MSc Management and Information Systems: Change and Development

The unit will be of particular value for those involved, or likely to be involved, in a planning, management or user role vis-à-vis digital information systems.

Managers are increasingly confronted by a gap between the positive organisational potential of new information systems, and the sometimes negative reality of partial or total failure. This module aims to evaluate both the potential and the reality of IS success/failure through an understanding of information, of information technology, of information systems, and of the contexts – especially those of developing/transitional country organisations – in which these systems are used, analysing causes of IS failure.

This module aims to evaluate both the potential and the reality of IS success/failure through an understanding of information, of information technology, of information systems, and of the contexts – especially those of developing/transitional country organisations – in which these systems are used, analysing causes of IS failure.

Content:

·                An Overview of Information Systems

·                Basic Models Of Information and Information Systems

·                The Value of Information And Decisions

·                Understanding Information Technology and Information Systems

·                Evaluating Information Systems Benefits and Costs

·                Factors Explaining IS Success and Failure

·                Models Explaining IS Success and Failure

Students are guided through detailed learning materials for each week. The study materials, activities, readings and guidance are made available through Blackboard. This will include micro lectures on selected topics in video format. Students will interact with each other and the tutors through the online discussion board where everyone will be expected to make weekly contributions.

Weekly tutorial sessions will be conducted in-person where small groups will workshop and discuss problems, case studies and exercises related to the theme covered in the previous week.

Students are expected to engage with e-learning materials – including extensive session notes, model solutions to exercises, links to research papers and websites - provided through Blackboard.

Students should/will be able to:

- define ‘information’, 'information technology' and ‘information system’

- understand structural and process models of information systems

- compare hard, soft and hybrid perspectives on information systems

- describe the generic role and value of information in organisational tasks of decision-making and communication

- explain how contextual – including developing/transitional economy-specific – factors affect information and information

systems

- describe the components, applications, benefits and costs of organisational information systems

- link theory to real-world practice.

- critically analyse different approaches to understanding IS.

- work in groups

- discussion and debating skills

- literature reviewing

ASSIGNMENT 1: SHORT ESSAY
- Aim to evaluate a type of Information System
- 1500 words
- 40% weighting
- Feedback via Blackboard within 15 working days

ASSIGNMENT 2: LONG ESSAY
- Aim to evaluate an Information Systems within its context to ascertain its success or failure and the reasons therefore
- 3000 words
- 60% weighting
- Feedback via Blackboard within 15 working days

Feedback will be provided TO students:
- Individual summative and formative written/audio feedback on all assessed work
- Formative feedback to the group following completion of assessed work
- Formative group and individual feedback whilst preparing assessed work
- Formative group and individual feedback during weekly tutorial and online discussions

Feedback FROM students:
- Direct feedback to the lecturer throughout the duration of the course unit
- A mid-term online survey on teaching and learning experiences thereby creating opportunity to respond to concerns/suggestions during the term
- A course unit feedback survey after completing the course unit towards further improvements in subsequent years

Alter, S. (2002) Information Systems. Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, CA.

Bocij, P., Chaffey, D., Greasley, A. & Hickie, S. (2019) Business Information Systems, 6th edn, Pearson, Harlow, UK

Heeks, R.B. (2006) Implementing and Managing eGovernment, Sage, London.

Laudon, K.C. & Laudon, J.P. (2018) Management Information Systems, 15th edn, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

Digital Development Working Paper Series, GDI: https://www.gdi.manchester.ac.uk/research/publications/di/

Useful Journals:
    • Annals of Cases on Information Technology (actual name is: Journal of Cases on Information Technology)
    • Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/loi/16814835]
    • Information Systems Research
    • Information Technology for Development
    • Information Technologies and International Development
    • Journal of Global Information Technology Management
    • Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research
    • Journal of Information Technology
    • Management Information Systems Quarterly