Exploring Information Systems Application
and Practice in China

May 15 – June 4, 2008

Dr. Liu's photos of China.

This study abroad program is coordinated by the Northern Illinois University Study Abroad Office (SAO), in cooperation with the NIU College of Business’s Department of Operations Management and Information Systems and the Beijing Technology and Business University in Beijing, China.

PROGRAM DATES: The program will begin with departure of the group from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. The program orientation and the first class will be on Thursday, May 15, 2008 in Beijing, China, and will end on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. Students will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements in order to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Chang Liu, Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems in the NIU College of Business. Dr. Liu has been at NIU for over 7 years and received OMIS department graduate teaching awards in 2002, 2003, and 2006. In addition, he received OMIS undergraduate teaching award in 2005. Dr. Liu was ranked in the top 33 most productive researchers worldwide in Information & Management, regarded as one of the leading information systems journals in 2007. He was noted for his research on electronic commerce and IS usage. He travels frequently for international conferences and research collaboration. In May 2007 Professor Liu was a member of an NIU delegation that traveled to China to build partnerships with Chinese universities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW/OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this program is to provide participants with a practical understanding of the dynamic challenges and opportunities posed by information technology (IT) in today’s highly competitive global business environment. This program focuses on various roles information systems (IS) can play in an organization. On the completion of this program, the students will be able to readily recognize the circumstances in which various information technologies can be applied to meet business objectives. The students will also become sophisticated in issues of international culture by learning IS practices, policies, and applications in China. The specific objectives for this program are:

To acquire basic skills in Information Systems through the hands-on use of computer-based tools to address business scenarios lab assignments.
To obtain sound knowledge of how information technology can support the way of doing business, and the ability to identify opportunities for uses of information systems and technology in the global environment.
To gain an understanding of IS department role in the planning, selection, specification, development, and implementation of information systems to support dynamic business strategies and objectives.
To present an overview of the rich variety of the managerial issues raised by the on-going evolution of new information technologies. This will include an understanding of the strategic impacts of information technology in cross culture environment, inter-organizational systems, electronic business, and information systems infrastructure management.

PROGRAM SITE: The program will mainly take place in Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China. Participants of the program will also visit at least four companies in Beijing and Shanghai to learn how information technology applied in the local and global environment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Learn the effective ways in managing information technology in organizations
Learn how to use information technology to compete in the global environment
Explore information technology applications and practices through company visits in China
Experience cultural and societal issues of economics growth in China
Tour cities of Beijing and Shanghai in China

PROGRAM AUDIENCE: Students from ALL majors in the NIU College of Business are welcome to apply if they have working knowledge of spreadsheet software, UBUS 223 (Introduction to Business Statistics), or consent of OMIS department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND PROGRAM ADMISSION PROCEDURES: Please note that acceptance is NOT based on a first come, first served system and that payment of the application fee does NOT guarantee acceptance into the program. Applications must be submitted to the Study Abroad Office by February 1, 2008. Professor Liu and the Study Abroad Office director will review the applications after February 1. Students admitted to the program will be notified by February 15, 2008. Priority will be given students with the following qualifications:

Registered on a full-time basis at NIU or another academic institution.
Completion of UBUS 223 and UBUS 310 courses.
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above or a GPA of 3.0 or above within their major.

It should be noted that there are only 12 spaces in this program. Qualified applicants submitting applications to the Study Abroad Office after February 1, 2008 will be placed on a waiting list.

INSTRUCTION METHOD: The program will be a combination of instructor lecturers, case analysis and presentations, group/panel discussion, company tours, and examination. All lecture instructions will be provided by NIU faculty member (Dr. Chang Liu). Instructors from Beijing Technology and Business University will provide assist for company tours and panel discussion.

PROGRAM ACADEMIC CREDIT: For satisfactory participation in the program, participants will receive 3 semester hours of undergraduate credit in one of the following NIU courses.

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:

OMIS 351: Information Systems in Organizations 3 semester hours

Description: Examination of functional management information systems (MIS) existing within organizations. Emphasis on analyzing and designing computer systems for functional areas. Need for integration of these systems stressed through the use of case studies.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of spreadsheet software, UBUS 223, or consent of department, CRQ: UBUS 310

INDEPENDENT STUDY/RESEARCH PROJECT: Individuals desiring to earn three additional hours of undergraduate credit may do so by engaging in an independent study-research project under the direction of Professor Chang Liu, program director. The research report should be at least 15 pages for undergraduate credit.

Requirements for Independent Study/Research Project: In order to obtain approval from course or major department chair and Dr. Chang Liu, program director, applicants must:

Relate the project to a topic or subject introduced during the program.
Complete and submit the project for final evaluation to Dr. Chang Liu, program director no later than December 1, 2008.

Participants who enroll for the independent research project will receive 3 semester hours of credit in the following NIU course:

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:

OMIS 400: International Study in Operations
and Information Management 3 semester hours

Description: Short-term study abroad experience to study significant concepts and problems of operations and information management in the international environment. Analysis of global operational issues through visitation and study of foreign organizations under the supervision of a department faculty member. S/U grading.

Prerequisite: UBUS 311, operations and information management major, or consent of department.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: The program is open to undergraduate students who meet the NIU general admission requirements, and who are interested in the fields of operation management and information systems. Currently enrolled students must meet College of Business course GPA requirements.

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application. Students who are on academic or disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate admission and course requirements.

Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records. Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program.

For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant’s official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant. Students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the Registrar at their institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office. (Student-issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.) Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the Study Abroad Office.

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT: Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

Application for NIU Administered/Faculty Directed Study Abroad Programs
Student Application Agreement
Course Preference Form
$200 deposit
THREE (3) passport size photos for visa
A clear and readable copy of the first page of passport.

$200 DEPOSIT: Each application must be accompanied by a $200 check or money order made payable to NIU. The $200 will be applied to the program cost. Applications that are not accompanied by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender. (This $200 is also required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1, 2008.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS: Participants will reside in student apartments on campus living in twin bedded rooms at Beijing Technology and Business University and will be provided three meals daily throughout the period of residency.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Individuals will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements between the U.S. and Beijing, China and for purchasing their tickets from a travel agent or airline of their choice. (Travel insurance is recommended.) Participants should keep in mind that in order to arrive in Beijing in time for the official beginning of the program, they should plan to depart the U.S. no later than May 13, 2008.

For information regarding airfares and airlines students may wish to check-out additional airfare sites on the Internet such as STA Travel.

Important - The Study Abroad Office advises all participants that flight reservations for this program should not be booked until:

a. After the February 1 application deadline

AND

b. The SAO has accepted the minimum number of participants needed to operate this program.

c. This advisory is given so that participants do not find themselves financially responsible for airline tickets should it be necessary to cancel the program. (See section entitled, CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM)

LAND TRANSPORTATION: For program-related travel the group will travel by bus and train. This transportation is provided as part of the NIU program cost.

PASSPORT: --IMPORTANT--All participants are required to possess a valid passport by March 1, 2008. Important Note: U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program. (Applicants applying after March 1, 2008, may need to request expedited services or apply in person at the Chicago Passport Agency. If applicants are not within the Chicago area, they must apply at the nearest passport agency.) Information on acquiring a U.S. passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas.

VISA: A valid passport is required prior to March 1, 2008 in order to obtain a visa to enter China. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program. The visa forms are included with the program application materials. These visa forms and photos must be submitted with the program application materials.

NIU MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE: NIU Student health insurance is required for participation in an NIU study abroad program. Participants not currently enrolled in the NIU insurance plan will be enrolled in the NIU major medical Insurance Plan (comprehensive) that has a $250 deductible clause. Students requiring medical attention will be expected to pay any related costs and then file a claim with the NIU Student Insurance Office after returning to the States. Receipts showing payment for all medical expenses are required for reimbursement.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT I.D. CARD: The ISIC card is provided as part of the program cost. The I.D. card can provide discount on international airfare and other travel. Students will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when accepted into the program.

The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S. Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later. Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.

NIU PROGRAM COST: The cost of the 3 week program in China is payable in full to NIU by March 1, 2008. The program cost pays for the following cost related services:

Room and board while the group is in China
Land transportation in China
Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule
Fee for acquiring the visa to enter China
International Student I.D.
NIU Tuition for undergraduate credit
NIU major medical insurance.

PROGRAM COST: $2,960
Price subject to change pending currency exchange fluctuations.

All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS:

Airfare
Cost of acquiring a passport (approximately $115, including 2 passport pictures)
Passport size photos
Additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for non-U.S. passport holders
Immunization fees (if immunizations are required)
$30 undergraduate application fee for non-NIU undergraduate students
Independent travel and visa costs associated with independent travel
Expenses for free-time pursuits
Expenses and purchases of a personal nature

FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, applicants may be eligible for: Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, MAP Award or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply. Please contact Pamela Rosenberg, International Programs Business Manager, Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530, prosenberg@niu.edu for more information.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM: Applicants withdrawing from the program after March 1, 2008 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit.

Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf. This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid.

If the applicant must withdraw after March 1, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead. After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.

CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained. If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for China, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program. In the event that the program is canceled by NIU=s International Programs Division, students shall receive a full refund of all monies. If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for China, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.

The information contained in the program documents and forms are presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER
OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!

The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Exploring Information Systems and Application Practice in China

May 15 – June 4, 2008

Tours and Company Visits in China OMIS 351 Information Systems in Organizations (3 credit hours)

Northern Illinois University (NIU) / Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU)

Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change

	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Week 1			5/13/2008 Depart from Chicago O’Hare International Airport for Beijing	5/14 Arrive at BTBU	5/15 Lecture: (9:00 am) Introduction & Importance of Information Technology	5/16 Lecture: (9:00 am) Strategic Uses of Information System Tour: (1:00 pm) Chinese culture and economics (1)
Week 2	5/18 Tour: (9:00 am) Chinese culture and economics (2)	5/19 Lecture: (9:00 am) Information Systems in Business Functions (5 hours) Case Study 2: (1:00 pm) Database Case Using Access - 2	5/20 Lecture: (9:00 am) IT Infrastructure Management Tour: (1:00 pm) Company Visit: IT industry in China (1)	5/21 Panel Discussion (9:00 am): Effective Ways in Managing Information Technology in Organization	5/22 Case Study 3: (9:00 am) Decision Support Case Using Excel -3 Tour: (1:00 pm) Company Visit: Globalization of modern economics (2)	5/23 Lecture: (9:00 am) Electronic Commerce Case Study 4: (1:00 pm) Decision Support Using Excel - 4 Travel to Shanghai (by train, 8hrs)
Week 3	5/25 Tour: (9:00 pm) Company Visit: IT industry in China (3) – NIU Sponsor Travel back from Shanghai to BTBU (by train, 8hrs)	5/26 Rest – Free Time At BTBU	5/27 Lecture: (9:00 am) IT Project Management & System Development	5/28 Panel Discussion (9:00 am): How to use IT to compete in the global marketplace	5/29 Lecture: (9:00 pm) IT Security and Privacy Case Study 5: (1:00 pm) Web Page Design	5/30 Lecture: (9:00 am) IT and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Tour: (1:00 pm) Company Visit: ERP in China (4)
Week 4	6/1 Tour: (9:00 am) Chinese culture and economics (5)	6/2 Lecture: (9:00 am) IT and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Final Exam (1:00 PM)	6/3 Tour: (9:00 am) Chinese culture and economics (6)	6/4 Depart for Chicago Arrive in Chicago Project reports are due on 6/9

In Beijing (May 15 to May 23; May 26 – June 4)

Company Visits (4 times/2 days)
Tours for Chinese Culture and Economics (5 times/3 days)

In Shanghai (May 24-25)

Tour for Chinese Culture and Economics ( 1 time/1 day)
Company Visit (1 time/0.5 day)