Dr. Hugh J. Watson

MIST 7730: Decision Support Systems

Syllabus

Course Description:

This course covers the development of decision support applications. Executive Information Systems (EIS) are explored in-depth. In doing so, all of the major issues in developing decision support applications are covered. An EIS supplies an organization's executives and other organizational personnel with the information needed to perform their jobs. Also covered are Decision Support Systems (DSS), which provide information to support a particular decision-making task, and Expert Systems (ES), which capture human decision-making expertise in a computer application. Customer relationship management, web analytics, and data warehousing are also explored. Concepts, development approaches, technologies, applications, and impacts are discussed. Hands-on experience is provided through the use of several leading-edge technologies. Experiences at companies such as Lockheed-Martin, World Bank, Conoco, and First American Corporation are integrated throughout the course. Outside speakers help provide a real-world perspective to the course.

MIST 7770: Data Warehousing and Mining

Syllabus

Course Description:

A data warehouse is a specially prepared repository of data designed to support decision making. Data are extracted from source systems, transformed, and loaded into data stores. Then the data is accessed by users or applications that draw data from the warehouse. Data mining is an important use of a data warehouse. This course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the business potential of data warehousing, how to build and maintain data warehouses, and how to use data warehouses for business advantage. These objectives are met through a combination of class lectures, readings, case studies, outside speakers, a project, and hands-on computer exercises.