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Course Descriptions
Information Resource Management
IRM 100
Fundamentals of Information Systems
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology, and application software. It explains how information is used in organizations and how IT enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206 or equivalent
IRM 110
Personal Productivity with IS Technology
3 credits
This course enables students to improve their skills as knowledge workers through effective and efficient use of packaged software. It covers both individual and group work. The emphasis is on productivity concepts and how to achieve them through functions and features in computer software. Design and development of solutions focus on small systems.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206 or equivalent
IRM 200
Information Systems Theory and Practice
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of organizational systems, planning, and decision processes and how information is used for decision support in organizations. It covers quality and decision theory, information theory, and practice essential for providing viable information to the organization. Also outlined are the concepts of IS for competitive advantage, data as a resource, IS and IT planning and implementation, Total Quality Management (TQM) and reengineering, project management and development of systems, and end-user computing.
IRM 230
Introduction to Linux
3 credits
Designed for the serious computer user, this course will introduce the student to the basic concepts of the Linux operating system. Completion of the course will provide a good basic working knowledge of: essential Linux commands, login and logout sequences; Linux e-mail; fundamentals of the vi editor; piping and redirection; security and process control; Directory and File Systems and essential utilities; Linux shell programming; X Windows; Linux installation; and basic system administration.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206 or equivalent
IRM 300
Information Technology Hardware and Software
3 credits
This course provides the hardware/software technology background to enable systems development personnel to understand tradeoffs in computer architecture for effective use in a business environment. System architecture for single user, central, and networked computing systems is examined, as are single and multi-user operating systems. An advanced library orientation has been incorporated as part of this course.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 100
IRM 310
Programming, Data, File, and Object Structure
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of algorithm development, programming, computer concepts, and the design and application of data and file structures. It includes an understanding of the logical and physical structures of both programs and data.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206 or equivalent
IRM 320
Networks and Telecommunications
3 credits
This course provides an in-depth knowledge of data communications and networking requirements, including networking and telecommunications technologies, hardware, and software. Emphasis is upon the analysis and design of networking applications in organizations. Management of telecommunications networks, cost-benefit analysis, and evaluation of connectivity options are also covered. Students learn to evaluate, select, and implement different communication options within an organization.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 230 and IRM 330
IRM 330
Linux for Systems Administrators
3 credits
This course covers key network services managed by the Linux Administrator. Focus is on Web servers, e-mail (POP and SMTP protocols), and security. The course will present the following Internet services: DNS, FTP, HTTP (Apache Web Server), telnet, and SSH. Intranet topics included are: NFS (Network File System), NIS (Network Information Services) and interoperability with the Windows system using Samba. At the conclusion of the course students will explore topics in networking: network configuration, security and interoperability.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 230 or permission of the program coordinator
IRM 340
Windows Operating Systems and Systems Administration
3 credits
This course uses practices and procedures for installing and configuring modern Windows operating systems, including user accounts; file, print, and terminal servers; mobile computing; and disaster recovery. User account management, security, disk configuration, and backup procedures are addressed, with particular attention to coverage of TCP/IP and TCP/IP applications. Students will learn system installation, configuration and administration issues as well as network file systems, network access and compatibility with other operating systems. Through practical lab sessions, students receive real-world experience administering Windows operating systems.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206 or equivalent
IRM 350
Introduction to Web Application Development with PHP
3 credits
This is an introductory programming course using PHP, a powerful, server side scripting language. Students will explore software development with PHP in conjunction with the Apache web server environment. Features common to all programming languages will be studied, including variables, arrays, functions, and control constructs. Web application development using HTML, forms, and server side scripting will be explored. Introductory topics will include database queries using SQL and web page design using Content Management Systems (CMS) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
Prerequisite(s): BCS 206
IRM 400
Analysis and Logical Design
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of the system development and modification process. It enables students to evaluate and choose a system development methodology. The factors for effective communication and integration with users and user systems are emphasized. Interpersonal skill development with clients, users, team members, and others associated with development, operation, and maintenance of the system is encouraged. Other topics examined are object-oriented analysis and design, use of data modeling tools, and development and adherence to life-cycle standards.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 200
IRM 410
Physical Design and Implementation with DBMS
3 credits
This course covers information systems design and implementation within a database management system environment. Students demonstrate their mastery of the design process acquired in earlier courses by designing and constructing a physical system using database software to implement the logical design.
IRM 420
Physical Design and Implementation with a Programming Environment
3 credits
Physical design, programming, testing, and implementation of the system are covered in this course. A major focus is implementation of object-oriented, client-server designs using a programming environment.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 400
IRM 450
Project Management and Practice
3 credits
The factors necessary for successful management of system development or enhancement projects are covered in this course. Both technical and behavioral aspects of project management are discussed. The focus is on management of development for enterprise-level systems. This is a capstone course which includes elements of BBM 402, by incorporating such functional areas as finance, marketing, and production in the project.
Prerequisite(s): IRM 400; Corequisite: IRM 420
IRM 460
Topics in IRM
3 credits
This course surveys contemporary subjects and current events pertaining to Information Resource Management.
IRM 479
PMI Project Management Methodology
4 credits
This course develops and expands the student's knowledge of the Project Management methodology as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). The course focuses on preparing the student for taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. Concentration of study is on learning and understanding the principles and tenets of the PMBOK and also gaining an understanding of the practical application of the methodology using real life situations.
IRM 490
Information Resource Management Internship
6 credits
Students in the final year of the program who have completed the bulk of the program requirements will be offered the option, as an elective, to receive academic credit of up to six credit hours for a supervised field experience.
Prerequisite(s): approval from program coordinator
IRM 6020
Ethical Issues in Information Technology
3 credits
As there are unique contemporary ethical issues that would not have existed if computer technology had not been invented, this course covers the concepts, principles, issues, and techniques for professionally managing modern corporate informational activities in a socially and ethically responsible manner. The emergence of the Internet and the digital revolution present new threats and opportunities for business in the 21st century; the course explores issues regarding professional ethics and responsibility in the design, implementation and application of computer and information systems.
IRM 6030
Human Factors in Information Systems
3 credits
Human Factors in Information Systems involves studies of the interaction among people, computers, and their work environment. The impact of these technologies on human-computer interaction, information presentations, human-computer communications, and human performance will be examined. The course will examine important human factor design guidelines that contribute to the development of high quality information systems. The insights gained are ideally used to create information systems (IS) and work environments that help make people more productive and more satisfied with their workaday life.
IRM 6040
E-Business Architectures
3 credits
Philosophies and practices are explored to recognize new business opportunities and to support continuously changing business processes, including adaptable application architectures, e-architectures, and net-centric approaches to business. E-Business systems have some unique characteristics which influence the design and delivery of solutions, including: the complexity of E-Business architectures; interface and integration problems, component maturity and quality; the variability of supplier capability and competence; and the apparent lack of a single end-to-end solution. The ability to leverage Internet technology to enhance customer, supplier and partner relationships is no longer optional -- indeed, E-Business is now simply "business".
IRM 6050
Advanced Relational Data Base Systems
3 credits
The course begins with a study of database structures, based on conceptual files and the relationships between them. The course then provides a brief introduction to the theory of relations and the relational approach, followed by a thorough review of the "Structured Query Language", SQL. Students are also introduced to programming with embedded SQL, and to relational database design principles using the relational normal forms. Security issues are explored in depth.
IRM 6060
Expert Systems/Decision Support Systems
3 credits
Expert systems are powerful tools that serve as aids to informed decision making. Decision Support Systems are allied technologies that have found wide applicability in a variety of management areas. Integrating expert systems with decision support systems has the potential to enhance communication, negotiation, and collaborative work, and provide a basis for truly didactic applications within the modern enterprise. This course examines possible synergies between the two related technologies.
IRM 6080
Enterprise-wide Competitive Solutions
3 credits
ERP - or enterprise resource planning - systems integrate information used by an organization's many different functions and departments into a unified computing system. But often, even the many businesses which use ERP applications don't know what ERP is or how it works. This course demystifies this complex enterprise application, examines the trends in the ERP market, and looks at some of the key software providers.
IRM 6090
Topics in Information Resource Management
3 credits
This course is an intensive study of selected contemporary topics in Information Resource Management. Emphasis is placed on research in areas pertinent to the current IT environment. Given the rapidly changing landscape of present day information systems and technology, it is entirely appropriate to focus on recent and novel developments in the field. The focus for each section will vary, and in a "Directed Study" format, will be tailored specifically to the career and vocational interests of the student. When scheduled in lecture/seminar form, the topical subject matter will change at each offering; students should refer to the course listing bulletin for the current topic.