Master of Science in Information Systems Management
The MSc in Information Systems Management
programme responds to the growing need for
IT professionals to acquire the more general
management skills and knowledge that are
often provided by an MBA, but to study these
management issues within the context of fast-moving
developments in technology. At the same time, it
provides those already in management positions with
updated, cutting-edge IT knowledge, so you dont
have to choose between these two complementary
aspects of IT management. A combination of core
and elective modules enables you to personalise the
programme to your individual requirements.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
Our MSc in ISM programme aims to provide a bridge
between technology and management, by giving you
the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective
manager in an Information Systems-rich environment. It
is appropriate for those moving into or already occupying
managerial positions in an IT-related feld. Its core
and elective modules will update your theoretical and
practical knowledge of Computer Science, for example
in Software Engineering or Systems Analysis. At the
same time, it will develop the business skills traditionally
covered by an MBA, such as Managing People and
Project Management.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme has six core modules, including
Computer Structures, which covers the foundations
of computer science, and four management modules.
The student then chooses two electives in computing,
enableing them to specialise according to their particular
needs; followed by a dissertation.
The frst module takes ten weeks. Each subsequent
module lasts eight weeks. Students start with an
orientation of the online classroom. For more information
about this and other support modules, visit the Centre for
Student Success.
PERSONALISED STUDY
Students can customise their degree according to their
individual requirements.
A Core modules
Computer Structures
Professional Issues in computing
IT Project Management
People, Technology and Management
Managing Organisational Resources
Principles of Marketing
B Elective modules (students may choose up to two
of the following)
Systems Analysis and Design using an
Object-Oriented Approach
Software Testing and QA Management
Information Security Engineering
Object Orientated Programming in Java
Programming the Internet
e-Commerce
Managing the Software Enterprise
Software Engineering
C Elective modules (students may choose up to one
of the following)
Computer Communication and Networks
Databases
If students complete two modules from the group B
electives, then they are not required to choose any
electives from group C.
D Dissertation
Students refne their dissertation topic in conjunction
with their Personal Dissertation Advisor, an academic
supervisor who will provide support throughout the
study and writing process.
PROGRAMME DURATION
The programme takes on average 2 years to complete
with a few weeks break in between modules. Should
students need to alter their study path due to work or
family commitments they can do so in consultation with a
Student Support Manager.
BCS ACCREDITATION
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered
Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance
that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An
accredited degree will provide you with some or all of
the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills
for eventual registration as a Chartered IT Professional
(CITP). Some employers recruit preferentially from
accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to
be recognised by other countries that are signatories to
international accords. For more information about BCS,
visit www.bcs.org
MSC MODULES
Core modules:
COMPUTER STRUCTURES
Aim: To provide a comprehensive overview of core
software and hardware technologies.
This module covers everything from computer
architecture to databases, algorithms, languages,
operating systems, communications, computer networks,
artifcial intelligence and the theoretical foundations of
computation. It will give you a sound theoretical and
practical grounding on which to build your understanding
of future technical developments.
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN
COMPUTING
Aim: To provide a broad understanding of the social and
legal context in which information technology operates.
This module examines the relationship between IT,
society and the law. It helps develop an understanding
of external matters affecting computer systems and
organisations, provides an overview of professional and
ethical issues and develops the skills required to manage
systems in a way that is both effective and sensitive to
their operating environment.
2 Master of Science in Information Systems Management (ISM) Programme
IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Aim: To provide a full understanding of the management
roles, responsibilities and techniques needed in
technology projects.
This module shows how technology project management
adapts to the evolution of a computer system from
concept to implementation. You will master all areas of the
subject, including organisation, work breakdown structure
and scheduling, resources and project fnancing, project
control and evaluation, management considerations,
critical success factors and risk management.
PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY AND
MANAGEMENT
Aim: To provide the keys to understanding and
effectively managing people in IS-rich environments and
high-tech business.
Learn to manage people in a technologyrich environment.
As well as the traditional aspects of organisational
behaviour, such as individual/team roles, human resource
management and change management, you will examine
the use of information technology in support of managerial
functions, including outsourcing, off-shoring and other
critical issues fundamental to the way contemporary
organisations are run.
MANAGING ORGANISATIONAL
RESOURCES
Aim: To deliver a broad understanding of the issues,
language, tools and techniques of fnance, accounting
and operations management to signifcantly improve
business effciency.
This module provides a sound foundation for the
non-specialist in accounting, fnance and operations
management, and the business benefts they can generate.
You will understand mathematical modelling and how to use
computer-aided quantitative tools for decision-making. You
will also explore operations strategy, forecasting, materials
management, supply chain management and project
management.
PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING
Aim: To provide an understanding of the roles,
responsibilities, and management techniques needed by
a technology-savvy marketing manager.
Learn to apply marketing strategy in the context of various
high tech industries and products, where innovation,
market uncertainty, abrupt technological shifts and short
product lifecycles abound. You will study the use of
technology in marketing and the marketing of technology-
rich products and services, with a focus on international
marketing, ethics, sourcing and marketing strategy.
Elective modules:
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Aim: To provide a frm theoretical foundation and
practical skills in software engineering.
This module encompasses the theoretical foundation
and practice of the three key phases of problem
definition, software development and maintenance.
It covers identification, definition, design, analysis,
verification and management of basic requirements,
coding, testing, evaluation and quality assurance. You
will emerge equipped to lead a programming project
and deliver products on time and within budget.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
USING AN OBJECT-ORIENTED
APPROACH
Aim: To help you develop the critical skills to understand
complex systems and problems and to create
automated solutions.
This module takes a modern objectoriented approach to
modelling systems and producing designs for software
packages that can automate those systems. It will provide
the skills you need to master this technique, as well as
how to use the Unifed Modelling Language (UML) to
describe these models.
Master of Science in Information Systems Management (ISM) Programme 3
SOFTWARE TESTING AND QA
MANAGEMENT
Aim: To provide an extensive understanding of how to
guarantee software quality, including testing, maintenance
and effective management.
This module provides the techniques you need to
design and implement tests, conduct inspections and
employ release and maintenance procedures. It also
addresses key management aspects of the quality
assurance process.
INFORMATION SECURITY
ENGINEERING
Aim: To provide a grounding in the principles and practice
of building secure distributed systems.
This module provides a foundation in the principles and
practice of building secure distributed systems. You
will discover how to protect systems against malicious
attacks, using your understanding of technologies such
as cryptology, software reliability, secure message
transmission, tamper resistance, secure printing and
auditing.
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
IN JAVA
Aim: To provide a theoretical and practical understanding
of objectoriented programming and design using Java.
This module develops the essential problem-solving
and programming skills you need to write well structured
objectoriented programs in Java. On the way you will
explore many other important techniques (such as modern
distributed systems and component technology) based on
the concepts that have made object-oriented programming
todays predominant software development method.
PROGRAMMING THE INTERNET
Aim: To give you the theoretical and practical tools
necessary for building advanced, content-rich internet
sites.
This module covers markup languages and advanced
technologies, including HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, CSS,
XML and CGI. On completion, you will be able to design
and create an advanced website and will be equipped to
undertake complex internet projects.
E-COMMERCE
Aim: To provide an overview of key e-commerce issues.
An introduction to the fundamentals of e-commerce, from
business models through technical infrastructure and
implementation to social, legal and ethical considerations.
You will act as a CIO/CEO working on an e-commerce
business proposal, with evaluations from a peer review
group. Learning to build an e-business holistically in
a risk-free environment will help you become a more
effective and successful manager.
MANAGING THE SOFTWARE
ENTERPRISE
Aim: To examine the development, use and evolution of
software, and the wider contexts of its use.
This module focuses on the roles and activities
involved in managing software engineering within
an organisation. Using human, social, knowledge,
business and technical perspectives, it will enable you
to understand the various contexts and processes
surrounding the acquisition, development, maintenance
and management of software.
COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS
AND NETWORKS
Aim: To familiarise you with the principles and techniques
of computer networks.
As the development of computer communications
accelerates with the exponential growth of the internet,
this module examines a growing range of hardware
technology protocols and network applications. You will
learn the principles of communication networks and
protocol architectures, assessing the suitability of different
switching and multiplexing techniques for carrying a
variety of distributed systems.
4 Master of Science in Information Systems Management (ISM) Programme
DATABASES
Aim: To equip you with a thorough understanding of the
fundamental principles of database construction.
As already dominant database technology develops even
further, you will analyse how data is stored, manipulated,
queried (with an emphasis on relational databases)
and backed up. You will also become acquainted with
various paradigms and technologies (parallel as well as
distributed) related to database design, implementation
and maintenance.
Please note all modules are not guaranteed to be of-
fered in any calendar year and current scheduling may
be subject to change.
DISSERTATION
Aim: To undertake a piece of original research to
demonstrate your mastery and integration of knowledge
you have acquired during the programme.
You choose your dissertation topic in conjunction
with your personal dissertation advisor, an academic
supervisor, who will provide support throughout the study
and writing process. Your dissertation will apply your new
knowledge and work experience and must have merit
beyond the narrower scope of your particular need.
Master of Science in Information Systems Management (ISM) Programme 5
