A Perspective on a Management Information Systems (MIS) Program Review

Abstract

This paper highlights relevant curriculum issues that were identified in a Management Information Systems (MIS) program review undertaken by a group of business faculty in a small regional university. The program review was initiated to improve job marketability of graduates and student enrollment. The review process is described as a collective effort in continuous improvement in program planning and assessment. A reference framework on the technical-business orientation of the program is applied. The framework explains the varying degree of emphasis in technical/business knowledge and skills in Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) programs. Outcomes associated with the program review process include new elective courses in MIS Internship/Co-Op and Supply Chain Management and increased emphasis in both technical and business skills in MIS courses.MIS Program Review 300 recruitment strategies as important steps to follow through.

A Survey of CIS Alumni to Assess Curriculum: Findings, Implications, and Future Directions

“…Continued decreases in state financial support for public higher education have forced academic departments to continuously evaluate academic program offerings and suspend or eliminate those programs that are under-performing or are no longer relevant (Andriole, 2006). This process requires educators to answer a number of questions (Benson & Boyd, 2018) including "What should CIS programs be teaching (Leonard, Jones, & Lang, 2019;Topi, 2019;Yew, 2008)?" "What experiences should be included in the curriculum?"…”

A Critique of Transmission Communication Models in Introductory Management and Organizational Behavior Textbooks

“…One way to more fully understand what students are taught about communication is to examine teaching materials that focus on communication in courses they take as part of their business school curricula. Understanding what students are taught about communication is even more pertinent because not all business schools require a business communication or a general communication course, even though business education leaders, including those in AACSB, still concur that preparing business students for the demands linked to communicating in the workplace is essential (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, 2015; English et al, 2007; National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2021; Yew, 2008). Therefore, we began our long-term investigation by examining how textbooks in management or organizational behavior courses present communication, knowing that communication skills are crucial to the understanding of such topics.…”