IST 16000 - Foundation And Role Of Information Systems

This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary information systems (IS) and demonstrate how these systems are used throughout global organizations. The focus of this course will be on the key components of information systems - people, software, hardware, data, and communication technologies, and how these components can be integrated and managed to create competitive advantage. Through the knowledge of how IS provides a competitive advantage students will gain an understanding of how information is used in organizations and how information technology (IT) enables improvement in quality, speed, and agility. This course also provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, technology acquisition, and current emerging application software in modern organizations and society.

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1.   Learn how and why information systems are used today and be able to explain the technology, people, and organizational components of information systems.
2.   Understand globalization and the role information systems has played in this evolution.
3.   Learn how businesses are using information systems for competitive advantage vs. competitive necessity.
4.   Understand the value of information systems investments as well as learn to formulate a business case for a new information system, including estimation of both costs and benefits.
5.   Learn of the major components of an information systems infrastructure and how to mitigate risks as well as plan for and recover from disasters.
6.   Learn how information systems are enabling new forms of commerce between individuals, organizations, and governments.
7.   Learn of emerging technologies that enable new forms of communication, collaboration, and partnering.
8.   Learn how various types of information systems provide the information needed to gain business intelligence to support the decision making for the different levels and functions of the organization.
9.   Learn how enterprise systems foster stronger relationships with customers and suppliers and how these systems are widely used to enforce organizational structures and processes.
10.   Learn how organizations develop and acquire information systems and technologies.
11.   Learn how to secure information systems resources, focusing on both human and technological safeguards.
12.   Learn how information systems raise ethical concerns in society and how information systems influence crime, terrorism, and war.