Business Information Systems for a Rapidly Changing World
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 Hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
Aims and objectives
This unit examines the major issues facing managers in the effective use of information technology in contemporary organisations. In particular, it will focus on how to ensure that investments in Information Technology (IT) and information systems (IS) are aligned with business goals and objectives during times of rapid technical change and economic uncertainty. Strategically managed, Information Technologies and business information systems are an important source of competitive advantage. At the same time, advances in IT are having a profound impact on our concept of where and how work is performed, and who performs it. This poses both challenges and opportunities to modern managers.
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1 Critically analyse the importance of developing organisational IT capabilities and ensuring sound IT leadership and governance in modern organisations.
2 Reflect upon the nature, role and contribution of information, information systems, and information technology and information/knowledge resources in local, national and global business environments.
3 Critically evaluate contemporary business and management challenges and the need to align IT plans with business plans to ensure the attainment of corporate objectives.
4 Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with some independence.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Block Mode:
This unit will be delivered in block or intensive mode. Block mode may consist of blended, intensive and immersive teaching, which can include full day teaching and weekend teaching requirements.
Student workload:
This includes all:
• Scheduled teaching and learning events and activities (contact hours timetabled in a face-to-face teaching space) and scheduled online learning events (contact hours scheduled in an online teaching space), and
• Non-scheduled learning events and activities (including directed online learning activities, assessments, independent study, student group meetings, and research.
To be successful, students should:
• Attend and engage in all scheduled classes (face to face or online)
• Start assessment tasks well ahead of the due date, and submit assessments promptly
• Read / listen to all feedback carefully, and consider it for future assessment
• Engage with fellow students and teaching staff (don’t hesitate to ask questions)
Assessment
1. Assessment 1 (Individual) 40 - 50%
2. Assessment 2 (Individual) 20 - 30%
3. Assessment 3 (Group) 20 - 40%
General skills outcomes
During this unit students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
• Problem solving skills
• Analysis skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
• The role of IT in contemporary organisations - Why IT matters in globalised markets
• Strategic IT planning, relationship to business strategy & planning, concept of dynamic alignment
• Building required organisation-wide IT capabilities associated with strategy, supply and use of IT
• Managing IT - Rest of business relationship (bridging the gap)
• Information and technology governance, risk management & mitigation
• Different applications of digital enterprise systems, and the issues associated solutions delivery
• Different types of systems
• Knowledge management and the role of IT in managing knowledge within an organisation
• An understanding of current IT/IS trends and their implications
• Strategic IT planning, relationship to business strategy & planning, concept of dynamic alignment
• Building required organisation-wide IT capabilities associated with strategy, supply and use of IT
• Managing IT - Rest of business relationship (bridging the gap)
• Information and technology governance, risk management & mitigation
• Different applications of digital enterprise systems, and the issues associated solutions delivery
• Different types of systems
• Knowledge management and the role of IT in managing knowledge within an organisation
• An understanding of current IT/IS trends and their implications
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.