"Computer Science begins and ends with Computer Science. Business needs continue."
- Noel Udofa
- Noel Udofa
Computer Information Science vs Systems
What's the Difference?
Computer Information Science and Computer Information Systems are often used interchangeably when applying the acronym CIS; the two disciplines are quite distinct, nonetheless. In light of an economy and a society that have changed tremendously as a result of technology, Computer Information Systems has transcended the traditional applications of Computer Information Science and forms a human link between computer science, business objectives and customer needs.
Computer Information Science and Computer Information Systems are often used interchangeably when applying the acronym CIS; the two disciplines are quite distinct, nonetheless. In light of an economy and a society that have changed tremendously as a result of technology, Computer Information Systems has transcended the traditional applications of Computer Information Science and forms a human link between computer science, business objectives and customer needs.
The Computer Science Tradition
The history of computer information science dates back to an apprentice-like environment where computer problems were discovered, a specialist of the problem was sought out, and the specialist would work fiercely until he solved the problem. The term "computer nerd" emerged from this image - the silent genius who sits at a computer for hours in a trance-like state and, in his own personal way, seems to enjoy every second of it. Everything that he needs to accomplish his task is through his love and profound knowledge of the computer; input from customers is not quite a priority, application of business concepts that
The history of computer information science dates back to an apprentice-like environment where computer problems were discovered, a specialist of the problem was sought out, and the specialist would work fiercely until he solved the problem. The term "computer nerd" emerged from this image - the silent genius who sits at a computer for hours in a trance-like state and, in his own personal way, seems to enjoy every second of it. Everything that he needs to accomplish his task is through his love and profound knowledge of the computer; input from customers is not quite a priority, application of business concepts that
drive the computer application's function is an afterthought, and the originally desired end-result of the computer application somehow gets lost in the complexities of getting a computer system to work. This is where computer information science begins and ends and where computer information systems seizes the torch.
The Emergence of Computer Information Systems
Today's economy is driven by successful business; successful business is driven by innovative technology. Having computer systems that work is no longer the standard. Computer systems must bond the ideas of the respective business with economic leverage along with efficiency and quality that are defined by the end-user. The computer information systems discipline takes on this challenge by accounting for each of the significant domains required to make computer applications function beyond the terminal. The operative word here is "system". Without each piece of the system (including customers, business
Today's economy is driven by successful business; successful business is driven by innovative technology. Having computer systems that work is no longer the standard. Computer systems must bond the ideas of the respective business with economic leverage along with efficiency and quality that are defined by the end-user. The computer information systems discipline takes on this challenge by accounting for each of the significant domains required to make computer applications function beyond the terminal. The operative word here is "system". Without each piece of the system (including customers, business
objectives, economic strategies, government regulations, etc.) being managed to completely optimize the system as a whole, there is no end product or the product is invaluable. Hence, getting the "system" to work together is the goal and task of any successful computer product and is the goal of computer information systems.
Information Systems at Purdue University
With the development of the Computer Technology / Computer Information Systems curriculum, the essential elements of delivering computer systems beyond the terminal are instructed in several courses. The course topics include systems analysis with user and system requirements development/integration, business process modeling, quality control, just-in-time development, lean manufacturing, technical writing, technical communications and other topics to insure that user requirements are not lost when development begins. Additional business related courses include accounting, economics,
With the development of the Computer Technology / Computer Information Systems curriculum, the essential elements of delivering computer systems beyond the terminal are instructed in several courses. The course topics include systems analysis with user and system requirements development/integration, business process modeling, quality control, just-in-time development, lean manufacturing, technical writing, technical communications and other topics to insure that user requirements are not lost when development begins. Additional business related courses include accounting, economics,
statistics, change management, legal foundations of business, business marketing and other courses that extend the components of the "system".
Suffice to say that business is not the only focus of computer information systems. Business is only part of the system as the computer information systems curriculum includes software engineering, object-oriented programming, programming for handheld devises, data communications, network communications, logical and physical database design, database administration, data warehousing and server/platform development to name a few. So make no mistake about it,
Suffice to say that business is not the only focus of computer information systems. Business is only part of the system as the computer information systems curriculum includes software engineering, object-oriented programming, programming for handheld devises, data communications, network communications, logical and physical database design, database administration, data warehousing and server/platform development to name a few. So make no mistake about it,
students of computer information systems can go head to head with computer science students in terms of intuitive computer knowledge. The computer information systems curriculum only attempts to approach all parts of the system, in addition to technical requirements, so that the system is able to function as expected.
Visit Purdue University School of Technology
Purdue University School of Technology
The Computer Technology / Computer Information Systems curriculum can be found at Purdue's School of Technology. Take a moment to explore the plans of study that turn "computer geeks" into ambitious developers.
CIS Curriculum at Purdue
The Computer Technology / Computer Information Systems curriculum can be found at Purdue's School of Technology. Take a moment to explore the plans of study that turn "computer geeks" into ambitious developers.