COMM 335 - Information Systems Technology and Development

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the technology and applications of business information systems. Major topics include the following areas:

• Database Systems: Efficient and effective methods for storing and retrieving data will be covered. Although the primary focus is on the relational database systems, file systems and non-relational databases are also discussed. Students will be introduced to the concepts of data modeling using the entity relationship diagram.
• Human-Computer Interaction and Controls: This section focuses on the design of user interfaces for information systems, including discussions regarding error detection and correction of user input.
• Data Processing Systems: Data Processing systems are functional information systems which usually involve transaction processing and some simple management reporting. The course will discuss the technology employed, the techniques used, and the structure of such systems.
• Decision Support Systems (DSS): Transaction processing systems typically produce a vast amount of information. We will investigate computerized systems designed to effectively utilize the data created in transaction processing systems to support the process of decision making for business managers.
• Information Processing over the Internet: The internet technology will be discussed to familiarize students with the current terminologies, and the technical considerations in developing information processing systems over the Internet.

Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

• describe how data is captured, organized and managed using a data management system and design a simple database using data modeling techniques.
• discuss the strategic considerations in information system development and their impacts on the organization.
• design effective user interfaces and explain the importance of internal controls for information systems.
• describe the different technologies, techniques and infrastructure of transaction processing systems associated with various transaction cycles.
• explain the e-commerce technology architecture and discuss the strategies for successful ecommerce.
• identify and analyze risk factors, discuss measures to mitigate risks and the importance of business continuity planning.
• explain how various information systems are designed to support the decision making process for business managers.

Prerequisite: One of COMM 205, CPSC 210.