Business Analytics & Information Systems Courses

Purpose

This page is meant to show you connections between sustainability and core courses in a particular business major. In some cases, these connections may not yet be a part of the course. We are working on that! If you are a student, you can ask for these connections to be a part of the course. If you are a faculty member, you can integrate them in as you see fit.

Course descriptions are adapted from the Penn State University Bulletin. This is not a comprehensive list of courses in the major. Learn more about this major at Penn State Smeal Undergraduate Education. Penn State students can meet with who teach and do research in sustainability.

MIS 301: Business Analytics

Introduces the use of databases, data mining tools, social networking software, and advanced spreadsheet techniques to analyze large datasets. Emphasizes active learning through real-data applications and effective presentation of analytical results.

Sustainability MIS questions to consider:

• What are the business analytic tools that can be used to identify factors that promote or inhibit the adoption of Green-IT?

• How can business analytic methods and tools be used to evaluate the performance of information systems for sustainability?

• How would the adoption of Green-IT improve firms’ performance? Apply the data mining and data visualization tools to examine firms’ performance before and after the adoption.

MIS 431: Business Data Management

Covers the design and use of relational and non-relational databases to support effective business decision-making. Emphasizes SQL querying, data modeling, and understanding modern database technologies like NoSQL and XML.

Sustainability MIS questions to consider:

• How are companies using data to measure their impact on the environment and improve sustainability practices?

• How can investing in new technologies including data storage centers be used to improve their environmental performance?

• How can data centers and cloud infrastructures work with the community to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the environment within the local communities?

MIS 432: Business Information System Analysis

Introduces core concepts of business information systems development, with emphasis on object-oriented analysis, project management, and UML methodologies. Students analyze existing systems, specify requirements for redesigns, and gain hands-on experience using CASE tools.

Sustainability MIS questions to consider:

• How can information systems be utilized to impact an organization’s overall resource utilization and waste management? Specifically in these areas: Electricity use, human resources, basic business processes, and other physical-plant considerations?

• How does the selection of off-the-shelf vs. custom-built software contribute or detract from an organization’s stance on sustainability?

• How might the over-utilization of electronic data systems negatively impact an organization’s sustainability efforts?

MIS 446: Information Technology and Business Strategy

Analyzes the strategic role of information technology in enabling innovation, differentiating business models, and disrupting industries. Covers e-business strategies, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies shaping global business transformation.

Sustainability MIS questions to consider:

• How does treating computation as a utility consistent with sustainable business practices?

• What is the potential impact of additive manufacturing on resource consumption?

• How is the Internet of Things playing a role in sustainability efforts?

MIS 479W: Enterprise Information Systems

Focuses on the design, acquisition, and implementation of enterprise-wide information systems to support business integration and supply chain management. Includes hands-on work with SAP R/3 and emphasizes writing skills relevant to system analysis and implementation.

Sustainability MIS questions to consider:

• How can organizations develop automated strategies to disincentivize use of printing paper, paper cups, other consumables/disposables, etc.?

• How can organizations improve production and order planning practices and algorithms to reduce the number of incoming and outgoing shipments?

• How can environment/climate control systems integrate into enterprise computing systems so thermostats/lighting controls etc. can be adjusted automatically based on location of each individual?

Explore More Sustainability-Focused Courses

Curious about how sustainability fits into your academic journey? Browse at Smeal and Penn State that highlight sustainability in business, society, and the environment.