DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Barry A. Pasternack
DEPARTMENT OFFICE
Steven G. Mihaylo Hall 4113
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
www.business.fullerton.edu/isds
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Concentration in Information Systems
Concentration in ManagementScience
Minor in Information Systems
Master of Business Administration
Concentration in Information Systems
Concentration in Management Science
Master of Science in Information Systems
Concentration in E-Commerce
Concentration in Decision Sciences
Master of Science in Information
Technology
FACULTY
Rahul Bhaskar, Shu-Jen Chen, Tammy Drezner, Zvi Drezner, Nicholas Farnum, Zvi Goldstein, Seyed Hanizavareh, Pawel Kalczynski, Bhushan Kapoor, Malini Krishnamurthi, Mabel Kung, William Lau, John Lawrence, Laura Marcoulides, Do Le Minh, Michael Newby, Barry Pasternack, David Petrie, Sorel Reisman, Sagnika Sen, Joseph Sherif, Sohan Sihota, Ram Singhania, Daniel Soper, Ronald Suich, Ofir Turel, Samuel Yang, Dawit Zerom, Yi “Jenny” Zhang
INTRODUCTION
The Information Systems and Decision Sciences Department offers courses in Information Systems, Management Science, Statistics and Logistics.
Information systems are computer-based systems that aid management in making decisions and assist in implementing and controlling management policies. Information systems are used in business, industry and government operations. Applications include airline reservations, banking transactions, crime prevention networks, election returns, real estate assessment, tax records, newspaper databases, sports statistics and computer assisted learning.
Information systems incorporate the use of data processing equipment, such as computers and their peripherals. Computer software is used to create, maintain and retrieve information. Techniques include mathematical modeling and statistics, integrated with modern computer technology. These methods are applied to systems management, programming design, analysis of information flow, decision support, database organization, small business problems, data communication networking and distributed processing.
Management science (also known as operations research) is the application of the scientific method to decision-making in business and government. In practice, nearly all management science problems involve solutions using computers. Operations research uses mathematical and simulation models to provide decision-makers with quantitative information pertaining to complex business situations. Statistics assists decision-makers by using techniques designed to draw inferences from experimental and sampling data.
Situations that require operations research techniques arise in all areas of business: accounting, finance, production, marketing, and research and development. Among the problems addressed by operations research techniques are the determination of inventory strategies, the allocation of scarce resources and the design of service systems. Others include bidding in competitive environments, selecting equipment replacement strategies and scheduling the completion of large projects.
The statistician is often involved in activities such as sales forecasting, quality control and financial analysis. Statistics is also concerned with model building and the design of experiments dealing with product testing, surveys and sampling.
Logistics is concerned with the movement of materials and finished goods. It encompasses such areas as inventory control, transportation, purchasing, warehouse management and information support systems. Logistical control is an important component of the success of most manufacturing and service enterprises. It is also used extensively in complex organizations such as airline companies and the military.
ADVISERS
The Business Advising Center, Steven G. Mihaylo Hall 1201, provides information on admissions, curriculum and graduation requirements; registration and grading procedures; residence and similar academic matters.
In addition, the Information Systems and Decision Sciences Department provides advising about curriculum content and career opportunities:
Graduate Program: Barry Pasternack
Information Systems: Rahul Bhaskar, Pawel Kalczynski, Bhushan Kapoor, Mabel Kung, Sorel Reisman, Sagnika Sen, Joseph Sherif, Ram Singhania, Daniel Soper, Ofir Turel, Samuel Yang, Yi “Jenny” Zhang
Management Science: Shu-Jen Chen, Zvi Drezner, Zvi Goldstein, Seyed Hanizavareh, William Lau, John Lawrence, Do Le Minh, Barry Pasternack, Joseph Sherif
Statistics: Nicholas Farnum, Sohan Sihota, Ronald Suich, Dawit Zerom
Logistics Management: Zvi Drezner, Zvi Goldstein, Barry Pasternack, Joseph Sherif
CREDENTIAL INFORMATION
For students interested in a teaching credential, the Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences offers courses that may be included in the Subject Matter Preparation Program for the Single Subject Teaching Credential.
Further information on the requirements for teaching credentials is found in the Teaching Credential Programs section of this catalog and is also available from the Department of Secondary Education. Students interested in exploring careers in teaching at the elementary or secondary school levels should contact the Office of Admission to Teacher Education, Education Classroom 207.
AWARDS IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCE/INFORMATION SYSTEMS
David S. Stoller Outstanding Management Science Undergraduate Award
Dr. Wen Chow Outstanding ISDS Undergraduate Award
Klein Family Excellence Award for ISDS 361B
Outstanding Management Information Systems Undergraduate Award
Outstanding Management Science Graduate Student Award
Russell Utterberg Memorial Scholarship
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MINOR IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
For information on the minor in Information Systems, as well as the Information Systems and Management Science concentrations within the B.A. and MBA, please refer to the “Business Administration” programs section of this catalog.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Master of Science in Information Systems program provides the conceptual understanding and technical competence for careers in information systems, E-commerce, statistics, operations research and logistics. Concentrations include E-commerce and Decision Sciences. These techniques are widely used in both private business and public enterprise. Employment opportunities include positions such as management analyst, data processing manager, statistician, forecaster and logistical support manager.
The M.S. in Information Systems program is scheduled especially for students who are employed full time. Courses are offered during the late afternoon and evening. The curriculum should appeal to students with undergraduate degrees in business administration, computer science, mathematics, engineering or science. For students with an undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems, the 10-course (30-unit) curriculum may be completed in 1 1/2 years (full time) or 2 1/2 years (part time). The curriculum includes information systems applications, electives and a capstone course, which includes a terminal project. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business administration are eligible to apply; however, such students will be required to complete additional courses or demonstrate proficiency as described under the Curriculum requirements.
Cal State Fullerton is the only university in Orange County accredited by the AACSB International at both the undergraduate and graduate level for both accounting and business administration. This assures a rigorous program, a well-qualified faculty, high standards for students and access to an extensive library system. The qualifications of the M.S. in Information Systems faculty include advanced degrees in information systems, operations research, statistics and applied mathematics; extensive computer experience; and practical experience in business, industry and government.
Most graduate courses in the Mihaylo College of Business Administration and Economics require “classified MCBE status” and are open only to students with classified standing in the M.S. in Information Systems, M.S. in Taxation, M.A. in Economics, MBA or M.S. in Accountancy programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Acceptable bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
2. Minimum grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted and in good standing at the last college attended.
3. Satisfactory score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Students must score in the top 50 percent on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing areas.
4. A bachelor’s degree with a major in business administration equivalent to the degree as offered at CSUF with at least an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B). The degree must include calculus and software applications equivalent to passing Mathematics 135, Business Calculus and ISDS 265, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications, with grades of at least “C” (2.0). Courses in the major that are more than seven years old must be evaluated/validated for currency. Courses with grades lower than “C” (2.0) must be repeated.
5. For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 570 on the paper exam, 230 on the computer-based exam or 90 on the internet based (iBT) is required.
6. Recommendation from the ISDS Admission Committee based upon a review of the above requirements, the student’s “Statement of Purpose” and prior work experience. Additional coursework may be required of conditionally admitted students who holistically satisfy the criteria but are weak in one of the above areas.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester (Students may apply online through http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications should be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections.
Curriculum
The M.S. in Information Systems curriculum requires 30 semester units of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree. At least 21 of the 30 units required for the degree must be at the 500 level. In lieu of the Information Systems study plan, students may choose a concentration in either E-commerce or Decision Sciences.
An overall 3.0 (B) GPA is required in study plan courses and all applicable coursework. Any study plan course with a grade lower than “C” (2.0) must be repeated with at least a “C” (2.0) grade.
Students admitted with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business administration will be required to complete the following additional course requirements or their equivalent (either prior to or during their residency at CSUF):
Math 135 Business Calculus (3)
ISDS 265 Introduction to Information Systems and Applications (3)
ISDS 309 Introduction to Operating Systems and Programming (3)
ISDS 361A Quantitative Business Analysis: Probability and Statistics (3)
OR ISDS 513 Statistical Analysis (3) with grades of at least
“C” (2.0); and the following business foundation courses:
Accounting 510 Financial Accounting (3)
Economics 515 Microeconomic Perspective for Managers (3)
OR Management 339 Principles of Management and Operations (3)
Finance 320 Business Finance (3)
ISDS 514 Decision Models for Business and Economics (3)
Management 518 Legal and Ethical Environment of Business (3)
OR Marketing 351 Principles of Marketing (3)
These courses must be completed with at least a 3.0 (B) overall grade point average and with grades of “C” (2.0) or better in each course.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS STUDY PLAN
ISDS 309 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite to many courses and
should be taken prior to the beginning of the program.
Required Core Courses (12 units)
ISDS 550 Business Data Communications (3)
ISDS 551 Information Resources Management (3)
ISDS 552 Systems Analysis, Design and Development (3)
ISDS 555 Business Databases: Design and Processing (3)
Electives (15 units)
Five courses (15 units) to be selected in consultation with and approved by the student’s adviser. Additional electives to those below may be available. Students should contact the department office for a current listing. Note that students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Information Systems must take ISDS 411 as an elective.
No more than nine units of electives may be at the 400 level.
ISDS 411 Business Application Design (3)
ISDS 415 Principles of Business Intelligence (3)
ISDS 418 Privacy and Security (3)
ISDS 431 Enterprise Systems Implementation, Configuration and Use (3)
ISDS 433 Enterprise Systems Administration (3)
ISDS 435 Integrated Enterprise Information Systems (3)
ISDS 437 Enterprise Networks for Information Systems (3)
ISDS 442 Business Modeling Using Spreadsheets (3)
ISDS 474 Data Mining for Managers (3)
ISDS 521 Revenue Management Modeling (3)
ISDS 553 Electronic Commerce: Analysis and Evaluation (3)
ISDS 554 E-Commerce: Technological Perspective (3)
ISDS 556 Data Warehousing and Foundations of Business Intelligence (3)
ISDS 557 Issues in Business Information Systems and Global Telecommunications (3)
ISDS 558 Advanced Software Development with Web Applications (3)
ISDS 563 Geographic Information Systems for Business (3)
ISDS 565 Wireless Information Systems (3)
ISDS 568 Information Systems for Knowledge Management (3)
ISDS 576 Business Modeling and Simulation (3)
Students may use one applied management science course and one applied business course as electives. The applied management science course may be selected from the following:
ISDS 526 Forecasting, Decision Analysis and Experimental Design (3)
ISDS 560 Advanced Deterministic Models (3)
ISDS 561 Advanced Probabilistic Models (3)
The applied business course elected may be selected from the following:
Accounting 511 Seminar in Managerial Accounting (3)
Economics 502 Advanced Microeconomic Analysis (3)
Finance 517 Managerial Finance (3)
Management 444 Project Management (3)
Terminal Evaluation (3 units)
ISDS 577 Seminar in Information Systems Implementation (3)
Students must complete the individual project in ISDS 577 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better. In exceptional cases, a thesis (Business Admin 598) may serve as an option to the individual written project. See the departmental graduate adviser for details.
E-COMMERCE CONCENTRATION
The E-Commerce concentration is designed to provide students with the technical skills in information technology as applied to the Internet and E-Commerce. Additionally, the program includes courses in small business management/entrepreneurship, marketing and logistics, as this knowledge base is essential for an individual who would like to create an E-commerce operation. Background prerequisites for this concentration are the following courses or equivalent: ISDS 309 and 371.
Required Core courses (12 units)
ISDS 516 Introduction to Logistics Analysis Techniques (3)
ISDS 550 Business Data Communications (3)
ISDS 552 Systems Analysis, Design and Development (3)
ISDS 555 Business Databases: Design and Processing (3)
Required Electives (15 units)
ISDS 553 Electronic Commerce: Analysis and Evaluation (3)
ISDS 554 E-Commerce: Technological Perspective (3)
ISDS 558 Advanced Software Development with Web Applications (3)
Management 540 New Venture Leadership and Management (3)
Marketing 455 Strategic Internet Marketing (3)
Terminal Evaluation (3 units)
ISDS 577 Seminar in Information Systems Implementation (3)
Students must complete the individual project in ISDS 577 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better. In exceptional cases, a thesis (Business Admin 598) may serve as an option to the individual written project. See the departmental graduate adviser for details.
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a master’s degree in information systems study plan or e-commerce concentration:
Telecommunications
Managerial
Systems development process
Data needs
Programming concepts
Collaboration
Communications
DECISION SCIENCES CONCENTRATION
Required Courses (9 units)
ISDS 415 Principles of Business Intelligence (3)
ISDS 526 Forecasting, Decision Analysis and Experimental Design (3)
ISDS 560 Advanced Deterministic Models (3)
OR ISDS 561 Advanced Probabilistic Models (3)
Statistics Course (3 units minimum)
One or more of the following:
ISDS 422 Surveys and Sampling Design and Applications (3)
ISDS 461 Statistical Theory for Management Science (3)
ISDS 467 Statistical Quality Control (3)
ISDS 472 Design of Experiments (3)
ISDS 473 Applied Business Forecasting (3)
ISDS 474 Data Mining for Managers (3)
ISDS 475 Multivariate Analysis (3)
ISDS Electives (15 units maximum)
ISDS Electives
ISDS 465 Linear Programming in Management Science (3)
ISDS 490 Queuing and Stochastic Models in Management Science (3)
ISDS 516 Introduction to Logistics Analysis Techniques (3)
ISDS 551 Information Resources Management (3)
ISDS 552 Systems Analysis, Design and Development (3)
ISDS 553 Electronic Commerce: Analysis and Evaluation (3)
ISDS 555 Business Databases: Design and Processing (3)
ISDS 560 Advanced Deterministic Models (3)
OR ISDS 561 Advanced Probabilistic Models (3)
ISDS 563 Geographic Information Systems for Business (3)
Electives Outside ISDS (6 units maximum)
Accounting 511 Seminar in Managerial Accounting (3)
Economics 502 Advanced Microeconomic Analysis (3)
Finance 517 Managerial Finance (3)
Management 524 Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Administration (3)
Management 535 Production and Operations Management (3)
Terminal Evaluation (3 units)
ISDS 576 Business Modeling and Simulation (3)
Students must complete the individual project in ISDS 576 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better. In exceptional cases, a thesis (Business Admin 598) may serve as an option to the individual written project. See department graduate adviser for details.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Master of Science in Information Technology is designed to afford a quality graduate education in a growing technological field to individuals who may not be able to get to campus to take classes in a traditional format. The objective of the program is to serve the needs of those working in the field of information technology who wish to advance their managerial and technical skills in areas critical for success, as well as for those individuals who have suitable business experience and wish to enter the field of information technology.
Subject areas required by the program are programming, accounting, data communications, management of an IT organization, systems analysis and design, e-commerce and database development. Students who graduate from the program will be able to understand and develop code for computer programs, prepare and analyze financial statements and management reports, have the ability to assess how data is communicated (both in local and wide area networks), implement managerial concepts associated with good leadership, implement the managerial and technical aspects of e-commerce, be able to design an information system and be able to set up a database system.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Acceptable bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
2. Minimum grade-point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted and in good standing at the last college attended.
3. Minimum of 2 years practical experience in a functional area of business.
4. Minimum average score of 530 on the GRE or a total scaled score of 530 on the GMAT.
5. Submission of a written self-assessment explaining why they believe they would be a good candidate for the program.
6. Successful passage of a phone or face-to-face interview designed to assess their level of technology knowledge, skills and abilities to be an online learner.
7. Proficiency in office productivity tools using a personal computer and knowledge and experience in utilizing Internet-based systems.
8. For international students, a score of 570 on the paper exam or 230 on the computer based TOEFL is required.
Application Deadlines
The deadline for completing an online application is March 1 for the following fall semester (see: www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadline. However, the deadline may be changed based upon enrollment projections.
Curriculum
The MS in Information Technology curriculum requires 30 semester units of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree. Each student is required to attend and successfully complete an on-campus orientation session for new students and maintain a GPA of 3.0. If circumstances force a student to fall out of the original cohort schedule, the student will be permitted to continue in the program, but will default to the next cohort cycle, provided the student remains in good academic standing.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDY PLAN
Required Courses (21 units)
Accounting 509 Accounting for Information Technology (3)
ISDS 405 Programming Concepts for Information Technology (3)
ISDS 550 Business Data Communications (3)
ISDS 551 Information Resource Management (3)
ISDS 552 Systems Analysis, Design and Development (3)
ISDS 553 Electronic Commerce: Analysis and Evaluation (3)
ISDS 555 Business Databases: Design and Processing (3)
Elective Courses (6 units)
Accounting 507 Seminar in Accounting Information Systems (3)
ISDS 435 Integrated Enterprise Information Systems (3)
ISDS 518 Quantitative Tools for Information Technology Management (3)
ISDS 521 Revenue Management Modeling (3)
ISDS 554 E-Commerce: Technological Perspectives (3)
ISDS 556 Data Warehousing and Foundations of Business Intelligence (3)
ISDS 558 Advanced Software Development with Web Applications (3)
Required Capstone Course (3 units)
ISDS 577 Seminar in Information Systems Implementation (3)
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DECISION SCIENCES COURSES
Courses are designated as ISDS in the class schedule.
