Information Systems and Analytics

TECH VISIO

After hosting the ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research 2024 conference last May, the department will launch the inaugural Tech Vision Conference in April 2025.

This initiative is designed to form a dynamic coalition to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and government officials. It also aims to promote student research at both undergraduate and graduate levels while leveraging academic expertise to inform and advise state and local policymakers.

By creating a forum for industry partners to share their challenges, opportunities, and success stories, Tech Vision will enable researchers to address real-world problems, thus bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the industry.

STUDY ABROAD IN JAPAN

MEETING INDUSTRY CYBERSECURITY NEEDS

In 2024, the Department of Information Systems and Analytics launched both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Cybersecurity Management, reaffirming a commitment to provide highquality education tailored to the evolving needs of the job market. The Midstate has seen burgeoning demand for cybersecurity experts— between mid-2021 and mid-2022, an astonishing 651 unique job postings in cybersecurity were identified in this area alone.

The field of cybersecurity presents lucrative career opportunities with promising growth prospects. Information security analysts are particularly in demand, with a projected growth rate of 35% through 2031 and median pay of $102,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This program is meticulously crafted to equip individuals with knowledge and skills to assess security needs, propose safeguard solutions, and oversee the implementation and maintenance of secure systems. The comprehensive curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including computer architecture, programming, systems analysis, networking, cryptography, security system design, applicable laws and regulations, risk assessment, and contingency planning.

CGI Business Consulting and Formos Consulting visited MTSU to meet with Information Systems students for an informational and networking session.

STUDENTS TIE FOR TOP SPOT IN INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE INNOVATION CHALLENGE

An enterprising group of MTSU students—Information Systems majors Havjin Barkhan, Alberto Melchor, Syd Panak, and Avery Wriedt and Finance major Gabriel Kapu —tied with a Florida International University group for first place in an international software innovation challenge. Pitting students from universities across the nation against each other, the competition was organized by the Association of Information Systems Student Chapters, a networking and professional development program. Associate Professor Michael Erskine served as advisor for MTSU’s team, while Information Systems graduate student Rebecca Nichols coached the undergraduates.

The challenge allowed competitors to demonstrate the impact information systems can have in improving the world. Teams designed and implemented an innovative IS solution based on their choice of several parameters, focusing mostly on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

MTSU’s Team Wastewise developed a product called Wise-X, a waste management tracker complemented by an IoT sensor system integrated within a trash can. The team’s competition solution included a working Arduinobased sensor prototype encased in a 3D printed shell, a web application, a marketing website, a data portal, and a compelling business case that tied all elements together.

This incredible group of talented students represented MTSU with excellence and demonstrated the power of innovative thought and teamwork.

—Michael Erskine

Information Systems Security Association’s Middle Tennessee Chapter honored Nita Brooks as the Cybersecurity Educator of the Year at its inaugural InfoSec Nashville Awards for her dedication in setting a new standard for excellence.

Sam Zaza and co-authors Damien Joseph and Deb Armstrong recently had their paper, “Are IT Professionals Unique? A Second-Order MetaAnalytic Comparison of Turnover Intentions Across Occupations,” published in the Management Information Systems Quarterly, an A-ranked, top-tier journal in the information systems field.After hosting the ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research 2024 conference last May, the department will launch the inaugural Tech Vision Conference in April 2025.