Courses Taught

MIS 250 – SPREADSHEET ANLYS and INFO MGT (3)
Introduction to Problem Solving with Spreadsheet Analysis and Information Systems Management introduces students to the use of information technologies for business problem solving and decision-making. This course explores the application of spreadsheet engineering concepts and principles of data management, business modeling, and reporting to business problems. Students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of these concepts through their application in examinations, practical lab exercises and assignments. Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including: data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends.The structure of this course intends to provide a well-rounded level of competency in the use of spreadsheet software as a tool while exploring problem decomposition and solution planning and construction. Therefore, the focus of the course is on developing problem-solving strategies while gaining insight on the tactical use of spreadsheets.

MIS 432 – Bus Inf Sys Anal (3)
The analysis of business information systems and the requirements specifications of redesigned systems. MIS 432 Business Information System Analysis (3) Business Information Systems Analysis introduces concepts underlying computer based information systems development. The course focuses on object-oriented concepts, project management and principles of systems development using standard UML diagram methodologies. The course develops a solid understanding of information systems development through the analysis of current information systems and the requirement specifications of a redesigned system, and also provides significant hands on experience using current technologies. After completing this course, the student should have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to: -define and document an existing information system; -analyze an existing information system and specify the requirements for a replacement system; -use a specific Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tool to assist in Systems Analysis; -understand alternative approaches to systems development; -understand the purpose, context and commonly expected "deliverables" of systems analysis and -create a substantial project and prepare a professional reportThe evaluation of students will be based on tests, lab work, and homework. This is a prescribed course for the M I S major and a support-of-major course for Smeal students M I S 432 will be offered in the fall and spring semesters in sections ranging from 25 to 40 students.

MIS 494H – Research Project (Variable)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.

MIS 496 – Indep Studies (Variable)
Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

BAN 831 – Data Visualization for Bus (3)
Given society's ever-expanding ability to collect and store vast amounts of transactional, performance, and financial data, business analysts and leaders need the capability to recognize patterns in and transform raw data into actionable business intelligence. Designed for recent graduates with little to no professional experience, BAN 831 expands upon the data visualization concepts covered in BAN 830 by exploring a variety of advanced data visualization techniques focused on "big data" sets derived from marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain management, and other business-related scenarios. Using the latest data visualization software applications, business students will focus on the development of dashboards and scorecards useful for translating structured and unstructured business performance data into decision-ready knowledge. The course will prepare business analysts by exploring techniques for visualizing data from sales transactions, social media, marketing surveys, financial records, and other sources in support of fact-based decision making. An emphasis will be placed on the nuances specific to decision making in various business areas. Software packages, concepts, and business applications will vary and evolve to keep pace with technology, theory, and instructor interest.

MIS 204 – Intro Mgmt Information Systems (3)
Introduction to Management Information Systems provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design, the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization, as well as, the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools. Applications focus on important problems and issues found in business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain operations, and general management. The evaluation of students will be based on tests, at least one application project, and hands-on exercises.

PSU 006 – Bus 1st-Yr Smr (1)
Facilitate student's adjustment to the high expectations, demanding workload, increased academic liberties, and other aspects of the transition to college life. PSU 006 First Year Seminar in Business Administration (1-3 credits) This course is designed to assist students in examining several areas of the college transition: awareness of self and others; career exploration; majors offered in the Smeal College; and current issues in business. The skills learned in this course will be presented as life-long skills, applicable in the university setting and the corporate environment. The nature of the course requires cooperation, participation, and interaction. This course facilitates learning through experience, lectures and class discussion.The course contains assignments dealing with: 1). Leadership 2). Ethics 3). Celebrating Diversity 4). Diversity in the Workplace 5). Community Service 6). Major and Career Exploration 7). Time Management and Goal Setting 8). Business Case Study

HPA 855 – Info Sys Hlth Adm (3)
Foundations of information systems for supporting clinical services, quality improvement, and administrative functions in health services management.

SCM 496 – Indep Studies (Variable)
Creative projects, including research and design, that are supervised on an individual basis and that fall outside the scope of formal courses.

IST 301 – Information and Organizations (3)
Overview of organizational structures and functions. Includes information processing and analytic perspectives of organizations.

MIS 390 – Information Systems Management and Applications (3)
Specification, design and implementation of information systems directed at aiding decision making in organizations.

IST 220 – Networking and Telecommunications (3)
Introduction to digital network topologies; transmission media, signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, systems integration, communications management, and security.

IST 210 – Organization of Data (4)
Introduction to concept of databases including the storage, manipulation, evaluation, and display of data and related issues.

Selected Publications