Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences
2072 Constant Hall
(757) 683-3571
Weiyong Zhang, Interim Chair
The Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences is the largest academic department in the Strome College of Business. It is comprised of two separate, yet interrelated, academic disciplines - Business Analytics and Information Technology. The department offers programs at the bachelor, master, and PhD levels.
The department offers common body of knowledge courses in information technology, operations management, decision analysis, business statistics, data analysis, and management science to all of Strome's undergraduate students, as well as electives in various aspects of the disciplines.
Students from both the undergraduate and graduate programs land jobs at companies such as Oracle, Microsoft, Booz Allen Hamilton, BP (British Petroleum), Norfolk Southern, A.P. Møller, Northrop Grumman, CMA CGM, ZIM, Walmart, Dollar Tree and the federal government.
Our faculty's research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The department's maritime research was ranked eighth in the world at 2015 by ISI Web of Science.
Programs
Certificate Programs
Master of Science - Computer Science - Information Communication Technology
Li Xu, Graduate Program Director
The Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences offers this degree program jointly with the Department of Computer Science; please see the entry under the Department of Computer Science for degree requirements.
Courses
Business Analytics (BNAL)
This course introduces students to concepts and processes, technologies, and methodologies that are commonly used in data visualization that an organization may use to enhance its descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods for making fact-based decisions.
Students are introduced to prescriptive analytics through formulation and solution of mathematical models, with a particular focus on optimization models. The business use of the models, as well as their limitations, is emphasized. Topics include linear, integer, non-linear programming, network models, genetic algorithms, decision analysis, and project management models.
This course addresses advanced business analytics techniques and the application of such techniques to large data sets. Some alternative business analytics strategies are introduced. Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models are included. Topics covered in this course include data visualization and exploration, cluster analysis, and developing and calibrating predictive models for big data. Applications of multivariate, logistic, and probit regression to business analytics are discussed. Software packages such as SAS/JMP/SPSS may be used.
Predictive analytics techniques for business. Applications include both shorter term forecasting for sales and operations management as well as forecasting for long term planning. Emphasis is on statistical methods to obtain and evaluate forecasts. Statistical models are implemented using standard software such as MINITAB, EXCEL, R, and/or Python.
Simulation modeling is an integral part of the analytics revolution, enabling the creation of models that can represent the variability that exists in many real business systems. This course covers the theory and application of simulation modeling, with an emphasis on how simulation provides predictive and prescriptive analytics to support business decision-making. Topics include simulation fundamentals, the project life-cycle, model development, input and output analysis, verification and validation, and the presentation of a simulation study. We utilize a major commercial simulation software package for assignments and class projects.
Statistical tools for solving business problems. Topics include: sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regressions, and time series forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the application of the tools to business problems. Microsoft Excel is used to do most of the analysis.
This course provides students with some common tools and techniques that are deployed in business analytics. Topics include big data and related terminology, data management, working with data, and statistical and quantitative methods used in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Advanced topics in business analytics offered periodically.
Affords students the opportunity to undertake independent study under the direction of a faculty member.
An applied study of statistical methods including analysis of variance, cross-sectional multiple regression, time series regression, panel data methods, discriminant analysis, and generalized linear models. Data analyzed using a computerized statistical package. Emphasizes development of the student's ability to use statistics for independent research.
Advanced statistical models that are commonly encountered in business research. Topics include confirmatory factor analysis as well as structural equation modeling. Emphasis is on model development as well as use of statistical software in analyzing realistic business-oriented data sets.
This course introduces the fundamentals of multilevel modeling. Alternative methods of analysis are discussed and critiqued. Use of specialized multilevel modeling software is demonstrated. Topics include a detailed discussion of the issues associated with variable centering. Applications to business research investigations are emphasized.
This course covers both the theory and application of simulation modeling and analysis to business, supply chain, and logistics systems. Both discrete-event and continuous simulation modeling approaches are covered, using a major commercial simulation package. Emphasis will be on the use of simulation as a tool to support business, supply chain, and logistics decision making.
This course will explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of agent-based simulation, particularly as utilized for modeling of business systems. Students will explore the roots and literature of agent-based modeling and related fields. Students will also learn to develop agent-based simulation models using a major commercial simulation package.
The advanced study of selected topics not offered on a regular basis.
This course covers both the theory and application of simulation modeling and analysis to business, supply chain, and logistics systems. Both discrete-event and continuous simulation modeling approaches are covered, using a major commercial simulation package. Emphasis will be on the use of simulation as a tool to support business, supply chain, and logistics decision making.
This course will explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of agent-based simulation, particularly as utilized for modeling of business systems. Students will explore the roots and literature of agent-based modeling and related fields. Students will also learn to develop agent-based simulation models using a major commercial simulation package.
Information Technology (IT)
This course focuses on project management concepts and methodologies. Topics include project management framework, knowledge areas, and techniques.
Information and knowledge are critical resources for today's organizations. This course prepares students for the managerial, organizational, and technological challenges involved in managing information and knowledge.
An introduction to key concepts and techniques of cloud computing and security. Topics include: cloud computing systems, virtualization and container technologies, cloud architecture and service platform design, cloud programming models, big data analytics, cloud performance and security.
Introduction to database management systems. The topics addressed include system architecture, data models, database analysis, design and implementation, query processing, business transaction processing, and database security.
Introduction to business intelligence and its three components: data warehouse, data mining, and OLAP. Examines traditional techniques as well as emerging technologies.
Introduction to emerging ICT techniques for big data analytics and big data science. Topics cover WSN, cloud computing and IoT.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a critical enabler of the digital enterprise. This class introduces cutting-edge ICT, including enterprise systems, IoT, CPS as the foundation for digitalizing enterprises for the seamless integration of enterprises and supply chain. Topics includes intra- and inter-organizational integration, supply chain collaboration and integration, and digitalization technologies.
This course provides knowledge of project management including tools and techniques to manage scope, time, cost, quality, risk, team, communications, security and procurement. Special issues in the context of information- and technology-based projects are emphasized.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment. Available for pass/fail grading only.
Introduction to enterprise architectures for business organizations as well as related information architectures. Examines traditional techniques as well as emerging techniques including industrial information integration engineering.
Overview of computing aspects of medical informatics. Computational methods in scientific computing of medical informatics are covered. The basic thrust is to demonstrate the usefulness and power of computational methods in solving real-life problems in perspectives of medical informatics.
3 credits.
Affords students the opportunity to undertake independent study under the direction of a faculty member.
3 credits.
1-6 credits.
3 credits.
A survey of research methodology in supply chain and operations management, data science, and information technology including empirical, behavioral, computational, and interdisciplinary methods and techniques in different types of problem domains.
This course examines the latest advances in enterprise architecture and computing. Topics include enterprise architecture design and modeling, service-oriented architecture (SOA), and integration of enterprise information and applications.
This course discusses how firms achieve business excellence through business process management (BPM), business process improvement (BPI), and business process reengineering (BPR) supported by IT. Topics include business process and workflow modeling, analysis, integration, monitoring and management.
The objective of this course is to provide an overview of managerial and technical issues associated with business intelligence. Topics covered include the state-of-the art data warehousing, data mining and OLAP technologies.
The course examines the latest advances in knowledge management (KM) including identifying, capturing, sharing and evaluating an enterprise's knowledge assets. The course reviews and discusses existing technologies in KM and new emerging KM technologies and practices.
This course examines how supply chain management and information technology integrate to support global e-commerce opportunities. Topics include the theories and practices of material flow management, omnichannel distribution and retailing, maritime, logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
3 credits.
Ph.D. level research and writing of dissertation.
This course is a pass/fail course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of their graduation.
Maritime and Supply Chain Management (MSCM)
An overview of the strategic sourcing of materials and services in the organization and its role in the supply chain. Topics include sourcing decisions, price/cost analysis, quality issues, purchasing, supplier selection, legal and ethical issues, third party logistics, freight forwarding, and acquisition of services and capital assets.
This course is designed to investigate the strategic role of distribution center and material management in the supply chain. Course content includes the analysis of distribution center operations through the study of design, system selection, and layout configuration as well as the evaluation of material handling and inventory management options.
A study of selected topics within maritime and supply chain management designed to provide an in-depth exploration of current issues.
Examines international freight transportation and terms for movement of international trade; focuses on improving supply chain relationships in the movement of international trade/directing the flow of information, materials and products. (cross-listed with PORT 610)
An overview of international and U.S initiatives to ensure the security of vessels, cargo, people, and infrastructure within the maritime domain. In addition to the impacts of regulatory requirements on maritime commerce, the course also addresses maritime threats to the international economy (including maritime piracy and maritime terrorism), maritime coalitions , and state-of-the-art techniques and tools for safeguarding ocean0borne commerce. (cross-listed with PORT 615)
This course explores the theoretical foundations of global supply chain partnerships and reverse logistics systems, and examines the practices, risks, and opportunities found in today's systems. Fundamental tools and techniques are used to provide insights and solutions on how to best organize, manage, and optimize such systems to achieve sustainable performance. (cross-listed with PORT 616)
The course includes a review of the key elements of transportation such as: modes of transportation, transportation economics, and transportation technology and regulations. The relationships between intermediaries, carriers and shippers are discussed, as well as company roles and operations within the transportation field, transportation sourcing and management, and transportation risk management.
An overview of the strategic sourcing of materials and services in the organization and its role in the supply chain. Emphasis is placed on effectively managing the supply management process. Topics include the analysis of sourcing decisions, price/cost analysis, purchasing, supplier selection and relationship management, legal and ethical issues, third party logistics, freight forwarding, and acquisition of services and capital assets.
Supply chain management integrates all activities associated with the flows of materials, information, and funds. Examples include strategic sourcing, order processing, warehousing, inventory management, transportation and logistics, and the costs and information systems supporting these activities.
This course investigates the strategic role of distribution centers in the supply chain. Course content includes the analysis of distribution center operations through the study of design, system selection, and layout configuration as well as the evaluation of material handling and inventory management alternatives. Tactical, operational and strategic planning options are also discussed.
This course examines how supply chain management and information technology integrate to support global e-commerce opportunities. Topics include the theories and practices of material flow management, omnichannel distribution and retailing, maritime, logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
Maritime Ports Logistics Management (PORT)
Examines international freight transportation and terms for movement of international trade; focuses on improving supply chain relationships in the movement of international trade/directing the flow of information, materials and products. (cross-listed with MSCM 610)
Examines the international business of shipping, commercial processes, maritime-related organizations, shipbuilding and repair, ship types and fleets, and commodity movement.
Covers role, functions, and types of international terminals and ports, including design and operation of general and specialized cargo handling facilities and offshore systems, port authorities, operational structures, and labor.
International law of the sea, maritime jurisdiction, regulation of shipping, carriage of goods, marine insurance, salvage, marine environmental law, safety at sea, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 are covered, along with other maritime laws.
Port planning and competition, ports and ocean container shipping, port impacts, port users in theory, port operator costing and pricing, port carriers and shippers, government and maritime institutions, dockworkers, port environment and port performance evaluation.
An overview of international and U.S initiatives to ensure the security of vessels, cargo, people, and infrastructure within the maritime domain. In addition to the impacts of regulatory requirements on maritime commerce, the course also addresses maritime threats to the international economy (including maritime piracy and maritime terrorism), maritime coalitions , and state-of-the-art techniques and tools for safeguarding ocean0borne commerce. (cross-listed with MSCM 615)
This course explores the theoretical foundations of global supply chain partnerships and reverse logistics systems, and examines the practices, risks, and opportunities found in today's systems. Fundamental tools and techniques are used to provide insights and solutions on how to best organize, manage, and optimize such systems to achieve sustainable performance. (cross-listed with MSCM 616)
The course includes a review of the key elements of transportation such as: modes of transportation, transportation economics, and transportation technology and regulations. The relationships between intermediaries, carriers and shippers are discussed, as well as company roles and operations within the transportation field, transportation sourcing and management, and transportation risk management.
Examines the shipbuilding and ship repair industry from the perspective of industry economics, industry financial management and repair operations and acquisition processes. Provides industry professionals with business management practices that shape the industry.
Examines the rise of Lloyd's and the London Insurance Market, the current maritime insurance market, priciples of insurance and law, Hull Insurance Law, cargo insurance, general average and salvage insurance.
This course examines supply chain management, the integration of all activities associated with the flow of materials and information from product start to customers' receipt. Examples include order processing, warehousing, inventory management, transportation and logistics, and the costs and information systems supporting these activities. Particular attention will be paid to global logistics systems supporting port and maritime activities. Supply chain relationships can be improved through effective integration of management and via such technologies as the World Wide Web, electronic data exchange, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). (cross-listed with MSCM 641)
Practical field experience in international maritime, ports and logistics related challenges through supervised investigation and analysis of a problem or a working internship within the port-related arena.
The advanced study of selected topics not offered on a regular basis.
Designed to provide the opportunity for independent study under the guidance of a member of the faculty.
International Maritime Ports and Logistics Management Institute
Ricardo Ungo, Executive Director
The mission of the institute is to provide world quality maritime, ports and logistics management education, training, and research to meet regional, national and international needs. The Maritime Institute serves as a positive catalyst for the delivery of education, training, research, and service programs, thus supporting the economic growth and international competitiveness of greater Hampton Roads and Virginia. Courses are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Professional and executive-level seminars, workshops, and short courses will also be offered.