COURSE IN DEPTH
Module
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Enterprise Systems
20 credits
Organisations are embracing computing technology in daily operations to enable integration, collaboration, interaction, and the processing needs of the entire organisation. One of these computing technologies that has become an essential part of an organisation's IT portfolio is Enterprise Systems (ES), which incorporates ERP, CRM, SCM, and so forth. ES are a comprehensive, configurable, and integrated suite of systems and information resources, which support organisational-wide operational and management processes. ES eases integration of different processes, people, and technology to help streamline operations. Thus, in an organisation, you will be required to make judgements on the selection, design, and implementation of these systems. Also, you will be required to manage business transformation by implementing efficient business processes to support gaining competitive advantage, improved performance, reduced operational cost, and enhanced real-time decision-making capabilities. This module equips you to develop core skills and knowledge to assist organisations in the management of ES and business processes change.
Technology Optimisation and Integration
20 credits
Modern enterprises make extensive use of IT systems, but rarely do all of these systems work seamlessly together. In this module, you learn how to integrate disparate systems that form part of a modern enterprise.The process starts by understanding the business processes and the existing IT systems, before assessing whether these systems need to be replaced, amended or integrated as-is.
Part of this will require an understanding of data, data formats and equivalency between disparate systems and the challenges of mapping this from one system to another. Taking this onward, you will learn how to design an IT architecture that supports the gathered requirements in a sustainable and maintainable way. Once the design has been developed, you will devise a plan to implement the architecture in a way that minimises disruption to business processes and systems.
Strategic Information Systems Planning
20 credits
Information systems (IS) are a key resource in organizations providing the ability to capture, access and leverage information to improve decision-making and gain competitive advantage. The planning, development and maintenance of IS therefore needs to be aligned with the strategic direction of the organization. This module explores the role of strategic information systems planning within the context of rapid technological changes and digital transformation. You will learn how to select appropriate tools for analysing the information needs of an organization. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to formulate and implement effective IS strategies that inform and align with the strategic direction of organizations in different industries. You will also gain experience of effectively communicating and engaging with stakeholders in order to develop practical IS plans.
Digital Change Management
20 credits
This module focuses on the challenge, how to address human-technology barriers and challenges to leverage the value of the people necessary to drive innovation and growth in a digital global society.
The module is concerned with the social context in which technology is employed and the relationship that develops thereby. The module focuses on effective strategic thinking and a holistic integration approach to IT challenges and barriers. The module debates the interdependent relationship between people, processes and technology to deliver enterprise solutions able to exploit information and IT in a constantly changing international context. A range of socio-technical factors driving organisational change will be considered specifically in terms of how the factors affect the performance needs of an organisation and influence organisational efficiency gains. The module provides the link between the Strategic Information Systems Planning module and similarly complements the values covered in the Principles of Project Management. Furthermore, significant to the module is the emphasis it places on the critical role of people in end-to-end management of Enterprise Systems.
Business Intelligence and Technology Entrepreneurship
20 credits
In this module you will explore the concepts of business intelligence and entrepreneurship in today's global marketplace. Business intelligence has enabled entrepreneurs and existing organisations to gain competitive advantages and highlight new opportunities in both new and existing markets.
Whilst entrepreneurs have key characteristics including aspects of creativity and innovation, similar skills and knowledge are also essential to existing organisations. Throughout this module, students will gain practice-based skills through the application of a variety of tools and techniques pertaining to entrepreneurship and business intelligence, including the use of software data analytics tools.
Principles of Project Management
20 credits
Project management is the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives (PMBoK, 6th Ed. (2012). Project management is key to delivering strategic value within an organisation and it involves far more than a time plan, a budget and a risk register. Projects can range from construction of a new building to the launch of new product, or outsourcing previous in-house functions, to the re-engineering of products, services and processes. This module will deal with the two main stages of any project: PLANNING and IMPLEMENTATION.
Individual Master’s Project
60 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
