Schools that teach Information systems management
I received an email where the sender wrote: “I am very interested in the new program called Information System Management (ISM). Can you tell me more about it and which school is best for this field?”
Following is my answer: “Basically, Information Systems Management (ISM) is not new, it has been around about the same time as computer science and software engineering. However, it is becoming more important in past few years where more businesses are using information systems to improve their efficiency to stay competitive in this globalized market. As they are using more information technology, they need someone who can help them to manage their systems. For example, a company could use a computer database to keep track of which products it sell best. A government office could use an information system to identify information on land value to issue property taxes. A local government can create a portal where people can obtain information and be able to download certain forms without have to go to the local office. All of these require much more than just technical works.
As students studying Information Systems Management (ISM), they will learn how to put technology to work in business and other organizations. They will learn about organization management structure, from the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to the middle level management and the operating management such as project manager and network management. They also learn how to set up network infrastructure, data center, storage facilities, computer databases, computer security, and more.
However, computers and technology are not the only focus of this field but student also learn how to help others to use technology, provide trainings, explaining things to others such as the ethical and social issues related to technology such as the internet, blogs, wiki and other collaboration technology. Students must understand the business value of technology, be able to map the flow of work and data, organizing data storage, and learn how to manage projects.
Information Systems manager is the essential link between technology and business people, who may or may not understand technology very well. The best thing about Information System Management (ISM) is that you deal with “practical problems” that are important to the businesses on a daily basis as it requires that you have strong communication skills, be able to solve problems quickly and make decision according to your roles. Information system is not worth much if it does not solve business problems, making it faster, better and cheaper. In information systems management classes, you will learn how businesses use information systems to improve their operations and to obtain value to meet its goals. You will also learn how to manage various information systems so that they best serve the needs of particular industries. And you will even study how information systems can improve the way a business is organized.
Regarding the best school to study this field, you may want to check whether the school has the latest and best programs recognized internationally. Many graduated students in this field may work for foreign companies or travel oversea for business therefore, a program well recognized internationally would be better than a local program. You may want to see if the school is equipped with the latest technology or not? Although this field is not focus too much on technical such as the computer science or software engineering but you do need to have some knowledge on technology and be able to know how it works. You may want to check whether professors in the school are keeping up with new technology and whether they have connections to industries, either they have worked in the industry or have research within the industry. You may want to check whether the school has certain internships relationship with the industry and other learning opportunities that you will be able to choose from during the school year and will the school helps you to get good jobs after graduation. You may want to know about the rate of placement of the school, (The number of students get jobs in the field of study versus the number of student graduated in the field) as well as the reputation of the school within the industry.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University