IT and Business Transformation (ITBT)

Catalog description

Information systems have become the enabling technology for business. Businesses and organizations that are not exposed, aware, or do not use the latest applications, solutions, and IT infrastructure are compromising their current and future competi tive position. This course balances theory with applications through case studies and projects that emphasize the effectiveness of organizational information systems in achieving the objectives for which the systems are designed. Factors such as the organizational structure and information requirements are studied within the context of ethical, economic, and socio- technical Number Name Credits factors that affect the design of systems and the processes of converting data to information, information to knowledge, and knowledge to intelligence. The purpose of course is to provide students with a view of IT -enabled transformation and the strategic issues in the management of IT. The course will bring in CIOs, CEOs, and experienced consultants and industry observers to provide their perspectives and tell their stories about the use and management of IT today. Their talks will deal with the new technology, the new applications, the issues of implementation, the changes in industries and companies, and the strategic management of IT. In addition, there will be several case discussions of issues to be decided by senior management, with students taking on the position of executives and consultants. There will also be frameworks presented and used to position all material and speakers. Finally, one session will consist of ITBT alumni discussing career opportunities and issues for students, particularly from MIT, with these interests. Students will gain a perspective of the strategic role of and issues in managing IT as manifested in e-business applications, as a driver and enabler of business transformation, and as an underlying infrastructure resource for all businesses.