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Dublin City University

Management of Information Strategy Systems - MISS

Introduction

*Please note that these details do not relate to the Springboard+ Graduate Diploma. Please see Springboard for specific course information.

Information Systems are at the core of all leading-edge enterprises. The effective, efficient and safe management of those systems is now mission critical to all organisations. This online programme in Management of Information Systems Strategy will develop learners confidence to manage in an environment where IS both drives and serves business, to align Information Strategy with the overall business strategy and to contribute to ongoing Information Strategy development. As the student progresses, understanding of the role of IS/IT plays in an organisation's innovation, management and administration will grow. Learners will also gain a critical awareness of current challenges and new insights associated with the management of IS in high-technology manufacturing or services environments. Finally, learners will develop the range of investigative and analytic skills required to equip them to assume more senior roles within organisations.The programme will be of particular relevance to managers or aspiring managers in information systems and technologies in the financial, public or private sectors, or if you're self-employed in the field.

Programme

How the Programme is Delivered

This postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. Most modules require that you acquire one or two textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the programme.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

Why DCU

Dublin City University has been offering postgraduate level education at a distance since 1990. Our programmes are targeted at working professionals, who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. As a graduate from our programmes, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and flexibility for suitable senior managerial positions in your chosen specialist area.

The Masters of Science programme, awarded by DCU, is at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. All modules are taught on line in a virtual classroom, Loop, where you can interact with your fellow students and tutors through email, chat, skype, at whatever time suits you. Assessment is continuous with no examinations.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.You can find detailed information on the IT skills and equipment required for this programme under the section 'Technology Requirements'

Accreditation Information

This Postgraduate Programme recently participated successfully in the accreditation process conducted with DCU Business School by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world's oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is widely recognised as the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.

Entry requirements

Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are five entry routes to the programme:

•A Level 8 or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Science, Business or Information Technology) from a recognised higher education institution.

•Chartered membership of an institution such as the Institute of Engineers of Ireland or a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

•A Level 7 qualification in a subject in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

•A level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

•Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience. Such applicants will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement in support of their application and may be required to attend for interview.

In the case of all applicants to Dublin City University evidence must be provided of competence in the English language.

Duration

Online Distance Learning

Careers or further progression

Careers

This programme will provide you with a range of competencies in Information Systems and Technologies together with the theoretical framework which will support, enhance and develop your existing practical knowledge. It will enable you to manage confidently and strategically in an environment where information systems both drive and serve business. Furthermore, this degree will add long term value to your career as high level academic qualifications are becoming increasingly important to organisations' recruitment and promotion policies. Graduates of this programme are currently both self-employed and employed in a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Further enquiries

openeducation@dcu.ie
+353 (01) 01 7005481

Subjects taught

Programme Structure:

Project and Change Management - OSC1

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Project Management and Risk Assessment you are introduced to how key project management principles are applied to project planning, project scheduling, project generation, project feasibility selection and initiation and project scheduling techniques. In the second element, Managing Change, the different models of change are described and how these assist in understanding and managing resistance to change, building readiness for change and sustaining change. Finally, an elective where you can choose one element from five options, which currently include Enterprise Systems, Supply Chain Management, Business Analysis and Informatics, Social Context of Information and Internet Systems and Transport and Logistics.

Sustainable Business - OSC2

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Research Methods 1 you are introduced to Qualitative and Quantitative research methods, while in Business and the Environment you are provided with an understanding of the essential elements of environmental management, including environmental management systems within an organisation and its link to business management. The final element of this module Strategic Management, provides an overview of the development of strategy and strategy making processes and sets it in context.

Information Systems Strategy - OSC11

This is the core module of the MSc in Management of Information Systems Strategy programme. The aim of this module is to provide the manager with an in-depth understanding of the strategic role which information systems play in the organisation, operation and management of the business enterprise and an appreciation of their shared opportunity for re-engineering their management responsibilities to maximize the benefits such systems can provide.

Evidence based Evaluation and Entrepreneurship - OSC3

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. Research Methods II develops the concepts covered in Research Methods 1 by describing the specific research methods in more detail. This element is followed with a programme specific case study which requires assessment of all aspects of a particular situation relevant to the core programme. The final element offers an elective between Legal Frameworks and Entrepreneurship. In Legal Frameworks, you are introduced to Irish Law, court procedure and litigation, remedies and enforcement and will be equipped to understand European Environmental legislation and how this relates to Irish law. In Entrepreneurship you will explore the skill set required to set up your own business or exploit new opportunities in an existing business environment.

Dissertation - OSC20

The Dissertation is a major piece of independent work of 15,000 words in length and gives you the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules on a specific issue of interest. An independent and critical appraisal of an issue is essential in order to successfully complete the dissertation.

Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:

Project and Change Management (15 credits) OSC1
Project Management and Risk Assessment
Managing Change

Electives: Enterprise Systems/Supply Chain Management/Business Analysis and Informatics/Social Context of Information and Internet Systems/Transport and Logistics

Sustainable Business (15 credits) OSC2
Research Methods 1
Business and the Environment
Strategic Management

Management of Information Systems Strategy (15 credits) OSC11
Decision Systems
Strategic Technology
Management of Information Systems Strategy

Evidence Based Evaluation and Entrepreneurship (15 credits) OSC3
Research Methods II
Case Study

Electives: Legal Frameworks/Entrepreneurship

DISSERTATION (30 credits) OSC20

The table below shows the pathway a student should take depending on their month of entry.

For example, if you are a September intake student, you should follow the first table below and register for OSC1 and OSC2 in your first year, followed by OSC11, OSC3 and 0SC20 in your second year (OSC20 is optional, this can be taken in the third year if required).

If you are a January intake student, you should follow the second table below and register for OSC2 only in your first year, followed by OSC11 and OSC3 in your second year. Finally, you should register for OSC1 and OSC20 in your third year.Students studying under Springboard have different timeframes for completion of a Certificate or Diploma. For more details of this please see the Springboard+ website.

September Intake

Year One
OSC1(Modules commence in September)
OSC2(Module commences in January)

Year Two

OSC11 & OSC20*
(Modules commence in September)
OSC3 (Module commences in January)

Year Three
OSC20*

* Students can opt to take OSC20 in either year two or three.

January Intake

Year One
OSC2(Module commences in January)

Year Two
OSC11 (Module commences in September)
OSC3 (Module commences in January)

Year Three
OSC1 & OSC20
(Modules commence in September)

Should you successfully complete OSC1 and OSC2 modules it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Graduate Certificate.

Should you successfully complete OSC1, OSC2, OSC11 and OSC3 it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma.

Assessment method

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000 word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.