AIMS

1. To impart an understanding of the foundations, scope and role of information systems management.

2. To enable perception of why, where and how information technology/systems should be linked with formulation of business strategy.

3. To examine from the strategic perspective the organisation, control, monitoring and evaluation of information technology/systems activities.

4. To understand the main issues concerned with the economics aspects of information technology/systems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of information technology/systems activities.

2. Explain the relationships between business strategy and IT/IS strategy.

3. Identify and evaluate the options concerning the position of IT/IS in the organisation.

4. Identify and utilise appropriate models to gain a better understanding of IT/IS in the organisation and its future applications.

5. Apply the investment techniques appropriate to the appraisal and control of IT/IS.

SYLLABUS OUTLINE

The topics covered in this unit will include:

1. The case for strategic management if IT/IS- as a resource; IT expenditure patterns, pervasiveness and critically of IT/IS; IT/IS as a strategic weapon; stakeholders; problems of information management.

2. IT/IS and strategic advantage- strategy formulation for IT/IS; conceptual models for identifying strategic IT/IS opportunities and applications, e.g. stage hypotheses, applications portfolio, strategic grid, critical success factors.

3. Analysis and review of some major decisions to betaken with regard to deployment of IS/IT resources- e.g. rightsizing, end-user computing, outsourcing, business process re-engineering.

4. Management of IT/IS investment- issues related to information value and IT/IS value; management if IT/IS costs and benefits; review of traditional and recent investment appraisal techniques; risk in IT/IS projects.

5. Structure and control of IT/IS activities- location in the organisation; organisation of the IS/IT department; steering committees; IT/IS director; spending patterns; appraisal of IS/IT projects; responsibility accounting for IT/IS projects.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

1. Examination (50%)-a 2-hour paper consisting of questions based on previously issued case study.

2. Coursework (50%)-a mid-semester tutorial test.

INDICATIVE READING

• Robson W, (1997), Strategic Management and Information Systems

• Willcocks et al., (1997), Managing IT as a Strategic Resource

• Ward J, (1995), Principles of Information Systems Management

• Barnatt C, (1996), Management Strategy and Information Technology

• Jelassi T, (1994), Competing through Information Technology

NOTES

The subject will be presented by the use of lectures and seminars and via extensive directed reading from the course texts.