ISEDJ

Abstract: The Computer Information Systems (CIS) discipline faces an identity crisis: although demand for CIS graduates is growing, student enrollment is either in decline, or is at least soft or flat in many cases. This has been referred to as the 21st century paradox. As one solution to this problem, we propose to integrate entrepreneurship in the CIS curriculum. An analysis of N = 253 universities in the United States finds that only 39.5% offer both CIS and entrepreneurship degrees. Large, private, research-oriented universities were found to be most likely to offer both degrees. A follow-up qualitative analysis of eight ABET accredited IS programs in business schools that also offer a full-time entrepreneurship degree finds that only one university gives students the option to take one entrepreneurship class as part of their IS major. We propose to infuse entrepreneurship in CIS classes based on the lean startup methodology and offer a learn-build-measure feedback loop, along with open source software and agile development practices, as a pedagogical framework for instructors. The paper concludes with a discussion of how entrepreneurship in the CIS curriculum creates graduates that are better prepared to enter the job market.

Keywords: 21st century paradox, ABET, entrepreneurship, lean startup, learn-build-measure feedback loop

Download this article: ISEDJ - V13 N4 Page 81.pdf

Recommended Citation: Lang, G., Babb, J. S. (2015). Addressing the 21st Century Paradox: Integrating Entrepreneurship in the Computer Information Systems Curriculum. Information Systems Education Journal, 13(4) pp 81-91. http://isedj.org/2015-13/ ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2014)