We have some pretty big news to share - we are broadening the appeal and accessibility of our part-time graduate programs in Information Systems. Beginning Fall 2010, courses in the Walton Professional MIS degree and BI Certificate programs will be delivered in a new format. Classes will be held one Saturday per month (two per month during summer), and we are now offering "IT Toolkit" preparatory courses during the summer to help prepare students from non-IT backgrounds for success in the program and facilitate a smooth transition into the field of information systems. For more information about these programs, visit http://gsb.uark.edu/mis.asp.
News is spreading, and applications for the Walton Professional MIS, ERP Certificate, and BI Certificate programs are coming in regularly. The deadline for application to the Walton Professional MIS program is March 15 (late applications will be considered on a space-available basis), and applications for the ERP and BI Certificate programs should be completed by May 1.
*Minor administrative note - this post was started in November, and completed in February. It seems that the longer I work in academia, the more absent-minded I become... for those who have been eagerly awaiting my next blog post, my apologies for the extended delay. I'll be updating things again soon!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Half-Empty, Half-Full
We've reached the halfway point in the semester, and things are still going great. This is, of course, a stressful time in the semester for students and faculty alike - assignments, mid-terms, and project deliverables all seem to converge during this time. But it is also a good time to stop (but for just a few minutes, since we have so much to do) and reflect on where we are in our journey.
Our students have come very far, and are entrenched in the hands-on application of technology and business concepts that will help them achieve a higher level in their understanding of information systems. Our faculty members have helped students along the path, and now (as always) face the challenge of assessing student progress, making sure everyone is ready for the next step, and guiding students in the right direction to meet the learning objectives of each course and of the MIS program. Between now and December, students will continue to build on the foundation laid so far, integrating their learnings to meet increasingly complex challenges. And at the end of the semester, they will look back on what they learned, see how far they have come, and look forward to the next leg on their journey.
Our students have come very far, and are entrenched in the hands-on application of technology and business concepts that will help them achieve a higher level in their understanding of information systems. Our faculty members have helped students along the path, and now (as always) face the challenge of assessing student progress, making sure everyone is ready for the next step, and guiding students in the right direction to meet the learning objectives of each course and of the MIS program. Between now and December, students will continue to build on the foundation laid so far, integrating their learnings to meet increasingly complex challenges. And at the end of the semester, they will look back on what they learned, see how far they have come, and look forward to the next leg on their journey.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MIS Program Objectives
While preparing for a meeting with the MIS Advisory Committee, where we continue to improve and refine our programs, I pulled up a copy of the Master of Information Systems "Learning Objectives." This document consists of a short narrative paragraph describing the focus of the program, the expectations of incoming students, and the goals of coursework in the program. That paragraph is followed by a more detailed list of several specific objectives, ranging from technology development to teamwork.
This seems to be a fairly standard statement of program learning objectives. It is also the sort of statement that could be easy to lose sight of when considering possibilities for improving and expanding the program, reaching more people, offering more classes, and covering more topics. Consider the first sentence from the learning objectives:
"The MIS program provides preparation for the business student at the graduate level to master information systems technology and achieve success in their careers..." To focus in, just a little more: "... to master information systems technology..."
A master of woodworking must be able to visualize how components can be designed, formed, and assembled to create a product of exceptional quality, but must also be adept in the use jigs, routers, lathes, drills, and saws to achieve that vision.
A master of information systems must be able to visualize how processes, systems, and data can be integrated to solve difficult problems and generate significant value, but must also be adept in the use of technology to support business operations, model requirements, develop applications, analyze data, and improve decision-making to achieve that vision.
This is our shared vision, when we look at various ways to improve and expand the program. And this is the vision that brought us to where we are today, with a program that provides hands-on experience with some of the most widely used systems and technologies in modern business, cutting-edge curriculum delivered by world-class faculty, and practical application to solve real problems and provide real value.
This seems to be a fairly standard statement of program learning objectives. It is also the sort of statement that could be easy to lose sight of when considering possibilities for improving and expanding the program, reaching more people, offering more classes, and covering more topics. Consider the first sentence from the learning objectives:
"The MIS program provides preparation for the business student at the graduate level to master information systems technology and achieve success in their careers..." To focus in, just a little more: "... to master information systems technology..."
A master of woodworking must be able to visualize how components can be designed, formed, and assembled to create a product of exceptional quality, but must also be adept in the use jigs, routers, lathes, drills, and saws to achieve that vision.
A master of information systems must be able to visualize how processes, systems, and data can be integrated to solve difficult problems and generate significant value, but must also be adept in the use of technology to support business operations, model requirements, develop applications, analyze data, and improve decision-making to achieve that vision.
This is our shared vision, when we look at various ways to improve and expand the program. And this is the vision that brought us to where we are today, with a program that provides hands-on experience with some of the most widely used systems and technologies in modern business, cutting-edge curriculum delivered by world-class faculty, and practical application to solve real problems and provide real value.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Classes are Rolling
It's been a while since the last update, since preparing for the new cohort of MIS students and getting ready for classes has put blogging on a bit of a back burner. Well, classes are rolling now, and we have nearly 40 new graduate students this fall! The mix is roughly split between full-time MIS and part-time (Professional MIS and Certificate) students. We have so many great new students this semester that we are even experiencing a few growing pains... this is a wonderful challenge to have.
Most of our new students are taking Seminar in Systems Development and Data Management Systems in their first semester. Seminar in Systems Development explores modern challenges and opportunites in system analysis, design, and project management, and is taught by Dr. Viswanath Venkatesh. Data Management Systems takes a hands-on approach to learning how data is managed in modern organizations and how data can be turned into information for better and faster business decision making, and is taught by Dr. Paul Cronan.
Most of our new students are taking Seminar in Systems Development and Data Management Systems in their first semester. Seminar in Systems Development explores modern challenges and opportunites in system analysis, design, and project management, and is taught by Dr. Viswanath Venkatesh. Data Management Systems takes a hands-on approach to learning how data is managed in modern organizations and how data can be turned into information for better and faster business decision making, and is taught by Dr. Paul Cronan.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Busy Summer!
It's been a busy summer so far! The UA team took 3rd place in the 3rd International ERPsim Competition. From a field that originally consisted of 41 teams, that's not too shabby... Go Hogs!
We wrapped up our summer ERP Fundamentals class with a fun and engaging ERPsim competition - our winning team was comprised of four students in the Professional MIS and ERP Certificate programs.
Applications for the Professional MIS and BI Certificate programs are still coming in, and we're almost down to the wire for late applications. We are still receiving some applications for the full-time MIS program as well, but have been out of graduate assistantships for months - if any are turned back, we have a fairly long waiting list of very qualified applicants at this point. Program orientation is just 4 weeks away!
We wrapped up our summer ERP Fundamentals class with a fun and engaging ERPsim competition - our winning team was comprised of four students in the Professional MIS and ERP Certificate programs.
Applications for the Professional MIS and BI Certificate programs are still coming in, and we're almost down to the wire for late applications. We are still receiving some applications for the full-time MIS program as well, but have been out of graduate assistantships for months - if any are turned back, we have a fairly long waiting list of very qualified applicants at this point. Program orientation is just 4 weeks away!
Monday, June 8, 2009
3rd International ERPsim Competition
I am pleased to report that the University of Arkansas team was ranked #1 (out of 41 teams from 20 universities worldwide) in the qualifying round for the 3rd International ERPsim Competition. The UA team is composed of 3 Professional MIS students who recently completed our ERP Certificate curriculum as part of their graduate degree program. The final competition will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 AM Central, and will be covered live via twitter. For more info go to http://erpsim.hec.ca/competition.
ERP Certificate - Possible Second Summer Session!
The past month or so has been jam packed as we started the ERP Fundamentals class (the first course in the ERP Certificate program). The first class is going very well and I am pleased to report that we have received enough additional interest that we are considering offering another ERP Fundamentals class beginning in July!
If you are interested in starting the ERP Certificate program this summer, there is still time to apply - if we receive enough applications, we will be able to repeat the first class so that you can continue in the fall and spring with ERP courses that will build on what you learn this summer.
You can apply online here. Please submit your application ASAP to be considered for the summer class, and help us spread the word to others who may be interested.
If you are interested in starting the ERP Certificate program this summer, there is still time to apply - if we receive enough applications, we will be able to repeat the first class so that you can continue in the fall and spring with ERP courses that will build on what you learn this summer.
You can apply online here. Please submit your application ASAP to be considered for the summer class, and help us spread the word to others who may be interested.
Friday, April 17, 2009
New Certificate Programs
Pursuing a graduate degree is no small undertaking. Achieving the level of performance required to be successful in a Master’s degree program requires a significant commitment of time and energy, whether you are pursuing your degree full-time or working full-time and considering a part-time graduate program. In my opinion, based on my own experiences and numerous observations from other graduates of our programs, that commitment is well worth the investment. For those who want to “test the waters” of graduate school, and for those who are interested in focusing their studies on Enterprise Resource Planning or Business Intelligence, we are now offering two new certificate programs.
The ERP Certificate program, sponsored by SAP America and the SAP University Alliance, is a 9 credit-hour program focused on the utilization, configuration, implementation, and customization of ERP systems in modern organizations. SAP, the ERP solution used by most Fortune 500 companies, provides the platform to learn about this exciting and lucrative field.
The BI Certificate program, sponsored by The SAS Institute, is a 12 credit-hour program that explores the management and effective use of the extensive amount of data being collected by modern information systems. Tools from SAS, Teradata, SPSS, Microsoft, and SAP will be used to apply data management, decision support, and data mining concepts and techniques.
Though courses in both programs will be rigorous, by taking only one course per semester the pace should be reasonable for the typical busy lifestyle of most professionals. Credit from these programs can be applied towards your Master of Information Systems degree, should you choose to continue your academic pursuits after completing one of these programs. The application process is very simple (an online application is available through the link above), and admission to a certificate program does not require a GMAT or GRE score.
The ERP Certificate program begins in May, and applications will be accepted through May 1. The BI Certificate program begins in August, and applications will be accepted through July 1. Feel free to contact me with questions about any of our graduate programs.
The ERP Certificate program, sponsored by SAP America and the SAP University Alliance, is a 9 credit-hour program focused on the utilization, configuration, implementation, and customization of ERP systems in modern organizations. SAP, the ERP solution used by most Fortune 500 companies, provides the platform to learn about this exciting and lucrative field.
The BI Certificate program, sponsored by The SAS Institute, is a 12 credit-hour program that explores the management and effective use of the extensive amount of data being collected by modern information systems. Tools from SAS, Teradata, SPSS, Microsoft, and SAP will be used to apply data management, decision support, and data mining concepts and techniques.
Though courses in both programs will be rigorous, by taking only one course per semester the pace should be reasonable for the typical busy lifestyle of most professionals. Credit from these programs can be applied towards your Master of Information Systems degree, should you choose to continue your academic pursuits after completing one of these programs. The application process is very simple (an online application is available through the link above), and admission to a certificate program does not require a GMAT or GRE score.
The ERP Certificate program begins in May, and applications will be accepted through May 1. The BI Certificate program begins in August, and applications will be accepted through July 1. Feel free to contact me with questions about any of our graduate programs.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Why Walton?
So, you have thought about continuing your education, and decided that a graduate degree in information systems sounds like a good idea. Why would you choose to pursue the MIS degree from the Sam M. Walton College of Business?
The Walton College is consistently ranked among the top 25 public undergraduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report, and is accredited by the AACSB. World-renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an exceptional learning environment, and relationships with some of the largest companies in the world provide excellent career opportunities.
In terms of technology, the Walton College offers a unique mix of enterprise computing platforms that is unparalleled in an academic environment. Through our strong partnerships with IBM, SAP, Microsoft, and Teradata, we are able to offer cutting-edge curriculum supported by the technology platforms used in many of the world’s largest organizations. The Walton College serves as a technology “hub” for several academic groups, including the Teradata University Network, SAP University Alliance, IBM Academic Initiative, and Microsoft Enterprise Consortium, sharing our extensive resources with other schools around the world. We are also fortunate to be able to provide students with access to large-scale “real-world” datasets from industry partners such as Sam’s Club, Tyson Foods, and Dillard’s.
Some students may choose to concentrate in Enterprise Systems, working with the IBM z-Series 900 mainframe, a technology platform that supports many “mission critical” applications. Another popular focus is Enterprise Resource Planning – learning to leverage, configure, and customize SAP, the business application platform used by most Fortune 500 companies. Others are keenly interested in Business Intelligence, using tools from Teradata, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and SPSS to learn to find business value in the mountains of data being amassed in today’s increasingly interconnected world. And for those who can’t decide, well, you can do a little bit of everything.
The Walton College is consistently ranked among the top 25 public undergraduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report, and is accredited by the AACSB. World-renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an exceptional learning environment, and relationships with some of the largest companies in the world provide excellent career opportunities.
In terms of technology, the Walton College offers a unique mix of enterprise computing platforms that is unparalleled in an academic environment. Through our strong partnerships with IBM, SAP, Microsoft, and Teradata, we are able to offer cutting-edge curriculum supported by the technology platforms used in many of the world’s largest organizations. The Walton College serves as a technology “hub” for several academic groups, including the Teradata University Network, SAP University Alliance, IBM Academic Initiative, and Microsoft Enterprise Consortium, sharing our extensive resources with other schools around the world. We are also fortunate to be able to provide students with access to large-scale “real-world” datasets from industry partners such as Sam’s Club, Tyson Foods, and Dillard’s.
Some students may choose to concentrate in Enterprise Systems, working with the IBM z-Series 900 mainframe, a technology platform that supports many “mission critical” applications. Another popular focus is Enterprise Resource Planning – learning to leverage, configure, and customize SAP, the business application platform used by most Fortune 500 companies. Others are keenly interested in Business Intelligence, using tools from Teradata, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and SPSS to learn to find business value in the mountains of data being amassed in today’s increasingly interconnected world. And for those who can’t decide, well, you can do a little bit of everything.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Why MIS?
Welcome to the blog for the Master of Information Systems (MIS) program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. I am the Associate Director of the program, and this blog will provide information about how the Walton College can help position you for success in the continually evolving field of Information Technology (IT).
So, why would you choose to pursue a Master’s degree in information systems? Perhaps you have a passion for IT, and want to continue your education by gaining hands-on experience solving business problems using technology. Perhaps you see IT as a stable or growing field in a challenging economic climate (all 3 major industry research firms project a slight increase in IT spending for 2009). Perhaps you are already in the technology field, seeking to update and broaden your skill set, and to better understand how organizations leverage IT.
In an increasingly educated workforce, a graduate degree provides an extra edge – both from the knowledge you gain and from the degree you earn. If you are interested in learning more about graduate programs offered by the Information Systems department in the Walton College, contact me using the information in my profile.
So, why would you choose to pursue a Master’s degree in information systems? Perhaps you have a passion for IT, and want to continue your education by gaining hands-on experience solving business problems using technology. Perhaps you see IT as a stable or growing field in a challenging economic climate (all 3 major industry research firms project a slight increase in IT spending for 2009). Perhaps you are already in the technology field, seeking to update and broaden your skill set, and to better understand how organizations leverage IT.
In an increasingly educated workforce, a graduate degree provides an extra edge – both from the knowledge you gain and from the degree you earn. If you are interested in learning more about graduate programs offered by the Information Systems department in the Walton College, contact me using the information in my profile.
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