BUU11590 Introduction to Information Systems

(5 ECTS)

Lecturer: Soham Ghosh

Office hours: By appointment

Pre- Requisite:

Not available to exchange students

Module Description:

Knowing how to navigate a digitally connected world is a key skill in the current age. Technology “themed” organizations like Alphabet and Meta, as well as traditional organizations like banks and real estate agencies, all use technology in their quest for organizational success. Given the increasing dependence on the use of technology in organizations, this module serves as an useful introduction to relevant individual and organizational issues in the field of information systems (IS). The module provides an overview of how organizations function in the context of IS, how information technology infrastructure is utilized, understanding key system applications for the digital age, and finally how organizations build and manage IS. Learners in this module thus gain an idea of organizations’ technology-based decision-making processes.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

The module will use in-class lectures, case studies, and exercises to deliver its content. There would be 11 lectures of 2 hours each. The lectures will cover the key concepts, philosophies and ideas in the field of IS.

Students are expected to come to class up-to-date with the readings. All assigned readings are expected to be covered. Students are expected to prepare comprehensively for lectures to gain the most out of this module.

Learning Outcomes:

Having completed this module, you should be able to:

Understand the terminology of information systems
Understand why information technology architecture matters to organizations
Apply information systems frameworks to general business contexts
Explain how building and managing information systems benefits organizations
Understand how information systems can be used ethically in a global context

Relation to Degree:

This module is an important foundational one, as a part of the second semester of modules introduced to students. Most, if not all, organizations deal with IS as part of their processes. This module will train students in understanding the terminology and utility of such systems, which is beneficial from an industry perspective. This module will thus serve as part of a foundational set of skills needed by business graduates. The students can also utilize the knowledge from this course in technical courses which use these frameworks and terminologies.

Workload:

Content	Indicative Number of Hours
Lecturing hours	22
Preparation for lectures	20
Class Quiz	20
Group assignment	30
Final exam preparation	30
Total	122

Textbooks and Required Resources:

Required core course textbook:

Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, Global Edition, 17^th edition, By Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon, ISBN-13: 9781292740584

General Supplemental Readings

Additional supplemental readings will be provided via Blackboard if necessary during the course.

Student preparation for the module

No pre-requisite knowledge is required for this course.

Course Communication

Please note that all course related email communication must be sent from your official TCD email address. Emails sent from other addresses will not be attended to.

Assessment:

The module will be assessed through a mix of individual and group-based activities. There will be a final examination in this module.

Assessment	Weightage	Details
In-class quiz	20%	This would consist of an in-class quiz to test understanding of the sessions.
Group project	30%	A group project shall be deliverable by students working in groups. The groups would be formed by the instructor. The details of the group project will be provided in-class.
End-term exam	50%	This will be a written closed-book test evaluating their learning throughout the term.

Reassessment: Students requiring supplemental assessment (weighted at 100%) will be given a written closed-book test.

Biographical Note

Soham Ghosh is an Assistant Professor/Research Fellow in the Department of Business Analytics at Trinity Business School. He received his PhD in Management Information Systems from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. He has a background in Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering prior to that. He has worked at technology firms including SAP India and Ittiam Systems, providing an outlook on the IT industry. He has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate students in India prior to his appointment at Trinity Business School. His research interests include business analytics problems, health IT, and online healthcare communities. His work has previously appeared in reputed journals like Decision Support Systems, and has presented his work at multiple international conferences (ICIS, CHITA).