Pamplin College of Business

Business Information Technology

business studentswww.bit.vt.edu/

B. W. Taylor III, Head
Andersen Professor of Management Science: L. P. Rees
Bank of America Professor: C.T. Ragsdale
Lenz Professor of Management Science: E. R. Clayton
R. B. Pamplin Professor of Management Science: B. W. Taylor III
Houchens Professor of Management Science: T. R. Rakes
Thornhill Professor: P.Y. Huang
Professors: R. D. Badinelli; D. F. Cook; P. Ghandforoush; R. S. Russell; R. E. Sorensen
Associate Professors: B. J. Hoopes; R. L. Major; L. A. Matheson; Q. J. Nottingham; C. W. Zobel
Assistant Professors: A. S. Abrahams; J. C. Deane; T. L. James; B. C. Kim; G. Wang
Instructors: L. L. Clark; P. L. Kitchin; J. A. Pokorski
Career Advisor: B. W. Taylor III (231-6596)

Overview

    The Department of Business Information Technology offers an undergraduate major in business information technology with options in computer-based decision support systems and operations management. 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 two 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.

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:

    Required Courses:
    CS 1024: Computing for Business (Option I only) (3)
    CS 1044: Intro to Programming in C (3)
    MGT 4394: Business Policy and Strategy (3)
    BIT 3434: Advanced Management Science (Options I & II only) (3)
    BIT 3444: Advanced Business Computing and Appl. (3)
    BIT 4434: Computer Simulation in Business (3)
    Option I - Computer-based Decision Support Systems
    Required Courses:
    ACIS 3515: Structured Systems Development (3)
    ACIS 4515: Database Management Systems (3)
    BIT 4444: Decision Support Systems (3)
    BIT 4454: Seminar in Decision Support Systems Design and Implementation (3)
    BIT 4554: Networks and Telecommunications in Business (3)
    Electives:
    BIT 3454, 3464, 4474, 4484, 4534, 4544, 4564, 4574, 4584, 4594
    Option II - Operations Management
    Required Courses:
    MKTG 4354: Marketing Channels and Logistics (3)
    BIT 3454: Quality & Process Improvement Methods (3)
    BIT 3464: Enterprise Operations Planning & Control (3)
    BIT 4464: Supply Chain Management (3)
    BIT 4474: Global Operations & Information Technology (3)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (BIT)

2405,2406: QUANTITATIVE METHODS
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)

2954: BUSINESS STUDY ABROAD
This course provides students with an international business experience. It is only offered as part of a program outside of 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 AND 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. I,II,III, Pre: 2405, 2406. (3H,3C)

3424: COMPUTER MODELING AND DECISION ANALYSIS
Computer solution of topics introduced in MSCI 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: CS 1054. (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, 3424. (3H,3C)

3444: ADVANCED BUSINESS COMPUTING AND APPLICATIONS
Study of selected advanced topics in business computing. Construction of business applications using an advanced application development environment such as Visual Studio.net. Coverage of computer terminology, HTML, and internet applications. The course builds computer literacy and strong programming skills. Junior standing required. Pre: 2406, 3424. (3H,3C)

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 PLANNING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
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 application of information technologies such as ERP, MRPII, CIM to operations planning and control. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C)

3544 (ACIS 3544): MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND 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 BIT 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: 3414, FIN 3104, MKTG 3104, MGT 3304. (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)

4444: WEB-BASED 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. (3H,3C)

4454: BUSINESS ANALYSIS SEMINAR IN IT
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: 3434, 4444, 4514, 4524. (3H,3C)

4464: ADVANCED TOPICS IN PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS 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. I,II. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C)

4474: GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND 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, cultural and national comparisons, planning 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 AND 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: 3424. (3H,3C)

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: 3424. (3H,3C)

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 AND 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: 3424 or ACIS 3515. (3H,3C)

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. Pre: CS 1054, (ACIS 3515 or BIT 3444). (3H,3C)

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: 4554 or 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 or ACIS 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. I. Pre: 3414. (3H,3C)

4614: INFORMATION SECURITY
Study of policies, procedures, and technologies for enhancing the security of information. Topics include physical security, communications security, emissions security, computer security, and network security. The core security goals of confidentiality, integrity, and availability are emphasized throughout the course. Pre: 4554 or ACIS 4554. (3H,3C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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