Information Systems Management, Bachelor of Science

Philosophy

The Wilmington University undergraduate degree program in Information Systems Management provides a solid knowledge foundation and a related and meaningful set of experiences to prepare professionals to become Information Technology leaders in what has become the nation’s largest industry. Students who successfully complete the undergraduate degree program in Information Systems Management will possess a working command of current business processes, understand the concepts of business intelligence, data warehousing, and information technology applications and practices that can be applied in business, educational, and governmental organizations regardless of size. Degree recipients will be capable of managing complex projects from inception to completion, including analyzing business processes and designing an information technology strategy for continuous improvement. The ISM program is closely aligned with the business curriculum at Wilmington University. All courses involve hands-on assignments.

Purpose

The use of information systems and technology in business and industry is woven into strategic, tactical and operational areas of almost every organization. Administrators, employees, and staff routinely use information technology in their daily professional and personal lives. The increased need for well-designed information technology systems by business and industry has further created a need for IT professionals who can analyze, design and implement information systems to meet the needs of clients. This includes, but is not limited to, professionals who are:

• Competent practitioners, able to use technology and capable of assuming a leadership role in its implementation;
• Effective problem solvers, with the ability to integrate information systems and technology into the workplace;
• Active learners, attuned to emerging trends and technical innovations, with the attendant capabilities to appropriately position the proper trends/innovations within organizations.

The express purpose of Wilmington University’s program in Information Systems Management is to satisfy those needs by fostering an application level of practical expertise at an intermediate level of experience. Knowledge of the most current tools and technologies is combined with an understanding of the fundamental principles that underlie them. This ensures that graduates have immediately useful skills, in addition to the deeper understanding that will allow them to move smoothly and efficiently to new systems and approaches.

Program Competencies

Students in the Information Systems Management Program (B.S.) will be able to:

• Integrate ethical, legal, and economic accountability required of computer professionals;
• Explain and apply appropriate information technologies to help an individual or organization achieve its mission and goals;
• Apply project management best practices and methodology to create, deliver, and support information technology projects;
• Anticipate the changing direction of information technology and evaluate the utility of new technologies to an individual or organization;
• Illustrate the ability to manage the information technology resources of an organization;
• Appraise the needs of the audience and then speak in a clear and succinct manner.  Research, construct, and deliver professional presentations using a variety of communication tools and techniques; and
• Write with clarity and precision using correct English grammar: mechanics and usage. Correctly and ethically exhibit competence in writing for specific purposes, diverse audiences, and genres.