduces the composition of modern computers from both hardware and software perspectives. The hardware focus primarily relates to the personal computer (PC) platform. The software focus builds from operating system familiarization in Windows and Linux through an introduction to programming concepts via the Python programming language while emphasizing structured program design. CISA 3300 is intended as preparation for the follow-on study of any high-level programming language.

3301 PROGRAMMING IN COBOL I This course provides a hands-on introduction to the COBOL programming language through a combination of discussion, lecture, demonstration, and assignment activities. Every class meeting will involve planning, writing, and/or evaluating COBOL code. The course investigates solutions development from the COBOL perspective: rigorous adherence to program planning, design, analysis, and documentation techniques. This course includes intermediate programming techniques such as nested control structures and file-based input/output, as well as COBOL specific techniques such as screens, data files, and working storage. Prerequisite: CISA 3300 or CSCI 1470.

3305 WEBSITE DESIGN This course introduces students to basic web design concepts. It is aimed at learning to design and build a user-focused business or personal website using online website-building content management tools. Students will learn the skills needed to create effective layouts, build web content, and learn about verifying the accessibility of web pages. Students will also learn how to test how people understand and use web and mobile sites. This is not an HTML or CSS coding course. Rather, the focus of this course is to equip students with enough knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully design, develop, and implement a website with content management systems commonly used by many modern businesses. This elective course cannot be used to fulfill any CISA major or minor requirements but can be used to fulfill General Business major or minor requirements.

3321 MANAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY This course is required for all business majors as a part of the business core (accounting majors must take Accounting Information Systems which can replace this course). The course introduces students to computer information systems concepts from an enterprise-wide perspective. The course explores the integration of information systems in business to support decision-making in light of current information technology. The primary mode of instruction is discussion and lecture, with other activities serving a supporting role.

3328 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN This course introduces primary IT hardware/software components such as databases and networks and their integration as a cohesive IT system. The focus of the course is on the systems development life-cycle (SDLC) and how it applies to information systems development. With the SDLC as a foundation, students are also introduced to various development approaches to include traditional/structured, object-oriented, and agile. In addition to lecture, students apply concepts through a semester-long information systems development case study and the use of a variety of software to include CASE tools. Prerequisite: CISA 3321. [UD UCA Core: C]

3335 DATA ANALYSIS USING PYTHON This course explores the data analysis capabilities of the Python ecosystem through hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects. Students use Python and its associated tools to gather, prepare, visualize, and analyze data. The course also introduces Python’s capabilities for data/business analytics. Prerequisite: CISA 3300 or CSCI 1470.

3339 PROGRAMMING IN JAVA I This course provides a hands-on introduction to the Java programming language through a combination of discussion, lecture, demonstration, and assignment activities. The course investigates solutions development from the object-oriented programming perspective: classes and interfaces, functional decomposition, and a variety of construction techniques such as association, aggregation, composition, and inheritance. This course introduces intermediate programming techniques such as nested control structures, polymorphic object behavior, third-party application programming interfaces, and graphical user interfaces. Prerequisite: CISA 3300 or CSCI 1470.

3343 ADVANCED SPREADSHEET APPLICATIONS This course is both a concept and computer-applications course relying heavily on applying an understanding of the concepts with computer software. The course will employ lectures, projects, labs, and class discussion. Students work individually and in teams. Lectures emphasize not only the conceptual and managerial aspects of analysis, but the software aspects to solve problems and analyze data. The course is a much advanced continuation of CISA 1300 Business Computing. It examines, in detail, the spreadsheet tool of Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts, performing advanced calculations, and integrating spreadsheets with databases. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to build advanced pivot tables to analyze data using data mining techniques, analyze spreadsheet information using databases, and use Visual Basic (VBA) to maneuver data between spreadsheets and databases. During the semester, you will have the opportunity to work on a project of your own where you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the course objectives. Lecture/discussion/lab. Prerequisite: CISA 1300.

3362 PROGRAMMING IN VISUAL BASIC I This course explores the essentials of this event-driven language through hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects. Students will develop programs to explore the strengths of VB in areas such as graphical user interfaces, database connectivity, and creating Web-based programs using the .NET framework. Prerequisite: CISA 3300 or CSCI 1470.

3363 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS I This course introduces students to the telecommunications industry and data networking standards emphasizing the Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols. Network security and network management are emphasized along with some technical aspects of the Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols. Students are introduced to network architecture including both wired and wireless components. Both local area networking and wide area networking are discussed, with emphasis on LANs.

3365 DATABASE APPLICATIONS This course provides a hands-on introduction to database principles through a combination of discussion, lecture, demonstration, and assignment activities. The course investigates solutions development from the perspective of the relational data model: fully normalized entities and attributes as a holistic data repository for business data. This course includes an introduction to intermediate database management skills such as entity-relationship diagrams, normalization, and structured query language implemented across multiple database management systems. Prerequisites: CSCI 1480 or CSEC 2300 or CISA 3321 or CISA 3343 (CISA 3343 may be taken concurrently with CISA 3365).

3366 WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT This course is intended for students interested in learning about web page design concepts, web server support, and FTP techniques. The instructor assumes knowledge of Windows and the Internet and introduces students to the development of web pages using HTML and other web design enhancing tools (such as JavaScript, DHTML, CSS, XML, etc.) through lecture, demonstration, and practice in a networked computer lab. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Windows and the Internet.

4V71 CISA PROJECT (Variable credit: 1 to 3 credit hours) This course is a potential elective for students who desire to complete a project or engage in research. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

4V82 INTERNSHIP IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND ANALYTICS (Variable credit: 0-3 credit hours) Internships are available to provide students academic credit for experiential learning. To earn 1, 2, or 3 hours of credit, the internship must include a minimum of 40, 80, or 120 hours of information systems and/or analytics work, respectively. Zero credit internships require a minimum of 40 hours of information systems and/or analytics work. It is possible to divide these three credit hours into two different terms, so that the first term would be one (or two) credit hours and the other term would be one (or two) credit hours. Prerequisites: Senior status and consent of department chair.

4320 CRITICAL THINKING IN DATA ANALYTICS This course provides a foundation for critical thinking in business analytics. It examines the problem-solving process and applies this process to a variety of business cases. This course uses critical thinking to compare and contrast different methods, techniques, and tools.

4325 PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS This course emphasizes using data to solve problems and interpret results for decision makers. It includes an overview of experimental design, an in-depth study of regression (simple, multiple, logistic, and/or non-parametric) and forecasting. Prerequisite: CISA 2330 [ACTS: BUSI2103] or equivalent.

4329 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS This course is a continuation of CISA 3365 that presents database management from the relational data model perspective. This course introduces database administration and management techniques such as users, roles, and privileges. The course also introduces intermediate data modeling techniques such as Big Data / NoSQL and dimensional modeling / data cubes. Techniques will be applied across multiple industry standard database management systems where appropriate. The course includes a significant team project to plan, analyze, design, and implement a solution to a business-related problem using an appropriate database management system. Prerequisite: CISA 3365 or CSCI 3360.

4330 PRESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS This course emphasizes quantitative aids to decision making including a review of probability, linear programming, queuing theory, simulation techniques, network analysis, and Markov analysis. Lecture/discussion. Prerequisite: CISA 2330 [ACTS: BUSI2103] or equivalent.

4339 PROGRAMMING IN JAVA II This course is a continuation of CISA 3339 that presents intermediate programming principles from the object-oriented programming perspective using Java. The course examines intermediate programming techniques such as data structures, design patterns, database connectivity, and inter-process communication. The course includes a significant team project to plan, analyze, design, and implement a solution to a business-related problem using the Java programming language. Prerequisite: CISA 3339 or CSCI 3381.

4355 PROJECT MANAGEMENT This course is both a concept and computer-application course relying heavily on applying the understanding of the concepts with computer software. The course will employ lectures, case review, team projects, and class discussion. Students work individually and in teams. Lectures emphasize not only the managerial aspects, but the software aspects to solve problems and manage projects. An emphasis is placed on the nine knowledge areas: project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk and procurement management. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to apply Project Management techniques and use Microsoft Project to develop timelines, network diagrams, and critical path analysis. During the semester, students will have the opportunity to work on a project of their own where they will demonstrate understanding of the course objectives. Lecture/discussion. This course is required in both the BBA-CIS and BS-Information Systems majors. Prerequisites: Senior standing AND one of the following courses: CISA 3321, CSEC 3320, or MATH 3311. [UD UCA Core: Z]

4360 PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION SECURITY This elective course offers an in-depth study of the nature of organizational information security issues as well as exposure to the various aspects of developing, planning, and implementing an organizational information security program. It has broad applicability to managers, IT personnel, and line workers alike as much of today’s “knowledge work” centers around the handling of individual and organizational data and information. In addition to providing exposure to the realm of information security topics, the course also allows for hands-on lab exercises that bring the topics to life. Specifically, students will be exposed to topics such as risk management methods and processes, tradeoffs between security goals and organizational goals, network security tools and technologies, and contemporary legal, ethical, and professional issues in information security.

4361 CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AND POLICY This course is a comprehensive, end-to-end evaluation of information security policies, frameworks, and processes. It focuses on designing, organizing, implementing, and maintaining organizational cybersecurity policies, using common frameworks. Topics include governance, regulator mandates, business drivers, risks, and processes related to cybersecurity. Prerequisite: CSEC 2300 or CISA 3321.

4363 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS II After a quick review of CISA 3363 topics, students study TCP/IP and routing decisions in significant detail. Internal network messaging using TCP, UDP, and IP headers is discussed. Routing versus switching is a central consideration in this course for the purpose of understanding how large data networks (wired and wireless) are designed. Several network applications are discussed, and wide area networking is discussed in more detail. All of the material builds on the CISA 3363 foundation. Students are encouraged to sit for a network certification exam before the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: CISA 3363.

4364 COMPUTER AND NETWORK SECURITY This course builds on the material covered in MIS 3363 with particular emphasis on hardware, software, data, and network security. Students learn to configure security on servers, switches, access points, workstations, and Apple iOS. Various defenses including host, application, data, and perimeter are discussed and tested. Access control, identity management, physical security, assessments, and audits are also discussed and tested so that students are prepared to pass the Security Pro certification examination. The Security Pro certification examination is given as the final for CISA 4364. Prerequisite: CISA 3363.

4366 E-COMMERCE AND ADVANCED WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT This course provides students the opportunity to go beyond the basics of HTML, JavaScript, and XML, by learning tools and techniques useful in Web design and development for Intranets, Extranets and the Internet, with attention to E-Commerce. The course is designed to help meet the needs of those students who hope to become Website designers, developers, or managers. The course content should help students integrate materials and learning experiences from prerequisite courses to develop Web design and development skills valuable in the private or public sector. Prerequisites: CISA 3300 and CISA 3366.

4367 ADVANCED WEB DESIGN WITH DATABASES This course is both a concept and computer-applications course relying heavily on applying an understanding of the concepts with computer software. The course will employ lectures, projects, labs, and class discussion. This course concentrates on the linkage between web browsers (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), web servers (such as Apache), and a back-end database. Many (if not most) organizational web sites allow users to interact, such as purchasing something online or adding an email address. These interactions require the web server to connect to and use a database. This course covers writing web server programs that receive information from a web browser and connecting/interacting with a database using a computer language such as PHP. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to set up a web server and interact with both a browser and database. While knowledge of databases is recommended, it is not required. Lecture/discussion/lab. Prerequisite: CISA 3366.

4370 ADVANCED TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS In this course students investigate timely advanced information systems topics. Teaching methodology can include lecture, projects, presentation, and research as appropriate for the current topics selected by the instructor. This course may be repeated with different topics for up to six (6) credit hours. Prerequisite: CISA 3321.

4375 CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT This course is a management-focused investigation of the elements of information security with an emphasis on the tools required to effectively administer a cybersecurity program within an organization. Strategic planning, compliance issues, policies, and risk assessment/management are discussed with their respective impact on the organization. Students will understand and gain experience managing the cybersecurity process with the ability to advise upper management on the continuously emerging threats to information and privacy. Prerequisite: CISA 3328 or CSEC 3320.

4379 DATA VISUALIZATION This course is designed to provide students with the foundations and principles of data visualization to create meaningful displays of quantitative and qualitative data, facilitate managerial decision making, and present their insights clearly in a way that will engage their audience, and teaches through many examples of compare and contrast. The course provides discussions on topics such as exploratory data analysis, visual perception and cognition, effective use of chart types and colors, visual analytics (i.e., communicating common statistical relationships such as distribution, correlation, trends, and uncertainty), best practices for visualizing typical data types, including survey and mapping data, and other visualization techniques for persuasion and effective storytelling. The conceptual discussions will be integrated with hands-on experience using popular data visualization software (i.e., Tableau, Power BI).

4380 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND DATA VISUALIZATION This course focuses on business intelligence (BI), a broad category of technologies, applications, and processes for visualizing and modeling data to help users make better decisions. The course offers coverage of BI processes and technologies, data visualization, and management concerns such as measurement, performance, and individual/organizational impacts. Practical experience in data visualization is provided through projects using leading-edge tools. Prerequisite: CISA 3321 or CIS 3343 or MATH 3311 or consent of the instructor.

4381 DATA MINING AND APPLIED ANALYTICS This course focuses on development of the quantitative and analytical skills required to model, analyze, interpret, and solve managerial decision-making problems. Students will use current techniques and tools to develop the ability to answer business questions through the identification of patterns in data. Prerequisites: CISA 2330 [ACTS: BUSI2103] and at least Junior status or consent of the instructor.

4390 SPECIAL PROJECTS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS This course is designed to give students practical, first-hand experience in implementing IT projects or in conducting a significant research project, under the guidance of a faculty member. This course may be repeated with different projects for up to nine (9) credit hours. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.