Information management and analysis uses a variety of skills and tools to collect, process, organize, and interpret data generated in a business environment.
What is information management and analysis?
Trained in the areas of web-based management information systems, data analysis, and business logistics, the information management and analysis major's goal is to solve problems and provide information for decision making. It is an interdisciplinary major, drawing upon analytical and informational tools such as statistics, Excel, and Access and knowledge from business functional areas such as economics, finance, logistics, and information systems. Thus, the information management specialist is a highly trained, multi-talented individual who can analyze complex problems from many different viewpoints, creating solutions that no individual discipline alone can produce.
Where is information management and analysis used?
Information management and analysis is not a theoretical or "ivory tower" subject. It is used in solving a variety of practical business problems such as product design, production planning, quality control, plant expansion and location, marketing strategy selection, and financial planning. Information management and analysis is also widely used in the public sector. Health-care systems, police and fire protection, and military systems design represent just a few of these applications.
What kinds of career choices can I expect?
Because you will develop a wide range of problem-solving skills in this major, you will be able to choose careers in almost any functional area of management, finance, production management, marketing, strategic planning, logistics, supply chain management, or management consulting. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of training, many different areas within organizations can make use of your skills. You can serve in a staff capacity, taking responsibility for planning and evaluation. Or, your skills and experience will help you move into positions such as plant manager or divisional vice president, taking responsibility for executing plans. Graduates of Shippensburg University have obtained responsible positions in a variety of Fortune 500 companies such as Air Products, General Electric, IBM, Kodak, Bell Laboratories, and Verizon. One graduate took a position as a production planner at Revlon. She was responsible for developing plans, issuing production requirements, and monitoring production processes. Another graduate began employment at Unisys Corp. as a systems analyst, designing, coding, and supporting the development of applications software for manufacturing systems. Starting salaries for the majors tend to be above the average for business graduates because their skills are in high demand. Other students have sought advanced degrees at major institutions such as Lehigh University, Drexel University, and the University of Chicago.
Do internships improve my career potential?
Internships provide students with an opportunity to experience the challenges of the workplace while they complete their academic studies. By applying information management and analysis concepts in a job setting, the student gains a new perspective on course work. As an intern, you acquire knowledge and develop skills that give you an advantage in the job market. Many Shippensburg interns, upon graduating, are hired by the companies that sponsored their internships. Information management and analysis majors have completed internships at IBM in Mechanicsburg, where they were responsible for data extraction, policy analysis, and other research projects. Students interning at General Electric's Malvern plant have had a variety of administrative and systems duties relating to data processing, file maintenance, consultation, and report generation. A host of other well-known companies in our area offer internships as well. The work is exciting, and the experience is a valuable addition to your resume.
How should I prepare for the information management and analysis major?
To prepare for the information management and analysis major, you need to concentrate on building your analytical and communications skills. Analysis depends heavily on mathematical and scientific insight, so you should take as many math and computer courses as you can. At the same time, the study of literature, history, and the social sciences develops your ability to communicate your ideas. The general education requirement at Shippensburg University provides a sound foundation for the major.
What kinds of courses will take?
Information management and analysis majors take the business core curriculum required of all business administration students. Containing courses in accounting, finance, organizational behavior, marketing, and production analysis, this core provides the broad business background that allows you to analyze problems in a variety of fields. Beyond the core, you will take Web-Based Management Information Systems, Integrated Supply Chain Systems, Data Mining for Information Management, and Applications of Information Management. In addition, a selection of two courses outside but related to the major allows the student to combine the technical skills of information management and analysis with interests in other fields such as finance, marketing, accounting, and management information systems. Information Management & Analysis B.S.B.A.
What role does the computer play?
Because information management and analysis relies heavily on information systems and data analysis, it is no surprise the computer plays an important role. The computer is used in gathering and analyzing data and in creating the sophisticated models often encountered in implementing some of the techniques used in the major. However, you will not just learn how to manipulate the computer, you will be able to apply computer technology to concrete problems.
Can students not majoring in information management and analysis take these courses?
Because these courses are both quantitative and information systems oriented, they make excellent free electives for students who are majoring in science, mathematics, or computer science. These courses build on the skills gained in those majors and broaden the student's experience by providing specific applications for those skills. Seniors often find that recruiters look favorably on applications courses. These courses do have prerequisites, so you should contact the information management and analysis department to determine whether you have met them.
Where can I get more information?
For specific program information contact:
Dr. Hong K. Rim, Chair
Department of Finance and Information Management & Analysis
228 Grove Hall
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
(717) 477-1434
Fax: (717)-477-4067
E-mail: hkrim@ship.edu
John L. Grove College of Business
(717)477-1435
E-mail: business@ship.edu
