Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to apply current theory to the likely impact of information technology on the role of the manager; demonstrate a knowledge of the components of IT and different types of information systems; combine their understanding of information and communication technologies with their management expertise (including the use of the Internet) and analyse how various organisations have used IT to support and enhance business strategy, increase business opportunities and create gains in competitive advantage. Students should also be able to critically evaluate how organisations have used different methods of transforming themselves into flexible and adaptive structures capable of learning from their external environment while capitalising on concerns for quality, customer service, staff commitment and changing work practices. The subject enables managers to co-manage with information systems professionals in identifying, instituting, managing and evaluating information systems.
Synopsis Topics covered include the value of information and systems thinking; components of information technology and systems; acquiring information systems; outsourcing; using information technology to gain strategic and competitive advantage; business process re-engineering; managing knowledge workers, the role of culture in information systems, social and system issues and organisational transformation. Students are expected to undertake fieldworks research and individual learning projects as part of assessment.
Assessment Individual seminar leadership (45 minutes): 30% + Group research assignment: 30% + Examination (2 hours): 40%