IST 46600 - Information Systems And Technology Strategy, Management And Acquisition

This course explores the issues and approaches in managing the information systems function in organizations and how the IST function integrates/supports/enables various types of organizational capabilities particularly for strategic advantage. It takes a senior management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. The course addresses issues relating to defining the high-level IST infrastructure and the systems that support the operational, administrative and strategic needs of the organization. The remainder of the course is focused on developing an intellectual framework that will allow leaders of organization to critically assess existing IST infrastructures and emerging technologies as well as how these enabling technologies might affect organizational strategy. The ideas developed and cultivated in this course are intended to provide an enduring perspective that can help leaders make sense of an increasingly globalized and technology intensive business environment.

Preparation for Course
P: IST 37000.

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1.   Understand the various functions and activities within the information systems area, including the role of IT management and CIO, structuring of IST management within an organization, and managing IST professionals with the firm.
2.   Learn to design an effective structure for various types of IST organizations.
3.   Learn how to view an organization through the lens of the information systems used to enable core and supportive business processes as well as those that interface with suppliers and customers.
4.   Understand the concepts of information economics at the enterprise level.
5.   Gain insight into how IST represents a key source of competitive advantage for firms.
6.   Learn to structure IST-related activities to maximize the business value of IST within and outside the company.
7.   Understand existing and emerging informational technologies, the functions of IST and its impact on the organizational operations.
8.   Understand the issues and challenges associated with successfully and unsuccessfully incorporating IST into a firm.
9.   Understand how strategic decisions are made concerning acquiring IST resources and capabilities including the ability to evaluate the different sourcing options.
10.   Learn how to manage relationships with vendors of IT services.
11.   Learn how to manage intellectual property related to IT.