MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation A rigorous, innovative, inter-disciplinary degree programme at the cutting-edge of information systems and technological innovation in organisations.
Welcome to the Department of Management The Department offers an undergraduate degree (BSc Management), a portfolio of 9 Master s degrees, and an outstanding PhD programme. An academic community within the LSE The Department of Management is a fully-integrated academic unit within a world-leading social science university, ranked #2 in the world in this field (QS World University Rankings 2013). As such, it is a core part of the LSE s academic community, and develops and delivers the School s degree programmes in the field of management, as well as being the centre of academic study of management and organisations. Faculty and students in the department benefit from close collaboration and cross-disciplinary links with the other departments across the School. Its teaching is fully integrated into the School s overall teaching programme, which is delivered by more than 20 academic departments, including core business disciplines with the Department of Finance, the Department of Accounting, and a full range of other social science disciplines from social policy and government to philosophy and anthropology. The Department s faculty aim to produce outstanding scholarly research about organisations & management as well as use research methods and knowledge to address problems in business, government and society. The LSE is a world-leading social science university, ranked #2 in the world Teaching The Department provides a place for academically gifted students to boost their social science knowledge and managerial problem-solving talents so that they are well prepared to contribute to organisational success and social betterment in any place, within any sector, and on any scale. The Department offers an undergraduate degree (BSc Management), a portfolio of 9 Master s degrees, and an outstanding PhD programme. Its Master s portfolio includes a two-year Master s in Management (the only UK programme to be integrated with the CEMS Master s in International Management), as well as business-oriented Master s degrees with economics as the unifying discipline, and a range of oneyear specialist Master s degrees. It also contributes to the LSE Summer School, LSE Executive Summer School, University of London International Programme, and the TRIUM Executive MBA. Research The Department s faculty aims to produce outstanding scholarly research about organisations and management as well as use research methods and knowledge to address problems in business, government and society. The main subject areas of research within the Department are employment relations and human resource management, information systems and innovation, managerial economics and strategy, marketing, operational research, organisational behaviour, and public management. Faculty in the Department publish their research in leading academic journals for these various subject areas. Many faculty are engaged in work directed at using social science research methods to inform issues faced by organisations and policymakers in all sectors and around the world. 02 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 03
Academic community The Department of Management is an internationally diverse academic community located in the heart of London, with strong links to academia, industry and government across the globe. Total students on full-time programmes in 2013-14 academic year: 1450 [ 50.4% (722) full-time MSc, 24.0% (344) BSc, 7.4% (106) incoming exchange students, 15.1% (216) Executive MSc/ MBA, 3.1% (62) PhD [ Number of nationalities: Top industries: Management Consulting (21%), 137 Financial Services (11%), Information Technology and Services (6%), Human Resources (6%), Banking (4%), Higher Education/Academia (4%) Top job functions: Consulting (13%), Finance (9%), Research (8%), Programme and Project Management (4%), Human Resources (4%), Business Development (4%) Number of nationalities: 69 Age range: 53% Female Average age: 47% Male OUR ALUMNI OUR FACULTY Total academic and research staff: 75 Number of nationalities: 30 18-56 24 Student societies: Graduate Management Society, Management & Strategy Society, Human Resources Society, Information Systems Society, LSE CEMS Club Student publications: ischannel (student-produced journal in Information Systems), MiMPact (student-edited magazine) OUR STUDENTS LOCATION AND FACILITIES [ 20 professors Publications in 2013-14: 8 BOOKS, 174 JOURNAL ARTICLES [ 48% Female 52% Male The Department of Management is located in the New Academic Building on the LSE campus, in the heart of central London, on the doorstep of global industry, government and culture. The building was opened in 2008 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, and provides a cutting-edge setting for research and teaching. Research areas: employment relations and human resource management, information systems and innovation, managerial economics and strategy, marketing, operational research, organisational behaviour. 04 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 05
Meet our Programme Director Dr Carsten Sørensen, Programme Director 1 2 What are the core learnings your students will take away from the programme? Fundamentally, the programme prepares students for a future in leadership of IT, whether it s in organisations or in consulting within organisations, in the public sector or in the private sector. The core concepts of the programme are fundamental theories to make sense of the role of digital technology in society and in work. Digital innovation is the reconfiguration of information technology and human activities, and the rapid development of possibilities for such reconfigurations poses constant challenges for organisations to assess, reflect, and act. So, our aim is not to teach technology per se, but to teach students lenses and ideas by which they can understand and manage the role that technology plays in shaping organisations and shaping ways of working, as well as the critical role of design activities to shape the technology. What is your strategic vision for the programme, and where do you see it in the next 5 years? The programme is founded in our approach to teaching and in the way we think in terms of theory and theoretical ideas. We constantly discuss and analyse the current technology trends, such as: cloud computing, big data, platforms, mobility, outsourcing, and electronic commerce. Nevertheless, we mainly talk about how you would make sense of those technology trends inside an organisation and how you can capitalise on them. So, in the next five years, as technology changes, those debates and those agendas which are part of the programme will also change. However, the approach we take to teaching will probably remain quite constant, though evolving as the theory continues to evolve. How does the programme contribute to the LSE s core philosophy, understanding the causes of things? I think this philosophy truly reflects what we re trying to do in this programme, to the extent that we re looking for underlying theories and descriptions which can help shape our increasingly digital realm. We re seeking means by which leaders in organisations can harness and capitalise on digital innovation to drive change. And therefore, understanding the causal relationship between digital technology and organisations is vital, or indeed, the lack of causal relationship in the way people think of them. This is one key aspect the programme seeks to contribute to. 3 4 5 How does this programme differ fundamentally from other similar degrees, such as a more technical or a computer science degree? The programme is driven by an understanding of managerial ideas and theories coming out of social sciences. Therefore, the programme isn t quantitative or technical. We re preparing people for a complicated work life in which humans interact with technology in complicated and messy ways. Simply understanding technology is not enough. It is often through the collective use of the technology that we begin to understand how it should develop. So, our fundamental aim is to understand what we would call a socio-technical domain, which is the social and technical merging. Technical, quantitative and computer science degrees aren t really targeted in that area. Ours is a much more managerial and socially focused degree. What would you say to a prospective student thinking of applying to join the programme next year? I would say the following: whatever walk of life you come from, whether it s archaeology, architecture, history, management, computer science or particle physics, if you re seeking to transition into a leadership role in IT and into capitalising or understanding the role of digital technologies inside all aspects of life, then this programme will excite you and offer you something interesting and useful. Even if you are aiming at a leadership role outside a dedicated IT function, then it is likely that innovation within your field of expertise critically depends on digital innovation and leadership will therefore also require an in-depth understanding of the possibilities. I would also say think of this degree in terms of a springboard into various areas of work, particularly management consultancy, leadership IT roles in large businesses and small tech start-ups. 06 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 07
Programme overview If you have a strong interest in information systems and technology, and the commercial, social and political transformation digital innovation can bring, our MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation will be ideally suited to you. Unlike any other, this progressive programme will prepare you for leading technology management roles across all industries integrating existing knowledge about the development and management of information systems with the latest digital developments. Think cloud computing, social networking, mobile technologies and more. You will find this programme exciting, challenging and rigorous. It combines theory with practical case studies, and encourages learning through research, analysis, and critical discussion. You will also gain an invaluable understanding of the wider social, economic and managerial context in which technology and organisations are developed and managed. Key features POSTGRADUATE MASTER OF SCIENCE FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME 12 MONTHS FULL-TIME; 24 MONTHS PART-TIME 80 PER CLASS FEES 23,976 (academic year 2015/16) BENEFITS intellectually rigorous research-led globally relevant at the cutting edge of technology excellent employment opportunities 82% of students in work/further study after 6 months mean salary: 39,300 08 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 09
Programme structure Profiles No traditional business school offers an equivalent syllabus, taking an in-depth academic approach to digital solutions in managing organisations. There are three core courses, a research project, two optional courses, plus the chance to study one extra course outside of the core information systems offering. This means you can tailor your degree according to your own interests and goals, choosing from a range of the LSE s leading social science courses. The class Our MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation programme attracts students of different ages, from all over the world, with varied experiences (in education and/or employment), making your classroom experience as interesting and thought-provoking as possible. The programme is appropriate for early-career graduates and mid-career professionals with industry experience to share. Students Meet three of our MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation students, Vikas Bhardwaj, Andrea Acs, and Marta Stelmaszak. COMPULSORY COURSES (2.5 UNITS) OPTIONAL ELECTIVE COURSES (1.5 UNITS) NON- ASSESSED IS470 Innovation and Information Systems: Concepts and Perspectives (0.5 unit) IS471 Innovating Organisational Information Technology (0.5 unit) IS472 Global Strategy Management and Information Systems (0.5 unit) IS499 Dissertation (1.0 unit) IS490 Study Skills and Research Methods Vikas Bhardwaj (India) MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation Having worked in the Technology Industry for a few years, I wanted to gain a broader Management perspective towards Technology as well as garner greater insights in the areas of Information Systems and Innovation. The LSE, through one of its most sought after programmes, was the perfect place to accomplish these goals. The MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation programme blends theoretical concepts of Information Systems with emphasis on real world business challenges. The programme is structured to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of Information Systems, Innovation and Management, providing pertinent knowledge and expertise. The programme s outstanding faculty, emphasis on collaborative learning environment, flexibility in curriculum, and a global perspective to various key issues were the critical factors for me to take up the programme. A few months into the programme, I believe, the takeaways lies in the unparalleled learning through intellectually stimulating content, and in the conversations and interactions with peers and professors that leave you challenged and inspired on a daily basis. Integrated within the programme are events such as London Enterprise Technology Meet up, activities such as group case studies, and societies such as the Information System Society, that have provided a significant boost to my learning experience thus far. As I progress further, I am sure the programme will further deepen my understanding of critical issues in IS and equip me with the critical thinking necessary to tackle the problems concerning Technology and its Management from every perspective. 10 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 11
Profiles (cont.) Marta Stelmaszak (Poland), MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation Andrea Acs (Hungary), MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation As the daughter of an entrepreneur and an engineer, I grew up to be passionate about business and technology. After my undergraduate studies in Global Management and several internships in technology-related management consulting, I was looking to improve my skills in understanding the complexities of how the two worlds are interconnected and how they shape each other. After thoughtful consideration of similar programs Europe-wide, I decided to join the LSE and their MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation (MISDI) programme, mainly because of its reputation to focus on the social science aspects of Information Systems and their practical applications. MISDI means many different things to us some want to get more strategic, some more technical (that would be me), while others like to explore academia for their own intellectual benefit. And this is the greatest part: working together with a group of people from diverse backgrounds and motivations, not to mention cultures on an everyday basis is a transforming experience for me. Who knew that Software Development Methodologies could be absolutely hilarious? Or that a linguist can shake your fundamental assumptions about technology? And that, in addition to the outstanding teaching, is invaluable for my current research, and I believe for me future career. My background is in humanities and linguistics, while I have always had a keen interest in technology and how it shapes information and cultural artefacts. That s why, when I heard about the MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation programme at the LSE I knew I had to apply. This was the perfect place to learn and research the impact of information technology on the way information is managed, processed, perceived or even written. The programme has not only helped me to develop my insight from a social science perspective, but has also led me to rediscover the business aspects of managing information systems and to apply my existing knowledge and practical experience to technical concepts such as software development and implementation. The thorough examination of the concepts and perspectives on innovation and information systems during the first few months of the programme has granted me a good understanding of the role that humans play in the ever-changing landscape of digital innovation. Aside from intensive and challenging course content, one of the greatest benefits of the programme is the diverse background of my fellow students. By exchanging knowledge and experiences with students with backgrounds in business, IT and computer science, I have managed to clarify my ideas and enhance these through input from a variety of disciplines. Without a doubt, every aspect of the course has greatly furthered my understanding of the relationship between technology and the people using it. 12 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 13
Outlook How to apply Your career With our MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation you will stand out from the crowd, and enjoy a promising future. Our graduates secure sought-after roles in IT services, banking, financial services, accounting, consultancy, central and local government, research, and many more areas. A number start up their own technology-focused businesses. 81% of our students are in work/further study after 6 months, with salaries averaging 39,300*. BNP Paribas EY PWC Deloitte Morgan Stanley Barclays Capital *2012-13 LSE survey of MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation graduates. 14 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation Accenture Goldman Sachs Bank of America London Stock ange Applications are open between mid-october and June. Decisions are made on a rolling first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. To apply, please visit our website: www.lse.ac.uk/misdi Application code: G5U4 Apply by April to be considered for a Graduate Student Support (GSS) scholarship. Entry requirements upper 2nd class bachelor s degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline IELTS for non-native English speakers without proof of a degree taken in English a personal statement, resume, official academic transcripts, official test scores and two academic references Please note no previous work experience is required. No GRE/GMAT score is required, but a high score from either of these tests may strengthen your application. MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 15
The following message contains some very important information. Please read it before you use this brochure. This brochure was published in September 2014. It contains information on the Master s programme that the Department of Management intends to run for students who are planning to join in the 2015-16 academic year. The Department has made every effort to ensure that the information provided is both helpful and accurate, and that it is kept as up-to-date as possible however, this information is subject to change. Some circumstances (such as staff changes or resource limitations over which the Department has no control) or the level of demand for a particular course may result in the Department having to withdraw or change aspects of the programme detailed in this brochure. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught, and the facilities provided to deliver the programme. Prospective candidates should note that, in the event of such circumstances occurring, the Department cannot accept liability for any claims for costs or damages made by a student resulting from any change to, or withdrawal of, a programme/module that he/she had intended to study. For this reason it is particularly important that you should check the website for updates (www.lse.ac.uk/management) or contact the Department using the contact details provided within this publication. Designed by: RADAR London, Edited by: Laura Delfitto, Liz Griffith 2014 Contact us If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Email: dom.misdi@lse.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7955 7655