School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2006/07

MN50254 Managing information systems

Credits: 6

Level: Masters

Academic Year

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims: The unit examines, from a general management perspective, how information technology (IT) enables organizations to conduct business in radically different and more effective ways. New electronic market places and exchanges are being created, new channels of supply and distribution are emerging that threaten not just the competitive position of firms but their very survival. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a better understanding of the influence of 21st century technologies, such as the Internet, on business decisions. Case studies are used to encourage students to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of conducting business in a networked economy.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit, the student should be able to:
* display a sound understanding of the impact of IT on industries and markets
* be able to analyze how firms can exploit IT for competitive advantage
* be able to analyze and critique an organization's information system strategy
* be able to identify threats and risks to day-to-day IT operations and their implications for business operations
* display a sound understanding of how the IT operation should be organized to support the business (e.g., which IT functions should be performed inside the firm and which might be outsourced)
* be able to discuss and evaluate the implications of the networked economy and virtual organizations
* be able to apply management models, and reflect critically on the usefulness of those models on IS practices.
Skills:
Intellectual Skills
* a systematic understanding of organisations, the internal and external context in which they operate and how they can be effectively managed (TA);
* the facility to apply subject-specific knowledge into a range of complex situations, taking into account the overall implications for the other areas of the business (TFA);
* a critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management (FA);
* a conceptual understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks that enables the student to meaningfully link theory and practice and the ability to critically appraise both theory and practice (TFA).
Professional Practical Skills
* evaluate the current standing of an organization and practically contribute to the attainment of that company's information strategies and objectives (A);
* operate effectively both independently as well as within teams and assume leadership roles where appropriate (F);
* apply practical IS planning tools and methods at strategic and tactical levels (TFA)
* be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels (F).
Transferable/Key Skills
* an openness and capacity to continue learning with the ability to reflect on earlier knowledge and practice and integrate the new with past experience and effectively apply it to the present situations (TFA);
* an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the resources and competences required for successful cross-functional management in organisations including enterprise skills (TA);
* ability to conduct in-depth research into management and business issues (FA).
Personal/Interpersonal
* an ability to manage and work in teams with an awareness of issues such as culture, gender, working styles etc. and to use these to the benefit of the individual and the team (F);
* the facility to communicate including presenting and marketing themselves and their ideas; preparation and production of effective business plans and reports (FA).
Content:
This unit addresses information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) from a general management perspective, rather than a technical perspective. The key areas addressed are:
* Creating business advantage with IT: the impact of IT on strategic decision-making;
* Developing business and e-business models
* Building networked business: value networks and virtual organizations;
* Managing the IT infrastructure: internetworking infrastructure, aassuring reliable and secure IT services;
* Organizing and leading the IT operation: IS implementation, IS outsourcing.

University | Catalogues for 2006/07