Business Information Technology

B. W. Taylor III, Head

Andersen Professor of Management Science: L. P. Rees

Bell Atlantic-Virginia Professor of Management Science: L. J. Moore

Lenz Professor of Management Science: E. R. Clayton

R. B. Pamplin Professors of Management Science: E. C. Houck; B. W. Taylor III

Houchens Professor of Management Science: T. R. Rakes

Professors: R. D. Badinelli; P. Ghandforoush; P. Y. Huang; C. T. Ragsdale; R. S. Russell Tillar; R. E. Sorensen; R. T. Sumichrast

Associate Professors: D. F. Cook; B. J. Hoopes; R. L. Major; L. A. Matheson; Q. J. Nottingham

Assistant Professors: E.C. Brown; D.C. Chatfield; T. L. James; K.B. Keeling; P. L. Kitchin;M. Vroblefski; C. W. Zobel

Instructor: L.L. Clark, S. E. Washburn; L. M. Zelazny

Career Advisor: B. W. Taylor III (231-6596)

The Department of Business Information Technology offers an undergraduate major in business information technology with options in computer-based decision support systems, operations management, and electronic business technology. The department also offers and staffs business courses, including: quantitative models and methods in business, production/operations management, and computer modeling and simulation in business. Business information technology (BIT) courses are listed below.

The department participates in the Cooperative Education Program in which qualified students may alternate semesters of study with semesters of professional employment.

Business Information Technology

The curriculum in business information technology is designed to provide the student with expertise in the quantitative and technological aspects of management, specifically including the extensive use of computers for solving business problems and making managerial decisions. The name business information technology implies the application of scientific principles and techniques, mathematics, and computing to the management function with the objective of increased efficiency and productivity. Thus, the student of business information technology not only learns various quantitative techniques and models to apply to managerial problems, but also a logical and scientific approach to managerial decision-making. The curriculum provides training both for individuals interested in pursuing careers in business management and for individuals interested in pursuing graduate or professional degrees. Students majoring in business information technology may choose one of three options reflecting their particular career objectives and interests.

Option I - Computer-Based Decision Support Systems

educates the student in the design, implementation, and use of computerized information systems, decision support systems, and expert systems which support contemporary business managers in the decision-making process. Special emphasis is placed on increased productivity through the use of models, quantitative data, and techniques in the computerized decision support system. Training in Option I will enable graduates of this program to pursue careers in business and industry in which computer-aided decision-making is an essential component of the managerial function.

Option II - Operations Management

educates the student in the various aspects of management of modern production and/or operations environments. The curriculum of Option II is designed to provide the student with expertise in the planning and control of production and manufacturing systems. Emphasis is placed on computerized planning and control models, quality management, and other high technology applications, to operational problems with the objective of improving the productivity and efficiency of business firms. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue careers as production and/or operations managers in business and industry.

Option III - Electronic Business Technology

provides the student with a broad, but technically rigorous, background in the application of information technology to computer Internet-based systems. This option is designed to support information technology designers and managers in the application of information technology tools, including databases, computer systems analysis and design, networks and telecommunications, and supply chain management, in the design and implementation of Internet systems to support e-business functions within companies and organizations. It is also designed to provide students with a background in how traditional business-related functions such as business law and marketing are applicable to an Internet environment. Graduates of Option III will be able to pursue careers in businesses and organizations in which Internet-based, e.g., electronic, activities are a key component of the enterprise.

Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the college of business requirements for the first two years and the core upper-division business requirements, the students electing this major will take a series of commonly required courses and then select between two options of concentration:

Undergraduate Courses (BIT)

2405,2406: QUANTITATIVE METHODS I & II

Study of quantitative techniques used in managerial decision-making. BIT 2405: Data collection, descriptive statistics, probability theory, and statistical inferential procedures. BIT 2406: Linear regression and correlation analysis, forecasting, mathematical modeling, and network models. Pre: ACIS 1504, MATH 1525, MATH 1526 for 2405; 2405 for 2406. (3H,3C) I,II,III,.

2954: BUSINESS STUDY ABROAD

This course provides students with an international business experience. It is only offered as part of a program outside the United States. Students will learn from the structured educational experience developed by the faculty leader. This course is intended for students who want to develop information technology or operations management related free electives. Pre: Instructor's consent and the completion of 24 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0, or departmental consent. Variable credit course.

3414: PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

The production/operations function of business is surveyed as it is practiced in American industry today, and as it could be practiced in the future. Terminology and quantitative methods are introduced. The actual and potential role of the computer is discussed. Junior standing required. Pre: 2405, 2406. (3H,3C) I,II,III,.

3424: COMPUTER MODELING & DECISION ANALYSIS

Computer solution of topics introduced in BIT 2406. Includes computer solution and analysis of management problems using such techniques as linear programming, goal programming, inventory, simulation, and information systems. Spreadsheet and database software will be used to solve these problems. Junior standing required. Pre: ACIS 1504, 2406. (3H,3C).

3434: ADVANCED MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Study of selected advanced topics in decision modeling and analysis. Emphasis on model formulation, solution techniques, interpretation of results, and comprehensive approaches to problem-solving. Topics include various methods for modeling and optimization such as integer, goal, and nonlinear programming, as well as network analysis and Markov analysis. Includes case studies and use of Excel as the primary analytical tool. Pre: 2406. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

3444: ADVANCED BUSINESS COMPUTING & APPLICATIONS

Study of selected advanced topics in business computing. Construction of business applications using an advanced computer terminology, HTML, and internet applications. The ocurse builds computer literacy and strong programming skills. Junior standing required. Pre: CS 1044, 2406. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

3454: Quality and Process Improvement Methods

This course examines the technical aspects of quality management for production operations, service operations and software systems development. Various data and information analysis techniques are developed using a high level business programming language. Quality assurance techniques for software development and analytical techniques for process improvement are emphasized. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C).

3464: ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS PLANNING & CONTROL

The study of the design, analysis and implementation of enterprise-wide resource planning and control systems. The course examines decision support models for production planning, master scheduling, inventory control, shop floor control and related topics in planning and control. The course emphasizes the applicaiton of information technologies such as ERP, MRPII, CIM to operations planning and control. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C).

3544 (ACIS 3544): MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES

The course provides the necessary background to enable management information systems personnel to understand tradeoffs in information systems hardware, software, and architecture for effective use in the business environment. Topics covered include information technology planning and strategy, trends in computer hardware and systems software, telecommunications and network management, control and management of information resources, distributed and client-server technologies, and data representation and visualization. Partially duplicates CS 1104. Pre: ACIS 2504 or 3444. (3H,3C).

3954: STUDY ABROAD

Variable credit course.

4414: SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

A comprehensive study of the management of service operations. Topics include the service economy, service system design and delivery, service strategy, and decisions in support of service strategy, such as location, layout, capacity, inventory, distribution and quality assurance. Addresses the management of technologies and service employees in a service setting. Pre: FIN 3104, MGT 3304, MKTG 3104, 3414. (3H,3C).

4434: COMPUTER SIMULATION IN BUSINESS

In-depth study of the application of computer simulation techniques to business decision-making and process improvement. The theory of computer simulation and statistical analysis of results are included. Attention is focused on using simulation software stressing application to specific problems. Pre: 2406. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

4444: DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Study of interactive, computer-based systems used to support managers. Includes the study of constructing managerial decision support systems using an advanced application development environment such as Visual Studio.net. Emphasizes the design of systems that interact with databases. Includes many of the latest concepts in object-oriented programming. Pre: 3444, CS 1054. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

4454: SEMINAR IN DSS DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION

Comprehensive treatment of Decision Support Systems (DSS) as managerial tools, particularly in an e-commerce environment. Emphasis is at the builder and user level. A primary emphasis is on problem solving through the integration of various quantitative techniques, as well as on IT concepts. The course includes a comprehensive project using state-of-the-art software. Pre: 4444. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

4464: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Study of efficient methods for streamlining the production and delivery of products and services across functions, enterprises and global boundaries. Topics include the facilities, functions, technologies, and activities involved in creating and delivering products and services, especially in a digital marketplace. Designing and managing a network of suppliers across enterprises is discussed, along with the information systems and planning issues involved. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C) I,II.

4474: GLOBAL OPERATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

This course includes concepts and issues critical in the globalization of business operations and information technology. Topics covered include the organization of global operations, facilities location, product development, technology transfer, global communication links, transborder data flow, international information systems, and other emerging operations and information technology issues. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C).

4484: PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Study of efficient methods for planning and controlling projects. Topics include project management and scheduling tools, project quality assurance, risk and cost control, resource constrained scheduling, definition and requirements analysis, task integration, and managing alliances. The application of information technology to project management and control is emphasized throughout the course. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C).

4494: NETWORK SIMULATION MODELING & ANALYSIS IN BUSINESS

Analysis of business systems that can be modeled as networks. A language and software package such as SLAM (mainframe version) or SLAM System (PC version) will be used. A graphical menu driven network modeling system for the personal computer will be the primary simulation methodology emphasized, providing both a networking language capability and a programming interface capability. Extensive use will be made of both the network modeling feature and the program interface to build and analyze business simulation models. Pre: 2405, 3444, 3424. (3H,3C).

4514: DATABASE TECHNOLOGY FOR E-BUSINESS

Study of the design of databases and data structures for supporting electronic business. Topics include basic database structure and design, structured query language, distributed database management systems, integration of web server and backend database servers, data warehousing and mining, on-line analytical processing, and database application, security, and management in an Internet environment. Pre: 3444. (3H,3C) I,II.

4524: INTERNET SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT FOR E-BUSINESS

Study of the current technologies for designing and constructing Internet-based e-business systems. Topics will include the operation of the Internet, server-side programming, client-side programming, XML, Active Server Pages, database integration, Java-Script, ActiveX and COM, Visual Basic scripting, CGI, and others. Design issues will be explored through an e-business class project. Pre: 4514, 4554, 4594. (3H,3C) I,II.

4534: VISUAL INTERFACE DESIGN FOR DECISION SUPPORT

Study of the design of visual user interfaces for computerized decision support systems in a business context. Primary emphasis is upon the Windows desktop development environment, but emerging trends in hardware and software affecting interface design are covered as well. Course includes several interface design projects implementing the concepts learned. Pre: 3444 or ACIS 2504. (3H,3C).

4544: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR DECISION SUPPORT

Study of key artificial-intelligence techniques and their role in decision making in the business context. Primary emphasis is upon knowledge-based systems and neural networks, but fuzzy logic concepts and genetic algorithms are covered as well. Course includes a major software project implementing concepts learned. Pre: 3444 or ACIS 2504. (3H,3C).

4554 (ACIS 4554): NETWORKS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN BUSINESS

This course provides an in-depth introduction to computer networks and data communications in business. Topics include mechanisms for reliable data transfer, local and wide area network topologies and technologies, and a comprehensive treatment of internetworking. The benefits, costs, and security issues related to using computer networks are discussed, along with network design issues, and methodologies for network applications. One semester of college-level programming experience required. Pre: 3444 or ACIS 3515. (3H,3C) I,II.

4564 (ACIS 4564): OBJECT-ORIENTED SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT FOR BUSINESS

The course first develops the foundations and principles of object-oriented programming, including encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. These concepts are acquired via comprehensive hands-on experience with a current OOP language (such as Java). The second portion of the course applies concepts learned to a business-oriented application, such as a web-based, e-commerce scenario. One semester of college-level computer programming in an object-oriented language (such as C++ or Java) is required. Pre: 3444 or ACIS 3515. (3H,3C). I,II.

4574: ADVANCED NETWORKING FOR BUSINESS

Study of advanced concepts and techniques for distributed computer networking and data communications in business. Topics may include new developments in both wired and wireless networking technologies, network planning and design, network security, and network management and disaster planning. Pre: BIT(ACIS) 4554. (3H,3C).

4584 (ACIS 4584): CLIENT/SERVER APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT FOR BUSINESS

Study of software tools and techniques for designing and developing client/server applications for business. Topics include the architectures of contemporary client/server development tools, client/server development methodologies, and business applications using the client/server paradigm. Pre: 4554. (3H,3C).

4594 (ACIS 4594): ELECTRONIC COMMERCE SYSTEMS

Study of the design and implementation of computer systems on the Internet and world-wide-web used for electronic commerce. Emphasis of the course will be on understanding the numerous issues involved in using the Internet and web as tools for the production and distribution of goods and services. Topics will include basics of electronic commerce, security issues in financial and sensitive data transfer, unique aspects of business-oriented commerce such as supply-chain management in relation to consumer commerce, legal and international issues in electronic commerce, building and maintaining an electronic commerce website, and future trends in electronic commerce. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C) I.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.

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Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002

URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdBIT.html