Computer Information Systems Receive
Gifts
Rider University’s Department of Computer Information
Systems recently received a gift-in-kind in software and a shared
$50,000 grant from SAP, which will enhance classroom instruction.
Dr. William Amadio, department
chair, reports the department received a gift-in-kind in software,
valued at $25,000, from Insight Development Corporation of San Ramon,
CA. Brent Gulick ’68, CEO of Insight, made the gift possible.
Insight will provide their NetKnowledge
Tools application to students and faculty working in the area of knowledge
management. NetKnowledge Tools uses a patent-pending, open-standard
file format that allows multiple file types to be contained in one
compressed, secure file. The Insight file format allows hyperlinks
to remain navigable and enables rendering of individual elements without
the need for decompression.
“NetKnowledge Tools are
important for anyone who needs to capture and integrate information
from multiple sources and share that information with partners throughout
the organization or around the globe,” Amadio said. “The
relationship with Insight puts our students inside a major software
development project. They will witness complex decisions and events
as they occur. It’s an extraordinary educational opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Lauren Eder, associate
professor of computer information systems, together with three faculty
members from Drexel University were awarded a $50,000 grant entitled,
“Business Strategy Formulation: Plug-and-Play Materials for
SD, MM and CO Modules, from SAP. The focus of their proposal is on
the logistics area (SD/MM) and the controlling area.
They propose to develop course materials
that will use effective computer-based training (CBT) techniques,
including video, voice, text, configuration specifics, and quizzes
to impart learning about policy/strategy formulation and R/3 configuration.
“The emphasis of the materials
will be on business and strategy,” Eder said. “The goal
is to help students understand in a practical way, the effects of
different tactics and policies, and how these strategies are reflected
in the SAP R/3 software.”
