ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 Whither IS? Issues and Problems in Classifying CC2005 Programs Using CIP Codes Paul Leidig, George Nezlek, John Reynolds School of Computing and Information Systems Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan, USA

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 So Many Programs, So Many Schemes How, if at all, are various methods for classifying computing-related programs correlated? Are curriculum standards relevant? Are schools reporting what they really do? What do they really do in the first place? What does this have to do with IS programs?

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 Where DO IS Programs ‘belong’? What IS an IS program in the first place? CIP Codes:  NCES (Dept. of Education) suggested categories for typical program content  Assigned BY SCHOOLS to report what programs they offer Typically by registrar Are formal guidelines used?

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 CIP Categories and DescriptionsSchools Management Information Systems, General. A program that generally prepares individuals to provide and manage data systems and related facilities for processing and retrieving internal business information; select systems and train personnel; and respond to external data requests. Includes instruction in cost and accounting information systems, management control systems, personnel information systems, data storage and security, business systems networking, report preparation, computer facilities and equipment operation and maintenance, operator supervision and training, and management information systems policy and planning Management Information Systems and Services, Other. Any program in business information and data processing services not listed above Computer and Information Sciences, General. A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems as part of a broad and/or interdisciplinary program. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services Computer and Information Sciences, Other. (NEW) Any instructional program in computer science not listed above Information Science/Studies. A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms. Includes instruction in information classification and organization; information storage and processing; transmission, transfer, and signaling; communications and networking; systems planning and design; human interfacing and use analysis; database development; information policy analysis; and related aspects of hardware, software, economics, social factors, and capacity Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst. A program that prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.178

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 Data Collection Identify institutions offering programs with CIP codes of interest Examine web sites of programs to classify according to:  CS or IS (required courses)  Administrative home  Program name  Program level (dept / school / college)

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 The Data

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 So Much for Clarity <= “IS” Programs (by name) “CS” Programs (by name) =>

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 What’s a nice program like you doing in a place like this?

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 In search of … ?

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 Is there a taxonomy in the house?

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 Conclusions The absence of a consistent set of standards for naming programs and assigning academic programs Attempting to consistently associate definitions of programs by institutions with definitions by a recognized standards body This is A PRELIMINARY STUDY - a lot more research regarding the correlation between classification schemes is needed. CS programs appear to know where they belong MIS programs are typically well positioned in business curricula, CIS & IS programs are less consistently placed

ISECON Columbus, Ohio - October 7, 2005 What next? Expand data to include CS and IT programs Verify initial data collection and refine as necessary Suggest a framework for more accurate assignment of CIP codes Integrate CIP code classification with model curricula