Master Program Guide
Business Information Systems
Editor: Dr. E.F. Kaasschieter
Cover illustration: dr. N. Sidorova
The cover is realized with assistence of Roel Vliegen, MagnaView
Contents
Paginanummering invoeren!
1.
General Information
1.1
1.2
2.
Academic Administration
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.7.1
2.1.7.2
2.1.8
2.1.9
2.1.10
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.3
3.
Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science
Department of Technology Management
Academic administration of the department
Executive Board
Department Boards
Study-program director
Study-program Committee
Exam Committee
Department Council
Computer Science Division and professors
CS Division organization
CS Division Board
Technology Management sub-departments
involved in BIS
Office of the Department of Mathematics
and Computer Science
Student Council of Mathematics and
Computer Science
Facilities
Buildings
Lecture rooms, halls and other
instruction facilities
Library services
Sale of study materials
Computer Services Office
Information resources
General Course and Program Information
3.1
Master programs
3.1.1
Computer Science
3.1.2
Technology Management
3.2
Goals
3.3
Structure of the Master programs
3.4
Examination and titles
3.5
Admissions
3.5.1
General admissions requirements
3.5.2
Admissions with deficiencies
3.5.3
Dutch students
3.5.4
Foreign students
3.5.5
Admissions procedure
1
3.5.6
The pre-master program for polytechnic
graduates
4.
Master Program Specifics
4.1
Curriculum
4.2
Master project
4.3
Electives
4.4
Planning
5.
Teaching staff and groups
5.1
Section Profile: Computational
Engineering (CE)
5.1.1
Algorithms
5.1.2
Visualization
5.2
Section Profile: Information
Systems (IS)
5.2.1
Databases en Hypermedia
5.2.2
Architecture of Information Systems
5.3
Section Profile: Systems
Engineering (SE)
5.3.1
Design and Analysis of Systems
5.3.2
System Architecture and Networks
5.4
Section Profile: Software
Technology (ST)
5.4.1
Software Engineering and Technology
5.4.2
Formal Methods
5.5
Section Profile: Information
Systems (TM-IS)
5.5.1
Business Process Modeling
5.5.2
ICT Architectures
5.5.3
Software Management
6.
Master program regulations
6.1
Education and Examination Regulations
6.1.1
Annex
6.2
Examination Requirements
6.3
Graduation regulations
7.
Course descriptions
1. General Information
1.1 Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (W&I) at the
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) offers undergraduate (Bachelor
of Science), graduate (Master of Science) and postgraduate courses in
Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.
The Mathematics Division focuses on Discrete Mathematics, Stochastics
and Optimization, and Scientific Computing and Analysis. The Computer
Science Division (CS) is mainly concerned with Software Technology,
Computational Engineering, Systems Engineering and Information Systems.
Members of the Department take part in numerous research projects,
cooperating with other universities and commercial enterprises, both
nationally and internationally.
2
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers three Masters of
Science degrees: Industrial and Applied Mathematics (IAM) in the
Mathematics Division, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and
Business Information Systems (BIS), both in the Computer Science
Division. In addition, two special Master of Technological Design
programs (Mathematics for Industry and Software Technology), which are
exemplary because of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department’s
emphasis on applications, are also offered.
This Master course and program guide applies to the Master of Business
Information Systems that is offered in collaboration with the
Department of Technology Management (TM), and is intended for all BISstudents. A Master program guide is also available for the Masters in
Computer Science and Engineering and Industrial and Applied
Mathematics.
In the collaboration between the Departments of Mathematics and
Computer Science (W&I) and Technology Management (TM) the Department of
Mathematics and Computer Science acts as the administrative host of the
program.
1.2 Department of Technology Management
Technology Management encompasses all activities that are needed to
achieve the maximum yield from technological developments in a socially
responsible manner. This is the only way to ensure that technological
developments are cost-effective in the long term.
Technology Management has two sides to it. On the one hand, it is
concerned with organizing technical product chains for products or
services, both within companies and other organizations, and within the
networks of those organizations. It is not only production and
distribution that play a role here, but aspects such as marketing,
design and innovation, purchasing, storage, sales, maintenance and
service. On the other hand, `technology management’ means that from the
beginning of the development and production processes we can take into
account the risks for the environment and our living conditions, the
long-term consequences for society, and the perception and needs of
consumers, both in the western world and in developing countries.
Policies can be developed on a regional, national and international
level based on our expectations about the acceptance of technology.
Important topics in education and research at the Technology Management
department are:
 operations management and logistics,
 integral quality control,
 chain management and network control,
 innovation management policy,
 human-system-interaction,
 information and communication technology,

internationalization,
technology for sustainable development.
The Technology Management department offers two Bachelor study
programs, six Master study programs, three certificate programs and two
postgraduate programs.

3
The Bachelor programs are:
 Industrial Engineering and Management Science,
 Technology and Society.
The Master programs are:
 Operations Management and Logistics,
 Innovation Management,
 Technology and Policy,
 Human-Technology Interaction,
 Sustainable Energy Technology,
 Business Information Systems.
2. Academic Administration
2.1 Academic administration of the departments
The structure of the academic organization is based on the Academic
Administration Structure Modernization Act (MUB), as implemented in the
academic year 1997-1998. A student may contribute to the improvement of
the academic organization as a member or advisor on the Department
Board, the Study-program Committee or the Department Council.
Participation in these organizations offers special privileges, such as
facilities for oral instead of written exams or extra opportunities for
taking examinations outside regular scheduling.
Important
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
 The
persons and organizations:
Executive Board (College van Bestuur, CvB);
Department Board (Faculteitsbestuur);
Study-program Director (Opleidingsdirecteur);
Study-program Committee (Opleidingscommissie);
Exam Committee (Examencommissie);
Department Council (Faculteitsraad);
Division and Professors (Capaciteitsgroep en Hoogleraren);
Division Board (Capaciteitsgroepsbestuur);
Department Office (Faculteitsbureau);
Student Council (Studentenraad);
University Council (Universiteitsraad);
Education Office (Onderwijsbureau).
2.1.1 Executive Board
The Executive Board (CvB) is the highest management body of the
university and is responsible for strategic policy.
The Executive Board is accountable to the Supervisory Board, which
examines the outlines. The Executive Board draws up the management and
administration regulations that direct management and administration,
and organize the university. This Board is also responsible for the
institutional plan and budget.
 Chairperson: ing. A.H. Lundqvist.
 Rector Magnificus: prof.dr.ir. C.J. van Duijn.
 Member: vacancy.
 University Secretary: ir. H.P.J.M. Roumen.
4
2.1.2 Department Boards
The Department Board appoints a study-program director for each Master
program. The study-program director is mandated to develop, organize
and implement the Master program. Although some authority is delegated
to the study-program director, the Department Board retains final
responsibility for each graduate program. This means that the studyprogram director must report to the Department Board. The Department
Board establishes the education and examination regulations (OER) and
the program budget and oversees the implementation of the Master
program. The Department Board is comprised of three members. Other
attendees to the board meetings are the division chairs, the planning
advisors, and the department secretary.
The current members of the Board of the Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science are:
Dean: prof.dr. K.M. van Hee.
Vice-dean: prof.dr. A.M. Cohen.
Managing director: vacancy.
The current members of the Board of the Department of Technology
Management are:
Dean: prof.dr. S.W. Douma.
Managing director: Ir. M.J.M. Verbruggen.
Member: prof.dr. G.M. Duijsters.
2.1.3 Study-program Director
Every year the study-program director outlines in the OER the academic
program and policies, including the program structure and curriculum.
He develops the program curriculum in close consultation with the
teaching staff. The Study-program Committee advises the study-program
director on long-term strategies and policies on academic principles
and goals and on the exit qualifications of the Master degree. The
study-program director is in charge of the development and
implementation of a quality management system. The Study-program
Committee advises the study-program director on his curriculum and
quality plans. In addition, the study-program director advises the
Division Boards on the academic program. Whenever necessary, he also
advises the Division Boards on quality improvement and performance of
the academic staff.
The study-program director relies on the Department Office for
administrative and managerial support. The Department Office also
advises the study-program director on academic issues.
The study-program director for BIS is prof.dr.ir. G.J.P.M. Houben.
2.1.4 Study-program Committee
The tasks of the Study-program Committee are:
 to advise the study-program director and the Department Board on
issues relating to the OER;
 to annually evaluate the implementation of the OER;
 and to advise on all issues relevant to the academic program.
2.1.5 Exam Committee
The Department Boards appoint faculty members to sit on the Exam
Committee. The Exam Committee is responsible for the organization and
coordination of exams and all ensuing activities. The Exam Committee
5
appoints all examiners in accordance with the Higher Education and
Research Act, article 7.12 (WHW art. 7.12).
The Exam Committee establishes exam rules of conduct applicable to both
students and examiners. These rules and regulations on proper behavior
also stipulate disciplinary measurements and sanctions in case of
violation.
2.1.6 Department Council
The Department Council is an important link in the decision making
process. The Department Council exercises advisory and approval rights
on issues concerning the responsibility areas of the Department Board.
The Department Board must obtain the aforementioned approval on all
decisions concerning adaptation or other amendments to the department
regulations and the OER. The Department Council is comprised of 5 staff
members and 5 elected student members.
2.1.7 Computer Science Division and professors
The general tasks of the Computer Science division are to contribute
to:
 the preparation and implementation of the educational and exam
programs;
 the research programs;
 the interdepartmental and inter-university education and research
programs.
In addition, the CS Division Board aims to come to agreement with the
study-program director on issues of quantity and quality of academic
staff.
The tasks of the professors are:
 to develop their assigned research areas;
 to advise the study-program director on the contents of the
educational program.
2.1.7.1 CS Division organization
The Computer Science Division is organized in 4 sections, each
comprising 2 areas of expertise or groups. All permanent personnel are
listed below by section and by group.
Division secretary:
M.M.W.G. van den Bosch-Zaat, telephone number (040)(247) 5010.
Section: Information Systems (IS)
Databases & Hypermedia (DH) Group:
Full professor: prof.dr. P.M.E. De Bra.
Part-time professors: prof.dr. J. Paredaens, prof.dr. L. Hardman.
Assistant and associate professors: dr. A.T.M. Aerts, dr. L.M. Aroyo.
Technical staff: drs. W.J.M. Lemmens.
DH Group secretary:
M.A. van Buul, telephone number (040)(247) 2733.
Architecture of Information Systems Group (AIS)
Full professor: prof.dr.ir. W.M.P. van der Aalst, prof.dr. K.M. van
Hee.
6
Assistant and associate professors: dr. J. Broekstra, dr.ir. G.J.P.M.
Houben, ir. W.F. Rietveld, dr. N. Sidorova, dr. L.J.A.M. Somers, dr. M.
Voorhoeve, dr. J.C.S.P. van der Woude.
Technical staff: dr.ir. E. Verbeek.
AIS Group secretary:
M.A. van Buul, telephone number (040)(247) 2733.
Section: Software Technology (ST)
Formal Methods (FM) Group
Full professor: prof.dr. J.C.M. Baeten.
Part-time professor: prof.dr. B.P.F. Jacobs, prof.dr.ir. C.A.
Middelburg.
Assistant and associate professors: dr. R. Kuiper, dr. S.P. Luttik, dr.
S. Mauw, dr. R.P. Nederpelt, dr. S.M. Orzan, dr. E.P. de Vink, ir.
H.T.G. Weffers eng.
Technical staff: dr. E.J. Luit.
FM Group secretary:
S.M.H.J. Joosten, telephone number (040)(247) 5155.
Software Engineering and Technology (SET) Group
Full professor: prof.dr. M.G.J. van den Brand.
Assistant and associate professors: dr.ir. M.G.J. Franssen, drs. H.P.J.
van Geldrop-van Eijk, dr.ir. C. Hemerik, dr.ir. T. Verhoeff, dr.ir. G.
Zwaan.
Technical staff: ir. E.T.J. Scheffers.
SET Group secretary:
J.E. Driever, telephone number (040)(247) 5145.
Section: Systems Engineering (SE)
System Architecture and Networking (SAN) Group
Part-time professors: prof.dr. E.H.L. Aarts, prof.dr.ir. C.H. van
Berkel, prof.dr. P.A.J. Hilbers.
Assistant and associate professors: dr.ir. R.J. Bril, dr. M.R.V.
Chaudron, dr. J.J. Lukkien, drs. R.H. Mak, dr.ir. I. Radovanovic, dr.
P.D.V. van der Stok, dr. J.P. Veltkamp.
Technical staff: dr.ir. P.H.F.M. Verhoeven.
SAN Group secretary:
C.M.M. Brouwer-van der Most, telephone number (040)(247) 8309.
Systems Design and Analysis (OAS)
Full professor: prof.dr.ir. J.F. Groote.
Assistant and associate professors: dr.ir. R.R. Hoogerwoord, dr. M.R.
Mousavi, dr. J.C. van de Pol, dr.ir. M.A. Reniers, dr. J.M.T. Romijn,
dr.ir. J.W. Wesselink, dr. H. Zantema.
Technical staff: dr.ir. J.W. Wesselink.
OAS Group secretary:
M.M.W.G. van den Bosch-Zaat, telephone number (040)(247) 5010.
Section: Computational Engineering (CE)
Visualization (VIS) Group
Full professor: prof.dr.ir. J.J. van Wijk.
Assistant and associate professors: dr.ir. I. Barosan, dr. C. Huizing,
dr.ir. R. van Liere, dr. A.C. Telea, dr.ir. H.M.M. van de Wetering.
Technical staff: E. Melby.
7
VIS Group secretary:
M.M.W.G. van den Bosch-Zaat, telephone number (040)(247) 5010.
Algorithms (ALG) Group
Full professor: prof.dr. M.T. de Berg.
Part-time professor: prof.dr. K.I. Aardal.
Assistant and associate professors: dr. H.J. Haverkort, dr. B.
Speckmann.
ALG Group secretary:
S.M.H.J. Joosten, telephone number (040)(247) 5155.
2.1.7.2 CS Division Board
The following sit on the CS Division Board:
Prof.dr. ir. J.J. van Wijk (chairperson), dr. I. Radovanovic and dr.
E.P. de Vink.
The following also attend the Division Board meetings:
M.M.W.G. van den Bosch-Zaat (division secretary), prof.dr. ir. J.F.
Groote (study-program director) and dr. D.M. de Haan (policy advisor).
2.1.8 Technology Management sub-departments involved in BIS
Here are the sub-departments of Technology Management most involved in
BIS.
Information Systems (TM-IS)
The Information Systems sub-department (TM-IS), formerly known as the
Information and Technology sub-department, operates in a domain that is
subject to constant and rapid change. Both the technology and its
applications change at a high pace. As the law of Moore indicates:
every 18 months the capacity of a computer system doubles. This
triggers new types of applications. Moreover, today's organizations are
increasingly aware of the impact and possibilities of information
technology. These rapid changes challenge IS to provide students with
fundamental knowledge of information systems and their applications.
The research mission of the Information Systems sub-department is to
advance scientific knowledge of enterprise modeling and ICT
architectures in order to improve the development and use of
information systems.
Telephone number: (040)(247) 2290.
Operations Planning, Accounting, and Control (TM-OPAC)
The activities of the Department of Operations, Planning, Accounting,
and Control (OPAC) are in the area of research, education and knowledge
transfer of Operations Management. Operations Management is a very wide
area of interest. Within this area, OPAC's core competence is the
design and (re)structuring of production and logistics control
structures. The primary areas of application are: supply chain
management, engineer-to-order industries, (semi)process industries, job
shops, patient flow control in health care, design of transportation
networks, smart logistics and on-line routing.
All research of OPAC is carried out under the umbrella of the BETA
Research School for Operations Management and Logistics.
Telephone number: (040)(247) 4985.
2.1.9 Office of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Board of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
delegates day-to-day operations to the Department Office. The managing
8
director heads the Department Office, which is subdivided into 5
offices:
 Human Resource Management (HRM) Office,
 Financial Services Office,
 Computer Services Office (BCF),
 Management Support Office,
 Education Office.
The managing director of the Department Office is:
vacancy.
The following are members of the Department Office staff:
Department Secretarial Services:
Head: H.D.B.M. van Asperen.
Secretarial assistant: P.C.J. Gudden-van den Boomen, telephone number
(040)(247) 2750.
Administration: J.G.A. Brandts-Steenbergen.
General and janitorial services: J.W. Schellekens.
HRM Office:
Head: drs. J.G. Pruppers.
Staff: A. Boekema, M.A.A. van Gerven, E.F. Schmid.
Financial Services Office:
Head: M.C.H. Hoff b.a.
Staff: Y.H. Borg-Soedira, F.H. Keller b.a., C.W.G.M. Touw-Wilms.
Computer Services Office:
Head: ir. M. van der Woude.
Staff: R.L.M. Beckers, S. Hoop, V.B. Huijgen, J.P.H. Hunnekens, K.F.T.
Matheusen.
Management Support Office:
Policy advisor Mathematics: ir. H.J.M. Wijers.
Policy advisor Computer Science: dr. D.M. de Haan.
Education Office:
Head: dr. E.F. Kaasschieter.
Student Administration:
Staff: H.M.M.P. van Keulen, S. Garrido, W.T.A. Linders, M.B. Ruijs,
M.J.C.P. de Wit-van Geenen.
Academic advisor: dr. C.J. Bloo.
Secretarial services: M. Heruêr (CS), C. Welten-Verhulst (Math).
Educationalist: dr.drs. J. C. Perrenet.
Public Relations:
Mathematics: J.M.F. Horvath-Notten
Computer Science: drs. D.W.T. Meijers
2.1.9 Student Council of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Student Council’s (SR) main goal is to help solve problems in the
educational process. These problems may have to do with exams,
timetables or teachers, but the SR also mediates in cases where
individual students encounter problems. Students with questions or
complaints can contact the SR via:
9

meetings that are scheduled on Mondays from 12:45 to 13:15 in
room HG 5.95;
 the online forum at www.studentenraad.org;
 or via an e-mail to: [email protected].
In addition, the SR forms a link between the students and the faculty,
the university as a whole, and other organizations.
Furthermore, the SR considers ways to improve the education program and
department administration.
Finally, the SR attempts to stimulate communication between members of
the Education Councils (OCW and OCI), the Department Council (FR), the
University Council (UR) and the Student Advisory Body (SAO).
2.2 Facilities
2.2.1 Buildings
Regulations on access to university buildings are described in the
departmental chapter of the student statutes. Regulations on the use of
computer rooms are outlined on the website at
www.win.tue.nl/reglementen. For oral English explanation of these
regulations, contact the Computer Services Office in room HG 8.73,
telephone number (040)(247) 2802 or e-mail [email protected].
2.2.2 Lecture rooms, halls and other instruction facilities
Lecture rooms and halls are managed at institutional level by W.M.
Timmermans, Auditorium 2.08, telephone number (040)(247) 2645. The
locations of relevant study facilities are listed below:
HG 8.61 is furnished as an instruction room; when it is not used for
courses, it is available as a study room with laptop connection
facilities.
Reservations of the meeting and instruction rooms HG 5.95, 6.01, 6.05,
6.05a, 6.29, 8.40 and 8.61 can be arranged through the department
secretary, telephone number (040)(247) 2750/5630.
2.2.3 Library services
Library services are provided for all department employees and
students. The library collection reflects the departmental scientific
specialization in research and education. Opening times are Monday
through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. The department library is located in
room HG 6.47. Students also have free access to the central library and
all other departmental libraries. For further information, please
consult the student statute.
Literature search:
In addition to its own search catalogue VUBIS, the library also offers
online bibliographical searching facilities.
Inquiries:
For further information, please contact the department librarian ir.
E.J.M. Jacobs. Other library staff members, M.G.J.M. Vringer en J.M.
van den Broeke, can be reached at telephone number (040)(247) 2766 or
e-mail [email protected].
Additional information on the library of the TU/e, circulating
regulations etc. can be found at the web pages of the library:
www.tue.nl/bib.
2.2.4 Sale of study materials
10
Study material can be bought at the (lecture) notes warehouse
subdivision Notes Sale (“Dictatenverkoop”). Daily opening hours are
from 9:00 to 15:00. The warehouse is closed during introduction week.
Inquiries can be made at: HG -1.61, telephone number (040)(247) 2446.
2.2.5 Computer Services Office
The tasks of the Computer Service Office (BCF) are:
 to provide computer facilities;
 to provide user support;
 to administer student accounts on the student server “svstud”, a
Linux-server for the students of the department;
 and to manage the use of computer rooms HG 8.61, 8.63 and 5.48.
Details on the regulations on the use of the computer facilities can be
accessed at www.win.tue.nl/reglementen. For problems with student email accounts, please contact the ICT Information and Service Desk at
LG 1.94, telephone number (040)(247) 4649. The Notebooks Help Desk is
located at HG 8.86, telephone number (040)(247) 2979. The BCF Help Desk
is located in room HG 8.73. The opening hours of the BCF Help Desk are
Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. Telephone number (040)(247)
2802, e-mail: [email protected], www.win.tue.nl/bcf.
2.3 Information resources
Current information on program changes, changes in the course
schedules, practical courses, exams and other important matters is
available as listed below:
Printed information:
 The Master program guide is available upon request by mail or at
the desk at the Student Administration office and digitally on
the website.
 Exam schedules are available through the Student Administration
(HG 6.33).
 The university paper, Cursor, contains an English language
supplement and is distributed throughout the university.
 The OER is printed in Chapter 6.
 The Examination requirements pertaining to the OER are also
printed in Chapter 6.
Personal contact:
 International student affairs:
International Office in room HG 0.72, telephone number (040)(247)
8015 or e-mail [email protected].
 International students coordinator: W.T.A. Linders in room HG
6.31, telephone number (040)(247) 5160 or e-mail
[email protected].
 The master student advisor: dr. J.C.S.P. van der Woude,
consulting-hours at Monday from 17:00 to 18:00, and at Wednesday
from 11:45 to 13:15.
 Student Administration in room HG 6.33 (inquiries desk) or at
telephone number (040)(247) 2379, for general information and
inquiries about study arrangements, regulations, schedules and
calendars and study results. The opening times of the inquiries
desk are for students from 11:00 to 13:00, and from 14:00 to
15:00.
11

The department secretary in room HG 6.19 or at telephone number
(040)(247) 2750.
 The Student Service Center is in room HG 0.72 or at telephone
number (040)(247) 8015 for general information and inquiries
about financial aid, student assistantships, admissions,
university passes, exam regulations etc.
Several sources of information are available:
 The website at w3.tue.nl provides general TU/e information;
 Information about the department, academic counseling, social
events and activities, etc. can be found at w3.win.tue.nl;
 This Master program guide:
o Description of the program and the academic support
facilities;
o Description of the procedures and temporary provisions
applicable to the education program.
 The electronic course catalogue:
This catalog can be accessed on the Internet at owinfo.tue.nl and
contains current course information.
The BIS program is jointly offered by the Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science, and the Department of Technology Management. For
organizational purposes, some administrative services and procedures
are carried out from the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.
General information about the BIS programs can be accessed at
w3.tue.nl/en/services/csc/study_information/masters_programs/business_i
nformation_systems.
3. General Course and Program Information
This chapter provides information about the structure and
organizational aspects of the Master program. Computer Science and
Technology Management offer several Master programs, all with some
aspects in common. The focus of this chapter is on these commonalties.
3.1 Master programs
3.1.1 Computer Science
Four Master programs are offered. Two of these are offered as
specializations within the Master program CSE in anticipation of an
independent status as full Master programs in the near future:
 Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). This Master program has
two “special” specializations:
o Embedded Systems (ES), an interdisciplinary variant in
cooperation with the Department of Electrical Engineering;
o Information Security Technology (IST), an interdisciplinary
variant in cooperation with the Mathematics Division, the
Radboud University in Nijmegen and the University Twente.
 Business Information Systems (BIS), a interdisciplinary Master
program in cooperation with the department of Technology
Management (TM).
A Master program in Computer Science Education will start in 2006-2007.
Contact dr.ir. M.L.P. van Lierop ([email protected]) for the status of
this program.
The Master program Business Information Systems and its translation
into details of substance will be discussed in the next chapter.
12
3.1.2 Technology Management
Two Master programs are in the field of Industrial Engineering and
Management Science (Department of Technology Management).
Both Master study programs can be regarded as two-year specializations
within the field of Industrial Engineering and Management Science. In
addition to the general programs of approximately one year, there is
also an optional part and a comprehensive graduation assignment, where
the student can choose to specialize in a certain direction.
Operations Management
This Master program deals with the setting up and controlling of
operational business processes. Examples of this sort of process are
production processes, distribution processes and purchasing processes,
but also administrative and healthcare processes. The program looks at
how these processes should run in order to deliver a high level of
quality and meet the delivery time agreed with the customer, with the
lowest possible costs. The processes first need to be studied from
various viewpoints, such as that of logistics, quality control,
required IT support, business economics and organizational psychology.
The emphasis in this Master program is on improving these processes; in
other words, their design or redesign.
Innovation Management
This Master program concentrates on the setting up and managing of
innovation processes. These are mainly processes whose goal is to
improve the products (or services) or to improve the operational
processes, for example via a step-by-step improvement or by a radical
change. The innovation processes central to this Master program are the
innovation processes with a strong technological and knowledgeintensive component. The program is supported by knowledge from the
fields of organizational psychology, innovation sciences, marketing and
quality improvement. Both the innovation processes within and between
organizations (networks) are examined. The engineer will be able to
apply this knowledge in a wide range of organizations in both the
profit-making and non-profit-making sectors.
3.2 Goals
At the end of his academic studies, the Master student will have
developed:
 An academic attitude through:
o independent knowledge acquisition,
o critical bearing and perception,
o originality in research and responsible reporting thereof,
o methodical approach.
 An engineering attitude through:
o design skills,
o application directedness and multi-disciplinarity,
o presentation and documentation skills,
o insight into the industrial and managerial context of the
field,
o mathematical flavor with emphasis on correctness,
dependability and the use of formal methods in design and
construction.
 The special cultural education of the computer scientist through:
13
o
knowledge and skills specific for computer science:
formalisms, methods, tools and their mutual dependencies,
o knowledge of application areas,
o mastery of large and complex systems based on the knowledge
of the constituent parts,
o emphasis on general applicative knowledge, insights,
methods and principles, that are considered more important
than encyclopedic factual knowledge and applicationdependent or time-related aspects.
Engineers, or Masters, who complete one of the Master programs will be
technical academics with a high level of abstraction and extensive
technical knowledge and highly developed capabilities for analysis,
synthesis and design.
3.3 Structure of the Master programs
The program comprises two years of study or 120 credit points (ects); a
credit point is equivalent to 28 hours of study and homework. The two
years of course work and practical training are divided into three
parts, consisting of:
1. Mandatory core courses: approximately 60 credit points, to create
a sufficient layer of theory and general or program related
knowledge.
2. Elective courses: approximately 30 credit points. This elective
part allows the student to choose an individual preparation for
the final project. Students with a slightly different background
may need to some electives to compensate for deficiencies.
3. Master project and thesis: 30 credit points or, approximately, 6
months to be spent on a specialist topic of theoretical or
practical nature. This part presents the opportunity to show your
independent engineering and academic skills in research and
design.
3.4 Examination and titles
There is only one examination at the end of the program. It consists of
final course results and the final master project grade. Completion of
the program will lead to the title: Master of Science (MSc) with
addition of the name of the program. Graduates are also entitled to use
the Dutch title of ingenieur (ir).
3.5 Admissions
General and specific Master program requirements are applicable to
admissions. The specific requirements may be higher in terms of
knowledge prerequisites, but may also provide more possibilities for
entry for students from other related areas of specialization.
3.5.1 General admissions requirements
To be eligible for admission to the BIS program, you need a Bachelor of
Science degree comparable to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer
Science or in Industrial Engineering and Management. This degree must
be of an equivalent academic level and approximate scientific content
as the corresponding Dutch BSc degrees. In addition, sufficient
proficiency in the English language is necessary.
14
3.5.2 Admissions with deficiencies
For students from other universities, a limited number of the electives
may be used to eliminate deficiencies. Arrangements must be made in
advance in conjunction with the program director, the admissions
committee and the exam committee.
3.5.3 Dutch students
In general, students with a Dutch university BSc degree in Computer
Science or in Industrial Engineering and Management are admissible to
the program without prior clearing from the admissions committee.
3.5.4 Foreign students
The applications of students with a foreign university BSc degree in
Computer Science or in Industrial Engineering and Management will be
evaluated by the admissions committee, taking into account both the
academic level of the degree and the subjects studied by the applicant.
In some special cases, relevant work experience may also be considered.
The level of the degree is determined by the NUFFIC (www.nuffic.nl).
3.5.5 Admissions procedure
The procedure to be followed depends on your particular situation.
Detailed information on the application procedure can be found on the
site of the Student Service Centre of the TU/e,
w3.tue.nl/en/services/csc/study_information/studying_at_tue/admission.
Foreign students must be aware that the admissions procedure, including
visa application and other formalities, may take a while.
3.5.6 The pre-master program for polytechnic graduates
Students who have completed a polytechnic program of computer science
are eligible to participate in the pre-master program. Completion of
the pre-master program gives access to the master program in Business
Information Systems.
Students who have completed another polytechnic program, but do wish to
do the pre-master program that gives admission to the BIS master
program, are individually assessed by the admission committee of the
master program. This assessment results in an individual decision of
the admission committee concerning admission to the pre-master program,
or that the individual in question must complete an adapted pre-master
program, or that the individual involved is not eligible to do the premaster program.
The pre-master program that a student with a completed polytechnic
program of computer science has to follow consists of the following
units that all have written interim examinations:
Block
A
A
B
B-C
B-C
C-D
C-D
C-D
Code
2IJ05
2IJ15
2IJ55
2IJ35
2IJ45
2DI50
2IJ25
2IJ65
Subject
Logic and sets
Specification
Automation and processes
Programming - proofs
Programming – construction
Probability theory
Algebra
Modeling
Credits
4
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
15
Those taking the pre-master program for polytechnic graduates may be
given permission to take part in some of the units of the master
program.
Those taking an adapted or individually composed pre-master program in
the bachelor program may be given permission to take part in some of
the units of the master program, or may be allowed to follow altered or
entirely different units from the master program.
The students that wish to take units from the master program must
submit a request to this effect to the TU/e as a contracting party. If
the request is granted, then the units permitted from the master
program will be determined. At the same time, the period of enrolment
is set; this may be a maximum of one year on the condition that it is
not longer than the enrolment of the student in the bachelor program.
The units that a contracting party may take are the following:
Block
A-B
A-C
E-F
E-F
E-F
Code
2II20
1BM10
2ID20
2II30
2II50
Subject
Web information systems
Electronic business architectures and systems
Information retrieval
Process modeling
IT-governance
Credits
4
5
4
4
4
The contracting party may supplement the above programs with electives
after approval from the Examination Committee up to a maximum of 40
credit points. In addition, the contracting party may request the
Examination Committee to replace one or more subjects from the above
schemes with electives.
Those taking the pre-master program for polytechnic graduates are
required to include Computer science 6 (2IJ60) as homologation unit in
the elective part of the master program.
4. Master Program Specifics
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Department
of Technology Management play an active role in the development of new,
innovative and application-oriented technology. The cooperation between
the Information Systems section within Computer Science and the
Information Systems section within Technology Management is long
established and fruitful. The MSc program in Business Information
Systems (BIS) at TU/e is illustrative of these cooperative efforts.
The program rests on a sound theoretical foundation, with emphasis on
the design and application of quality business information systems and
technology for information systems. As a graduate of this program, you
will have developed a scientific attitude and a model-driven,
engineering approach to the field. You are trained in the use of formal
models allowing for specification analysis. Your area of expertise will
be the development of business information systems from a business
perspective. You will be able to play a leading role in the development
and application of business information systems in various sections of
society (profit and non-profit).
4.1 Curriculum
16
The curriculum consists of computer science courses and courses in
industrial engineering and management. Below the curriculum is
displayed.
Block
A-B
A-B
A-C
A-C
A-C
A-C
A-C
C-D
D-E
D-F
D-F
E-F
E-F
E-F
Code
2II10
2II20
1BM05
1BM10
1BM20
1CM10
1CM50
2ID00
1CM45
1CM05
1CM25
2ID10
2II30
2II50
2IM91
Program unit
Software architecting
Web information systems
Business process management
Electronic business architectures and systems
Software requirements management: quality and functionality
Modeling and analysis of manufacturing systems *
Fundamentals of logistics
Database models
Business economics and management accounting
Design of operation planning and control systems
Supply chain operations systems *
Information retrieval
Process modeling
IT -governance
Master project **
Electives
Credits
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
4
4
5
5
4
4
4
30
31
*) At least one of the courses 1CM10 and 1CM25 must be chosen.
**) In case the master project is done within the Technology Management Department the code is
1BM91.
The electives allow room for each student, based on his individual
preferences, to choose subjects in his area of interest. Students are
free to choose from the available list of the electives in 4.3 upon
approval in advance from the director and the exam committee. For other
electives, the student should obtain permission in advance from the
director and the exam committee, who will judge whether the subject
fits the goals of the program and fits within the entire set of
subjects for this student.
4.2 Master project
The final project consists of 30 credit points and is scheduled at the
end of the program as one single project. The knowledge and experience,
which were acquired in the first part of the program, are applied in an
individual setting in order to develop to the necessary level to
function as an academic professional in the field of Business
Information Systems.
4.3 Electives
In this section a collection of courses at MSc-level is outlined. Items
on this list can be selected as electives towards degree completion for
all master specializations. It is not necessary to request approval to
the Examinations Committee in advance.
Block
A-B
A-B
A-B
Code
2DI40
2IF01
2IF30
Program unit
The Linux operating system
Process algebra
Information security
Credits
4
4
4
17
A-B
2II20
A-B
2II40
A-B
2IL00
A-B
2IL90
A-B
2IN30
A-B
2IS90
A-B
2IV50
A-B
2IW10
A-B
2IW40
A-B
2IW50
A-B
2R880
A-C
1BM15
A-C
1BM25
A-C
1BM60
A-C
1CM15
C
2IV30
C-D
2ID20
C-D
2IF40
C-D
2IF50
C-D
2IL40
C-D
2IN40
C-D
2IN50
C-D
2IW20
C-F
2R696
D-F
1BM30
D-F
1BM40
D-F
1BM45
D-F
1BM55
E-F
2DI30
E-F
2ID30
E-F
2IL20
E-F
2IN20
E-F
2IN90
E-F
2IS20
E-F
2IV00
E-F
2IW30
E-F
2R890
Capita selecta
2IF90
2II90
2IV90
2IW90
Web information systems
Intelligent systems
I/O efficient algorithms
Capita selecta algorithms
VLSI programming
Capita selecta software engineering and technology
Interactive virtual environments
Programming and modal logic
Programming by calculation
Algorithms for model checking
Automated reasoning
Executable models (of logistic processes)
Software management experience
Product data management
Project and process management
Visualization
Adaptive hypermedia
Proving with computer assistance
Language and structure of mathematics
Advanced algorithms
Heuristic search
Parallel computations and applications
Requirement analysis, design and verification
Software project management
Agent-oriented architectures and applications
ICT architectures
Process mining
Enterprise information systems
Performance modelling
Database technology
Geometric algorithms
Real-time architectures
Capita selecta software architecture and networking
Software construction
Additional component computer graphics
Software testing
Verification of security protocols
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
3
3
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
3
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Capita selecta formal methods
Capita selecta information systems
Capita selecta visualization
Capita selecta design and analysis of systems
4
4
4
4
Other electives may be chosen provided that they are approved by the
Examinations Committee en advance. Please consult the master student
advisor.
4.4 Planning
The Master program is a short program. In only two years, you must meet
several conditions and obligations. An advance planning may help to
meet them in time, so that the study is not unnecessarily prolonged.
A reverse inventory gives the best view on the schedule to be kept. The
master project is done approximately in the last six months of the
18
study (it represents 30 credit points, which is the equivalent of half
of an academic year). During that period, you should be able to spend
full-time and concentrate on your project. In practice, however, it
turns out to be rather difficult to plan curricular activities and,
especially, their success. Therefore, we leave room for courses of in
total at most eight credits to be finished during the master project
period. Be aware that you are not allowed to finish your project before
all your courses are completed.
The start of your master project is marked by submitting a completed
form containing the necessary information on the project (name, place,
period, supervisor, company and so on) and stating the fact that you
have completed your curricular part of the program (except for at most
two courses). The form must be signed by you, your supervisor, the head
of the relevant area of expertise and the master student advisor. Prior
to this step, you need:
 an approved program. The exam committee must approve your program
consisting of the mandatory courses and your choice of the
electives. In order to obtain this approval you construct a
program, possibly with the help of the master student advisor,
have it signed by yourself and the supervisor of your choice and
hand it in at the student administration office (HG 6.33).
 a supervisor. After a while you will probably have a clear
picture of the academic direction you want to pursue in your
studies. If not, you may want to talk to several staff members,
along with dr. A.T.M. Aerts (HG 7.85, (040)(247) 2759) of the
Information Systems section at the Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science, or with dr. J.B.M. Goossenaerts (Pav D.12,
(040)(247) 2062) of the Information Systems sub-department of the
Department of Technology Management. In the area of expertise for
your subject, there are people that you may want to be involved
with as you complete the master project. You should discuss and
try to reach agreement with these people on the prerequisites and
the curricular program that is needed to fruitfully complete the
project.
5. Teaching staff and groups
In this chapter, you can read about the teaching staff in the Computer
Science and Technology Management divisions that are closely involved
in the BIS education.
5.1 Specialization Profile: Computational Engineering (CE)
The areas of expertise of the Computational Engineering specialization
are as follows:
 Algorithms (ALG),
 Visualization (VIS).
These two closely linked areas cooperate intensely with one another.
These two areas are closely related – efficient algorithms are often
needed to speed up the visualization process – and therefore the groups
try to cooperate where possible. It is also rather easy to switch
between these two areas of expertise.
5.1.1 Algorithms
Contact person: Prof.dr. M.T. de Berg
19
www: www.win.tue.nl/algo
The creation, storage, analysis and manipulation of spatial data plays
a central role in robotics, computer graphics, geographical information
systems, and other areas of computer science. In all these areas, there
are many challenging algorithmic questions. For example, a typical
problem in robotics is to compute efficient routes for a robot moving
through a factory building while avoiding all obstacles in its way. A
typical problem in geographic information systems could be to find a
good location of a new airfield, say the location such that the region
in a 20-mile radius around it is the least populated. Such problems
form the focus of this area of expertise: we study techniques and
concepts for the design and analysis of efficient algorithms and data
structures, with emphasis on algorithms for spatial data. Typical
master projects are either experimental or theoretical in nature,
depending on the interests of the student.
Core courses for the ALG area of expertise are:
 I/O efficient algorithms (2IL00),
 Advanced algorithms (2IL40),
 Geometric algorithms (2IL20),
 Capita selecta algorithms (2IL90).
Other relevant courses:
 Intelligent systems (2II40),
 Linear and integer optimization (2IL30),
 Heuristic search (2IN40),
 Additional component computer graphics (2IV00),
 Visualization (2IV10),
 Approximation algorithms for TI (2P650).
5.1.2 Visualization
Contact person: dr. ir. H. van de Wetering
www: www.win.tue.nl/vis
The focus of this area of expertise is on the development of new
methods and techniques for interactive visualization in order to
analyze and manipulate large datasets. This diverse subject studies the
application of technology to visualize abstract data, such as tree
structures, networks and multivariate data, in fields such as DNA
analysis and software engineering. In addition, research attention is
paid to the visualization of continuous data, such as flow and medical
applications. Other frequently researched subjects are the use of
texture and the extraction of characteristics and 3D interaction and
presentation. The Personal Space System, a desktop virtual reality
application, is now being developed in a joint venture with the
National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI).
The goals of this project are to develop methods for calibration, input
- including 2D/3D combination input - and pattern matching and to build
and evaluate applications.
Core courses for the VIS area of expertise are:
 Geometric algorithms (2IL20),
 Additional component computer graphics (2IV00),
 Visualization (2IV10),
 Interactive virtual environments (2IV50),
20

Other




Capita selecta visualization (2IV90).
relevant courses:
Intelligent systems (2II40),
I/O efficient algorithms (2IL00),
Heuristic search (2IN40),
Mathematical techniques for image analysis (8D020).
5.2 Specialization Profile: Information Systems (IS)
The areas of expertise of the specialization profile Computational
Engineering are as follows:
 Databases en Hypermedia (DH),
 Architecture of Information Systems (AIS).
Contact person: dr. A.T.M. Aerts
5.2.1 Databases and Hypermedia
The focus of DH is on the study of basic technologies that are used to
build modern information systems -databases- to store and manage
information, and hypermedia to provide access to the information. Since
the mid-nineties, the focus is on adaptive interfaces for multimedia
information disclosure. Almost all information sources contain a wealth
of information of which only a small subset is of interest to any
particular user. Adaptation, or automatic personalization, must ensure
that each user is guided (automatically) to the information that is
relevant to him.
Adaptive Hypermedia is studied at the conceptual and the practical
level: the former is done through the study of the Adaptive Hypermedia
Application Model (AHAM), the latter through the development of the
Adaptive Hypermedia Architecture (AHA), a general-purpose web-based
adaptive hypermedia system.
5.2.2 Architecture of Information Systems
The focus of AIS is to investigate methods, techniques and tools for
the design of architectures for complex information systems based on
requirements or (a description of) an existing system.
An architecture is a collection of models that are described in such a
way that properties of these models, and thus the systems, can be
formally analyzed. The research concentrates on formalisms for modeling
and methods to analyze models. Modeling processes is one main focus,
using theory from Petri nets and process algebra. Another main focus is
on Web-based information systems, especially the architecture for the
processes of exchanging data through the Web.
Relevant courses for the IS area of expertise are:
 Database models (2ID00),
 Information retrieval (2ID10),
 Adaptive hypermedia (2ID20),
 Database technology (2ID30),
 Software architecting (2II10),
 Web information systems (2II20),
 Process modelling (2II30),
 Intelligent systems (2II40),
 IT-governance (2II50),
 Capita selecta information systems (2II90).
21
5.3 Specialization Profile: Systems Engineering (SE)
The areas of expertise of the Systems Engineering specialization are as
follows:
 Design and Analysis of Systems (OAS),
 System Architecture and Networks (SAN).
5.3.1 Design and Analysis of Systems
Contact person: prof.dr.ir. J.F. Groote
The focus of this area of expertise is on verification technology. When
engineering computer-based systems, mastering the development process
and the quality of the final product becomes very important.
The development process benefits from a well-documented trajectory
where in each phase the state of the total design is documented
precisely and adequately. This requires a mixture of informal and
formal prose, in combination with graphical techniques to make the
decisions and structure of the systems easy to comprehend. When
carefully denoting a design of existing systems, many inherent problems
are easily and inexpensively exposed. By using prose only, one can
easily avoid the task to denote a design precisely. Therefore, a formal
specification technique, in this case mCRL [www.cwi.nl/~mcrl], process
algebra extended with equational abstract data types and time, is
required.
Generally, careful design of systems is not sufficient to guarantee
that they operate according to all expectations. Especially when
systems become more complex, additional techniques are needed to
establish that the system indeed will perform its intended
functionality well. Much attention is given to analysis techniques for
designs. There are many different approaches. One can try to establish
that a design meets its specification from a higher-level design, or
one can show that a design enables a number of properties. For small
systems, a plethora of proof techniques is used, which can be employed
by hand, and which find their roots in process algebra. For larger
designs, the mCRL toolset [www.cwi.nl/~mcrl] can be used to prove
properties of much larger systems. The mCRL toolset is based on the
concept of a linear process operator and can therefore, in principle,
deal with huge systems, with the largest system currently one that
consists of 250 parallel components, for which each component requires
approximately 10 pages to be described. Unfortunately, for such large
systems, only very limited analysis capabilities (contrary to mediumsized descriptions) are available and therefore a great deal of
research attention is focused on symbolic proof techniques in a broader
sense.
Relevant courses for the OAS area of expertise are:
 Proving with computer assistance (2IF40),
 Software Architecting (2II10),
 Programming logic and modal logic (2IW10),
 Requirement analysis, design and verification (2IW20),
 Software testing (2IW30),
 Programming by calculation (2IW40),
 Algorithms for model checking (2IW50),
22


Automated reasoning (2R880),
Capita selecta design and analysis of systems (2IW90).
5.3.2 System Architecture and Networks
For inquiries, please access the website at www.win.tue.nl/san.
Contact person: drs. R.H. Mak
Imagine an electronic system that is not somehow networked with other
systems. Found one? Must be a pretty boring system then, since one of
the fascinating developments of the last years is that devices of all
forms, factors and functionality have become connected. This area of
expertise focuses on the study of parallel and distributed systems. The
emphasis is on the architecture of networked embedded systems,
including hardware and software aspects. The study aims to advance
design methodologies and the application of quantitative analyses of
real systems.
A few current points of attention are:
 home networking - embedded intelligence and intelligent
cooperation,
 embedded processor architectures,
 component-based systems - predictability of non-functional
requirements,
 large-scale parallel computing - scientific simulation.
Much of the work is done in cooperation with industry through national
and international projects. Several other divisions within TU/e
cooperate for these projects; most notably, Electrical Engineering,
Industrial Design, Bio-Medical Engineering and Chemical Technology.
Core courses for the SAN area of expertise are:
 Software architecting (2II10),
 Real-time architectures (2IN20),
 VLSI programming (2IN30),
 Heuristic search (2IN40),
 Parallel computations and applications (2IN50),
 Capita selecta software architecture and systems (2IN90).
Other relevant courses are:
 Adaptive hypermedia (2ID20),
 Information security (2IF30),
 Language and structure of mathematics (2IF50),
 Advanced algorithms (2IL40),
 Web information systems (2II20),
 Requirement analysis, design and verification (2IW20),
 Software testing (2IW30).
5.4 Specialization Profile: Software Technology (ST)
The areas of expertise of the Systems Technology specialization are as
follows:
 Software Engineering and Technology (SET),
 Formal Methods (FM).
5.4.1 Software Engineering and Technology
Contact person: dr.ir. C. Hemerik
23
The focus of this area of expertise is on using abstraction and
mathematics in the construction of computer programs, the emphasis
being on program construction (as opposed to verification).
The fundamental problem is the conflict between precision and
conciseness in the use of formal methods. Informal reasoning can be
more concise than formal reasoning, but at the expense of precision
(and thus reliability); on the other hand, formal methods can increase
precision, but often at the expense of conciseness (thus impeding
creativity). Only theories of programming in which the two are
reconciled can make a significant contribution to programmer
productivity.
The contribution that university research can offer to the practical
problem of software design is the identification of good abstractions,
and their incorporation into programming methods.
Well-established examples of such contributions are invariants, fixed
points, higher order functions and type polymorphism.
Very recent examples that have attracted much attention because of
their great potential are the work on design patterns in objectoriented programming and that on so-called “generic programming”. The
former has attracted much interest worldwide but lacks theoretical
underpinnings. The latter emanated from the Dutch STOP (Specification
and Transformation of Programs) project. In addition, typed lambda
calculi provide a unifying framework for many notions from mathematics,
logic and computer science. One viewpoint is to consider them as
logical systems with explicit proof objects, a feature which
facilitates automated construction and verification of proofs. Another
way of looking at them is as functional programming languages with a
rich type structure, which is useful in the analysis and design of
programming languages. Combining the two viewpoints leads to formal
systems in which programs, data types, specifications, theorems and
proofs are fully integrated.
Relevant courses for the SET area of expertise are:
 Software construction (2IS20),
 Programming by calculation (2IW30),
 I/O efficient algorithms (2IL00),
 Geometric algorithms (2IL20),
 Advanced algorithms (2IL40),
 Capita selecta software construction (2IS90).
5.4.2 Formal Methods
Contact person: prof.dr. J.C.M. Baeten
Research in Formal Methods is a systematic and scientific study of
issues in Computer Science, based on solid mathematical principles. The
area of Formal Methods concerns fundamental research and considers
systems and constructions used in Computer Science. These constructions
are described exactly in a formal syntax and are supplied with formal
semantics, whenever appropriate. Formal Methods increase understanding
of systems, increase clarity of description and help solve problems and
remove errors. The use of Formal Methods increases dependability and
usability of constructions and systems in Computer Science. Formal
Methods are not studied in isolation, but for practical application.
Thus, choice of research topics is inspired by the practice of Computer
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Science. To support application, existing tools are used and new tools
are developed.
Based on our expertise and the benefits expected in application, we
focus on the following specific areas:
 Process algebra,
 Theorem proving and type theory,
 Security,
 Formal methods in software development,
 Verification and testing.
Relevant courses for the FM area of expertise are:
 Process algebra (2IF01),
 Information security (2IF30),
 Proving with computer assistance (2IF40),
 Language and structure of mathematics (2IF50),
 Programming and modal logic (2IW10),
 Requirement analysis, design and verification (2IW20),
 Software testing (2IW30),
 Automated reasoning (2R880),
 Capita selecta formal methods (2IF90).
5.5 Section Profile: Information Systems (TM-IS)
The areas of expertise of the Information Systems group (TM Department)
are as follows:
 Business Process Modeling (BPM),
 ICT Architectures (ICTA),
 Software Management (SWM).
Contact person: dr. J.B.M. Goossenaerts
5.5.1 Business Process Modeling
The focus of this research group is on the modeling and analysis of
operational business processes. The goal of the resulting models is
either to gain insights in the processes to be supported or to specify
or configure information systems.
Keywords: process models, data/object models, UML, Petri nets, data
mining, performance analysis, validation, verification, simulation.
5.5.2 ICT Architectures
The focus of this research group is on architectures of ICT systems
supporting operational processes, especially in e-business application
domains. E-business is interpreted as ICT-enabled business, i.e. the
operationalization of business models in which the use of ICT is an
essential element.
Keywords: information system models and design, e-business systems,
workflow management systems, enterprise information systems,
transaction management, web services, system interoperability.
5.5.3 Software Management
The subgroup SWM focuses on the whole software development process
(from requirements to implementation) and on the interaction between
the software development process and technologies used and the
information system itself. Compared to the other two subgroups, more
emphasis is put on empirical research.
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Keywords: life-cycle models, object-orientation, software development
tools, software management, software quality.
Relevant courses for the IS area of expertise are:
 Business Process Management (1BM05),
 E-Businesss Architectures and Systems (1BM10),
 Executable Models (of Logistic Processes) (1BM15),
 Software Requirements Management (1BM20),
 Software Management Experience (1BM25),
 Agent-Oriented Architectures (1BM30),
 Evaluation of Process Standards, Languages and Systems (1BM35),
 ICT Architectures (1BM40),

Process Mining (1BM45).
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