615-352 Managing the IT Function

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

50 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 Information Officer (CIO), and ask: How can management of the IT function help my organisation succeed in today's highly competitive marketplace? The goal of the subject is to understand the opportunities and problems that IT managers in a wide range of organisations may experience as they attempt to use IT to add value to their organisations. Topics covered include:

• Managing IT: understanding organisational requirements for IT, organising and leading the IT function;

• IT infrastructure: understanding IT infrastructure, designing IT architecture, managing diverse IT infrastructures, assuring reliable and secure IT services;

• Managing IT projects: a portfolio approach to IT projects, preparing a business case for an IT investment, evaluation of IT project proposals, information economics, reasons for IT project failure, Soft Systems and similar methodologies, other requirements engineering approaches; and

• IT outsourcing.

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%).