M.Sc. in Management of Information Systems Strategy

Course details

The aim of this programme is to provide you with competencies in Information Systems and Technologies (IS/IT), which include the knowledge and skills to enable you to manage more confidently in an environment where information systems both drive and serve business, to align Information Strategy with the overall business strategy and to contribute meaningfully to ongoing Information Strategy development.

Individual modules may be undertaken for CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Aims and Objectives:

On completion of the programme, you will gain an understanding of the role of IS/IT in the processes of innovation, management and administration associated with modern organisations. You will also gain a critical awareness of current problems and new insights associated with the management of Information Systems in dynamic, high technology manufacturing or services environments. Finally, you will develop the range of investigative and analytic skills and techniques required to equip you to assume managerial or senior roles within your organisations.

About You:

The programme will be of particular relevance to those working or aspiring to work as a manager in the information systems and technologies in both the public and private sectors.

How the course is delivered:

Open Education's post graduate programmes are provided through distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. While some modules have none, most modules require that you acquire one (and sometimes two) textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the course.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

You should also be familiar with using email, browsing the Internet, and using word processing packages like Microsoft Word.

You can find detailed information on the IT skills and equipment required for this programme under the section 'Technology Requirements'.

How the course is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at pre-defined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 20,000 word document which is largely self directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Programme Structure:

YEAR 1:
The building block of each programme is the module. Two modules (30 credits) are studied in year 1. You will register for your programme of choice at the start of year 1. However, as the first year modules are common to all programmes, you may switch to another programme at the start of year 2 if you wish.

If you wish to terminate your studies on completion of year 1, you will receive a Graduate Certificate.

YEAR 2:
In year 2, the first 15 credits are essential to the Management of Information Systems Strategy programme. This module should be completed by the end of December of year 2. You will also be required to complete a research proposal on a topic of relevance to the Management of Information Systems Strategy for submission by the end of October of year 2. Once the research proposal is approved, a dissertation supervisor will be appointed to you. It is envisaged that you will complete the Research Methods and Case Study module by May of year 2. This module is a combination of common research methods sub module, a Management of Information Systems Strategy specific case study and one elective from a range of modules currently on offer within the specific programmes. It is anticipated that while you can choose any of the electives, it is recommended that you choose the elective that best fits with the Management of Information Systems Strategy. You will receive advice in relation to this at the appropriate time.

To conclude your studies for the MSc award, you must complete a dissertation of about 20,000 words in a topic compatible with the aims of the Management of Information Systems Strategy programme. The purpose of the dissertation is to enable you to develop your investigative and analytical skills and to plan, organise and carry out independent research under supervision. The dissertation is also an opportunity for you to investigate a problem or issue of importance to your organisation or of professional relevance to yourself. You will be required to demonstrate competence in the critical study of your chosen topic and lucidity in the presentation and communication of the results. You will already have completed two research methods modules as part of your Post Graduate diploma studies, which will provide you with the tools required to undertake this major piece of research. The final dissertation must be submitted for examination by the end of July of year 2. You may also postpone registration for the dissertation module until year 3 if you wish and only take the two taught modules in year 2.

Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:

Project and Change Management (15 credits) OSC1

• Project Management
• Managing Change
• Electives

Business Support Systems (15 credits) OSC2

• Research Methods 1
• Business and the Environment
• Legal Frameworks

MISS (15 credits) OSC11

• Decison Systems Strategy
• Strategic Systems Strategy
• Systems Technology

Research Methods and Case Study (15 credits) OSC3

• Research Methods II
• Strategic Management
• Case Study

DISSERTATION (30 credits) OSC20