This unit presents IT management as a project-based activity, oriented towards fulfilling corporate goals, meeting business operational requirements and delivering value for an organisation. Initially the unit establishes core concepts: the strategic contexts of IT management, systems and information systems, systems development, business processes and their modelling, and how IT is used to support core business processes. It then provides an overview of project management processes, tools and techniques as applied to both inhouse and contract software development projects. IT-related issues and trends that pose complex challenges to the effective management and organisation of the IT resource in contemporary organisations are explored. The unit emphasises the centrality of ethical principles and practice in IT management.
Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, students will have had the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of:
The strategic contexts of IT management, including: the strategic value and impacts of IT; the strategy process; the need to effectively align business strategy and IT strategy; the value of a portfolio approach to managing IT investments and mitigating risk; the critical importance of a customer-centric approach to IT strategy; and key management roles and relationships (eg CEO-CIO).
The more common business processes, and the role that IT can play in managing these processes and in providing information systems that are appropriate for an organistion's operational needs.
The technical processes of a generic SDLC model, contract development, outsourcing and package purchase as alternative approaches to providing information systems.
The project management processes related to in-house and contract software development, software outsourcing, package acquisition and implementation.
The requirements for ongoing management of the IT infrastructure of an organisation that takes appropriate advantage of technological innovation to address the short-term and long-term objectives of the business.
IT professional ethics, and ethical issues in the management and use of IT within organisations.
At the completion of the unit, students would have been exposed to attitudes that value:
A systematic approach to IT provisioning in a business whilst maintaining a pragmatic approach to business needs.
Critically assessing the worth of technological innovations for their contribution towards meeting business objectives in both the short-term and the longer term.
The management of IT infrastructure as a corporate resource, and business information as critical to meeting business objectives.
A project management approach to developing information systems that are appropriate to the organisation's needs.
Ethical principles and practices in IT management.
At the completion of the unit, students will have had the opportunity to acquire basic skills in:
Applying selected systems development techniques associated with SDLC-based system developments.
Modelling business processes using industry standard modelling conventions and a standard commercial business process modelling software package.
Determining requirements and specifying development or acquisition projects, using both traditional and innovative techniques and methods.
Applying project management techniques and using project management software.
At the completion of the unit, students will have had the opportunity to acquire understanding of the IT management and project management processes not only in terms of objective criteria like budgets, resources and software tools, but also as social activities and relationships involving individual, group and corporate-wide objectives and imperatives.
Prerequisites
This is a Foundation studies unit. The only prerequisite is entry into the Master of Business Systems or Master of Information Management and Systems programs or equivalent graduate programs.
Unit relationships
FIT9006 is a core ‘Foundation unit' in the Master of Business Systems and Master of Information Management and Systems degrees, and is a prerequisite for many of the advanced units in these degrees. You may not study this unit and IMS9043 in your degree.
Texts and software
Required text(s)
Turban, Efraim, Leidner, Dorothy, McLean, Ephraim & Wetherbe, James. (2006). Information technology for management: Transforming organizations in the digital economy. (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-70522-5.
Note: This text covers the major portion of our course content. However, no single text covers all areas we will be investigating. Throughout the semester, reference will be made to additional sources-articles, websites and other texts (see under ‘Further reading' below).
Textbook availability
Text books are available from the Monash University Book Shops. Availability from other suppliers cannot be assured. The Bookshop orders texts in specifically for this unit. You are advised to purchase your text book early.
Software requirements
To access weekly lecture and tutorial materials, students will need access to an Adobe Acrobat reader, and Microsoft Office software (PowerPoint, Word,Excel).
Microsoft Project will be the project management software used, and Microsoft Visio will be used for preparing charts and diagrams for tutorials and assignments. Students may also use other relevant drawing or other software they have access to, eg SmartDraw.
Software may be:
purchased at academic price at good software retailers
Hardware requirements
Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the Faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access. On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook.
Recommended reading
Further reading
Applegate, Lynda M., Austin, Robert D. & McFarlan, F. Warren. (2007). Corporate information strategy and management: Text and cases. (7th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN 0072947756.
Frenzel, Caroll W. & Frenzel, John C. (2004). Management of information technology. (4th ed.).Boston, MA : Thomson, Course Technology. ISBN 0-619-03417-3.
Gelinas, Ulric J., Sutton, Steve G. & Hunton, James E. (2005). Accounting information systems. (6th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western. ISBN 0-324-22098-7 [Includes separate supplement: Acquiring, developing and implementing accounting information systems ISBN 0-324-22106-1].
Hoffer, Jeffrey A., George, Joey F. & Valacich, Joseph S. (2005). Modern systems analysis and design. (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education International/Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0-13-127391-4.
Martin, E. Wainright, Brown, Carol V., DeHayes, Daniel W., Hoffer, Jeffrey A., Perkins, William C. (2005). Managing information technology. (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Pearson-Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-145443-9.
McManus, John & Wood-Harper, Trevor. (2003). Information systems project management: Methods, tools and techniques. Harlow, Eng.: Prentice Hall/ Financial Times.
Pearlson, Keri & Saunders, Carol S. (2006). Managing and using information systems: A strategic approach. (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-71538-7.
Reynolds, George W. (2007). Ethics in information technology. (2nd ed.). Australia; UK; Thomson, Course Technology. ISBN 1418836311.
You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
Study resources
Study resources for FIT9006 are:
This Unit Information guide outlining the administrative information for the unit.
A guide to Assignments in the unit.
The FIT9006 web site on MUSO, where lecture slides/ notes, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications, sample solutions and supplementary study material will be posted. To access unit web site, select: http://muso.monash.edu.au/ You will need to log on with your Authcate name and password, and then click on the FIT9006 IT Management link.
Announcements and discussion group that can be linked to from the Unit Homepage.
Unit overview; organisations & IT; IT trends; strategic contexts of IT management
No tutorials for this week. Use the time for the set reading
Class notes; Read the set text: Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapters 1, 2 and 12. Browse through Chapters 3-5 (which we will revisit throughout the semester).
No tutes this week
2
Foundation concepts: Systems and information systems; business processes
Information systems failures: analysis of cases and implications for IT management
Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 2; Gelinas et al. (6th ed.), Chapter 4, and Supplement; Hoffer et al. (4th ed.), Chapter 1, and Appendix 1, pp. 574-581
Tutorials commence
3
Modelling business processes; IT support for core business processes
Business report writing; guidance on Assignment 1
Weekly class slides/ notes. Modelling business processes: Gelinas et al. (6th ed.), Chapter 4, and Supplement; Hoffer et al. (4th ed.), Chapter 7. IT support for core business processes: Browse quickly through Turban et al. (5th ed.) Chapters 6-11 for an overview of how IT supports core business processes
4
IT/ IS provisioning options and their associated management issues
Process modelling exercises 1
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 14; Hoffer et al. (4th ed.), Chapters 1 and 2
5
Project management overview; project management processes for inhouse ISD, and for contract software development
Process modelling exercises 2; assignment discussion
Weekly class slides/ notes. Hoffer et al. (4th ed.), Chapters 3-5; Schwalbe (4th ed.) and other project management readings to be advised
6
IT and information architectures; IT infrastructure and infrastructure development
Project management exercises 1
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 14. Continue with project management readings
Asst 1 due 5 April
Non teaching week
7
IT impacts on organisations and people
Project management exercises 2
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 16. Other readings to be advised
8
Managing IT in organisations: structures, roles, people, IT infrastructure, information and information systems; change management
Project management exercises 3
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 15. Other readings to be advised
9
Evaluating IT; IT economics
IT management problems: analysis of cases
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 13; Hoffer et al. (4th ed.), Chapter 5. Other readings to be advised
10
Issues in IT management 1: e-Business; outsourcing, off-shoring; business process reengineering
Feasibility study exercise
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 3-5; and pages 577-580, 590-591, 608-609, 615-625. Other readings to be advised
11
Issues in IT management 2: Control, audit and security; disaster recovery; risk management
Outsourcing and BPR: analysis of cases
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), Chapter 15; Gelinas et al. (6th ed.), Chapter 8. Other readings to be advised
Asst 2 due 17 May
12
Ethics and the IT professional; ethical issues in the management and use of IT within organisations
IIT security/risk management: analysis of cases. Analysis of ethical issues
Weekly class slides/ notes. Turban et al. (5th ed.), pages 16-17, 124-126, 170-174, 232-233, 309, 676. Reynolds (2nd ed.) and other readings to be advised
13
IT strategy review. Revision and Unit Evaluation
Examination preparation
Weekly class slides/ notes
Semester 1 ends: Friday 1 June
Timetable
The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+
Assessment
Assessment weighting
Read this section VERY carefully.
Assessment for the unit consists of two assignments with a collective weighting of 40%, and an examination with a weighting of 60%.
Assignment 1, value 20%, due 5 April 2007 (week 6).
Assignment 2, value 20%, due 17 May 2007 (week 11).
Final closed-book examination (3 hours) (to be held during the Monash exam period, which runs from 4-29 June)
Detailed assignment specifications will be made available in the Assignments folder on the unit MUSO web site.
Assessment Policy
To pass this unit you must:
To pass this unit you must achieve a pass (50%) in the unit overall, as well as a pass in both the assignment and the examination components.
Your score for the unit will be calculated by:
Your mark on Assignment 1 (/20) + Your mark on Assignment 2 (/20) + Your exam mark (/60) = Your final mark (/100)
Assessment Requirements
Assessment
Due Date
Weighting
Assignment 1
5 April 2007
20%
Assignment 2
17 May 2007
20 %
The exam is 3 hours long and is closed book.
Exam period (S1/07) starts on 07/06/07
60 %
Assignment specifications will be made available in the 'Assignments' folder on the FIT9006 Unit website.
Assignment Submission
On-campus Students
Submit your assignment to your tutor during the specified tutorial. Please ensure that the appropriate cover sheet is correctly filled out and attached.
Off-campus Students
Submit your assignment electronically via MUSO by the due date, or alternatively post a hard copy to the lecturer. Please ensure that the appropriate cover sheet is correctly filled out and attached.
Extensions and late submissions
Late submission of assignments
Assignments received after the due date without an approved extension will be subject to a penalty of 10% of total assignment marks per day late. Assignments received later than two weeks after the due date will not normally be accepted.
This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment.
Extensions
It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions.
Requests for extensions must be made by email to the lecturer at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.
Grading of assessment
Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:
Grade
Percentage/description
HD High Distinction -
very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction -
high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit -
sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass
acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory
failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.
Assignment return
We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within two to three weeks after assignment receipt.
For on campus students, assignments will be returned during class times; off campus students' assignments will be posted back to them. Marks may be made available to students individually via MUSO.
Feedback
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.
Feedback from you
You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.
And if you are having problems
It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Unit improvements
This is the first offering of the unit. Your feedback will contribute to continuous evaluation and improvement of the unit.
Plagiarism and cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.
In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work.
When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer.
Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.
Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.
Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Communication
Communication methods
Your unit adviser/lecturer for this unit for 1st Semester is Kerry Tanner. Tutorials will be taken by Malini Jayaganesh and Kerry Tanner.
On campus students may communicate with their lecturer and tutor in person during scheduled class times or during their consultation times; or by phone or email (see details below). Off campus students may communicate by phone, email or by posting questions to the discussion group on the unit website.
Notices
Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Announcements section on the Unit Website. Please check this regularly. Failure to read these is not regarded as grounds for special consideration.
Consultation times: Thursdays 5.00 - 6.00 pm; (or by appointment)
If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:
Ms Kerry Tanner Senior Lecturer Phone +61 3 990 32626
All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.
