PLSM 556: Management Information Systems

Description

COURSE OVERVIEW

In recent years, information technology in our daily lives and that of various industries has evolved substantially. Majority of industries are trending towards a shift to automation. As more and more business processes become automated, information is becomes one of the best ways to control, evolve and improve the automated processes to to enhance financial and operational performance. The ability to access information and readily use it helps businesses to gain competitive advantage and ultimately determine the fate of businesses.

Management information systems (MIS) is the study of the relationships that exist between technology, data, people and firms as firms automate their processes to make decisions, improve performance and gain competitive advantage. Studying management information systems provide you with essential knowledge to ensure that a firm manages information systems with the highest level of efficiency.

In the supply chain, information flow is essential. It helps to improve not only firm’s health but also customer satisfaction. Effective supply chain management thus requires the smooth functioning of a management information system. Such a system, provides information and analysis for timely decision making. In addition, MIS helps to ensure that key functional areas of organisation are linked through technology with data been shared among these functional areas as well as suppliers, customers and other actors in the chain to reduce operational cost, enhance operational efficiency and promote customer satisfaction. Thus study MIS can help you to understand the key concepts in information systems as well as the technical, managerial, organization and social dimensions of MIS.

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S)

The objectives of this course are to:

• To examine the contemporary role of information systems in transforming businesses.
• To describe the key elements associated with information systems in firms.
• To examine the role of strategy by firms in information systems.
• To examine ethical, social issues and political issues associated with information systems.
• To describe the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and emerging technologies associated with information systems.
• To examine how firms achieve operational excellence and customer intimacy through the use of information systems.
• To describe the concepts associated with e-commerce in today’s world.
• To examine the role of knowledge management and artificial intelligence in enhancing decision making in

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the Management Information Systems course students should be able to:

• Explain the role of information systems in business’s today.
• Relate the key elements of an information systems to how information systems work to support firms.
•  Examine the various strategies that firms adopt in using information systems
•  Appraise the ethical, social and political issues related to information systems.
•  Describe the IT infrastructure and emerging technologies associated with information systems.
•  Explain how firms use information systems to achieve operational excellence and customer intimacy.
• Describe the concepts that associated with e-commerce, digital goods and digital markets and how they are used by firms.
• Explain how firms use knowledge management and artificial intelligence to enhance decision making
• Develop a business case for an information systems in a firm.