Pamplin College of Business

Business Information Technology

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 and supply chain management. The department also offers and staffs business courses, including: quantitative models and methods in business, operations and supply chain 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

• This option 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 and Supply Chain Management

• This option educates students in the management of activities directly related to the creation and distribution of goods and services. The curriculum of Option II is designed to provide the student with expertise in the planning and control of business processes within a firm and across its global supply chain. Emphasis is placed on applying IT and process analysis skills to improve the quality and productivity of business firms and their supply chain partners. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue careers as operations managers, business process analysts, quality assurance specialists, supply chain specialists, and quality control, logistics, inventory and procurement managers in business, industry, and government.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (BIT)

1614 (ACIS 1614) (CS 1614): INTRODUCTION TO LIVING IN THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY (LIKES)
Introduces computing concepts needed by students to live in the emerging KnowlEdge Society. Prepares students to take courses in the Curriculum for Liberal education that are part of the pathway with theme Living in the Knowledge Society (LIKES)- i.e., the LIKES themed core. Surveys key paradigms of computing, problem solving, programming, modeling and simulation, and software engineering. Relates these to the Knowledge Society, covering data, information, and knowledge, considering hypermedia, human-computer interaction, presentation, visualization, networking and communication. Students are prepared to understand the (potential) application of computing to society in general and in their disciplines. (1H,1C)

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: (MATH 1525, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1525, MATH 2015, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 2015, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1015, MATH 1525, MATH 2015) or (MATH 1015, MATH 1525, MATH 1206) or (MATH 1015, MATH 1205, MATH 2015) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) for 2405; 2405 or STAT 3005, (MATH 1525, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1525, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1206, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1206, MATH 2114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1226, MATH 1114) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1226, MATH 2114) 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: OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Study of the process directly related to the creation and distribution of goods and services. Increasingly, these operations are taking place outside the boundaries of a traditional enterprise. This course teaches students how to analyze processes, ensure quality, create value, and manage the flow of information, products and services across a network of customers, enterprises and supply chain partners. Pre: 2406, ACIS 2116, ECON 2006. (3H,3C)

3424: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS MODELING
Introduction of modeling of problems encountered in business analytics. Statistical and optimization modeling, computer solution, and analysis of business problems. Uses spreadsheet and database software to facilitate the modeling and solution of these problems. Pre: 2406 or CS 1054 or CS 1114 or CS 1124 or CS 1705. (3H,3C)

3434: ADVANCED MODELING FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS
Study of selected, advanced topics in decision modeling and business analytics. Emphasis on model formulation, solution techniques, interpretation of results and comprehensive approaches to problem-solving. Integer, multi-criteria, and non-linear programming as well as network analysis and heuristics. Includes case studies and use of Excel as the primary analytical tool. Pre: 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: 3424, CS 1054. (3H,3C)

3454: BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Examines the technical aspects of business process improvement focusing on improvement strategies, quality control, data analysis and mining, and maturity models. Emphasizes analytical techniques for business process design, control, and improvement. 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: (CS 1054 or BIT 3444). (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

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 current technologies for designing and constructing interactive, Internet-based systems for supporting business decisions. Topics may include the operation of the Internet, server-side programming, client-side programming, server-side scripting, XML, XHTML, database integration, COM, CGI, and others. Design issues will be explored through a class project. 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. (3H,3C)

4464: ADVANCED SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Advanced 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, risk management and planning issues involved. 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)

4514: DATABASE TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS
Study of the design of databases and data structures for supporting business. Topics include basic database structure and design, structured query language, database management systems, integration of backend database servers, data warehousing and mining, on-line analytical processing, and database application, security, and management. Pre: 3424, 4524. (3H,3C)

4524: SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
Study of the current technologies for designing and developing computer-based business systems. Topics will include process, logic, and conceptual data modeling methodologies such as Uniform Modeling Language (UML) and important design-related issues such as data flows and system capabilities. Design issues will be explored through class projects. Pre: 2406. (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: ADVANCED METHODS IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS
Study of key methods in business analytics and their role in decision making in the business context. Emphasizes data systems and methods for extracting knowledge from these systems. Business intelligence, data mining and data classification, text mining and web mining, data warehousing, geographic information systems, artificial intelligence, heuristics, and semantics and ontologies. 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 or ACIS 3504. (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)

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.

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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