615-351 Strategic IS Management

This subject is regarded as a non-science subject for students enrolled in the BSc, BASc, and combined BSc courses.

62.5 points of level-200 information systems subjects which must include 615-251.

This integrative subject uses a mixture of lectures and case studies to help students develop insights into the way IT should be managed in organisations. Students will be asked to view IT from the perspective of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and ask: How can IT help my organisation succeed in today's highly competitive marketplace? The goal of the subject is to understand the opportunities and problems that senior managers in a wide range of organisations may experience as they attempt to use IT to add value to their organisations. Topics covered include:

• Creating business advantage with IT: forces that shape business strategy, business models and IT, IT strategic alignment, globalisation and IT strategies;

• IT and organisational structure: building networked businesses, making the case for networked business;

• IT and microeconomic theory of the firm;

• Dimensions and consequences of IT failure; and

• IT-based strategic change.

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• assess opportunities and risks in designing, developing, implementing, and using applications of information technology in a variety of organisations;

• explain the complexity, politics, and reality of information systems management in actual organisational settings; and

• demonstrate analytical, listening, and presentation skills developed through the cut and thrust of discussion that is required by the case method of learning.

In addition to the subject-related knowledge, students should acquire or extend other valuable generic skills, particularly the ability to identify key arguments presented both in writing (in the text and cases) and orally (in class) and assess the strength of evidence provided to support those arguments.

Answers to preparation questions for topics and cases (20%); participation in class discussion (10%); 1500-2000 word written assignment submitted during semester (20%); one 2-hour written examination (50%).