Information Systems Foundations refer to the ability of students to understand the fundamental concepts of IS (including hardware, software, and information acquisition) and the support that IS provides for transactional, decisional, and collaborative business processes. They will also be able to understand the collection, processing, storage, distribution, and value of information and be able to make recommendations regarding IS that support and enable individuals in their daily lives as well as the management, customers, and suppliers of the enterprise. This competency includes the ability to conduct an organizational business analysis, and assess processes, and systems.
While specific electives are not proposed in this competency realm, it is perhaps important to note that these foundational skills will be important in future IS researcher/teacher careers. At the undergraduate level, it may be premature to elaborate and extend in this area.
Competency Area Statement
Students who meet the competencies of IS Foundations can understand the fundamental concepts of IS (including hardware, software, and information acquisition) and the support that IS provides for transactional, decisional, and collaborative business processes. They will also be able to understand the collection, processing, storage, distribution, and value of information and be able to make recommendations regarding IS that support and enable individuals in their daily lives as well as the management, customers, and suppliers of the enterprise. This competency includes the ability to conduct an organizational business analysis, and assess processes, and systems.
Competencies: Graduates will be able to:
| Competency | Dispositions | Skill Level | |
| FOUN.FOIS.1 | Classify the components, elements, operations and impact of IS | Self-directed, Inventive, Purpose-driven | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.2 | Interpret the dimensions, characteristics and value of quality information. | Purpose-driven, Self-directed, Responsive | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.3 | Explain the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics of the IS professional | Self-directed, Inventive, Purpose-driven | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.4 | Recommend techniques for using information and knowledge for business decision making and strategic value | Self-directed, Purpose-driven, Professional | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.5 | Analyze a business case and critique appropriate IS solutions to common business problems, based on the different components, elements, types, and levels of IS | Self-directed, Purpose-driven, Professional | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.6 | Critique and recommend Enterprise Systems for a given business problem and processes. | Purpose-driven, Professional, Self-directed | Apply |
| FOUN.FOIS.7 | Identify techniques for transmitting and securing information in an organization. | Purpose-driven, Self-directed, Professional | Understand |
| FOUN.FOIS.8 | Demonstrate an ability to solve basic computational and design problems using IS development with appropriate methodologies, software tools and innovative methods for improving processes and organizational change | Self-directed, Purpose-driven, Professional | Apply |
Suggestions Accepted for consideration for the next Edition:
Please provide your suggestions about this knowledge unit. All submitted comments will be reviewed at the end of the month. Comments accepted for inclusion will be listed above.