IS-130 Alicia Iriberri
This is My Reflection on IS-130 at Fresno State: Throughout this course, I was able to develop a much stronger understanding of how information systems support modern business operations, decision-making, and long-term strategy. Looking back, I’m proud of how consistently I engaged with the material—from the SmartBooks, to the hands-on Excel and Power BI activities, to the case studies and exams. Each part of the class pushed me to grow in a different way, and together they helped me build a solid foundation in IT and business analytics.
Projects & Hands-On Work
The hands-on projects were truly the heart of my learning. I completed a wide range of assignments, including Excel decision-support activities, OLAP and Pivot Table analyses, and interactive Power BI dashboards. These projects helped me practice turning raw data into insights—something that is incredibly valuable in international business. I also completed several case studies on topics such as digital transformation, business processes, artificial intelligence, analytics at UPS, IoT systems, and blockchain. Working through these cases helped me connect the technology concepts to real companies and real strategic decisions. It was exciting to see how digital tools shape everything from supply chains to customer experience.
My Exams
The exams were challenging, but they helped reinforce what I learned through the weekly work. I found that my best study strategy was to repeatedly work through the SmartBook chapters and focus heavily on the keywords in the textbook. Repetition—especially going back through SmartBooks multiple times—really strengthened my understanding of the main ideas. While I didn’t earn perfect scores on all the exams, I felt myself improving in how I approached questions, broke down scenarios, and applied the concepts. SmartBooks & Weekly Modules I completed every SmartBook assignment on time and often early. This consistency helped me stay ahead of the material and really understand each chapter before moving on. The SmartBooks made it easier to master the vocabulary, diagrams, and definitions that showed up in later cases and tests. They also helped me connect topics across modules, from digital ecosystems to enterprise applications.
Overall
Overall, this class gave me a deeper appreciation for how technology, data, and business strategy connect. I learned practical skills—like working with Excel, OLAP, and Power BI and gained insight into major trends shaping today’s companies. Most importantly, I grew more confident in my ability to analyze information systems and understand how they support organizational goals.
This course was a meaningful step in my journey as an international business student, and I’m grateful for everything I learned. I’m leaving the class with stronger technical skills, a more analytical mindset, and a clearer understanding of how digital tools drive business success.
