Core courses

INFORMATION STRATEGY 

This course will be devoted to the study of the strategic use of information, and provide you with the understanding of the role of information, the closely related role of information technology, major developments of e-commerce, and their implications on economics, marketing, and operational issues. This course will focus on problems unique to information-intensive businesses that you will soon encounter as a consultant, analyst, technologist, or entrepreneur.

DESIGNING BUSINESS APPLICATIONS 

To enable the implementation of the information strategy, the rapid development and implementation of business applications is paramount. In order to accelerate this process, an in-depth knowledge of business processes and the role of information, and business applications are required. This core course will focus on developing business modelling skills.

BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE AND CONSULTANCY 

The course will focus on managing activities of information resources within the firm that are crucial for the success of the firm. Although understanding information technologies and the role of transformation of businesses is important it is only one part of the picture. The success of the firm depends also on how decisions are allocated and executed. We will start with the analysis of the operating model and the business architecture of the firm. The allocation of decision rights and its accountability – the firm’s governance – will also contribute to successful implementation and use of business applications for the firm. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is playing an important role with regard to decisions of where, when, and how to employ business applications. The leadership skills and styles of CIOs are analysed and the role of business information manager as internal or external business consultant are reviewed.

MANAGING KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION

Following on the subjects taught in the previous core courses, in this course students learn how knowledge management and advanced information technologies contribute to the firm's capability to survive in highly competitive markets (in particular the IT- and telecom industries). Knowledge is conceived as the most important source for innovations. However, the complex nature of knowledge prevents us to take an 'easy ride' to innovative products, processes, and services.

BIM THESIS RESEARCH PROJECT

The business world is moving towards evidence-based management, i.e. using the best available research evidence to make business decisions. This means that in your future business career, you will be a consumer of research and perhaps also a producer of research. Your Master thesis prepares you for this: in your thesis you will both be a consumer of other people’s research, as well as be a producer yourself of a piece of original research that is both scientifically and practically relevant.