Information, Technology, and Operations

The information, technology, and operations (ITO) curriculum equips students with a solid understanding of core technology and operations concepts, rigorous analytical thinking and technical skills, and a creative mindset for problem-solving and decision making. Infused with the partnership with other Gabelli School academic units and incorporating new elements such as sustainability, risk management, and innovation, ITO courses are particularly relevant in today’s increasingly interdependent and competitive global economy.

The ITO faculty also has expertise in integrating all aspects of the product and service lifecycle. Their research examines the execution process that ranges from planning, design, and procurement, to production, distribution, and returns.

For more information

View the information, technology, and operations area web page.

Business Analytics (BYGB) Courses

BYGB 7811. Finance Analytics Intership. (3 Credits)

Financial planning and analysis to consolidate disparate data sources.

BYGB 7967. Data Mining for Business. (3 Credits)

Discusses data mining techniques and their use in strategic business decision making. A hands-on course that provides an understanding of the key methods of data visualization, exploration, association, classification, prediction, time series forecasting, clustering, induction techniques, neural networks, and other methods. Students work in teams on solving a business problem of their choice, using data mining tools and applying them to real data.

BYGB 7973. Database Management. (3 Credits)

Covers the basics of database management, a critical element of all IT organizations. Databases are the foundation for operational/transaction systems and for management decision-making. Topics include types of databases and the database environment, database analysis and data modeling, database design with relational models, implementation issues such as SQL, data administration, the Internet database environment and distributed databases.

BYGB 7975. Bus Analytics for Managers. (3 Credits)

Introduces the concepts of business analytics and such related concepts and techniques as business intelligence, data analytics, data warehousing, data-mining and online analytical processing (OLAP). The course explores the process, contents, and context of managerial decision-making and looks at how business analytics can help in improving management decision-support effectiveness in the various functional areas of business such as marketing, finance and manufacturing. Managers in general—not just IT professionals—stand to gain from the discussion. Students gain hands-on experience in the use of a comprehensive set of Business Intelligence (BI) tools.

BYGB 7977. Text Analytics. (3 Credits)

The course introduces the concepts of text analytics, unstructured information analysis and management for better decision making by deriving valuable insights from your enterprise content regardless of source or format. It allows deep, rich text analysis of information. Content analytics can help organizations surface undetected problems, fix content-centric process inefficiencies, improve customer service and corporate accountability, reduce operating costs and risks and discover new revenue opportunities. Student groups will implement a comprehensive content analytic project (SPSS Text Analytics/Content Analytics 2.0/UIMA).

BYGB 7978. Web Analytics. (3 Credits)

Web analytics is the science of accessing and analyzing the vast swaths of Internet data to create business value. Typical data types include user queries in search engines, discussion threads in online forums, chats in social media, transactions on e-commerce platforms, and website usage logs. This course also covers two core components of web analytics in modern businesses. First, you build skills that extract and integrate data from online sources for actionable business insights. Second, you learn conceptual and hands-on approaches to analyzing web content, structure, and usage, including how search engines work, how online marketing web works, and how to model and analyze population-scale networks. You will use Python throughout the course and become proficient in Google Analytics.

BYGB 7988. Bus Perf Mgmt Risk Analytics. (3 Credits)

This course aims to develop a good understanding of knowledge required and techniques available to enable managers to measure and manage business performance within their organization. The role of business analytics in enabling business performance and risk management is emphasized. The application of analytics to such concepts as balanced scorecard strategy maps, KPI, corporate metrics, corporate governance information communication and dissemination, compliance and regulation assessment and reporting and information assurance is hallmark of this course. The social, ethical, and behavioral dimensions of the role of technology in analytics and performance management are discussed. Students will work on case studies and also engage in a capstone project involving analytics with a tool such as Cognos Insights.

BYGB 7990. Big Data Analytics. (3 Credits)

As organizations today generate and store massive amounts of data, they face the key challenge of analyzing the data to gain key insight to make informed decisions. Traditional relational models of data storage and use appear to be ill-suited for these large data sets. Alternative distributed, cloud-based approaches have emerged to handle these big data sets. Frameworks such as the Hadoop platform including the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and MapReduce (M/R) framework at its core, allows for distributed processing of large data sets across clusters of computers using the Map and Reduce programming model. It is designed to scale up from a single server to thousands of machines, offering local computation and storage. This exploratory course discusses the contemporary topic of big data analytics and introduces Hadoop and related technologies in an introductory fashion. Topics include big data analytics life cycle, technologies, development and management, privacy and security, governance, examples and others. Students will work on workshops and assignments in Hadoop on the Amazon Web Services cloud.

Prerequisite: BYGB 7967.

BYGB 8999. Tutorial. (3 Credits)

Tutorial in Business Analytics.

Information Systems (ISGB) Courses

ISGB 6910. Business Tech & Analytics. (3 Credits)

FT MBA CORE/ PMBA FLEX CORE COURSE (Formerly "Business IT") This course focuses on applied tech and analytics skills for business managers/leaders, and strategic use of digital technologies in business. It will help students meet two objectives: (1) Make effective business decisions involving digital technologies and data; (2) Build essential hands-on software skills. We will use and demo a number of hands-on tools useful for managers and business leaders. Students will analyze case studies and will learn to become valuable participants in business decisions involving digital technologies. They will learn how to evaluate business applications, propose digital innovation ideas and work on a semester-long project to make data-driven decisions or develop a proposal/prototype for a company. Topics include enterprise applications, systems development processes, data management, data visualization, data mining, web analytics, IT for competitive advantage, e-commerce, creating a web presence, network effects and platform strategies, digital business models, digital innovation foundations & tech trends, cloud strategies, mobile commerce, social business technologies, adtech and cybersecurity. The course emphasizes applied active learning and a global perspective, informed by industry speakers from the vibrant NYC tech ecosystem. (This is an MBA core course, and a recommended course for other MS students interested in an introduction to business tech and analytics).

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, ISCY, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 7811. Internship Project. (1 to 3 Credits)

Internship project in information technology or business analytics.

ISGB 7901. E Business Strategies & Appl. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to concepts, issues, technologies and trends essential to conducting business in the Internet-based digital economy. The main question answered is: How do you create a successful web presence for your company? The course emphasizes marketing aspect of e-business and hands-on skills on building effective business websites. The course reviews common e-business models (e.g., e-tailing, digital content, digital social media, etc) and applications such as web-based customer relationship management (CRM) and e-procurement. It addresses search engines, web analytics & metrics and discuss cutting-edge issues including e-retailing, content providers, Internet advertising technologies, e-payment systems, regulatory & tax issues, security & privacy concerns and mobile commerce. This course has a global focus through case studies in a variety of business sectors, including retailing, financial services, information services and global e-commerce. Hands-on skills include use of HTML, CSS, Javascript, WordPress, and other related technologies and platforms. In a group project, students will propose an e-commerce business strategy and create a website to implement it.

Attributes: ABEB, ABEP, ABIB, ISDT, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7902. System Analysis & Design. (3 Credits)

(Formerly Systems Development) Companies launch systems development projects when they seek to develop new digitally-enabled services or to solve a multitude of business problems, such as inefficient business processes, poor information sharing etc. This course provides a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of systems analysis and design and related systems development and software engineering issues in business. This course emphasizes technical skills, managerial skills, approaches, software tools, challenges, opportunities, and success factors in systems development within global companies and startups. Topics include: systems development lifecycle, agile development, open source and global development, capturing and managing system requirements, data and process modeling using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) standard, architectural and detailed design, testing and quality assurance, redesigning and optimizing business processes using cutting-edge BPM methods and software tools. The course addresses both the traditional (structured) and object-oriented approaches to systems development. It teaches the language that connects IT with business units, and cultivates essential skills for IS professionals and other business managers involved in developing new IT business solutions. Hands-on skills acquired include modeling using UML and structured methods, Microsoft’s Visio, IBM’s Rational Suite and IBM’s BPM software and other cloud-based or open-source modeling and development tools and platforms.

Attributes: ABFI, BUAN.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7905. Web Applications Development. (3 Credits)

(Formerly Web Technologies and E-Business Applications) Begins with a brief review of e-business models and applications, such as online purchasing, customer relationship management, electronic marketplaces, application service providers, supply chains, enterprise resource planning and enterprise portals. Studies enabling technologies, such as Web, XML, Semantic Web, HTML, wireless web and XML web services. Also discusses web-based platforms for e-commerce, B2B trade and mobile applications. Reviews emerging XML standards, such as ebXML, Rosettanet and Biztalk, and web-based platforms, including Dot Net and J2EE. Students experience the systems development lifecycle while developing a website to meet business requirements and review real-life examples and case studies.

Attributes: ABEB, ABEP, ISEA.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7910. Info Systems Strategy & Mgmt. (3 Credits)

Focuses on issues of aligning business and technology strategies. Addresses how IT supports business strategy and business processes, the role of the CIO, systems integration, outsourcing, the value of IT, selection of technologies IT strategy and infrastructure, dealing with emerging technologies and organizational issues surrounding technology implementations. This is the Information Systems area capstone course.

Attributes: ABGS, ABIB, BUAN.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7922. Healthcare IT. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the subject of health information technology (HIT) and describes the organizational context surrounding the implementation, use, and management of HIT. Students examine the concepts, applications, and strategies of HIT. Key concepts include the role of HIT in enabling quality, safety, and efficiency of health care delivery. The course also surveys the various types of HIT, including electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, master patient indexes, analytics, and telemedicine, among others. The organizational issues of user acceptance, value measurement, alignment, workflow analysis, and management are discussed. And contemporary developments—including the trend toward service-oriented architectures/web services and meaningful use—are highlighted. The key challenges of security, privacy, and compliance with regulations are also examined.

Attributes: ABHM, BUAN, ISDT, ISEA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7924. Mobile E-Commerce and Apps. (3 Credits)

Roughly two-thirds if the world’s population participates in the new mobile economy. Leveraging the mobile marketplace requires a conceptual understanding of mobile-commerce as well as the practical skills needed to create the next generation of wireless enabled goods and services. This course will provide both, using a combination of global case studies and hands-on experience in building mobile applications for handheld devices.

Attributes: ABEB, ABEP, BUAN, ISDT, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7932. Accounting Info System. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the subject of computer-based accounting information systems. The four critical objectives are a sound understanding in business processes, transaction cycles, internal controls and the systems components of each.

Attributes: BUAN, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7933. Audit Data Analytics. (3 Credits)

Introduces audit and accounting students to data analytics foundations, methods and tools. It reviews industry applications and trends. Students will do hands-on projects analyzing audit and other accounting data.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, CME, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7934. Artificial Intelligence. (3 Credits)

The goal of this course is to acquaint you with the objectives and methods of researchers and practitioners in Artificial Intelligence. We will explore numerous aspects of computational models of intelligence including search and problem solving, planning, machine learning, logic and reasoning, machine perception and robotics, natural-language processing, speech recognition, vision, and cognitive science. We'll also discuss genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic and deep machine learning including neural networks. The ethics of Artificial Intelligence is also addressed. The course is organized as a survey, with hands-on assignments in open source artificial intelligence tools.

Attributes: BUAI, BUAN, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: BYGB 7967 or ISGB 7967 and BYGB 7977 or ISGB 7977 and BYGB 7990 or ISGB 7990.

ISGB 7942. Optimization Models in Bus. (3 Credits)

Optimization models seek to find the best decisions given a set of constraints. Applications are in diverse areas of business, including finance, logistics and marketing. The course will introduce different kinds of models, including network, linear programming, mixed-integer programming, and non-linear programming, and demonstrate their use in different areas of business. Students will learn how to use optimization software, including solvers and modeling languages.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, ISBA, ISEL.

ISGB 7943. Programming with Python. (3 Credits)

Do you want to be able to solve business problems through programming/coding? This courses introduces key programming concepts, techniques and tools. Students will learn programming/coding using the widely used Python programming language.

Attributes: ABEP, ABFI, BUAN, BUDS, CME, GB01, ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 7944. Sports Analytics. (3 Credits)

Sports businesses achieve superior performance and gain competitive advantage by leveraging data and analytics. The course explores technologies, tools and analytics projects in Sports business.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7945. IT and Sustainability. (3 Credits)

(Formerly Business Design Through IT). This course discusses the transformative role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in enabling sustainability. ICTs’ effect on sustainability dimensions are felt at both the macro, societal level, as well as at the business level. These include ICTs’ positive impact on development, education, environment, health care, power, transportation, and others. Simultaneously, ICTs themselves are subject to sustainability practices, for example, green computing. Additional topics include the design of smart cities, digital divide, the knowledge society, rebound effects, governance, and world development indicators. Students working in groups will analyze several contemporary cases from a global perspective and also develop an IT-based sustainability plan.

Attributes: ABEB, ABEP, ABGS, ISDT, ISEL, SOIN.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7955. Project Management. (3 Credits)

Provides the skills project managers need to complete projects on time and on budget. Technology improvements in organizations are implemented through projects, and strong project management skills are a key success factor for companies to achieve the expected benefits from their technology investments. Topics include setting and maintaining project scope, developing work plans, estimating required resources, developing work programs, organizing project teams, super-users, monitoring and controlling projects, maintaining relationships with users and management, status reporting and key factors for realizing the anticipated benefits from the investment. Students use a computer-based project management tool as part of this course.

Attributes: BUAN, ISEA.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7967. Data Mining for Business. (3 Credits)

Discusses data mining techniques and their use in strategic business decision making. A hands-on course that provides an understanding of the key methods of data visualization, exploration, association, classification, prediction, time series forecasting, clustering, induction techniques, neural networks, and other methods. Students work in teams on solving a business problem of their choice, using data mining tools and applying them to real data.

Attributes: ABFI, ASDM, GB01.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 (may be taken concurrently) or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7973. Database Management. (3 Credits)

Covers the basics of database management, a critical element of all IT organizations. Databases are the foundation for operational/transaction systems and for management decision-making. Topics include types of databases and the database environment, database analysis and data modeling, database design with relational models, implementation issues such as SQL, data administration, the Internet database environment and distributed databases.

Attributes: ABFI, GB02, ISEA.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7975. Business Analytics for Managers. (3 Credits)

Introduces the concepts of business analytics and such related concepts and techniques as business intelligence, data analytics, data warehousing, data-mining and online analytical processing (OLAP). The course explores the process, contents, and context of managerial decision-making and looks at how business analytics can help in improving management decision-support effectiveness in the various functional areas of business such as marketing, finance and manufacturing. Managers in general—not just IT professionals—stand to gain from the discussion. Students gain hands-on experience in the use of a comprehensive set of Business Intelligence (BI) tools.

Attributes: ASDM, GB01, ISBA, ISEA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7977. Text Analytics. (3 Credits)

The course introduces the concepts of text analytics, unstructured information analysis and management for better decision making by deriving valuable insights from your enterprise content regardless of source or format. It allows deep, rich text analysis of information. Content analytics can help organizations surface undetected problems, fix content-centric process inefficiencies, improve customer service and corporate accountability, reduce operating costs and risks and discover new revenue opportunities. Student groups will implement a comprehensive content analytic project (SPSS Text Analytics/Content Analytics 2.0/UIMA).

Attributes: ABFI, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7978. Web Analytics. (3 Credits)

Web analytics is the science of accessing and analyzing the vast swaths of Internet data to create business value. Typical data types include user queries in search engines, discussion threads in online forums, chats in social media, transactions on e-commerce platforms, and website usage logs. This course covers two core components of web analytics in modern businesses. First, you build skills that extract and integrate data from online sources for actionable business insights. Second, you learn conceptual and hands-on approaches to analyzing web content, structure, and usage, including how search engines work, how online marketing web works, and how to model and analyze population-scale networks. You will use Python throughout the course and become proficient in Google Analytics.

Attributes: ABEB, ABEP, GB02, ISBA, ISEL, PMMA.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7980. Bus Modeling w/Adv Sprdsheets. (3 Credits)

Covers the vital role of advanced spreadsheet methods in business modeling and decision-support. Students learn to build and analyze decision-making models using a spreadsheet package (Excel), with extensive hands-on use of the package and add-ins. Students model and solve representative practical problems covering key business functions such as accounting and finance, sales and marketing, management and operations and human resources. Topics include various advanced spreadsheeting functions, “what-if” analysis, list and data management tools, Solver and sensitivity analysis, simulation and forecasting models. A basic understanding of Microsoft Excel is required for this course.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

ISGB 7985. Data Warehousing. (3 Credits)

Provides an advanced, comprehensive overview of data warehousing along with in-depth discussion of critical issues in planning, design, deployment and ongoing maintenance. Students gain a clear understanding of techniques for data extraction from source systems, data cleansing, data transformations, data warehouse architecture and infrastructure, and the various methods for information delivery. Additional concepts discussed include data marts, real-time information delivery, data visualization, requirements gathering methods, multi-tier architecture, OLAP applications, Web click-stream analysis, data warehouse appliances, and data-mining techniques. Students undertake hands-on exercises and projects in commercial data warehousing modeling and implementation tools and perform case analyses.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, ISBA, ISEA, ISEC, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or INSY 6910 or ICGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070 and ISGB 7973.

ISGB 7988. Business Performance and Risk Management. (3 Credits)

This course aims to develop a good understanding of knowledge required and techniques available to enable managers to measure and manage business performance within their organization. The role of business analytics in enabling business performance and risk management is emphasized. The application of analytics to such concepts as balanced scorecard strategy maps, KPI, corporate metrics, corporate governance information communication and dissemination, compliance and regulation assessment and reporting and information assurance is hallmark of this course. The social, ethical, and behavioral dimensions of the role of technology in analytics and performance management are discussed. Students will work on case studies and also engage in a capstone project involving analytics with a tool such as Cognos Insights.

Attributes: GB02, ISBA, ISDT, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7989. Info Tech in Transnatl. (3 Credits)

Provides practical guidelines for managers to integrate international business with IS planning and operations. As businesses increasingly operate globally, corporations with transnational business strategies must also develop transnational Information Systems. Today’s managers need to coordinate international telecommunications and IS operations as well as exploit the organizational and economic opportunities Information System creates for businesses that operate globally. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COURSE.

Attribute: ABIB.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 7990. Big Data Analytics. (3 Credits)

As organizations today generate and store massive amounts of data, they face the key challenge of analyzing the data to gain key insight to make informed decisions. Traditional relational models of data storage and use appear to be ill-suited for these large data sets. Alternative distributed, cloud-based approaches have emerged to handle these big data sets. Frameworks such as the Hadoop platform including the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and MapReduce (M/R) framework at its core, allows for distributed processing of large data sets across clusters of computers using the Map and Reduce programming model. It is designed to scale up from a single server to thousands of machines, offering local computation and storage. This exploratory course discusses the contemporary topic of big data analytics and introduces Hadoop and related technologies in an introductory fashion. Topics include big data analytics life cycle, technologies, development and management, privacy and security, governance, examples and others. Students will work on workshops and assignments in Hadoop on the Amazon Web Services cloud.

Attributes: ABFI, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisite: ISGB 7967.

ISGB 799D. Cybersecurity for Business. (3 Credits)

This class will explore the concepts of cyber risk management within an enterprise. The course will help a manager develop a solid understanding of cyber risk and successful mitigation strategies to reduce an organizations risk profile. The course will include topics such as IT control assessments, static and dynamic application security, network security, information security policies and standards, threat modeling and analysis, risk/benefits of BYOD (Bring you own device), IOT (The Internet of things), and many other real-time cyber topics.

Attributes: BUAN, ISCY, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 799L. Study Tour: Germany. (3 Credits)

The study tour to Germany will be held from March 21 - April 1 during the spring/Easter break. It allows students to learn about the business environment in Germany and the European Union. Through academic presentations, company visits , and visits to cultural and historic sites, students will learn how the current business practices in Germany have been influenced by its rich culture, the world wars and the formation of the European Union and technology led globalization. The study tour will include stays in Marburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. There is no Course related readings and pre-trip and post-trip assignments will be available in the first week of the spring semester. Expenses for the trip, including airfare are expected to be around $2,700 per student (in addition to the tuition for the course). Please contact Prof. Saharia at saharia@fordham.edu with any questions. The course is open to MBA and MS students in good standing.

Attributes: ABIB, ISDT, ISEL.

ISGB 799R. IT Audit and Information Assurance. (3 Credits)

This course will present an overview of the various elements of IT Audit and Information Assurance. Basic IT audit and information assurance concepts will be discussed and analyzed. General IT and application controls will be covered along with how the controls underlie SOX Section 404 Legislation. The course will also examine business processes, technologies and controls relating to financial reporting. Key components of information systems, including operating system security, database controls, network safeguards, systems development and application maintenance will also be covered. Technology processes supported under COBIT 5 will be discussed along with risk assessment techniques. The challenges around information assurance, data governance and privacy will be explored in detail.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, CME, ISDT, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 799S. C++ Programming. (3 Credits)

This course will teach Object Oriented programming using the C++ programming language. Students will learn the fundamentals of developing coherent, expressive programs. Students will work on a realistic albeit simplified financial application project.

Attributes: ISEC, ISEL.

Prerequisite: ISGB 6910.

ISGB 799V. R Statistical Programming. (3 Credits)

This is a programming course using the R programming language. Applications will focus on data analytics and statistical programming.

Attributes: BUAN, BUDS, BUSA, CME, GB01, ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 799W. Java Programming. (3 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to business applications programming concepts, techniques and tools. Students will acquire practical skills and experience with object-oriented development using the Java language, one of the most widely used programming languages. Topics include the elements of the language, common Java classes, object-oriented programming including inheritance and interfaces, object-oriented design, and database integration. Case studies in e-commerce and finance will show how Java can leverage the wide variety of available libraries and web services. Course work includes individual assignments and group projects.

Attributes: ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 799X. Fintech -An Introduction. (3 Credits)

FinTech is a new and emerging field of technology that is disrupting the way that many companies are conducting business. FinTech has already “forever” changed many sectors including mobile payments, social media, money transfers, loans, fundraising, travel, trading and asset management. It has completely revolutionized the way companies are developing products, conducting research, establishing directed sales and marketing plans, and utilizing start-up technology. Businesses are using FinTech to expand their products and services at a fraction of its previous cost. Entrepreneurs are utilizing FinTech as a central foundation for research, funding, and product development. Customers are already utilizing FinTech as part of their daily lives - mobile apps, social media, banking, online shopping, entertainment and gaming. This course will introduce students to the breadth of FinTech, and touch upon the technical underpinnings.

Attributes: BUAN, BUDS, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 6910 or GBA Waiver Information Systems with a score of 070.

ISGB 799Y. Blockchain Tech & App Dev. (3 Credits)

The main objective of this course is to familiarize you with the ecosystem, technologies, and development skills surrounding Blockchain. The course starts with foundational concepts such as distributed state machine, hash tree, P2P network, GPU processing, cryptocurrency, and cryptography. Using both simulated sandbox and locally installed environments, the course then guide you through the development, front-end integration, and deployment of Blockchain-based smart contracts. Other topics covered include rapid prototyping, design patterns, and agile process to maximize the success likelihood for Blockchain projects. The lab portion of this course involves weekly submissions of programming exercises, assignments and project deliverables. Other topics covered include rapid prototyping, design patterns, and agile process to maximize the success likelihood for Blockchain projects. Prior knowledge required: Proficiency in computer programming; basic knowledge in analysis and linear algebra.

Attributes: ABBC, BUAN, BUDS, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 799Z. Deep Learning. (3 Credits)

The goal of this course is to acquaint you with the objectives and methods of deep machine learning (DML). We will explore and learn the basic types of deep neural networks including convolutional, recurrent, and generative adversarial, and the type of data each is designed for. Key additional topics include techniques to improve training, preventing overfitting, and best practices for minimizing error. Students will study the major technology trends driving DML. A key takeaway is a working knowledge of the vocabulary of concepts and algorithms in DML. The challenges and issues surrounding the use of DML including design issues, ethics, governance, ownership of data, privacy, security standards, and quality control & validation are also discussed. Emphasis is on business applications. The course is organized as a seminar-style course, with hands-on assignments in DML tools. Familiarity with basic calculus and linear algebra expected.

Attributes: BUAI, BUAN, GB02, ISBA, ISEL.

Prerequisites: (ISGB 7943 or Gabelli Grad Python Waive Exam with a score of 1) and (BYGB 7967 or ISGB 7967).

ISGB 79AA. Advanced Python for Financial Programming. (3 Credits)

This course covers advanced Python programming using examples in finance. Topics include data access from a variety of sources (spreadsheets, databases, web pages, and web services) as well as data visualization and statistics. There is hands-on exposure to an extensive set of Python packages and to the definition and design of object-oriented programming. Finance topics include an introduction to financial instruments and analytics (equities, fixed income, options, f/x), portfolio analysis (simulation for risk analysis, optimization for portfolio balancing), machine learning approaches, and handling of intraday data.

Attributes: BUAI, BUAN, BUDS, GB02, ISBA, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 7943 or Gabelli Grad Python Waive Exam with a score of 1.

ISGB 79AB. Programming for Analytics. (3 Credits)

This course covers both Python and R as programming languages. The Python portion of the course empowers professionals to process data, handle complex computations, automate procedures, and conduct research efficiently on a massive scale. This course also introduces and advances the understanding of the R programming language in a statistical environment. Students will understand the fundamental syntax and logic of both languages, and learn how both are applied to solve business problems algorithmically.

ISGB 79AC. Cybersecurity Analytics for Business. (3 Credits)

Cyber attacks pose an increasing threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure, including computer networks, cyber-human systems, business applications, sensor networks, and mobile devices. This course provides an introduction to data analytics for multiple aspects of information security and focuses on using data analytics methods for discovering anomalies pertaining to cyber threats through hands-on exercises in programming, visualization, statistical analysis, machine learning, and big data analytics tools. Prior knowledge of Python and R expected.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, GB02, ISCY, ISEL.

Prerequisites: ISGB 7975 or BYGB 7975.

ISGB 79AD. Digital Forensics. (3 Credits)

This course provides students with an introduction to digital forensic science and the systematic process of acquiring, authenticating, and analyzing digital evidence. Technical and managerial topics will be explored, providing students with both theoretical and practical hands-on experience using forensic equipment and software. The topics of e-discovery, data retention, data disposal, litigation, internal investigations, regulatory compliance, and incident response will be covered.

Attributes: BUAN, BUBA, ISCY, ISEL.

ISGB 79AE. Robotic Process Automation. (3 Credits)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the application of technology that allows employees in a company to configure software (a "bot") to capture and interpret existing applications when processing transactions, manipulating data, triggering responses, and communicating with other digital systems. RPA observes a user’s actions when interacting with software and mimics those actions over time. This course will introduce you to the key concepts of RPA and discuss how organizations can automate internal processes to improve productivity and move employees up the work value chain. The managerial issues covered include cultural and technical challenges, value proposition of RPA, privacy and security, training, ownership and governance, etc. The business and societal implications of the effects of automation will also be discussed.

Attributes: BUAI, BUAN, BUDS, ISDT, ISEC, ISEL.

ISGB 79AF. Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking & Simulation. (3 Credits)

Managers and business leaders need to make sense of a complex and fast-changing business and economic landscape. They need to map, analyze, and manage complexity to achieve superior performance. They need to become “systems leaders,” as the World Economic Forum (WEF) argued recently. This course introduces systems thinking and associated simulation modeling methods, techniques, and software tools that are essential to master complexity and drive business performance. The students will master systems thinking and computational (simulation) modeling skills. These skills can be used to understand system structure and dynamic behavior across a variety of business domains and applications, including business transformation, digital transformation, sustainability, business model design, and operations management. Students will experience hands-on workshops, assignments, a semester-wide group project, and cases across a variety of industries.

ISGB 79AG. Cloud Computing and Finance Uses. (1.5 Credits)

This course introduces the core concepts of cloud computing, including networking, storage, database, access control, security, compliance, and pricing. Cases will be drawn from the finance Industry. The course does not require prior programming or cloud computing experience. Students will create their own account on a cloud platform and gain some hands-on experience by provisioning a cloud service and working with it.

Prerequisite: ISGB 6910.

ISGB 79AH. Digital Technology and Social Justice. (3 Credits)

This course will examine the social impacts of advances in digital technologies on society. The topics covered in the course will include the digital divide, technology-enabled classroom and remote learning, the effect of technology on employment opportunities and social mobility, AI and the future of work, and the role of social media platforms in forming opinions about “others” (as defined by race, gender, nationality), e-government, and uneven access to government services. While our primary focus will be on how technology changes affect underprivileged minorities in the U.S., we will also examine the effects of uneven development across different nations. The course will be run as a research seminar. Each student, working individually or in groups, is expected to undertake research on digital technology and social justice topics. The course is open to Gabelli School of Business graduate students and undergraduate seniors.

ISGB 79AJ. Ethics of Data Analytics & AI. (3 Credits)

This class aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the data market and artificial intelligence (AI) business from an ethical perspective. Data analytics opens a set of possibilities and improvements for decisions in business. However, it introduces new risks and moral challenges. This course aims to explore the ethical implications of data analytics within business, with a focus on AI systems. We will study concepts such as privacy, surveillance, power, justice, and accountability related to the production and use of data. The classes will be tied to discussions of a current case (an article or two) following a theory or concept. Our readings include work from philosophy, law, computer science, economics, and AI ethics. The goal is to provide students with the tools to develop critical thinking toward data analytics with ethical frameworks, theories, concepts, and real-world examples.

ISGB 8999. Independent Study. (1 to 3 Credits)

Independent Study - Information Systems.

ISGB 899A. Disrupting Financial Services. (1.5 Credits)

Graduate students will learn directly from industry experts how new technologies, changing demographics and investor preferences are significantly impacting the delivery of wealth management, creation of investment products and capital market mechanisms. From the global adoption of crypto currencies to the trillion dollar tsunami of money flowing into passively managed ETFs, students will be exposed to the current and future implications of these "disruptions" and gain helpful insight and intelligence impacting their careers. We will focus on one “disruption” per week with subject matter experts explaining the economic and cultural implications for both winners and losers. This course will be valuable to all students navigating future employment opportunities in financial services.

Operations (OPGB) Courses

OPGB 6627. Operations and Supply Chain Management. (3 Credits)

This is an MBA flex core course that studies the operations of both manufacturing and service organizations with the objective of simultaneously optimizing the quality and productivity of the operations systems. Students will develop techniques for strategic planning and system design, such as quality control, aggregate and capacity planning, project planning, scheduling and control, material and inventory management, and just-in-time production.

Attributes: BUAN, ISEL.

OPGB 76AA. Operations and Supply Chain Management. (3 Credits)

Students will study the operations function for both manufacturing and service organizations with the objective of the simultaneous optimization of the quality and productivity of the operating systems. They will also learn techniques for strategic planning and system design.

OPGB 76AP. Project Management. (3 Credits)

Provides the skills project managers need to complete projects on time and on budget. Technology improvements in organizations are implemented through projects, and strong project management skills are a key success factor from companies to achieve the expected benefits from their technology investments. Topics include setting and maintaining project scope, developing work plans, estimating required resources, developing work programs, organizing project teams, super-users, monitoring and controlling projects, maintaining relationships with users and management, status reporting, and key factors for realizing the anticipated benefits from the investment. Students use a computer-based project management tool as part of this course.

OPGB 76BB. Studies in Quality Management. (3 Credits)

This course is centered around the concepts, theories, and techniques of quality management (QM). It examines the origins of QM and how its principles, techniques, and tools can be properly integrated to improve the performance of both manufacturing and service organizations. Specific topics discussed in the course include quality management principles, national quality awards, ISO 9000, quality aspects of product/service design; quality cost, customer/vendor relations; process capability and statistical process control; and management of improvement process.

OPGB 76BR. Health Care Operations Mgt. (3 Credits)

Health Care Operations Management is a discipline that integrates scientific principles of operations management to determine the most effective and efficient methods to support patient care delivery. The biggest challenge in health care is to provide high quality care while at the same time keeping costs down. As such, all health care sectors must be driven by process management, quality improvement, information technology, knowledge management, and resource alignment. This course addresses these challenges in many ways, from the design of patient flow to streamlined process, from resource management to supply chain management, from quality control to patient safety, from forecasting to capacity planning, and from continuous improvement to project management.

OPGB 76CA. Accounting Controls. (3 Credits)

The primary focus of the class will be on the use of data-driven analytics to help managers make key operating and strategic decisions. A secondary focus will be on the use of data-driven analytics for the purpose of internal control.

OPGB 76CB. Process Management and Six Sigma. (3 Credits)

A process is the collection of activities and operations that transform inputs into outputs. This course focuses on learning how to improve organizational processes by using the globally recognized problem-solving methodology knows as Lean Six Sigma. Students in this course will learn the five phases of the Lean Six Sigma method and will have the chance to apply the techniques and tools learned in class in real-world projects. Students that meet the requirements of classroom lectures and tests, case studies, and projects will earn Six Sigma White/Yellow Belt Certificates issued by Ernst & Young; students are also encouraged and supported to get Six Sigma certificates from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

OPGB 8999. Independent Study. (3 Credits)

Independent Study.