INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

Introduction

Information Systems Development and Management is concerned not with technology applications as such but with 'information systems' (IS) understood associo-technical entities that may involve a variety of information and communication technologies (lCT) but always involve people in particular organisational settings.

This course studies the efforts people in organisations make for information systems innovation. Information systems innovation should be understood to comprise both new technology components and new organisational arrangements.

Aims and Objectives

Information Systems Development and Management aims to provide a critical understanding of the context within which IS professionals perform specific technical tasks.

More specifically, when you have completed studying this course, you should be able to:

  • discuss the process of information systems development as an innovation process, that is as an endeavour that comprises social and technical activities in order to promote both technological and organisational change
  • describe and discuss the nature of the tasks involved in information systems innovation
  • critically evaluate some of the most frequently used methods for the development or implementation of information systems
  • recognise the different types of technologies contemporary organisations endeavour to introduce, and the different kinds of organisational changes that may be associated with them
  • recognise the bias in the work of theorists and practitioners in this area, whether intended or not
  • understand the issues involved in the debate over methodologies and the issues characterising current professional practice
  • discuss the challenges facing information systems managemt
  • describe the fundamental structures of information systems management
  • discuss the strategic value of information systems for organisations and know some of the methods used for information systems planning
  • critically evaluate alternative theoretical perspectives of leT innovation and organisational change
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