Summary

The idea that information is a resource may not be new, but its significance is often misunderstood. Other resources, such as people, machines and money, are considered together but information is considered separately. Perhaps information is not like these other resources. Perhaps it cannot be used as a substitute for them, in an economic sense. For example, we can substitute people for machines in an economy where labour is cheap and plentiful. Can we do the same with information? Can information, that intangible and ethereal thing, replace heavy machinery, for example? Quite possibly, as it happens.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• define the purpose of information systems in business
• list the components of modern information systems
• identify the pressures driving change and corporate responses to change
• classify different types of information systems
• identify the impact of IT in a competitive industrial environment
• analyse the potential effects of IT in your industry
• map the relationships between key concepts.

Course Content

Introduction

Objectives

Managing in the Information Age

Managerial involvement with IT

Information SYSTEMS in Organisations

Classifying information systems

Information systems integration

Information infrastructure integration

Business process integration

Examining the five forces

Analysing strategic IT effects

Analysing IT potential in your industry

Strategic applications of IT

Identifying strategic applications of IT

Analysing further strategic applications

Summary

Tutor-marked Question Paper

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-requisites

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Additional Information

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Textbook

For this course, you will need to either purchase or borrow the textbook: Information Technology for Management: Making Connections for Strategic Advantage (1999) Efraim Turban, Ephraim McLean, and James Wetherbe, second edition, New York: John Wiley.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support