Connecting the world of quality with computer information systems is essential for the future success of students in the workforce. At Purdue University School of Technology, the Computer Information Systems Department has utilized quality and statistics course work in their curriculum. The idea behind this collaboration is not only for the student to be an expert in the computer field, but to also fill the gap that usually exists from non-systems thinking in organizations. When reflecting about systems thinking “all events are distant in time and space, and yet they are all connected in the same pattern. Each has an influence on the rest, an influence that is usually hidden from view.” (Senge, pg. 6-7) In order to fill this void, the course work focuses on systems thinking: which encompasses variation, customer focus, continuous improvement, communication, team work, etc. Once the students understand the concept of systems thinking they are better able to connect the dots and see the organization in its entirety and contribute to the optimization of the whole.
