Business Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Information Systems 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, object-oriented programming, database management systems, networking, security, and Web development, in addition to finance and marketing. The emphasis in this program is in developing the skills necessary to be successful in implementing and supporting computers and information systems. The program also helps develop skills necessary to serve as a liaison between management and information technology departments.

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.

The same courses offered in the classroom setting are also offered via the Internet. Details are available at http://www.IWUOnline.com.

Prerequisites - Business Information Systems

Students in this program are required to demonstrate proficiency in the area of accounting prior to taking MGT-412 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 BUS-220 within the past five years.
  3. The IWU course BUS-220P as scheduled within the Business Information Systems curriculum.
  4. Acceptable performance on a subject area proficiency exam supervised by Indiana Wesleyan University.

Students in this 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

ADM-201 Principles of Self-Management 2

This course will focus on group interaction skills and the management of individual and professional priorities. Some of the areas covered will include behavioral style analysis, communication processes within groups, versatility in dealing with supervisors and subordinates, goal setting, prioritizing, and time management.

BIS-216 Information Systems and Project Management 3

An introduction to fundamental concepts of management information systems and project management 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.

MGT-205 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.

BIS-220 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.

BIS-344 Visual Basic .NET Programming 4

This course provides a general introduction to object-oriented programming paradigms including procedural and object-oriented approaches. Students will learn the basics of an object-oriented programming language that is widely used in the business environment. Coding and applications development will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIS-220.

BIS-346 Java Programming 4

This course provides an introduction to object-based programming concepts. Students will learn the basics of Java, an object-oriented programming language that is widely used in the business environment. Coding and applications development will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIS-220

MGT-421 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.

BUS-220P 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 MGT-412.

MGT-412 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.

BIS-324 Networking, Systems, and Security 4

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, security, systems management, 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.

BIS-320 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.

BIS-353 Web Application Development 4

This course will introduce the principles of JavaScript control structures, various markup languages, and scripting languages. Students will develop fundamental skills in programming using client-side and server-side Internet models. In addition, students will utilize multimedia technology to design and develop web-based applications. Students will learn multi-tiered, database-intensive, Intranet/Internet applications by using ADO (ActiveX Data Objects) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Hands-on skill development is emphasized.

BIS-460 Business Systems Analysis and Design Seminar 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.