MS Management Information Systems [PID 120]

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems is designed to integrate knowledge of information technology (IT) and the functional areas of business, with emphasis on strategic IT applications and the development of project management, team, and communication competencies.

The program is designed to build upon business experience to prepare graduates for roles such as business systems analyst, database administrator, communications manager, IT management/corporate liaison, IT product manager, and project manager.

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Contact Person

 Rhonda A. Syler

RASYLER@ualr.edu
501-569-3383

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Program Goals

The mission of the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) parallels the mission of UALR. First, the program focuses on enhancing awareness in the information systems arena through the development of advanced competencies in computer applications development and use.Second, the managerial focus of the program promotes "humane sensitivities and understanding of interdependence" through problem solving in a socio-technical business environment.The program, as a whole, will prepare students to compete in the increasingly technical global environment.

The MIS master's program supports the UALR College of Business mission of developing professionals capable of fulfilling a variety of important roles in business and industry and remains in harmony with UALR's mission as it seeks to further develop student intellect through expanding knowledge and analytical abilities in the development and advanced use of information systems, especially in terms of leveraging information technology for business solutions at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels in a global environment. In addition, the MIS master's program develops professionals strong in interpersonal and team competencies such as leadership, negotiation, and change management skills.

Finally, the program prepares students to serve and strengthen society by enhancing awareness particularly in the technical arena and to promote humane sensitivities and understanding of interdependence of individuals, organizations, and nations-particularly as these issues relate to information and information systems.

Program Objectives

The following information outlines the student objectives of the MIS master's program:

     To demonstrate foundation knowledge of the business environment: accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing

The standardized ETS Business Field Exam will be used to assess students' foundation knowledge of the business environment. The test score will reveal the student's competency in foundation business knowledge. The test scores can be compared to national and regional averages, and suitable actions can be taken. The test will be given in the capstone course (MGMT 7353).  (The MS program has an 18-hour block of required business core courses in addition to the 36-hour information technology-related courses.  These courses provide a business foundation for the required technology courses.  The business core courses must be taken unless they are waived through prior completion of specified undergraduate business courses.  This assessment activity will determine if the identified business foundation knowledge has been acquired.)

To leverage information technology for business solutions at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels in a global environment

Students in MGMT 7353 (capstone course) will be assessed to determine how well they have leveraged IT for business solutions (i.e., the appropriateness of their solution). The rubrics shown in Appendixes A and B include components that address this objective. Special attention will be given to the credibility of the written and verbal activities - the students will have to convincingly justify the use of IT business solutions for solving organizational problems.

To develop competencies in business applications development, including tools selection, systems analysis and design, database management, and project management

Students in the following courses will be assessed for specific technical competencies:

• MGMT 7304 - Competencies: Programming and tools selection
• MGMT 7307 - Competencies: Systems Analysis and Design
• MGMT 7309 - Competencies: Advanced Database Issues
• MGMT 7353 - Competencies: Project Management Issues

Portfolios of students work (exams, assignment, projects, and term papers) will be used to measure technical competencies.

To develop interpersonal and team competencies, including leadership, negotiation, and change management skills

Students in MGMT 7353 (capstone course) will be assessed for interpersonal and team competencies. Many of the activities (projects, term paper, presentations) in MGMT 7353 are be team-oriented.

To develop written and verbal communication competencies needed in the multifaceted IT environment.

Students in MGMT 7353 (capstone course) will be assessed for written and verbal competencies by evaluating their final graduate project, which will consist of a detailed written report and class presentation. Rubrics will used to measure each competency (see attachment in Appendixes A and B).

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Brief Statement of Methods

Program Objectives Assessed This Year
Two student learning objectives was assessed this year:

• To demonstrate foundation knowledge of the business environment: accounting, business law, management, and marketing
• To develop interpersonal and team competencies, including leadership, negotiation, and change management skills
• To assess students’ foundation knowledge of the business environment

A self-assessment survey measuring interpersonal and team competencies was administered to MS students in MGMT 7312 and MGMT 7353. Results are presented in the following section.

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Results and Use for Program Building

The 2005 assessment findings indicate several areas of strengths and weaknesses in our students’ interpersonal and team competencies as well as foundation knowledge of the business environment.

The findings follow.
Interpersonal Competencies
In general, the MS in MIS students reported strong, above average self-perceived interpersonal competencies. Students generally felt very good about their ability to speak to the team members fluently and confidently while using appropriate nonverbal cues. Specifically, students identified strengths in the following areas.

Strengths

• Ability to speak to team members fluently and confidently
• Ability to use appropriate volume and nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, nodding and eye contact when talking with team members
• Ability to ask questions
• Ability to encourage others and express agreement

Although no areas of interpersonal competencies were identified as inadequate or below average, students reported only adequate skills in general articulation and expression of personal opinions.

Weaknesses

• Articulation and clarity of pronunciation
• Expression of personal opinion

Team Competencies

In general, the MS in MIS students reported above average team competencies when working in a project team environment. Specifically students identified strengths in the following areas.

Strengths

• Ability to set direction for a team
• Ability to build rapport with team members
• Ability to clearly specify team focus
• Ability to successfully negotiate
  • With team members
  • With external stakeholders (e.g., client, end user)
• Ability to handle team conflict
• Ability to successfully work as part of a change management team
• Ability to work with team in a virtual environment

Although no areas of team competencies were identified as inadequate or below average, students reported only adequate skills in their ability to influence the decision of their group.

Weaknesses

• Ability to influence group decision

Foundation Business Knowledge

The business foundation knowledge assessment exam evaluated the students’ broad base knonwledge of accounting, business law, management, and marketing. Student scores on the business knowledge exam ranged from a raw score of 54 to 74 with a median score of 62. Item aalysis of the exam revealed that students were particularly weak in accounting and strongest in management knowledge.

Curricular Recommendations Based on These Assessment Results

Interpersonal and team competencies are an integral part of the MS in MIS program. These competencies set our graduates apart and differentiate our program from other similar programs particularly programs in computer science and engineering. Despite the strength of the findings, improvements can be made. The coverage of team dynamics and development and interpersonal competencies required are appropriate. Furthermore and the practice of these skills should continue. More emphasis should be placed on helping students feel more comfortable with articulation and clarity of expression as well as the expression of personal opinion. The improvement of these skills would, perhaps, directly impact students’ perceived inability to influence group decision.

To improve students’ retention and understanding of core business knowledge, further exploration of the assessment exam results will be conducted to ensure the questions clearly relate to desired knowledge outcomes of the program. This information is being passed on to the instructors of each course to evaluate the coverage of the given topic to ensure it is being properly covered. No significant changes to curriculum are anticipated.

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Faculty and Stakeholder Involvement

MIS graduate-qualified faculty members are highly engaged in the assessment of the MS in MIS program. These faculty members participated in the evaluation and assessment of the curriculum, gathering data and providing feedback.

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