Module: Information Systems Strategy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Information Systems Strategy
Module Code	BAA1036 (ITS: OSC11)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module will review the cumulative effect of the innovations and developments in technology and information systems which, together with parallel changes in society, have given rise to the ‘digital economy’. The module will provide participants with an understanding of how the frameworks and theories of networks, information, and information systems are used effectively in business to underline the business model and provide a basis for competitive advantage. Finally, the module will provide participants with an understanding of how effective management of information systems can enable the generation of business value to an organisation

Learning Outcomes

1. Decision Systems • Explore the context, evolution, and characteristics of the networked digital economy. • Assess strategies for information and network markets including strategies for network effects and information goods.
2. Strategic Technology Management • Compare and contrast different strategic perspectives to examine how information systems can contribute to strategic advantage. • Evaluate the role of information systems and associated investments in driving business value in organisations.
3. Managing Information Systems • Critically assess approaches to appraising and justifying proposals for information systems to deliver business value •Critically assess the information systems management of an organisation relative to the state of the art. • Explore the changing human computer interface.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	45	Study the course notes
Independent Study	210	Read and study the readings referenced by the course notes
Tutorial	10	Online tutorials using Loop
Assignment Completion	110	Research and prepare an individual assignment according to given criteria
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11901	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Regina Connolly	Module Teacher	Aisling Deignan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Online discussion and report	33.33%	n/a
Assignment	Group work and report	33.33%	n/a
Assignment	Online discussion and report	33.34%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Decision Systems Strategy
• Introduction to Information Systems • The Context: The Impact of Digital Economy, and Information Goods • Technology and Infrastructure • The Evolving Role of Information Technology and Decision Systems for Managers •The Digital World is Changing How Business is Done

Strategic Technology Management
• Tech Literacy, Productivity Paradox, IT Doesn’t Matter • Strategy The ‘Outside-In’ Perspective • Strategy The ‘Inside-Out’ Perspective • Strategy for Network Effects and • Strategy for Information Goods

Managing Information Systems
• IT Governance and Alignment • Planning ITIL • IT/IS Acquisition, Development, and Implementation • Appraisal of IT Investments •IT/IS Outsourcing •IT/IS Risk Assessment & Security

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Joe Peppard & John Ward: 2016, Strategic Planning for Information Systems, 4th, John Wiley & Sons, 978-047003467
Gabrielle Piccoli: 2008, Information Systems for Managers, Wiley,
Turban, McLean & Wetherbe: 2007, Information Technology for Management: Transforming Business in the Digital Economy, 6th, Wiley,
Henry C. Lucas, Jr.: 2005, Information Technology, Wiley, Hoboken, 0471652938

Articles:

0: Students will be expected to read the journal papers referred to in the course notes,

Other Resources

1: Web references, Extensive references to web resources are given in the course notes,