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Program Objective
The goal of the Information Technology in Management major is to provide an opportunity for a focused study of information technology and its relevancy in business management. Students study IT principles and processes and their application to social and organizational problems. When combined with professional experiences, this major can equip students for entry-level or advancement in professional fields such as project management, information systems management, database management, financial systems management, and programming.
The objectives of the undergraduate Information Technology in Management major are:
- to prepare students for careers in business, industry, or government as professional managers of information processing and data systems, or managers in settings requiring a high level of computer literacy;
- to validate and enhance skills and knowledge acquired experientially by practicing computer technicians and information systems professionals;
- to integrate training in information technologies and applications with a moral and social perspective that prepares students to make sound value judgments in their professional and personal lives;
- to provide understanding of and appreciation for the historical development, contemporary progress, unfolding future, cultural value, and social ramifications of computer-related technologies; and
- to develop decision-making, strategic planning, interpersonal, and other managerial skills.
Research Project
The purpose of the applied research or software development project is to integrate student knowledge of organizations, software development, database management, problem analysis, and human-centered issues related to information technology. Completion of the research project demonstrates mastery of coursework and development of lifelong learning skills, including: verbal skills, writing and research, problem solving and planning skills, and computer competencies.
The project must address a problem in a workplace or organization.
The research topic will generally fall into one of the following categories:
- Software development. Possible projects may include but are not limited to writing a custom database or appraising/testing an artificial intelligence system.
- Automate office/work setting. Student projects may focus on automating manual systems such as inventory, quality control or project management, etc.
- Business process redesign. Student projects re-evaluate or redefine organizational structures and processes to take advantage of information technology. Areas for possible redesign may include order processing structures or strategic planning processes, etc.
The research project is an essential component in the program and helps students:
- recognize and analyze problems and opportunities;
- improve skills in applying structured systems analysis to solve system problems;
- evaluate hardware and software design capabilities and limitations;
- develop writing skills;
- improve oral presentation skills;
- incorporate human and psychological factors in systems implementation;
- prepare and complete formal documentation of a system; and
- create a positive change in the organization or community for which the system is designed.
Course Descriptions
ITM 305 Introduction to Computer-Based Information Systems - 3 credits
Students will discuss a focused study of the application of systems theory to problem-solving information systems, the roles that the IS function plays in business, and various information systems applications.
ITM 310 Contemporary Issues in Computing - 3 credits
An introduction is given to the latest developments in information technology and its social and organizational impact. The module adopts an historical perspective of computer development leading to present trends in software and technologies, including microchip technologies, artificial intelligence, and programming languages for artificial intelligence. Social issues include the computer's effects, threats, and challenges to privacy and property, and other social impacts. Organizational issues include office automation; effects of information systems on organizational structures, employee behavior and quality of work life; and implications for strategic planning and managerial decision making.
ITM 315 Personal Resources: Assessment and Application - 3 credits
Students investigate their histories, strengths, and weaknesses in order to understand how to best create and develop a personal and strategic plan for their future.
ITM 320 Systems Architecture - 4 credits
This course develops an understanding of the architecture of computer hardware at the systems programming level, introduces operating systems principles, and explores the interaction between architecture and operating systems.
ITM 325 Organization and Management Concepts - 3 credits
This class offers an in-depth examination of the characteristics of organizations and circumstances that affect organizational effectiveness. The course is also concerned with the activities and styles of managers of these organizations. An open systems model is applied as an overall framework for understanding organizations and their management. Practical applications of concepts to the student's work setting and final project enhance the student's potential as a manager and leader.
ITM 330 Systems Analysis and Software Development - 4 credits
An overview is given of the systems development life cycle with emphasis on techniques and tools of system documentation and logical system specifications. CASE methodologies are introduced as well as some advanced strategies and techniques of structured systems development.
ITM 335 Database Management Systems - 4 credits
This course covers physical data organization, data models (relational network and hierarchical), SQL (Structured Query Language), query optimization, data integrity and database normalization, database design and maintenance, security, and multi-user and network databases.
ITM 340 Applied Research or Software Development Project I - 2 credits
This seminar provides a forum for discussion of issues and problems encountered in the development of the ITM project, a capstone course integrating the information systems knowledge gained through the other courses. Students evaluate each other's project design and plan, organize, and conduct a walk-through exercise.
ITM 341 Principles of Project Management - 3 credits
Students explore the methods used in managing projects and processes. Emphasis is placed on scheduling tracking and planning techniques, including diagramming. Computer tools for assisting project management tasks are discussed.
ITM 415 Biblical Christianity for Thoughtful People - 4 credits
The question, "What is religious thought?" will be explored in the light of American culture. Students wrestle with basic questions of life, such as "What is the meaning of life?" World religions are discussed from the perspective of a Christian belief system. This course satisfies a general education requirement.
ITM 421 IT Strategic Planning - 3 credits
This class offers an in-depth examination of the characteristics of organizations and circumstances that affect organizational effectiveness. The course is also concerned with the activities and styles of managers of these organizations. An open systems model is applied as an overall framework for understanding organizations and their management. Practical applications of concepts to the student's work setting and final project enhance the student's potential as a manager and leader.
ITM 425 Information Support Functions - 3 credits
Students examine the function of help desk support services and consider the methods and organizational structures for managing information; technical, interpersonal, and social issues in user support; and technical aspects of troubleshooting computer hardware problems.
ITM 430 Network and Communication Technologies - 4 credits
Topics covered include modems; communications protocol, standards, and devices; local area network and wide area network topologies, hardware, and software; network management; and the future of networking and distributed computing.
ITM 435 Computing Ethics and Values - 3 credits
The conduct of the computer professional is considered from moral and ethical perspectives. Students prepare a personal moral and ethical statement and a professional code of ethics. Topics include the control of information, privacy, fraud, software piracy, technical competence, and copyright and patent infringement. The Association of Computing Machinery Code of Ethics is evaluated.
ITM 440 Applied Research or Software Development Project II - 2 credits
Students complete a synthesis project integrating the information technology and systems knowledge gained through the other courses in the curriculum. The ITM project addresses actual worksite needs, both human and technical. A problem or need is selected and a proposal to solve the problem or meet the need is prepared. A thorough analysis is conducted to design a specific systems plan of action. A written report supported by technical deliverables is prepared for submission to the University and the affected organization. (2 credits)
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