BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The major in Business Information Systems (BSBIS) program is an academic program designed for the working professional employed in a business or public organization.

The curriculum is designed to enable graduates to assist and lead organizations in the planning, development, and operation of information systems. Such systems are used to streamline and automate processes, to solve problems, and to provide communication channels. The program stresses skill development in the areas of analytical thinking, communication, programming, and web development. The emphasis in this program is in developing the quantitative skills necessary to be successful in implementing computers and information systems in the modern business world.

Throughout the program, an applied project will unfold. At the end of the program, the completed project (by an individual or a group) will be a basis for assessing the learning experience. It will also provide students with a physical illustration of their abilities for future employers.

The curriculum will be completed in the order established by Indiana Wesleyan University. Indiana Wesleyan University reserves the right to modify the curriculum as necessary.

Online Business Information Systems Degree:

This program offers the same courses as the traditional classroom setting but via the Internet. Details are available at http://BSBIS.IWUonline.com.

Additional admission requirements:

To be admitted to the BSBIS program, students must give evidence of knowledge equivalent to one semester of course work in mathematics by meeting one of the following options:

1. Transferring in a mathematics course from another institution.
   
   
2. Taking a mathematics course from Indiana Wesleyan University.
   
   
3. Satisfactorily completing the mathematics examination supervised by Indiana Wesleyan University.

PREREQUISITES

Students in the BSBIS program are required to demonstrate proficiency in the area of accounting prior to taking MGT412 Financial Planning and Control Systems by successfully completing one of the following options:

1. Three hours of accounting taken within the past five years and documented on an official transcript.
   
   
2. The IWU course BUS220 within the past five years.
   
   
3. The IWU course BUS220P as scheduled within the BSBIS curriculum.
   
   
4. Acceptable performance on a subject area proficiency exam supervised by Indiana Wesleyan University.

Students in the BSBIS program must maintain a personal Internet Service Provider, and must own or have access to a personal computer throughout the program.

Also, it is strongly recommended that students:

1. Have a working knowledge of the Windows operating system as well as word processing and spreadsheet applications.
   
   
2. Own or have access to a personal computer with sufficient RAM, hard drive, browser, multi-media, modem graphics and printer capabilities.

BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BIS215 (7 Weeks)	Introduction to Business Information Systems	3
An introduction to fundamental concepts of management information systems in the information age. Addresses the impact of information systems in each of the functional areas of business to improve organizational effectiveness. Ethical considerations related to information and technology will be discussed.
MGT205 (5 Weeks)	Professional Communication	3
The importance of professionalism in all types of communication will be stressed. In addition to speaking and writing skills, special emphasis will be placed on listening skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills.
BIS224 (5 Weeks)	Business Information Systems Technology	3
This course examines the hardware and technology used to build the infrastructure of an information system. It provides an in-depth look at networking, data communications, computer hardware components, I/O devices, storage, and Internet/Intranet technology. By learning the architecture of computing technology, students will be able to more effectively apply information technology to information systems in a business environment.
BIS220 (7 Weeks)	Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving	3
An introduction to managerial decision-making using information systems. Emphasis on group interaction skills in identifying causes of problems, identifying options, and proposing solutions.
BIS340 (5 Weeks)	Business Programming I	3
This course provides a general introduction to programming paradigms including procedural and object-oriented approaches. Students will learn the basics of a programming language that is widely used in the business environment. Prerequisite: BIS220
BIS341 (5 Weeks)	Business Programming II	3
This course extends the knowledge base of the programming language used in Business Programming I. Coding and applications development will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIS340
BIS342 (5 Weeks)	Business Programming III	3
This course provides an introduction to object-based programming concepts. Students will learn the basics of an object-oriented programming language that is widely used in the business environment. Prerequisite: BIS220
BIS343 (5 Weeks)	Business Programming IV	3
This course extends the knowledge base of the programming language used in Business Programming III. Coding and applications development will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIS342
BUS220P (3 Weeks)	Managerial Accounting Prerequisite	0
This not-for-credit course is offered in a shortened and less in-depth manner. It is a basic course in accounting including an emphasis on understanding how systems work, analysis of transactions, journals, ledgers, and financial statements. Must complete with a grade of "CR" in order to proceed to MGT412.
MGT412 (6 Weeks)	Financial Planning and Control Systems	3
The analysis of managerial planning and control systems with emphasis on the development and administration of the budget and financial support systems.
BIS320 (5 Weeks)	Managerial Relational Database Systems	3
This course develops skills in the design and implementation of business database systems using modern database tools. It covers data structures, file management, and the conceptual, logical, and physical design of databases.
MGT421 (5 Weeks)	Strategies in Marketing Management	3
An integrated analysis of the role of marketing within the organization. An examination will be made of the factors affecting consumer behavior, the development of marketing strategies, and the recognition of marketing variables.
BIS350 (5 Weeks)	Web Application Development in a Business Environment	3
This course will introduce the principles of JavaScript control structures, various markup languages, and scripting languages. Students will develop fundamental skills in programming using the client-side Internet model. In addition, students will utilize multimedia technology to design and develop web-based applications. Hands-on skill development is emphasized.
BIS352 (5 Weeks)	Advanced Web Application Development in a Business Environment	3
Students will learn multi-tiered, database-intensive, Intranet/Internet applications by using ADO (ActiveX Data Objects) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Topics covered include server-side Internet and web-programming techniques. Prerequisite: BIS350
BIS460 (8 Weeks)	Business Information Systems Project	4
In this capstone course, students will investigate, analyze, design, and document an information system. The course will emphasize analysis and investigation of business problems in an organization and the subsequent design of computer information systems to solve those problems. Students will study the entire process of systems development including problem definition, consideration of alternate solutions, selection of a solution, and implementation, control, and maintenance of the system.

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