Information Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of information technologies

Teaching Methods

Lectures are used to explain concepts, models, instruments and techniques. Slides with key topics, diagrams, images, and videos are used. Simple examples are used to relate the topics with real life situations. TP classes are used to solve exercises of greater complexity. The instructor exemplifies how to apply the theory to part of the problem and then challenges the students to continue. At the end, the instructor collects, presents, and comments contributions from the class about the solution. Students have the opportunity to try professional IT tools.

Learning Outcomes

This course provides students with the skills and tools to discuss information systems design and evolution with business managers.  The students completing this course will understand the distinct and often conflicting perspectives of business managers and IT staff, thus becoming privileged actors in helping those parties in planning the information system. Using Dublin descriptors, the competencies can be classified as follows:

 

Instrumental:

•Competency in analysis and synthesis (1)

•Competency in organization and planning (2)

•Competency in problem solving (1)

•Competency in decision-making (2)

 

Personal:

•Competency in critical reasoning (1)

•Competency to communicate with non-specialists (1)

 

Systemic:

•Adaptability to new situations (2)

•Competency to apply theoretical knowledge (1)

•Competency in planning and managing (2)

 

Note: (1) = main competencies; (2) = secondary competencies;

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Information systems as portfolios of applications

2. Business value of information system components and McFarlan strategic grid

3. Strategic analysis and its alignment with information systems (strategy formulation, vision, mission, objectives, critical success factors, SWOT analysis, supply chain, five competitive forces, Boston matrix, core competences, strategic options generator, balanced scorecard)

4. Business models

5. Enterprise architecture (context, business processes, business rules)

6. Information systems (portfolio, large systems, new trends)

Head Lecturer(s)

João Nuno Lopes Barata

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

Laudon, K. & Laudon, J. (2011) Management Information Systems – managing the digital firm, 12th edition, Prentice-Hall, London.

Ward, J., & Peppard, J. (2004). Strategic Planning for Information Systems (3rd ed.), Wiley, Chichester.

Edwards, C., Ward, J., & Bytheway, A. J. (1995) The Essence of Information Systems, Prentice-Hall, Hemel Hempstead.

Hamel, G. & Prahalad, C. K. (1996) Competing for the Future, Harvard Business Review Press, Boston.

McAfee, A., Sjoman, A., & Dessain, V. (2004) Zara: IT for Fast Fashion, Harvard Business School Premier Case Collection, Prod. #: 604081-PDF-ENG

Chapter on Strategic Analysis written by the instructor (in Portuguese) | Capítulo sobre técnicas de análise de negócio escrito pelo docente (em Português)

 

Various scientific papers and case studies.