Wen-Jang Jih

kjih@mtsu.edu

Stanley E. Gambill

Computer Information Systems

Open computer labs

BAS Business Computer Lab

New Technology

N/A

This proposal is tied to a previously-submitted proposal. The softwares requested by this proposal will be installed in the business lab so students can work on their projects outside the classes. Knowledge Management has been recognized as a core competence for organizations in all sectors to compete successfully in today's business environment. Although successful knowledge management requires much more than just information technologies, the implementation of knowledge-based strategies does require innovative applications of such information technologies as data mining, software agent, expert systems, and other types of intelligent systems. In an effort to provide our students in the CIS programs with leading edge knowledge and skills in intelligent system development (including knowledge management technologies), we plan to teach a set of software tools in at least two courses: New Technologies in Computer Information Systems and Advanced Decision Support Systems Seminar. It is estimated that about 40 undergraduate students and 40 graduate students will take these two courses each semester. It's likely that we'll offer these courses on a more regular basis if justified by the demand. Both intelligent information systems and knowledge Management are broad and interdisciplinary fields. The project assignments involving the use of these softwares will allow the students to better understand theories and conceptual frameworks they learn in the classroom. Moreover, the project assignments will be designed to incorporate real world system development cases. Students will be able to acquire some real world experience as part of their learning process. What they learn about these technologies will help their employers better understand how various types of information technologies can be utilized in enhancing their competitive advantage. Also, since these softwares will be installed in a classroom and a computer lab, a number of other CIS classes may use these softwares as well. When equipped with hands-on knowledge and skills learned through these knowledge management softwares, our graduates will be more competitive in the job market.