MODULE BST105 Management Information Systems

OVERVIEW OVERVIEW

Introduction to Management Information Systems

General Introduction
A management information system (MIS) is a system that supports the collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of data needed to carry out management functions. This module will look at MISs and their role in achieving the corporate objectives of an organisation.

Aim of the Module

To highlight the role of information technology in todays business world and its role in supporting organisations in achieving their corporate strategies To raise awareness of the different types of information systems To enable you to make informed decisions about information systems To enable you to plan and align information technology efforts with the strategic objectives of your organisation

Core Textbook
The core textbook is: Turban E., Leidner, D., Mclean, E., Wetherbe, J. (2006) Information Technology for Management: Transforming Organizations in the Digital Economy, John Wiley and Sons, 5th Edition.

Module Structure
The module looks at the role of information technology in the context of todays economy and how it has transformed the way businesses operate. At the start of each unit, you will see a set of learning objectives. When you have finished studying a unit, test yourself against each learning objective. If you cannot perform the tasks set out in the learning objectives, go back over the unit and, if necessary, use the core textbook until you have mastered the content. Throughout the module, you will be asked to conduct learning activities to apply what you learn to your place of work. These should help you develop a number of Professional Transferable Skills (PTS), such as critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Wherever you see the PTS symbol in your course book, this indicates that the activity you are undertaking to some extent develops the specific skill referred to at that point.
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Module Overview

Summary of Module Content

This module explores a number of papers and books about MISs. The units in this module can be categorised into five subject areas.

IT in the Organisation: This section explores the need for information systems (IS) in todays digital economy. It looks at the use of IS to support management in achieving business strategy. Furthermore, it examines the different types of MIS. These topics are covered in Units 1 to 3. Networked Computing: This section looks at electronic commerce (e-commerce) and its role in business today. It also examines the potential of mobile commerce in helping organisations to achieve their strategies. These subjects are covered in Units 4 and 5. Organisational Applications: This section examines the need to manage knowledge in todays organisations and the role of IS in fulfilling this need. It identifies potential issues and discusses how to address these. Furthermore, it looks at product data management systems and their role in supporting different business functions. This material is covered in Units 6 and 7. Managerial Support: This section looks at the role of business intelligence systems in collecting and analysing enterprise-wide information to support management. It also explores the role of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in helping management make sound decisions. These topics are covered in Units 8 and 9.

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MODULE BST105 Management Information Systems

Implementing and Managing IS: This section highlights the importance of aligning IS to business strategy and the need to effectively plan the implementation of IT efforts. It looks at methods for IS and the potential of Global Software Development (GSD) in implementing IS. These subjects are explained in Units 10 to 12.

Assessment
The course will be assessed using a mixture of graded continuous assessment (40%) and an end-of-semester examination (60%).

Additional Resources
Hicks, J. (1984) Management Information Systems: A User Perspective, West Publishing Company, 2nd Edition. Beynon-Davies, P. (2004) e-Business, Palgrave Macmillan. OBrien, J.A. (2005) Introduction to Information Systems, McGraw-Hill, 12th Edition. Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P. (2004) Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, Prentice Hall International, 8th Edition. OBrien, J.A. (2004) Management Information Systems: Managing Information Technology in the Internetworked Enterprise, Irwin McGraw Hill, 6th Edition.

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