School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
MN50348 Managing in a virtual world |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Modular: no specific semester |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take MN50139 |
|
Full-time students must have successfully completed Stage 1 of the MBA programme before taking this unit. Students on the Executive MBA must take MN50340 or take MN50352 before taking this unit. 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 impact of virtual working and to develop their skills in using technology to support their learning. Case studies and practical exercises 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 * display a sound understanding of the elements of an IT infrastructure (networks, storage, applications, etc.) * identify and manage the challenges of virtual working * 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 techniques, such as results chain modelling, and reflect critically on the usefulness of those techniques * apply IT skills required to manage group and individual communication and learning. 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); * 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). * The ability to work effectively in virtual teams (TF). Content: This unit addresses information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) from a general management perspective, rather than a techniical perspective. The key areas addressed are: * Managing the IT infrastructure: internetworking infrastructure, assuring reliable and secure IT services; * Managing in a virtual community * Political and strategic consequences of virtual working * E-enabled learning * Enablers and barriers to the use of technologically supported learning and collaboration. |