Every time a shopper buys an item at a Farmer Jack grocery store, purchase information goes into a computer and special coupons related to the purchased item appear on the customer's receipt. That market information can then be used by the company to predict future sales, set discount pricing, organize product shelving and determine need for special aisle displays.
Managing information technology is critical and the focus of the newly-revised computer information system (CIS) degree program at Eastern Michigan University. The program revision emphasizes the role of computers in making management decisions and concentrates on building, using, securing and managing business solutions — information needed to help make business decisions.
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REVISED INFORMATION: The College of
Business has revised its computer information
system (CIS) degree program to focus on
managing information technology. (clockwise
from left) EMU student Malak Iraqui-Houssaini
(seated) observes a business model on the
computer with students Jeffrey Naudi and
LeQuin Lee; Denise Tanguay, associate dean of
the COB; and Hung-Lian Tang, department head
of computer information systems.
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"The new curriculum addresses the rapid change in technology and the current and expected needs of the business world for information technology and employee skills. We are confident that our graduating information systems students will be well prepared and their employers will be well served," said David Mielke, dean, EMU College of Business.
"Our CIS program is one of the first in southeastern Michigan to respond to the newest changes in information technology," said Denise Tanguay, associate dean of EMU's College of Business. "It also addresses the wave of outsourcing jobs created by the widespread use of the Internet and new technologies."
In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to adapt quickly to the rapidly-changing marketplace can mean the difference between a profitable organization and one that is struggling for survival, said Tanguay.
Since databases are at the heart of most modern computer systems, business students must know how to control company data, said Tanguay. This program provides cutting-edge education on designing, building, deploying, managing and maintaining reliable database systems, and data warehouses, including business intelligence and business activity monitoring applications.
For more than 25 years, the College of Business program has produced information system developers. The program revision meets the needs of business organizations; keeps pace with the changes occurring in the information system field; and meets the demands for better, faster and more affordable information systems.
Other business considerations addressed by this new program are increased security, availability and manageability of the information technology environment. The program looks at how businesses can become more connected with customers, employees, partners and suppliers.
The undergraduate CIS program requires 124 hours of coursework: 29 hours of general education; 15 hours of English, American government and economics; two hours of physical education; 66 hours in a combination of business core, administration, and specialization classes; and 12 hours of electives.
For additional information, contact Tanguay at 487-4140 or visit www.cis.emich.edu/programs.html.
