Information Systems and E-Business Concentration

Description

Through this concentration , students will gain a thorough grounding in how technology can be applied to solving problems and exploiting business opportunities. Students will explore the application of computerized information systems, including Web technologies, to run a modern technology-based business.

The Web, via e-commerce, has created a revolution in consumer-to-business and business-to-business transactions. The business analyst of the future must be able to identify how technology can be applied to solving existing and new problems, but also how to leverage technology to realize strategic opportunities. Students will receive exposure to networking and data communications, database management systems, distributed computing and to the various problem-solving approaches to systems analysis and design.

Career Opportunities

The thrust of this concentration is to provide an MBA student with the knowledge to function in either a traditional information systems group, as a part of a functional business unit, or as an e-business entrepreneur. Graduates of the program typically fall into one of the following career paths: information systems consultant/analyst with a large consulting firm, systems analyst within a traditional information systems department, or a systems analyst within a functional unit such as marketing, human resources finance or operations.

Option Requirements:

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester
- MBA Core 12 credits
- MGS 602 Information Technology*
  OR
- MGS 650 Information Assurance* (request forced registration with departmental permission)
Spring Semester
- MBA Core 12 credits
- MGS 607 Technology Management and E-Business *

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester
- MGS 613 Database Management Systems*
- MGS 655 Distributed Computing*
- MGE 601 Economics for Managers
- Electives and/or internship – 6 credits
Spring Semester
- MGA 609 Managerial Accounting
- MGS 614 Systems Analysis and Design*
- MGS 616 Decision Support Systems*
- MGS 651 Management of Computer Networks*
  OR
- MGS 659 Seminar in Electronic Commerce*
- Elective – 3 credits

*concentration requirements – Students are encouraged to take MGS 650 if they have background equivalent to MGS 602 – check with instructor.

We also recommend that students with limited programming experience take Introduction to Computer Science I (CS 503) and Introduction to Computer Science II (CS 504).

Dual Concentrations:
Students interested in completing IS and E-Business as a second concentration may earn the concentration certificate by completing MGS 607 plus four MIS courses. These courses must include MGS 602 or MGS 650, MGS 613, and MGS 614. In addition, the student must complete one of the following: MGS 616, MGS 651, MGS 655, or MGS 659.
Management Information Systems Internships

MIS students are expected to obtain experience by means of full-time (paid) summer internships, credit-bearing internships and independent study projects. Students have served as interns in a wide variety of corporate settings including:

Citigroup Corporate and Investment Bank
General Electric Co.
Emmis Communications
IBM
HSBC
Praxair Inc.
World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara
iNetwork USA

Student Organizations

The Management Information Systems Association (MISA) was established for students interested in pursuing a career in MIS. The club sponsors speakers, facility tours and career strategy meetings to provide MIS students with more information about this career path. MISA also co-sponsors professional events with other School of Management clubs.