Course content
In particular, you will learn the methods and techniques relating to the strategic management of IT, outsourcing and offshoring, evaluating large-scale projects, and the fundamentals of project management. You will also learn how ERP systems are developed and implemented across firms. The programme starts in October 2012, and extends beyond the normal undergraduate term dates.
Core modules
- Critical Issues in Information Systems
- Gain a conceptual overview of the role of technology in improving organisational efficiency and enabling communication and collaboration within and across organisations. Trace the key issues and significant trends in the management of technology.
- Digital Business Strategy & Social Media
- Explore how digital technologies, including cloud computing and novel software applications, have intertwined IS strategy with business strategy. Gain a broader perspective on the creation and implementation of effective IS strategies for contemporary organisations.
- Enterprise Systems Development
- Implementation of Enterprise Systems that integrate major business processes is a complex endeavour and has implications for all business functions across the organization. Key principles behind the successful planning and implementation of Enterprise Systems will be introduced through lectures that provide relevant theory and complemented by exploring a range of case studies and a practical grounding in SAP systems, the leading ERP software, that will enable you to gain hands on experience with SAP systems in a virtual enterprise.
- Global Outsourcing & Offshoring of Services
- Gain a broad perspective of issues relating to outsourcing and offshoring of strategic IT and business processes in a global context. Explore both client and vendor practices to understand how value can be created and delivered. Engage in an end-to-end real-life outsourcing exercise.
- Knowledge, Work & Innovation
- Study several theoretical and practical frameworks that integrate concepts of IT, innovation, and strategic management. Explore the introduction, integration, and effects of new technologies and systems within a firm. Consider technological innovation from two angles: efficiency improvement within a business, and product or service innovation with the consumer in mind.
- Organisational Analysis
- Learn to appreciate how organisational structures and processes affect employees' orientation to work, technology, and management. Explore areas including: organisational structure, institutions and environment, power and control, and corporate culture.
ISM group seminar series
As one of our students, you are invited to attend our Seminar Series featuring experts from around the world sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience.
Recent events have included:
- Interdisciplinary Innovation and Virtual Worlds Nikiforos Panourgias, WBS, Frans Feldberg & Alex Schouten, VU University Amsterdam
- Innovation in the Digital Era: Digitalisation and four classes of innovation networks Professor Richard Boland, Case Western Reserve University, USA
- Information Systems Project Performance: a continuing journey Chris Sauer, Said Business School
- Action Design: a fresh approach to information systems research Dr Matti Rossi, HSE, Finland
- Open Source Software Adoption: Anatomy of Success and Failure Professor Brian Fitzgerald, Limerick, Ireland
- Balancing Local Knowledge within Global Organisations through Computer-Based Systems: An activity theory approach Professor Geoff Walsham, Judge Business School
CIO workshop
Our unique CIO workshop focuses on topics influencing the success of senior technology and information management professionals. Designed specifically for our students, and highly participative, it uses interactive and globally-relevant cases, debate, individual challenges, and team exercises to give you a clear understanding of issues which CIOs manage.
The workshop is taught by Dr Corey Hirsch, CIO and VP of Facilities and Customer Care, LeCroy Corp. He also has extensive teaching experience from Columbia University, and the University of Reading.
Topics covered include:
- Aligning information security strategy & the business plan
- Managing operating risks related to IS
- Ethical & compliance dilemmas arising in managing enterprise IT
- Product launch from an IT/IP protection perspective
- IT cost control tactics
- IS innovation in an enterprise context.
Elective modules
Choose two modules to specialise in your own areas of interest. In previous years we have offered the following electives in these streams:
- Business Systems Integration & Consultancy
- Gain an insight into business systems integration strategy development in contemporary organisations. Conceptualise and apply relevant concepts, tools and methods. External companies will provide case study material and practical guidance.
- Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence
- Explore approaches which reap strategic value from data/knowledge assets and build business intelligence capacity in organisations. Study principles for adopting effective enterprise data management systems and interfaces, for decision-making, and for achieving competitive advantage.
- Technological Innovation & Change
- Explore how technological innovations play a major role in establishing, maintaining, and eroding competitive advantages across the global economy. Consider how to harness and integrate new technological innovations into competition strategy at the firm and industry level.
Dissertation
Your project and dissertation is a piece of research bringing together all the frameworks and strategies you've learned throughout the course by allowing you to explore an area of special interest in your third term and over the summer.
The Research Methodology for Information Systems module will provide you with training in research planning and management, including research design, literature review, and delivery.
Some of our students undertake this piece of work for an external client company in collaboration with one of our academics. For some students, it's been an excellent way of proving their worth to a potential employer and they've gained a position on graduation.
In recent years, projects have included:
- ASPF Model Development at a leading professional services company
- Configuration Management as an integrated IT Service for a leading investment company
- Enterprise Systems Architecture for a London borough council
- A Knowledge Management Evaluation for a leading IT company
- Shaping small and medium size IT projects for a charity
- Assessing attractiveness of Russia for outsourcing and offshoring
- Understanding innovation process in a mobile phone company.
Do your project in the USA
We have an exclusive relationship with Bentley University, in the top 15 colleges in the USA for Management Information Systems. Take a fantastic opportunity to study elsewhere. Explore the practices of businesses in Boston, MA, the 12th largest city in the world by GDP.
Bentley is a national leader in business education, blending the breadth and technological strength of a large university with the values and student focus of a small college. Six of our students can study at Bentley from May to September, completing their projects with the aid of a Bentley-based WBS supervisor.