22776 Business Information Systems

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject provides an integrated view of information management for intra- and inter-company business processes. It provides a broad knowledge of contemporary issues in accounting/business information systems, ERP, data warehousing, e-business and business process management, and introduces leading enterprise systems solutions. Cases of successful and less successful business information systems projects are presented and discussed in the light of the IT-Productivity Paradox. An important objective of the subject is to demonstrate how accounting interacts and shares data with other business functions, and how high levels of information integration can be achieved using enterprise systems.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand today's role of computerised information systems in organisations and society
2. Understand the main issues in IS-management and IT-governance
3. Identify and understand the impact of business information systems on accounting and other business functions
4. Appreciate purpose-specific approaches to/architectures of business information systems, depending on the purpose of the IS
5. Understand the key innovations brought by new enabling technologies and their (potential) implications for business information management
6. Understand contemporary approaches in Corporate Performance (BSC, EVA, etc.) and their practical application
7. Understand the differences between OLTP and OLAP systems, discuss the potential value of the both types of systems and critically reflect on the behavioural issues associated with each to the system types.

Contribution to graduate profile

Business Information Systems examines how organisations design, manage, govern and use information systems and technology as important corporate resources. This examination occurs in the context of critical and analytical evaluation of the concepts, principles, processes, techniques and issues of modern computerised business information systems, which are present in all organisations. Managers need to understand how and why BIS can be utilised to assist with the analysis and solution of business problems and the enhancement of business opportunities.

Teaching and learning strategies

A variety of teaching and experimental learning methods and strategies are applied, including teamwork, discussions, and mini case studies. Students have to work on a collaborative case study, in order to gain the ability to apply their knowledge in a problem-oriented environment and to increase their teamwork and communication-skills.

Content

• Concepts and Data Management
• From functional TPS to Integration:
• Functional TPS, MIS and ERP
• ERP, SCM and CRM

• Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence
• CPM and Intelligent Systems
• Networking and E-Business
• IT Management and Governance - Management of Large Projects
• Security
• Impact of IT on Society.

Assessment

Recommended text(s)

Turban, Efraim; Leidner, Dorothy; McLean, Ephraim; Wetherbe, James (2008), Information Technology for Management: Transforming Organizations in the Digital Economy, 6th Edition, Wiley, ISBN: 978-0-471-78712-9

Wieder, B. (Editor) (2007): Business Information Systems – Readings and Overheads.