Management of Information Technology

Course Structure

1. Information systems and technology strategy: We explore the theoretical and practical aspects of IS/IT strategy in the context of a global business environment. A robust IS/IT strategy is constructed as part of the strategic business planning cycle; we will consider the drivers, critical success factors and barriers to project management. You\x92ll be introduced to the tools and techniques associated with constructing and implementing an IS/IT strategy and for evaluative decision-making.
2. IT project management: Prepares you for managing organisational change through IT projects involving major changes, including issues related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which affect people within and external to the organisation. We will look at the strategic use of the tools and techniques of IT project management, enabling you to acquire skills in PRINCE2 methodology. You can choose to take the PRINCE2 exam to gain certification, though there is a cost associated with this.
3. Innovation and knowledge management:Innovation is a key enabler for the success and growth of companies, whether this is through technological innovation or business model innovation. Therefore, you will be encouraged to explore the broad context of innovation and its impact on businesses, but with focus on areas relevant to technology businesses. We will examine different models of change management and their relevancy and efficacy within organisations.
4. Humanitarian information and communication technologies: We examine the recent rapid spread of technologies, especially information and communication technologies and the impact and effect that this is having on humanitarian situations and actions, such as\xa0Search and rescue using drones with smart capabilities, crowd sourcing \x96 a way by which live information is captured by \x91ordinary\x92 geographically dispersed people ,through the internet ,in building a crisis map and feeding \xa0the Government emergency teams and NGOs in a disaster to bring quick targeted response and relief and Artificial Intelligence for data mining and analytics in the world of big data and the internet of things. We also consider the issues with technology as an enabler for \x91predators\x92 misusing technology for personal or ideological gains
5. Decision Support Systems:\xa0Develops skills and knowledge about the core capabilities and components of modern decision support systems (DSS) and their application to management decisions. Extensions into intelligent DSS, group DSS and organisational DSS will also be explored.
6. Network security:\xa0Provides comprehensive knowledge of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using network, internet and mobile technologies. You will learn about the threats posed to organisations and businesses due to security risks, as well as the legal, policy and technical approaches that are necessary to mitigate such risks.
7. Ubiquitous computing:\xa0The advent of affordable sensors and interaction devices, such as web cams, mobile phone based sensors, digital pens and Google glasses, together with wireless mobile computing devices, like smart phones or Arduino boards with wireless connectivity, has created boundless opportunities for in-the-world computing applications that can transform the way we live and work. We will examine the emerging opportunities enabled by cheap sensors and networked computing devices.