Course Descriptions

SM 300: Systems Management & Practice
SM 300 researches the effectiveness of component integration, its application, and use in today's complex society.  Students will work together via remote, electronic means to share information that leads to accomplishing the modular tasks. Upon completion, the student is familiar with problem-solving techniques, critical thinking processes, and basic spreadsheet usage.

SM 346: Business Resource Development
SM 346 identifies key success factors and resources that enable success in a competitive global economy. Topics include critical thinking as related to technology and decision-making; effective leadership, membership, and team work in a culturally diverse environment; efficiency and effectiveness of business processes; and how the front and back office operations of organizations affect customer-oriented, operational and service quality.

SM 347: Introduction to Business Telecommunications
SM 347 explores the impact of technology on professional communication.  We examine individual and team communication, the planning and preparation of oral and written communication, how to choose appropriate technology media, and the role of new technology innovations to enhance communication. Effective communication plays a critical role in our success, both as individuals and as professionals.  In fact, with regard to their employees, written and oral communication skills are listed among the top concerns of company executives.  Additionally, technology has become a key factor in how, when, and with whom we communicate.

SM 348: Business Systems Architecture
SM 348 examines common systems architectures used to deliver goods and services. Organizations use complex systems of people, technology, activities, resources, and information to move products from suppliers to customers. Particular emphasis on the changing role of technology in the delivery process; the implications of communication technologies on organizational processes and competences; sourcing decisions; managing information technologies; and technology strategies and challenges. Reflective reading, analysis and writing will be required throughout the course as reinforcement for critical concepts and ideas.

SM 443: Business Intelligence
SM 443 is an exploration of personal and organizational problem solving and decision making, and the tools and technologies that support them. This includes such topics as decision definition; differentiation between effective and ineffective reasoning; the role of language in decision making; the role of the decision-maker; categories of decisions made in the typical organization; and the steps in various decision-making approaches. Students will review various approaches in data gathering; problem identification; problem-solving techniques; and how computer software is used to help solve organizational problems.

SM 444: Information Systems Management
SM 444 investigates the management of organizational systems and operations, and how information is used to direct them.  The principles covered are applicable to business, non-profit, educational, and governmental agencies. Topics include:  contemporary job design, technology's impact on job design, modern approaches to the design of goods and services, planning and controlling operations, strategy, project management, and the evolving role of technology in organizational administration.  Students will develop proficiency with advanced spreadsheet, project management, geographic information, and technical illustration tools.

SM 446: Security, Risk and Threat Management
SM 446 is a survey of asset identification and protection.  Topics include: risk assessment and management, threat identification, physical security, insurance and basic computer security concepts. Students will develop an understanding of the systematic and structured approach to asset management and mitigating potential loss to various threats.

SM 447: Electronic Commerce
SM 447 (Electronic Commerce) provides an overview of these technologies while providing various business and marketing strategies for competing over the web.  Understanding the web and the technologies for communicating and conducting electronic commerce are essential for today's employees.  Critical thinking skills as to how and when to deploy an ecommerce solution will be explored.  Students will also be exposed to collaborative technologies that are used on the web for communication and information sharing as they pertain to electronic commerce.  Students will demonstrate their understanding of these technologies by creating and implementing them on the web.