General Purpose and Audience
Computer Information Systems connects the business world to technology. A computer information systems manager evaluates the technology that a business needs and implements appropriate computer hardware, software, and programs to make the business more competitive and more effective. Workers in the field of information systems enable business managers to make better decisions as they collaborate with other professionals. CIS is now a competitive international necessity for businesses, regardless of their size or location.
Professionals in this field need strong analytical and critical thinking skills and must be capable of examining, developing, and administering creative information systems and supply chain management projects. They must also develop ways to enhance competitive advantages by increasing efficiency to strengthen a business’s essential objectives.
Professionals will be proficient in computer skills, accounting, statistics, management, and other business-related fields in order to better implement strategies for dealing with problems. They must be capable of working collaboratively among networks, databases, web sites, and integrated systems and be knowledgeable about the methods, tools, and techniques to create successful information systems.
Some careers in this field include the following: Programmer, Communications Specialist, Computer Security Analyst, Data Communications Analyst, Developer, Engineering Specialist, Financial Planner, Internet Developer, Information Systems Manager, Information Technology Manager, Investment Analyst, Logistics Manager, Management Analyst, Operations Manager, Risk Analyst, Software Support Technician, Systems Administrator, Systems Programmer, Technology Consultant, and Web Master, among many others.
Types of Writing
Technical reports
Summaries/ Executive summaries
Proposals
Research essays
Reviews and assessments
Journals
Portfolios
Software programs
Proofs
Code comments
Reflective assessments
Technical papers
Design specifications
Bug reports
User manuals
Presentations
Types of Evidence
Published data from lab reports
Quantitative data (countable) and qualitative data (observable)
Observations and measurements
Writing Conventions
Use specialized vocabulary and technical detail
Collaboration is often required in research
Use standard sections for each type of writing with headings and subheadings in reports and proposals
Provide visuals
Diagrams, charts, tables, graphs, and illustrations
Use past tense for technical reports, future tense for proposals, present and past in progress reports
Use 3rd person, active voice and try to avoid passive voice
Minimize use of acronyms
Use only the most often cited
Writing must be brief, clear, and logically ordered
Professional Organizations / Publications
The Journal of Computer Information Systems (JCIS)
International Association for Computer Information Systems (www.iacis.org)
Issues in Information Systems (IIS)
Association for Information Systems (aisnet.org)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (www.aitp.org)
Documentation Style
Cite references in the style recommended by professors or organizations
Computer engineers typically use LaTeX, a document preparation system
CMS (Chicago Manual of Style)
Sources Consulted
Career exploration. (2019). Computer Information Systems. Appalachian State University. Retrieved from https://careerexploration.appstate.edu/pagesmith/68
Computer Information Systems. (2019). Appalachian State University. Retrieved from https://cis.appstate.edu/computer-information-systems
Ladd, B.C. (2003). It’s all writing: Experience using rewriting to learn in introductory computer science. Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges, 18(5), 57-64. Retrieved from https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=771832.771844
Hoffman, M.E. (June 2011). An updated taxonomy of writing in computer science education: Faculty poster. Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, 26(6), 175-177. Retrieved from https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1968561