UMUC

Graduate School of Management & Technology – Programs

Course Descriptions - ISAS

ISAS 600 Information Systems for Managers (3) (Formerly ADMN 640)

Prerequisite: Basic microcomputer skills. An investigation of different types of hardware and software and their application in organizations from a systems perspective, designed for managers without a technical background in computers and information systems. Case studies are used to reveal technical and organizational issues, along with operational considerations. The theme of determining managers’ needs for information and procuring and using appropriate computer systems is emphasized.

ISAS 610 Information Systems Management and Integration (3) (Formerly ADMN 641)

A study of the life-cycle perspective of the information system, from inception through systems development and integration to system operation and maintenance. An overriding concern is the integration of information systems with management systems of an organization. Major phases, procedures, policies, and techniques in the information system life cycle are discussed in detail.

ISAS 620 Information Systems Sourcing Management (3)

A study of how best to make and implement appropriate decisions in providing information systems to an organization. Focus is on the frameworks, tools, and techniques for making such decisions. Topics include the “make or buy” sourcing decision and various models of outsourcing, from the contracting of finite technical services through the use of off-the-shelf package software (including enterprise resource planning software) to the outsourcing of entire business processes. Processes and metrics used in the procurement and managing of outsourced services are also examined. Discussion also covers the phenomenon of “offshoring” (i.e., outsourcing business processes and functions to other countries) and its ramifications.

ISAS 630 Systems Analysis and Design (3) (Formerly ADMN 643)

A combination of the areas of management science, computer technology, systems analysis and design and software development, integration and implementation to study current techniques and practices in requirements specification, software application selection, project management, and analysis and design of information system applications. Emphasis is on a management perspective in the specification of the information system’s logical and physical analysis and design.

ISAS 640 Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems (3) (Formerly ADMN 644)

An investigation of computer applications for management support. In addition to the technologies of decision-support systems and expert systems, the organizational factors leading to the success or failure of such systems are introduced. Other topics addressed include group decision-support systems, integration and implementation issues, and related advanced technologies such as neural networks.

ISAS 650 Information Technology, the CIO, and Organizational Transformation (3) (Formerly ADMN 645)

An examination of how information technology (IT) can affect the strategic direction of an organization, how IT enables new ways of operating, and how the chief information officer (CIO) can serve as a trusted member of the organization’s top management team to help it exploit information technology effectively.