Business Analytics
Business Intelligence and Data Visualization (BI/Data Viz) tools are ubiquitous and can be powerful tools that separate signals from the noise in the data-driven workplace. However, poorly constructed data products can have the opposite effect, leading to confusion and deterioration in the quality of decisions. This course exposes students to standard tools for BI/Data Viz and teaches them how to use these tools to transform data of various formats into data products that inform decision-making. Students will also learn best practices and common mistakes to avoid. Emphasis will be placed on getting practical experience using popular tools to analyze datasets and communicate insights given by developed data products.
Business Intelligence and Data Visualization (BI/Data Viz) tools are ubiquitous and can be powerful tools that separate signals from the noise in the data-driven workplace. However, poorly constructed data products can have the opposite effect, leading to confusion and deterioration in the quality of decisions. This course exposes students to standard tools for BI/Data Viz and teaches them how to use these tools to transform data of various formats into data products that inform decision-making. Students will also learn best practices and common mistakes to avoid. Emphasis will be placed on getting practical experience using popular tools to analyze datasets and communicate insights given by developed data products.
This class serves as the capstone course for the Master of Science in Business Analytics program. Students will apply their knowledge to address an analytics task motivated a real-world analytics problem. The course is an advanced application of analytics applications where students design, construct, test, solutions to real-world problems.
Management Information Systems Courses
This course will highlight one or more core programming languages (e.g., Java, Python) used within modern, data-driven organizations for the purpose of data collection, manipulation, and analysis. The first portion of the course will focus on essential programming knowledge and practices. The second portion of the course will emphasize the development of programmatic solutions, which will acquire data (e.g., web content, social media data, geospatial data, sensor-based data) through the integration of APIs and/or web services as well as ethical scraping techniques and then store the data in a modern backend database.
This course will cover the essentials of database design and management in modern, data-driven organizations. The first portion of the course will focus on relational database design as well as SQL for the storage and access of structured data. The focus of the second portion of the course will highlight modern database structures/systems (e.g., Apache Hadoop, graph databases) as well as their query languages for storing, accessing, and analyzing more unstructured data or data having relationships not easily queried by traditional databases. Additional topics may include data cleansing, query optimization, and extract-transform-load (ETL) processes.
Data communications and networks; impact on business enterprises and issues pertaining to design and implementation. Security and operational requirements evaluated in multiple network architectural configurations.
Motivation for, construction of, and application of MIS. Topics include IS strategic alignment, information intensive business processes, and decision making. Business analysis techniques are emphasized for systems such as TPS, e-business, management reporting systems, and data warehouses.
This bridge course intends to introduce students into the basics of application development using Python programming language. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of contemporary application development using Python as the programming language. Students will gain proficiency in creating functional Python scripts to build variety of applications in the area of system development. Python provides a simple and versatile development environment suitable for projects ranging from simple scripting applications to large-scale enterprise applications. In addition to core programming fundamentals, the course will also incorporate system development best practices such as team collaboration, version management, documentations, unit testing, styles and standards. In the process, students will explore the multitude of standard libraries available in the Python development ecosystem to accomplish various problem-solving tasks.
Techniques and methodologies of systems analysis and design are introduced, including conducting project scoping, requirements elicitation, requirements definition, and operations specifications.
The study, application, and analysis of advanced software engineering, application patterns, and file structures. Students design, construct and test software structures for effective information management.
Techniques and methodologies of project level scoping, staffing, planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling the development of value-added information technology business solutions on time and within budget.
Course covers fundamental purchasing systems applications, supplier relations and evaluation, strategic planning in purchasing, purchasing techniques, value analysis and cost analysis.
Techniques and methodologies of project-level systems development and delivery are introduced including interface design, platform constraints, application architecture, testing, quality control, security, and performance evaluation.
The fragmented healthcare environment is going through a profound shift in its approach to delivering better healthcare services through the implementation of healthcare IT (HIT). This course provides an overview of the healthcare environment and the role of HIT in enabling service delivery capabilities. Specifically, this course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill to understand the role of HIT in creating and managing the cross-continuum systems of care. Furthermore, the course prepares students with the knowledge and skills essential to managing HIT and its assimilation in the complex domain of healthcare.
Techniques and methodologies in client relationship management, proposal development, scope negotiation, component-based costing, knowledge management, software module and deliverable integration, systems deployment, and change management.
Emphasizes commercial business application of relational DBMS. Topics include semantic data modeling, normalization, process triggers, enterprise integrated, ODBC, n-tier architecture, e-business application, and performance tuning.
System level concepts, methods, tools and techniques for model-driven, data-intensive decision making. Topics include: structuring data, information and knowledge in data warehouses and dat marts, and analytic procedures.
Introduction to techniques and methodologies of enterprise-level governance, architecture, analysis, design, procurement, integration and deployment.
This course examines management issues and practical implications related to securing information systems. This course focuses on the Threat Environment, security Policy and Planning, Cryptography, Secure Networks, Access Control, Firewalls, Host Hardening, Application Security, Data Protection, Incident Response, and Networking and Review of TCP/IP. A clear theoretical understanding supports a large practical component where students learn to use contemporary security software to secure and assess information systems and network infrastructure using a hands-on approach.
This course provides students with a solid foundation of information security management, with an emphasis on its human element. As part of this understanding, we will explore how humans, as employees of an organization and consumers of organizational products and services, perceive threats to themselves, their digital assets, their privacy, and to their organizational affiliations. We also explore how these perceptions are operationalized in their behaviors as organizational insiders, serving to either undermine or facilitate security management practices.
The course is intended to teach students how to develop and apply an information security management plan to an organization. Topics include governance and security policy, threat and vulnerability management, incident management, risk management, information leakage, crisis management and business continuity, compliance management, and security awareness and security implementation considerations. Students will also be exposed to the national and international policy and legal considerations related to cybersecurity and cyberspace such as privacy, intellectual property, and cybercrime.
This course introduces the topics of cybercrime and digital forensics. Students will learn different aspects of cybercrime and methods to uncover, protect and analyze digital evidence. They will be exposed to different types of software and hardware tools and use them to perform rudimentary investigations. Cybercrime and digital forensics are increasingly important areas of study. Students will also gain an understanding of evidentiary law from the perspective of first responders. Tools are becoming more powerful and attacks more sophisticated. Consequently, there is a growing need for graduates with the skills to investigate these crimes.
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Open to students nearing completion of coursework for the master's degree. A supervised study and investigation of specific problems in management and management information systems.
This course focuses on the characteristics of scientific theory, particularly in the field of Management Information Systems (MIS). We also discuss strategies for discovering theories, often referred to as ‘theorizing’ or ‘theory development’ in the MIS literature. The use or development of a theory and theoretical contributions are typically necessary for publishing papers in MIS journals. The course explains the rationale behind this requirement, some of its limitations, and how it can be fulfilled. A solid understanding of MIS theories assists students in successfully publishing their papers.
This course introduces students to quantitative and qualitative methods utilized in Management Information Systems (MIS) research. The seminar equips students with the knowledge and skills to start conducting OM/MIS research effectively. It focuses on the most widely used quantitative and qualitative methods in the academic discipline. Students will (1) develop a scholarly understanding of these techniques and the skill to apply them in their research, (2) develop data analysis skills using statistical software such as R and SPSS, and (3) read seminal papers in the OM/MIS discipline applying these techniques to “see them in action”. The entire course is organized around a set of readings that will be assigned for every session.
Ever since the beginning of research into information systems (IS), economics has been recognized as one of the most important reference disciplines. Economics has made useful contributions to the understanding of IS research and applications. Some examples include the theory of information, decision analysis, game theory, and econometric methodologies. These methodologies help IS researchers to understand the implementation, adoption, and management of information systems, such as the economics of standards and network configurations, privacy, and information technology’s contribution to firms’ productivity. Students must be familiar with basic probability theory and statistical inference concepts.
This course introduces students to the foundational elements of Management Information Systems (MIS) research including its history, focal phenomena, theories, and frameworks.
This seminar is a discussion of the different theories and views about the human agents of organizations and the information and communication systems with which they engage. The course is designed to provide an overview of research on individual behavior with specific emphasis on MIS behavioral theories and research designs.
This seminar delves into the intricate interplay between human agents within an organization and the design and security of the information and communication systems with which they engage. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various theories and perspectives that shape our comprehension of these foundational components of contemporary business environments. By exploring the multifaceted domain of human agents, organizational structure, and their interplay with information systems, students aim to shed light on the complex challenges of designing secure and efficient information security systems. All students should also be certified to conduct human subjects research by the University of Alabama Institutional Research Board (IRB).
This advanced seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of emerging trends, cutting-edge research, and the future of MIS research. Students read the latest MIS literature published in premier MIS journals. The seminar equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the dynamic field of MIS effectively. It focuses on the most current research trends and topics within the IS academic discipline. Thus, it aims to introduce students to exemplary published studies on emerging topics in IS and help students 1) develop a scholarly understanding of these topics, 2) understand gaps being left behind, and 3) identify potential ways in which to further research in these areas. The entire course is organized around a set of readings that will be assigned for every session.
This individualized course provides students with the opportunity to explore advanced topics of interest, tailored to their focused area or path of learning. Students will engage in independent research, critical analysis, and the development of scholarly work in their chosen area of interest. The flexible nature of this course provides students the freedom to pursue specialized topics that support their dissertation or broader research agenda.
This independent study course is designed to allow students enrolled in the Operations Management doctoral program with a focal area of study in MIS to pursue independent exploration of a particular field or topical area, under the guidance of an advisor. Material covered will be of an advanced nature aimed at providing students with an understanding of current research systems, methods and theories.
This independent research course partially fulfills required doctoral-level research dissertation hours toward the doctoral degree. Under the guidance of their dissertation advisor, students conduct research toward the completion of their doctoral dissertation. Employing various research techniques and methodologies, students work on theoretical and/or applied research topics with the aim of making a novel contribution to the field.
Operations Management Courses
This course provides Operations Management concepts and applications in data-driven decision making. Emphasis is on data clean-up, data analysis, problem formulation, and interpretation of results using spreadsheet-based modeling and solution procedures including optimization and simulation approaches.
Building on the foundations of spreadsheet modeling analysis, this course provides a deeper understanding of optimization and simulation. Course topics include discrete optimization, duality and sensitivity, large scale optimization, multi-objective optimization, dynamic programming, and Monte Carlo and process simulations with an emphasis on practical applications. In addition to spreadsheets, the students will learn specialty optimization and simulation software, including heuristic methods and algorithms. Extensive use of software.
This course provides Operations Management concepts and applications in data-driven decision making. Emphasis is on data clean-up, data analysis, problem formulation, and interpretation of results using spreadsheet-based modeling and solution procedures including optimization and simulation approaches.
This course will address the important concepts and issues related to the design and management of business operations including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, transportation, and service operations. The course will demonstrate how certain quantitative methods can be applied to the analysis and solution of problems that arise in operations management.
This course provides a framework and quantitative methods for designing, managing, and analyzing the supply chain operations needed to support a firm's business strategy. Students will study the structure of supply chain operations in terms of six supply chain drivers (facilities, inventory, transportation, information, sourcing, and pricing). Students will develop analytical models and analyze the relationship between supply chain structure and performance through case studies and examples.
A broad investigation of a variety of scheduling activities in production, logistics or service environment are discussed. Typical topics include project scheduling, job-shop scheduling, routing related problems and manpower scheduling.
Principles, models, and techniques for planning, analyzing, and controlling inventory systems are discussed. Topics include in depth analysis of deterministic and stochastic inventory models and their applications. The limitations and usefulness of these models in practice are addressed.
Provide participants with a broad understanding of philosophies and methods used to enhance organizational effectiveness in a wide range of organizational settings.
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This course requires the student to apply his/her knowledge of the field of Operations Management to recognize and model operational problems and/or processes targeted for improvement. Further, the student must provide evidence of his/her abilities to communicate understanding of the problem or process, describe the analysis performed, and organize this material effectively for both a written report and corresponding oral presentation.
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Open to students nearing completion of coursework for the master's degree. A supervised study and investigation of specific problems in management and operations management.
The theory and application of linear programming are rigorously studied. Software tools such as AMPL and OPL Studio for solving linear programs are introduced.
Probabilistic models in the decision-making process are discussed. Attention is given to the assumptions, development, and administrative implications of dynamic programming, queuing analysis, and decision analysis.
Theoretical and applied aspects of nonlinear modeling and optimization such as unconstrained and constrained optimization, duality, barrier and interior point methods, and large-scale optimization.
Theoretical and applied aspects of integer and discrete modeling and optimization such as valid inequalities, transformations, branch and bound, column generation, and branch and cut.
A quantitative study of models and procedures used in various decision problems addressed by production and operations managers is completed in this course. Mathematical modeling and optimization software packages are used in solving these models.
A learning environment designed to expose Ph.D. students to a wide array of issues and topics related to operations management research.
Special Topics.
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Statistics Courses
A broad introduction to statistical and probabilistic methods useful for managerial decision making. Topics include graphical displays, numerical summaries, basic probability models, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
Introduction to the management of data using SAS. The collection and management of data from business or scientific research projects are emphasized.
This course provides students with insight and understanding into the advanced aspects of data management. Emphasis will be placed on computer techniques for the preparing and cleaning of data from scientific research projects as well as for business-oriented projects in order to conduct advanced level analyses. Techniques for detecting, quantifying, and correcting data quality will be covered.
A detailed study of data mining techniques including logistic regression, neural networks, decision trees, general classifier theory, and unsupervised learning methods. Mathematical details and computer techniques are examined. The SAS programming language and SAS's Enterprise Miner will be used to accomplish these tasks. Other packages may also be used.
This course explores the syntax of the R language and its capabilities for statistical data analysis, computing, and graphics.
Emphasis is on practical methods of statistical data analysis and their interpretation. Topics include simple and multiple linear regression, regression model interpretation, regression diagnostics, transformations on dependent and independent variables, qualitative independent variables, regression inference, strategies for model building, methods for forecasting time series data. Extensive use of statistical software.
Emphasis is on practical methods of statistical data analysis and their interpretation. Topics include design and analysis of experiments (completely randomized design, randomized block design, factorial designs, 2^(k−p) fractional factorial designs, response surface optimization), multivariate inference, dimension reduction, classification, and clustering. Extensive use of statistical software.
Data visualization is one of powerful tools to explore and understand data. This course is intended to introduce students to useful visualization techniques for data exploration and presentation using the free and open-source R computer programming. Basic syntax and capabilities of the R language are also covered.
Development of fundamental concepts of organizing, exploring, and summarizing data; probability; common probability distributions; sampling and sampling distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing for means, proportions, and variances using parametric and nonparametric procedures; power analysis; goodness of fit; contingency tables. Statistical software packages are used extensively to facilitate valid analysis and interpretation of results. Emphasis is on methods and on selecting proper statistical techniques for analyzing real situations.
Modeling issues for multiple linear regression are discussed in the context of data analysis. These include the use of residual plots, transformations, hypothesis tests, outlier diagnostics, analysis of covariance, variable selection techniques, weighted least squares and colinearity. The uses of multiple logistic regression are similarly discussed for dealing with binary-valued dependent variables.
Methods and business applications of multivariate analysis, discriminant analysis, canonical correlation, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and principal components.
The course introduces probability theory. It covers fundamental concepts and theorems, such as probability distribution; random variable; mathematical expectation, variance, moments, independence, and transformations of random variables; multivariate distributions, sampling distributions, central limit theorem and law of large numbers.
Theory of order statistics, point estimation, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing.
Statistical methods for summarizing data; probability; common probability distributions; sampling and sampling distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing for means, proportions, and variances using parametric and nonparametric procedures; power analysis; goodness of fit; contingency tables; and simple regression and one-way analysis of variance.
An introduction to the design and analysis of experiments. Topics include factorial, fractional factorial, block, incomplete block, and nested designs. Other methods discussed include Taguchi Methods, response surface methods, and analysis of covariance.
The study and application of advanced analytics application. Students design, construct, test, and present applications to solve real-world analytics problems.
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Gauss-Markov Theorem, solution of linear systems of less than full rank, generalized inverse of matrices, distributions of quadratic forms, and theory for estimation and inference for the general linear model.
Theory of the general linear regression models and inference procedures, variable selection procedures, and alternate estimation methods including principal components regression, robust regression methods, ridge regression, and nonlinear regression.
Theory and applications of various nonparametric statistical methods are covered for one-sample, two-sample, and multi-sample problems. Goodness of fit techniques such as Chi-square and the kolmogorov-Smirnov test are covered along with graphical analysis based on P-P and Q-Q plots. Computer software such as MINITAB, SAS, and STATXACT are used.
This course provides a learning environment for students to explore, discuss, and interpret various research areas and trends in statistics. Provides students with opportunity for critical inquiry into areas of specialized research interests associated with doctoral-level research in Applied Statistics.
Special topics in statistics.
Open only to graduate students nearing completion of coursework. Independent study and investigation of specific problems for advanced students of statistics.
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