Management Issues in Information Technology (BS0108)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MSE-P-BS0108

This course explores recent advances in information and communications technology (ICT) to develop a managerial perspective on how these technologies may open up opportunities for improving both the performance and competitiveness of business processes. Two areas explored in some detail is the relationship between the design of a business process and the benefits of introducing advances in ICT, and how evolving IT tools offer managers accessible methods for distributing expertise and improving decision-making. The critical management perspective in both cases is the contribution that ICT makes to the competitiveness of the organisation.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : PGs Only

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Business Studies, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to:

describe the basic capabilities and limitations of specific computing and communications technologies

demonstrate how these technologies can be used to manage information and expertise better and help solve operational problems in a decision-support mode

explain the relationship between improved technological capability and competitive advantage

contrast various approaches to the technology investment decision

Assessment Information

The option will be assessed in two ways:

1. A group project to develop a Decision-Support System (DSS). This project will count for 35% of the final mark and will be presented and discussed in class. Each group will be expected to document their DSS and submit both the working DSS application and the report to the lecturer prior to the first group presentation.

2. An essay (maximum 3000 words) which may draw on a topic from the material covered during the course or your own experience of implementing information and communications technology in an organisational setting. The essay will count for 65%