Business Information Technology

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Overview

The Department of Business Information Technology offers an undergraduate major in business information technology with options in computer-based decision support systems, operations and supply chain management, and cybersecurity management and analytics. The department also offers and staffs business courses such as business analytics and modeling, systems analysis, database management, and data governance, privacy and ethics. Specific 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 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 (BIT-DSS)

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

Option II - Operations and Supply Chain Management (BIT-OSM)

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, analytics 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 managers, project managers, supply chain analysts, and quality, logistics, inventory or procurement managers in business, industry, and government.

Option III - Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (BIT-Cyber)

This option emphasizes business processes and data analytics as applied to cybersecurity management. BIT-Cyber students will gain proficiency in the business management of cybersecurity within an organization, including knowledge management, setting policies, risk management, incident business response, using data to understand attacks on business assets, and overall management of the cybersecurity function within a business. Graduates of the program will be prepared for jobs as analysts, auditors, managers and planners within the cybersecurity function.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. Requirements for graduation are listed on checksheets. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for degree requirements.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (BIT)

2104: CAREERS IN BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Career opportunities and job search strategies in the business information technology and operations fields with reference to the BIT courses that best help the student identify a career in his/her selected field. Includes career skills development and resume writing. Pass/Fail only. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C)

2164 (CS 2164) (PSCI 2164): FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY SECURITY ENVIRONMENTS Introduction to multiple analytical perspectives on contemporary security environments, including political, legal, ethical, technical, environmental and historical and cultural perspectives relative to the conception, design and implementation of security solutions, practices, and policies. Emphasizes applying and analyzing the effectiveness of diverse procedures, tools and policies used in security and privacy solutions, decision-making, risk management and operational policy to mitigate local, national, international and global threats. (3H,3C)

2404 (MGT 2404): MULTICULTURAL PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYTICS Study of how people and organizations in multiple cultures analyze, model and solve problems from a business perspective. Addresses ethical considerations in developing and solving problems. No statistics background is required. Sophomore standing. Pre: MATH 1025, (MATH 1225 or MATH 1525). (3H,3C)

2405,2406: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS STATISTICS, ANALYTICS, & MODELING Introduction to basic statistical (inference) tools, analytics techniques, and modeling necessary in managerial decision-making. The decision-making aspect of the course, while utilizing quantitative/computational thinking, will emphasize ethical reasoning. Topics include, but are not limited to, descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, sampling and sampling distributions, portfolio management, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance, big data, and data analytics. Pre: MATH 1524 or (MATH 1525, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1225, MAT H 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 1 526) or (MATH 1016, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MA TH 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 2405; 2405 or STAT 3005, MA TH 1524 or MATH 1525, MATH 1526 or (MATH 1205, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1225, MATH 1526) o r (MATH 1016, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1025, MATH 1526) or (MATH 1205, MATH 1206, MATH 111 4) 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. (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: 2406. (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)

3514: SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Study of the current technologies for designing and developing computer-based business systems. Topics will include process, structural, behavioral, 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. This course duplicates BIT 4524. Pre: CS 1054 or CS 1064 or CS 1114. (3H,3C)

3524: DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN Study of the design of databases and data structures for supporting business applications. 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. This course duplicates BIT 4514. Pre: 3514 or (3424, 4524). (3H,3C)

3554 (ACIS 3554): NETWORKS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SECURITY Provides an introduction to computer networks and data communications in business. Topics include mechanisms for reliable data transfer, network topologies and technologies, and a comprehensive treatment of inter-networking. Additional topics include packet switching, and cloud, edge, and advanced networking. Security issues related to using computer networks are discussed, along with network design issues, and methodologies for network applications. Duplicates BIT 4554. Pre: 2164 or CS 2164 or PSCI 2164 or BIT 3424 or ACIS 3504. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course.

4164 (CS 4164) (PSCI 4164): FUTURE OF SECURITY: INTEGRATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX SECURITY SYSTEMS Identification and analysis of complex, real-world security problems and threats to people, organizations, and nations across multiple domains, roles and future scenarios. Crisis communication, decision making tools, ethical principles and problem-solving methods to respond, assess options, plan, scope, and communicate before, during and after conflicts, disasters and attacks. Use of an experiential learning facility, and participation in a reality-based team simulation of cascading security and disaster events. Pre: PSCI 2164 or BIT 2164 or CS 2164. (3H,3C)

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: 3414. (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)

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)

4604: DATA GOVERNANCE, PRIVACY AND ETHICS Examination of data analytics and automated decision making issues, across multiple technology contexts, through the lens of the humanities and ethics. Privacy, autonomy, data ownership, equality, and accountability. Decision making and exploration of questions of data ethics and data fairness throughout the data life cycle. Pre: 2405 or CMDA 2014 or CS 1114 or CS 1054 or CS 1064. (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: 3424 or 2164 or CS 2164 or PSCI 2164. (3H,3C)

4624: CYBERSECURITY ANALYTICS FOR BUSINESS Application of advanced analytics to cybersecurity in a business setting. Categorization of cyber threats and solutions. Data mining, visualization and machine learning applied to large data sets for anomaly detection, threat prediction, and incident response analysis. Investigation of adversarial machine learning. Selection of appropriate analytics techniques and security platforms. Consideration of business and ethical issues. Pre: 4614 or CS 4264. (3H,3C)

4854 (MGT 4854): ANALYTICS IN ACTION Problem-solving framework and analytic techniques for solving messy, unstructured, high-impact, real-world organizational/societal problems within an interdisciplinary, intercultural, experiential learning context. Definition of problem scope, objectives, need for change, ethical concerns, and diversity and inclusion issues; identification of stakeholders and their values; evaluation of decision tradeoffs; problem decomposition and hypothesis formulation; project planning and administration; data versus user requirements, ethical and inclusive decision making, data collection, preparation, and analysis; team roles and management; professional communication of insights, policy and action recommendations. Pre: CMDA 2014, BDS 2005. (3H,3C)

4954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.