Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Strategic Information Systems
Module Code	MT587
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module is designed to help students to understand how Information Systems are used effectively in business to underline the business model and provide a basis for competitive advantage.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the context and characteristics of the networked digital economy
2. Use appropriate frameworks, models, and theories to assess the operation and potential of information systems in a range of contexts
3. Identify opportunities for and appraise the potential for both information and information systems to contribute to competitive advantage
4. Critically appraise and justify proposals for information systems to deliver business value
5. Relate and integrate different processes, activities and structures for management and governance of information systems

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	A formal lecture which typically presents the essential ideas, core concepts, and structures for each topic and which points students towards resources where they can get further information. Students are expected to prepare for each lecture by, for example, reading materials suggested by the lecturer and then take part actively in class discussions.
Independent learning time	43	Students are expected to study the recommended textbooks and journal articles, and are expected to read further around the topics in each class. Such private study will include preparation for specific classes and other study related to assignments or to consolidate the material from lectures
Assignment	35	An individual analysis of a topic agreed between the lecturer and student. This assignment will be about 5,000 words and will be produced in two parts: Part 1 will be delivered in Week 7 and will include a descriprion of the selected topic with a justification of the proposed analytical approach; Part 2 is the analysis and will be delivered at the end of the semester
Assignment	25	Reflection on the topics and concepts covered in class, following up with independent reading and research where appropriate, to consider how they can help to understand and effectively improve the use of information systems in different contexts
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Context: The digital economy.
Drivers, enablers, and the characteristics of the digital economy - costs, reach, friction, interactions, transactions, collaboration, variety, clockspeed, etc. that are changing how business is done.Impact on business models, markets, structure, processes, functions, competition, strategy.

Characteristics of the digital economy.
Distinctive characteristics of the digital economy that enable new or modified business models and ways to compete. Topics will include information goods, network effects and platforms, as well as other characteristics that differentiate the digital economy from the industrial economy..

Theories, Frameworks, and Models in information systems.
Review and discussion of how theories, frameworks, and models can help to structure and make sense of information systems..

Information systems and competitive advantage.
What is 'the productivity paradox of information systems', and how is it judged to have been resolved? How does IT matter? Understanding how information systems can contribute to performance - from managing information, and information systems, towards an IS Capability..

Managing the benefits from Information, and Information Systems.
Evaluating and justifying IT/IS for business value. Investing in IT , characterising investments, and aligning information systems with the business. Conversion effectiveness. the IT investment equation, IT value, and benefit management.

Sourcing, acquisition, development, and implementation of information systems.
Information Systems and organisational change – processes, structures, and relationships. Outsourcing and insourcing information systems. Implementationfactor models and process. Development aproaches, and implementation strategy..

Security and business continuity.
IS/IT security as a management / governance issue; perspectives on security; security standards; Assessing risks and vulnerabilities.Best-practice framework for security planning and management.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Individual analysis of a topic agreed between the lecturer and student	30%	Sem 1 End
Reflective journal	Reflection on the role of the topics covered in relation to the participants' work	10%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Gabriele Piccoli: 2008, Information Systems for Managers, Wiley,
Turban, McLean, & Wetherbe: 2007, Information Systems for Management: Transforming Business in the Digital Economy, 6th, Wiley,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

MBA

Masters in Business Administration -GrpA

MBAB

Masters in Business Administration -GrpB

MBAE

Masters in Business Administration

PBSSA

PG Exchange(Business School)