Business Information Technology
Head: R. S. Russell
Andersen Professor of Management Science: L. P. Rees
Bank of America Professor: C.T. Ragsdale
R. B. Pamplin Professors of Management Science: B. W. Taylor III and C. W. Zobel
Houchens Professor of Management Science: T. R. Rakes
Ralph Medinger Lenz Professor in Business: R. D. Badinelli
Richard E. Sorensen Dean's Chair: R. T. Sumichrast
Professors: P. Ghandforoush
Associate Professors: A. S. Abrahams, J.K. Deane, B. J. Hoopes, T. L. James, L. Z. Khansa, R. L. Major, L. A. Matheson, Q. J. Nottingham, O. Seref, and G. Wang
Assistant Professors: M.M.H. Seref and W. Shen
Collegiate Associate Professor: J. M. Teets
Assistant Professors of Practice: P.J. Fernandez, B. Fraticelli, J. Kern, and L. Travis
Advanced Instructor: L.L. Clark
Career Advisor: R. S. Russell (540-231-6596)
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 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://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
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: (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 240
5; 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 1064.
(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 or CS 1064 or CS 1114).
(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)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4424: BUSINESS INFORMATION VISUALIZATION AND ANALYTICS
Basic perception and design principles and techniques
for information visualization, with an emphasis on the
application of visualization software for data exploration
and the development of analytical skills for business.
Includes hands-on exposure to information visualization
and statistical software.
Pre: 2406.
(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 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 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)
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)
4954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.