Guide To

MIS Success

Department of Management Information Systems

School of Business AdministrationUniversity of Montana

Missoula, Montana

2013-2014

Table of ContentsMission Statements........................................................................................................................1

Management Information Systems............................................................................................1

MIS Learning Outcomes:.........................................................................................................1

School of Business Administration..............................................................................................1

SoBA Learning Outcomes:.......................................................................................................1

What is the Area of Management Information Systems?...............................................................2

How Does MIS Differ from Computer Science and Computer Technology Programs?...............2

Characteristics of MIS Graduates................................................................................................3

MIS Majors are not Computer Programmers or Computer Technicians (unless they WANT to be!).............................................................................................................................................3

Employment in MIS Fields..............................................................................................................4

Jobs Titles in IS............................................................................................................................5

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:............................................................................6

Required Courses........................................................................................................................6

Management Information Systems Major..................................................................................7

Selecting Electives.......................................................................................................................8

Useful Electives for students considering a career in IT/IS CONSULTING:..............................8

Useful Electives for students considering a career in MIS and MARKETING:..........................8

Useful Electives for students considering STARTING THEIR OWN IT/IS BUSINESSES:.............9

Useful Electives for students considering a career in DEVELOPMENT:...................................9

Internship...................................................................................................................................9

Certifications.................................................................................................................................10

Documenting Your Learning.........................................................................................................11

The Power of Experience..............................................................................................................12

Student Organization....................................................................................................................13

Staying In Touch...........................................................................................................................13

Developing Your Exit Strategy......................................................................................................14

Advice to Students from Our Graduates.......................................................................................15

Mission Statements

Management Information Systems

The mission of the Management Information Systems Department is to provide service courses in MIS, quantitative analysis, operations management, and business law, and to equip MIS graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to: (1) apply information systems and technology in an organization; (2) work effectively as an individual, a team member, and a leader; and (3) communicate clearly and effectively within the MIS team and the organization.

MIS Learning Outcomes:

1. MIS graduates will demonstrate command of the technical skills appropriate for the MIS major.

2. MIS graduates will be able to analyze complex organizational problems.3. MIS graduates will be able to design appropriate technological solutions for

organizational problems.4. MIS graduates will be able to develop technological solutions that address

organizational problems.5. MIS graduates will work competently as part of a team or in a leadership role.

School of Business Administration

The University of Montana’s School of Business Administration is a collegial learning community dedicated to the teaching, exploration, and application of the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

SoBA Learning Outcomes:

1. SoBA graduates will possess fundamental business knowledge.2. SoBA graduates will be able to integrate business knowledge.3. SoBA graduates will be effective communicators.4. SoBA graduates will possess problem solving skills.5. SoBA graduates will have an ethical awareness.6. SoBA graduates will be proficient users of technology.7. SoBA graduates will understand the global business environment in which they

operate.

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What is the Area of Management Information Systems?

The study area of MIS is a relatively new field that facilitates the relationships between information, technology, people, the organization, and society. The MIS curriculum at The University of Montana prepares students to manage an organization's information resources. The major focuses on:

1) analyzing and managing the flows of information within and across the organization's business processes;

2) managing the acquisition and utilization of information technology; and 3) using both information and technology to enhance the organization's business

operations, processes, strategic advantage, and extract as much value as possible out of the business processes.

Information systems are a part of all organizational functions, including accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management.

How Does MIS Differ from Computer Science and Computer Technology Programs?

Most computer science (CS) programs focus on software engineering and require more study in mathematics than is required in most MIS programs. CS students are prepared to write complicated scientific programs and to develop sophisticated systems software. Most MIS curricula, on the other hand, prepare students to develop business applications and to solve business problems.

Computer technology (CT) programs typically emphasize the hardware aspect of computing. Students learn to install, maintain, and trouble-shoot technological hardware such as systems units, printers, cables, hubs, routers, and other peripherals.

Management information systems, computer science, and computer technology programs overlap in some of the content, but the fundamental focus of each discipline is different, as shown in Figure 1. As an MIS professional, you may find yourself competing with majors from other disciplines for entry-level jobs, but most MIS majors, after gaining some experience, move into jobs that focus on the management of the firm’s information resources.

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CS CTTT

IS

Computer Science: Focus on Software Programming languages Computer architecture Operating systems Data structures Algorithms Networks Web development

Computer Technology: Focus on Hardware PC service and support Networking infrastructure Routing and Switching Intro. to programming Systems Analysis Project Management Web development

Management Information Systems: Focus on Business Systems Business application development Systems analysis and design Database management Strategic application of technology Project management Web development Electronic commerce Network management Consulting Figure 1: Differences between MIS and other computer disciplines

Characteristics of MIS Graduates

Effective team members / leadersPersuasive communicatorsUnderstand technologyKnow best business practices Life-long learnersStrategic thinkersAnalytical problem solversExperienced with actual projectsEthical citizens of the organizationCan apply IT to business problems

MIS Majors are not Computer Programmers or Computer Technicians (unless they WANT to be!)

A common comment from students considering an MIS major is “I don’t know anything about computers.” The Management Information Systems major is NOT about computers in the way that Accounting is not about Quickbooks or that Finance is not about knowing how an ATM works. For those MIS students more interested in the

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technology angle, knowing about computers will interest them and be useful to them, and we have a track of courses suited to them. Many, if not most, MIS graduates will never physically touch the technology they manage, except for using the keyboard.

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Employment in MIS Fields

For MIS graduates the outlook for 2013-2014 is brighter than for most all other majors, with graduates of MIS-related programs now among the most desired new hires in all areas of the country. The number of jobs available to MIS graduates is expected to increase by 30-50% for most job categories over the next few years. An excellent source of current information about the future of MIS-related jobs can be found at http://www.bls.gov/emp/home.htm.

The nationwide average starting salary for a B. S. degree in Management Information Systems in 2012 was $56,000.1 Salary figures vary considerably in different parts of the country and for different job titles. For those 2012 University of Montana MIS graduates who self-reported, salaries averaged $48,214. Some selected starting salary ranges reported by Robert Half International2 are:

Information technology managers $94K to 135KMIS Consultants $86.2K to 120K Computer support specialists $48.3K to 70.8K Information systems analysts $72.5K to 103.5K Database administrators $83K to 119K Network and computer systems administrators $62.8K to 93.3K Computer programmers $64.8K to 114.5KWeb developer $65.8K to 106.5KE-Commerce Analyst $75K to 108.3KBusiness intelligence analyst $94.3k to 132.5K

Many top graduates from the University of Montana MIS program take jobs as information systems consultants with international firms. The field of technical consulting services is one of the fastest growing industries and one of the highest paying. Consultants seeking international experience are posted in various places around the globe. KPMG recently recognized the UM MIS program as one of their top 10 schools from which to recruit, nation-wide.

1 NACE, National Association of Colleges and Employers, http://www.naceweb.org.2 http://www.rhi.com/SalaryGuides (This resource also gives local variances for the salary ranges.)

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Jobs Titles in IS3

Business Analysts help an organization improve how it conducts its functions and activities in order to reduce overall costs, provide more efficient use of resources, and better support customers. They introduce the notion of process orientation, of concentrating on and rethinking end-to-end activities that create value for customers, while removing unnecessary, non-value added work.

Consultants are experienced individuals that are trained to analyze and advise a client in order to help the client make the best possible choices. New graduates can be hired into these positions and trained much as an apprentice is trained.

Systems Analysts tie together hardware and software to give an organization the maximum benefit from its investment in machines, personnel, and business processes. To do this, they may design entirely new systems or add a single new software application to harness more of the computer’s power.

Computer Support Specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and users. This group of occupations includes workers with a variety of titles, such as technical support specialists and help-desk technicians.

Database Administrators determine ways to organize and store data and work with database management systems software.

Network or computer systems administrators install, configure, and support an organization’s LAN, WAN, network segment, or Internet system. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users.

Web developers are responsible for day-to-day website design and creation.

Webmasters are responsible for the technical aspects of the website, including performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving site content.

Computer Sales Personnel are responsible for promoting and selling the products and services provided by the various sectors of this industry.

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other computer-related workers. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organization and determine personnel and equipment requirements. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, the development of computer networks, and the implementation of Internet and Intranet sites.

Programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs or software, that computers must follow to perform their functions. These programs tell the computer what to do, such as which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use.

3 Descriptions for the job titles are taken verbatim from http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs033.htm and from Wikipedia.com.

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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:Required Courses

Lower Core:o WRIT 101: College Writing Io M 115: Probability and Linear Math (must earn a C or better)o ECNS 201S: Principles of Microeconomicso ECNS 202S: Principles of Macroeconomicso COMX 111A: Introduction to Public Speakingo CSCI 172: Introduction to Computer Modelingo ACTG 201: Financial Accountingo ACTG 202: Managerial Accountingo STAT 216: Introduction to Statisticso BGEN 235: Business Lawo BMIS 270: Management Information Systems

Upper Core:o BFIN 322: Business Financeo BMGT 340S: Management and Organizational Behavioro BMGT 322: Operations Managemento BMKT 325: Marketing Principles

Business Capstone (both of the following):o BMGT 486: Strategic Venture Management (3 cr.)o BGEN 499: Integrative Business Simulation (1 cr.)

Other Requirements: You must finish each of the lower core courses with a C or better before you

begin 300 or 400 level courses. All other courses in your major and in your general education courses must be completed with a C- or better.

You must earn 120 credit hours in order to graduate. Of the 120 hours, 39 credits must be 300 or 400 level courses. You must earn at least 51 business credits, but no more that 60 of your 120

credits can be from the School of Business Administration. You must earn at least 60 credits outside of SoBA. Economics courses may count as inside or outside of the School of Business

Administration (but not both). You must satisfy all General Education requirements. You must take and pass the Major Field Examination your senior year.

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Management Information Systems Major

The MIS program is based upon a nationally endorsed master curriculum. In addition to the core classes that all business majors take, students in the MIS major will take all six required classes and two elective MIS classes.

Required: Credits:BMIS 365: Business Applications Development (Fall and Spring) 3BMIS 370: Database Management Systems (Fall and Spring) 3BMIS 372: Telecommunications Management (Spring only) 3BMIS 373: Systems Analysis and Design (Fall and Spring) 3BMIS 476: Project Management (Fall and Spring) 3BMIS 498: MIS Internship or MIS 495: IS Practicum 3

Electives (Choose two):BMIS 471: Fundamentals of Network Management (Fall only) 3BMIS 478: Electronic Commerce (Spring only) 3BMIS 479: Introduction to Consulting (Fall only) 3BMIS 491: Special Topics maximum of 6BMIS 492: Independent Study maximum of 6BMKT 460: High Tech Marketing 3ACTG 321: Accounting Information Systems (coreq. ACTG 203) 3CS 181: Electronic Publishing on WWW 3Upper-division Computer Science Class maximum of 6C&I 341: Information Management and Design 3EDU 472: Advanced Technology and Supervision 3M 361: Discrete Optimization 3M 362: Linear Optimization 3

Note: Students completing the MIS major with lower-division electives must still earn a total of 39 upper-division credits in order to meet university requirements.

If you start your upper division classes in the . . . Fall            Take      BMIS 365 and BMIS 373                          BMIS 479, if you are interested in a career in consulting

Two of the required upper core (BMGT 340, BMKT 325, BMGT 322, BFIN 322)

Hint:  Do not take BMGT 322 and BFIN 322 during the same semester.      Spring             Take     BMIS 365 and BMIS 372

Two of the required upper core (BMGT 340, BMKT 325, BMGT 322, BFIN 322) Hint:  Do not take BMGT 322 and BFIN 322 during the same semester.

Prerequisites: BMIS 365 is a prerequisite for BMIS 370.BMIS 365, BMIS 370, and BMIS 373 are prerequisites for BMIS 476.

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Selecting Electives

You can significantly improve your job prospects by carefully choosing your electives. Even though our curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in MIS, you still have to land that first job. Most MIS graduates start out as consultants, business analysts, programmer/analysts, tech support specialists, or web developers. Programmer/analyst jobs often lead to careers as an internal or external consultant, analyzing and designing business systems. Tech support jobs often lead to careers in help desk management or network administration, while web developers often move into the design of business-to-business or business-to-consumer e-commerce business systems. There are courses both inside and outside of the School of Business Administration that will help prepare you for your entry-level job and the careers those jobs grow into.

Hint: Work closely with your advisor to choose MIS and general electives that will supplement your required courses and provide you with the background necessary for the career of your choice.

Useful Electives for students considering a career in IT/IS CONSULTING:MIS Electives (Take two):

o BMIS 479: Introduction to Consulting (Fall only)o ACTG 321: Accounting Information Systems (coreq. ACTG 203) (Fall and Sp)o BMKT 460: Marketing of High Tech Products (Sp only)o BMIS 478: Electronic Commerce (Sp only)

Outside SoBA:o COMX 202: Nonverbal Communicationo COMX 210: Small Groupso COMX 241: Persuasive Communicationo COMX 415: Intercultural Communicationo C&I 287: Business Communication

Useful Electives for students considering a career in MIS and MARKETING:MIS Electives (Take two):

o BMIS 479: Introduction to Consulting (Fall only)o BMKT 460: Marketing of High Tech Products (Sp only)o BMIS 478: Electronic Commerce

Other SoBA Electives:o BMKT 342: Marketing Researcho BMKT 343: Integrated Marketing Communications

Outside SoBA:o MART 111: Integrated Digital Arto MART 145: Web Designo COMX 210: Small Groupso COMX 241: Persuasive Communicationo COMX 415: Intercultural Communicationo C&I 287: Business Communication

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Useful Electives for students considering STARTING THEIR OWN IT/IS BUSINESSES:MIS Electives (Take two):

o CS 181: WWW Publishingo BMIS 479: Introduction to Consultingo BMKT 460: Marketing of High Tech Products o BMIS 478: Electronic Commerce

Other SoBA Electives: BMGT 458: Advanced Entrepreneurship Seminar

Outside SoBA: COMX 202: Nonverbal Communication COMX 210: Small Groups COMX 241: Persuasive Communication COMX 415: Intercultural Communication C&I 287: Business Communication

Useful Electives for students considering a career in DEVELOPMENT:MIS Electives (Take two):

o CS 181: WWW Publishingo BMIS 471: Fundamentals of Network Managemento BMIS 472: Advanced Network Managemento BMIS 478: Electronic Commerce

Outside SoBA:o MART 145: Web Designo COMX 210: Small Groupso CSCI 205: Programming Languages w/C/C++o CSCI 232: Data Structures and Algorithms

Internship

Ideally, your internship should be taken the summer between your junior and senior year. Please make an appointment with the department chairperson to make sure that you are academically prepared for your internship, that the internship involves real MIS work, and that you will have a mentor who can guide you in the technical aspects of your work. For your appointment, you will need an unofficial copy of your transcript and a job description prepared by your employer.

Students find internships in a wide variety of industries and companies, including some non-profit organizations. Be sure to sign up with Griz eRecruiting to find out about posted internships. Some students arrange internships with previous or current employers. Students do a wide variety of MIS tasks in their internships, including web page design and maintenance, database design and maintenance, social networking site creation, computer support, program testing, network security and support, project management tasks, and user requirements development.

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CertificationsAnother way to increase your visibility is through the certification process. Professional certifications are available for nearly every specialty in the MIS area and are used by some companies as a filter for the resumes flooding their hiring processes. Our networking classes provide a starting point for preparing for the series of MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) exams. The College of Technology offers classes leading to Cisco certification. For programmers, Brainbench Java 2 certification is useful. A certification in Project Management is also available.

In addition to certifications offered by professional organizations, SoBA offers two academic certification programs that are interdisciplinary in nature. Neither are professionally designated certificates. Designed primarily for MIS and Accounting majors, the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Certificate helps students continue their studies in preparation for the following professional certificates: CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), and CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional. MIS students must complete the requirements for the MIS major, meet with either Dr. Ron Premuroso or Dr. David Firth, complete the certificate application and pay the fee, and complete the following courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better: ACTG 203, 305, 306, 321 (co-req of ACTG 203), 411, and BMIS 365, 370, 373, 479.

Starting in Fall 2013, SoBA will offer the Digital Marketing Certificate which is designed to bridge the gap between the fields of marketing and MIS. Students will acquire skills in the areas of online and social media marketing and in e-commerce. To receive the Digital Marketing Certificate, MIS students must complete the requirements for the MIS major, meet with Dr. Clay Looney or Dr. Emily Plant, complete the DMC application, and complete the following courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better: BMIS 372, 373, 478, and BMKT 491, 342, 343, 460. Students must also take one elective course (also included in the GPA requirement) from the following: BMIS 365, 370, 479, FORS 250, and MAR 101, 102, 111, 340.

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Documenting Your Learning

All MIS students should prepare a portfolio of their MIS work. One of the major advantages of preparing a personal portfolio of your work is that you can use the material to prepare a web page showcasing your work for your job search. The online portfolio can be used to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have acquired the skills necessary for employment and that you are ready to hit the ground running. Portfolios should include:

1. Writing samples2. Video clips of your presentations3. Examples of the “deliverables” from each of your MIS courses4. Completed projects, including your senior project5. Examples of anonymous peer evaluations from team members6. Reflective essays examining your learning from selected projects or assignments

and summarizing how your collection of business and general electives prepares you for an MIS career

7. Résumé and an example cover letter

Hint: Career Counselors recommend that students write a resume early in their college career that reflects their ideal resume – the one you’d like to have when you graduate.  It becomes a planning document – to help you acquire the types of experience that you will need in order to achieve that ideal resume by graduation.  Employers look for new hires with good technical skills, real-world experience, and strong communication skills, as well as those who are honest, ethical, capable of effectively working on a team, and have demonstrated leadership ability.  Your “dream” resume becomes the road map you can use to make sure you’ve accumulated the right experiences by the time you complete your degree. 

Class Projects: Don’t forget to include your projects on your résumé as evidence of your ability to get a project done.

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The Power of Experience

Hiring organizations prefer candidates with experience such as internships or related part-time jobs.  To employers, a student with related experience is someone who has proven they know how to apply what they have learned in school; they know how to work and produce results, as well as how to work with others and manage their time.  Students who have acquired practical experience prior to graduation are more likely to land great jobs.  They have also begun developing their professional network contacts – many of whom may know of several great job opportunities at any given time. 

In addition to part-time jobs off campus that are computer-related, you should also watch for opportunities for MIS students available through the University.  Contact information is listed below.

MIS InternshipsUM Internship Office

Student Assistance Cheryl Minnick 243-2815cheryl.minnick@umontana.edu

International Internships Kevin Hood 243-2815kevin.hood@umontana.edu

SOBA Internship Director Kathleen Tarkalson 243-6771kathleen.tarkalson@business.umt.edu

SOBA Tech Team Eric TangedahlHelp Desk etang@business.umt.eduLab MonitorsWeb GroupAsst. System Administrator

Student jobs http://www.umt.edu/studentjobs

Student Technical Assistant Program Kathy Garramone 243-5362kathy.garramone@mso.umt.edu

http://www.umt.edu/it/about/employment/stap.php

Residence Halls Technical Assistant (RTA) Jesse Neidigh 243-2625 Application Deadline for Fall 2013 is in April www.umt.edu/dco

Spectral Fusion Craig McNinch 243-4789craig.mcninch@umontana.edu

Volunteer for non-profit organizations Andrea Vernon 243-5159andrea.vernon@umontana.edu

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Student Organization

The Montana Information Systems Association (MISA) was formed in the spring semester of 2000. MISA brings in MIS industry speakers, takes field trips, and presents training and support to other students in the School of Business, particularly in the BMIS 270 Management Information Systems class, where they host lab sessions for the MovieMaker and Web Page Design projects. Students who become officers of MISA have the opportunity to develop leadership and team building skills.

MISA recently became a student chapter of the national professional organization AIS (Association for Information Systems). MISA was awarded certificates in the categories of Professional Development, Fundraising, and Careers in Information Systems. The awards were formally presented at the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) awards luncheon on December 5, 2011, in Shanghai, China. In 2012, MISA’s annual report received an even higher award from AIS, that of Outstanding Chapter.

Staying In TouchThe University of Montana now uses UM Connect e-mail addresses, and instructors must use your UM e-mail address for any official e-mail communications. You will keep your UM Connect account even after you graduate. For more information about UM Connect, go to http://umt.edu/it/support/email/umconnect/.

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Developing Your Exit StrategyFreshmen and Sophomores: Ready or Not, Your Career Has Begun

Preparing for your career doesn't begin during your senior year. In fact, it has already begun! The decisions you make and the things you do as a freshman and sophomore greatly impact your ability to reach your career goals as a graduating senior. Remember, you control your career destiny.  Don't wait until your senior year to start realizing your goals. Your career train is on the move.  Jump on board now so you can reach your destination!  Bob Orndorff

Do not wait until your senior year to begin thinking about the next phase of your life.  Make sure you graduate with concrete plans and an active job search completed or in progress.  Our most successful students begin planning for their entry into the world of work early in their college careers.

Contact Kathleen Tarkalson, SoBA Internship Director, in GBB 328,during your sophomore and junior years to begin searching for and competing effectively for an internship.  Contact Career Services (243-2022) no later than your junior year to begin your job search planning and activities.  Career Services offers workshops and individual appointments on resume and cover letter preparation, how to interview and job search, as well as planning a job search.  They also host annual career fairs and employer-led workshops.   

The School of Business Administration’s Career Development Program also offers programs to help prepare you for this process.  Events such as Employer Resume Critique sessions, Employer Mock Interview sessions, Networking Events, and Etiquette Workshops are presented throughout the year. 

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Advice to Students from Our GraduatesIn exit interviews, our departing seniors were asked what advice they would give to new MIS students. Here is a compilation of their answers.

Use good time management. Figure out when you are most productive and don’t lie to yourself.

Balance social life, personal life, work life, and school life. Study hard. You have to be serious about school. Take responsibility for your own education. Do your own research. Be willing to learn things on your own. Get to know the faculty early on in the program. Writing is important. Take C&I 187! Get involved with MISA. Keep an open mind. MIS is a broad field and the first class you take may not be

the area you decide to specialize in. Stick to it. The advanced classes are fun! Look at your school experience through an employer’s eyes. Why would the

employer want to hire you? Get some real-world experience.

Here are some quotes:

“She was the BEST intern we’ve ever had!” – a manager at an MIS consulting practice in San Francisco, speaking about a UM MIS major who interned over the summer.

“I have only been in the ‘working world’ for a week and I have noticed that it is greatly driven by Information Systems and regardless of what major you study in college, understanding these systems is vital.  If I could do it over again I would have stayed a Finance Major but I would have taken the IS major as well.  Students that understand IS have a competitive advantage coming into the business world, because it is these systems that run everything.” - Dre Avey, UM SoBA Finance grad, working with a Contract Compliance consulting practice in Palo Alto, CA.

“All the other consultants are from USC, Stanford, and Notre Dame, but the UM grads are easily better because of what we learn in school.” – Nicole Dowson, MIS Major, on her summer working with an IS Consulting firm in Los Angeles.

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