bits MSc in Business Information Technology Systems

bits MSc in Business Information Technology Systems

People who understand how IT might be used to address organisational needs and manage the process of implementing solutions are at a premium in organisations. The MSc BITS has an international reputation for developing these skills in its graduates. Welcome Technology in today's organisations Information Technology (IT) has come to dominate the way in which organisations operate. Where once it was confined to back-office functions such as accounting, it now provides integrated platforms that allow organisations to capture transactions, analyse and manipulate data, and create value by collaborating across boundaries. Behind the development, implementation and operation of these complex IT systems are a wide variety of professionals in consultancies, solution providers and in organisations themselves, who understand the potential of technology to address the needs of business. Career success in these roles is built upon the ability to demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills in the analysis, design and delivery of IT projects. Developing an individual s skills in this area calls for a unique combination of expertise that transcends traditional boundaries. As a result, the MSc Business Information Technology Systems is delivered through a unique and innovative cross-faculty partnership between the Department of Management, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, and the Department of Management Science. Strathclyde Business School (SBS) is internationally respected as one of the most innovative business schools in Europe. It is both fully accredited and internationally ranked. Less than 1% of business schools in the world hold triple accreditation status from all three of the international accrediting bodies, AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA - and Strathclyde is one of them. In the 2008 Financial Times global MBA rankings, Strathclyde achieved 1st in Scotland, 7th in the UK, 13th in Europe, and 30th in the world. Department of Management The MSc BITS is one of a portfolio of postgraduate programmes, including the Strathclyde MBA, managed by the Department of Management. The department has a long history of being pioneers in management education and aims to equip its graduates with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become tomorrow s business leaders. Department of Management Science The Department of Management Science has an international research reputation and a depth of expertise in the methods and techniques used to manage business processes. Faculty of Science The Faculty of Science at Strathclyde comprises six academic (teaching and research) departments and three research units that together provide a balanced representation of exact, physical, molecular and biological sciences. All departments consistently achieve excellence in external assessments of the quality of their teaching. Department of Computer and Information Sciences The Department of Computer and Information Sciences has 40 academic staff including postdoctoral research fellows, and a lively and diverse international community of approximately 100 postgraduate students. The Department undertakes research into the three sub-disciplines of Artificial Intelligence Planning, Software Systems Engineering, and Information Retrieval and Management, and teaches a broad spectrum of courses across computer science, information and library science, and information management. 3

The dynamic nature of the course work was excellent. As information technology continues to evolve year after year, it s great to see that the course work also evolves year after year to keep you at the cutting edge of business and technology. Gregory Cooper MSc BITS 2007, Account Integration Specialist, Bloomberg Is the MSc BITS for you? The knowledge and skills delivered as part of the MSc Business and Information Technology Systems (BITS) are relevant for a whole range of different career paths from those managing business processes through Information Technology (IT), through systems and IT analysts right up to IT project managers and consultants. The programme attracts individuals from a variety of backgrounds including;- Those seeking to consolidate their technical knowledge of IT and extend their understanding of the organisational issues that might be addressed by it. Those wishing to hone their skills as a manager of an area, or project, that makes use of IT. Those aiming to acquire insight into how technology works and its potential in delivering business value. Graduates wishing to develop their skills and knowledge of business and IT before moving into the workplace. Aims and objectives of the course The MSc BITS aims to develop individuals with an integrated understanding of how IT might be employed effectively by organisations and have the skills to put this understanding into action. Specifically, the programme aims to develop your ability to: understand the link between business strategy, information strategy and competitive advantage assess the current information systems of an organisation against business needs and develop an appropriate response assess developments in the field of IT and their potential for delivering value to organisations understand the systems and processes through which organisational activity is managed demonstrate comprehensive project management skills including proposal development, project planning, implementation and change management strategies develop the skills needed to work effectively with others, motivating and inspiring fellow team members A course built around the needs of industry The BITS programme has been developed in close collaboration with a range of organisations involved in the development, implementation and operation of IT. As a result the classes that make up the BITS programme reflect the very latest tools and techniques used in practice. Participants will not only become familiar with the latest technologies, but will also understand complex systems, and learn practical skills utilising enterprise-level software applications. Such is the high regard that employers have for the programme that they continue to work with us in the delivery of classes. Over the course of the programme class members will hear from, work in class with, and visit some of the organisations that support the BITS programme. This includes companies such as Accenture who deliver alongside of Strathclyde academics on the Programme and Project Management class. Managing information technology towards meeting business needs. 4 5

Programme structure and content The course really showed how to handle the task of being a manager in general and in an IT environment. It really helped me to think strategically and to work better with people. Uday Areti MSc BITS 2007 The MSc Business Information Technology Systems is designed around four modules representing the balance of business understanding, knowledge of IT and personal practice. Each of these classes will provide fresh perspectives and understanding of IT s potential to address the issues faced by contemporary organisations. Following completion of these modules, course members are given the opportunity to apply and integrate their knowledge in an indepth project in which you can explore the managerial implications of IT. The MSc BITS comprises 180 credits. Each of the classes is now considered in more detail. Module 1 Business Principles and Organisational Processes Developing Business Strategy A central element in knowing the place of IT in organisations is gaining a clear understanding of the underlying strategy that is being pursued. In this class, participants are guided through the strategy development process. Starting from identifying the purpose of the organisation and the core competences it has to deliver this, class participants will learn how to formulate a strategic response to the organisation s environment. Operations Management and the Business Process For the vast majority of organisations IT systems play an essential role in handling the data that enables its operations. Those implementing or changing these systems need to understand the underlying reasons behind the design of operating systems and be able to identify, analyse and redesign key business processes. Not only will course members learn about these design principles, they will also explore the way that Enterprise Resource Planning packages integrate business processes through hands on experience of an industry standard ERP package, SAP. Managing Business Resources In order to work effectively in organisations, those involved in the running, or implementation of IT, need to understand the challenges facing those who manage different areas of the business. This class will use case studies to explore the way in which technology is employed in different situations and consider how far its introduction tackles the underlying business issues. Module 2 Managing the Business Process Programme and Project Management: An IT focus Programme & Project Management are a set of management techniques widely used in the design, implementation and development of IT systems. However, as project management frequently involves change, successful project managers need to understand the dynamics generated during the process. This class will give course members a balanced view of Project Management combining knowledge of the techniques with the practical skills needed in real-life. As part of this, the consultancy company Accenture will introduce class members to their approach to the challenges of Programme and Project Management. Integrated Skills Programme This dedicated programme aims to enhance your skills in key areas of professional practice. The class will develop your ability to analyse information, construct and present an argument. It will also introduce tools and techniques that will help improve your effectiveness in key areas of worklife. Participants will look at how to handle themselves and others in teams and will consider key skills involved in managing your work. Module 3 Managing IT Enterprise Architecture IT is no longer regarded as a back-of-house infrastructure, nor simply managed as a support service; for in a relatively short period of time, IT has evolved from fabric to nervous system, providing the mission critical business system, networks, and delivery channels of the modern organisation. This class introduces the key elements of enterprise architecture, and develops participant s analytical skills to allow them to contribute to strategic planning for IT, and to develop an understanding of methodological process and best practice for enterprise architecture development. The Course Modules Database Systems Development Behind the majority of the software applications used in organisations are large collections of information held in databases. The ability to understand the way in which an organisation s databases are configured and how value adding information might be obtained from interrogating them are key skills. This class provides conceptual and practical understanding of data modeling and database design, with practical experience and skills in enterprise-level database development and implementation Web Systems Development Web-enabled systems are now a key way in which organisations capture and communicate information. This class provides conceptual and practical understanding of website design and development, introduces client-side mark-up languages and elementary programming, and encourages the integration of good interface design with effective system functionality. Service Management As technology evolves and becomes increasingly embedded within the infrastructure of organisations, an ever increasing proportion of organisational processes become automated and/or go online. In parallel with this we are also witnessing an ever increasing number of information-based products and services. This class provides an integrated set of tools and techniques for the effective delivery and continuity of information based services, identifies appropriate measures, metrics and methods for their specification and evaluation, and considers effective security procedures and practices. Module 4 The Dissertation Project A central concern of the programme is to ensure the work of course members is practical in nature and also to integrate knowledge of technology, business and management. The dissertation project draws these concerns together in a substantial piece of practically-orientated work that considers an aspect of both management and technology as it is used in practice. 6 7

Here at LogicaCGM we are always trying to recruit graduates who have a good understanding of technology backed up by a real appreciation of business issues, and some practical experience of how they might work as part of a team to achieve a goal. MSc BITS tackles all three of these criteria head on, so graduates will be well versed in the practicality of deploying technical solutions to solve real business problems. Gary Argent UK Graduate Recuitment Manager LogicaCMG Learning principles of the MSc BITS The learning environment Integration and a focus on real-life practice are consistent themes that run through the BITS programme. For us building an integrated understanding of technology's role in organisations is an essential skill as, in the real world, organisational issues do not come neatly packaged in one area but often require broader business thinking. As a result our classes build upon each other, challenging course members to think more broadly and deeply about the consequences of employing technology in different organisational contexts. The focus on real-life practice is reflected in the degree to which industry works with us on the programme and in the relevance of the tools, techniques and software packages used in the classes. Perhaps more important, however, is the emphasis upon coming to understand the complexities, problems and issues faced by managers in real-life. Learning new approaches to these issues will develop your potential as you go forward in your career. Teaching methods Developing managerial knowledge and skills requires a very particular combination of teaching methods. In addition to formal lectures, the School s focus of relating theory to practice means that academic staff will maximise the opportunities for discussion and debate on how practice might be adapted and developed for particular contexts. We often use case studies to allow you to see and explore current practice. Skills development involves an altogether more experiential method of teaching, and role play exercises will see you put your new knowledge and skills into action. Teamwork is a vital skill for managers, and throughout the programme you will be asked to work collectively with others, analysing problems, debating issues and presenting your ideas. Assessment methods Assessment of your progress on the course is designed to construct a balanced picture of your knowledge, skills and ability. Essays, presentations and reports built upon group and individual tasks will all be used in assessing your class-based work across the classes in modules 1-3. Examinations, which are used by four of the classes, give you the opportunity to consolidate your learning. Value adding features The MSc BITS programme has a number of unique features that support and enhance the learning experience of course members. These include:- Industry Engagement As discussed previously, the MSc BITS is closely related to industry and during your time on the course you can expect to hear from and work with a number of global organisations as part of classes. You will also be invited to hear from high profile speakers at the Faculty s Postgraduate Leadership seminar series. Textbooks Supplied In order to remove the additional cost associated with buying textbooks, we supply the main textbooks required to complete the core classes of the MSc News Resources In order to help keep you abreast of developments in the world of business and technology we provide a range of news resources including a varied programme of national and international newspapers and our very own newsbrief Global Glance. Free Software Downloads Course members are entitled to download and use a wide range of software including virus checkers and most Microsoft products. The physical environment MSc BITS enjoys the facilities of both the departments of Management, and Computer and Information Sciences. It is housed within a modern, award-winning building on Cathedral Street in the heart of Glasgow s city centre. Designed to meet the demands of both corporate clients and those studying at a postgraduate level, the building was purpose-built to facilitate study, interaction and work. The IT facilities available include a computer laboratory, wireless networking, subsidised printing and photocopying, all backed by a dedicated IT support team. Department of Computer and Information Sciences laboratories The Department of Computer and Information Sciences facilities are centered around an extensive open plan wireless study zone and social area supported by five specialist computing laboratories. As well as exclusive access to this advanced learning environment, postgraduate research students also enjoy their own designated community area. Course members have valuable access to several enterprise level software applications commonly used within industry. In addition to the everyday Windows applications you might expect, lab computers are installed with a variety of specialist software installed including Oracle Database Client, Together Architect (UML modelling tool), Eclipse IDE (Java Programming Development Environment), Statistica (Statistics Software) and all the main Microsoft Development Tools. To support this advanced learning environment an Oracle database server and web development server are also provided and maintained. The Business Information Service At the heart of the business school s learning environment is the Business Information Service (BIS). This purpose-built facility was created to serve the information needs of business users. Journals, market and financial reports from around the globe form just a small part of the resources available through this service. The BIS is free to course members and is subscribed to by a number of corporate clients including consultancies and financial institutions. The BIS is available electronically too and is part of the rich range of resources available on our Intranet, keeping you updated on the latest business issues and allowing you to research areas that interest you in-depth. The virtual environment The programme's intranet provides access to a range of resources designed to enhance your learning experience. From the bespoke materials giving you insight into key study skills, through materials that not only support class learning but provide routes for you to explore subjects of interest to you, to the extensive knowledge bank contained in the BIS, the emphasis is upon allowing you to direct your own studies and achieve your potential. Life after your studies: career prospects The MSc BITS will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of possible career paths including IT management, general management and consultancy. The University s careers advisers are on hand to help you identify and pursue your career choices and to help you develop the skills needed for a successful job search. As a major university based in Scotland s largest city you will be able to attend recruitment events during the year. In addition, Strathclyde can offer the benefits of the Carnet Alliance, a careers network operating amongst 11 leading European business schools. Carnet s aim is to create partnerships between employers, students, and the alliance of business schools, leading to jobs, events, consultancy projects and international co-operation, and providing a means for students to liaise across the alliance schools. Graduates are employed in both public and private sectors in a range of management and consultancy roles. Recent recruiters include: Accenture, BT Syntegra, Cap Gemini, Deloitte, Hewlett Packard, IBM, J P Morgan, Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Sky broadcasting, ScottishPower, Standard Life and Unilever. 8 59

The admissions process A student s opinion Gregory Cooper MSc BITS 2007, Account Integration Specialist, Bloomberg The application process The MSc BITS is a specialist degree Academic requirements Applicants should possess: Computer competence In order to undertake BITS you will need to It had always been a dream of mine to study abroad and as I had degrees in In my opinion, a manager who not only understands business but also how to use The dynamic nature of the course work was excellent. As information technology designed for those who want to sharpen their be competent in word processing, the use of finance and information technology, this technology as a business enabler will very continues to evolve year after year, it s great skills and knowledge in the relation between A degree or other qualification considered spreadsheets and in report writing. course seemed to be the next logical step shortly become the most valuable resource to see that the course work also evolves year technology and business. We would like to hear from high-calibre candidates from all by the University Senate to be equivalent to a first or second class honours degree Formal interview in my educational journey. inside the modern organisation. The blend of technology and business concepts of the after year to keep you at the cutting edge of business and technology. backgrounds who can demonstrate their intellectual capabilities and strong interpersonal skills. Completed application forms are considered as they are received, and you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible. In addition to completing the application from a UK university If you studied for your undergraduate degree at a non-uk institution we will require an official translation We will also actively consider applications from people who may not hold formal As our primary concern is to build a class of high-potential individuals that will work well together, we may ask you to undertake a formal interview to discuss your achievements and aspirations. To apply: Applications for entry can be through our course gives you an ideal foundation on which to build future success in this area of expertise. Strathclyde Business School also has an excellent reputation in both academic and corporate circles, which helped me choose. An integral part of the course involves group work, and being able to interact and relate to people from so many different walks of life has been a truly amazing experience. The real friendships and bonds you form with classmates was what I enjoyed most about the course. form, we ask that you submit a 500-word summary detailing your motivation for joining the BITS programme, highlighting your qualification but who have some depth of experience in IT-related areas and can demonstrate their academic potential. website www.strathclydebits.com or can be submitted in paper form to: Coming back to university and studying again after some time spent in industry, afforded me the opportunity to think For any students following in my footsteps, I d advise that, as with most things in life, career aspirations and why you feel you are a suitable candidate for the programme. The Admissions Committee meets on a regular basis and, providing you have supplied all the necessary information, you should normally receive a decision within three to four weeks of application. Admissions testing Although not a standard requirement of our admission process, strong verbal reasoning and numerical abilities are critical for the course and we may ask you to undertake a test such as the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Competence in English The BITS programme is highly interactive Graduate Admissions Office 199 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0QU UK Tel: +44 141 553 6118/6119 Fax: +44 141 553 6162 holistically once again about technology issues and not be confined to my industry specialisation. It showed me that there are many important and interesting changes happening within the organisation as we know it and, if we are to survive, we need to evolve with the organisation. I found the course to have the right combination of business and technology, with the lecturers using both their academic to succeed you have to strike a balance. Hard work is essential but it s also essential to get out there and form real relationships with people. Knowledge that will separate you from others is not only found in text books but in the minds of those we interact with every day and it s up to you to extract this tacit knowledge. The importance of collaborative learning should not be underestimated so get out there and don t be afraid to collaborate. and therefore requires a high level of competence in English speaking, writing, reading and listening. For those applicants whose first language is not English a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS or 100 (IBT) in TOEFL, is required. Applicants who fall slightly below these standards will be considered if they undertake and successfully complete the University s pre-sessional study programme. The blend of technology and business concepts of the course gives you an ideal foundation on which to build future success in this area of expertise. and industry knowledge to give us a strong foundation on which to become business leaders of the future. Technology is our future and our future is now. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far and although the course was just one year, the fond memories will last a lifetime. 10 11

Surroundings and facilities Surroundings and facilities The University of Strathclyde s campus is situated in the centre of Glasgow, Scotland s largest and most vibrant city. As a major University it enjoys all of the facilities that you might expect to support you during your period of study such as: Accommodation The University halls are located on campus and close to the city-centre making them a convenient base for your time in Glasgow Library and IT facilities In addition to the resources available to you through the course, you can also make use of the University s resources. These include the main library with over half a million books and electronic resources as well as the 30 computer laboratories spread across the campus. Catering and entertainment The campus has a range of eating places including the JAVA café, a cyber café utilising innovative technology from Sun Microsystems Ltd that allows collaborative group work and IT based research. There is also a large, and well respected Students Union. University support services In addition, the University provides you with a wide range of support services to assist you in your studies including; Disability Service Student Health Service Student Advisory and Counselling Service Centre for Sport and Recreation Strathclyde has a dedicated sports centre for which all students can apply for membership. Facilities including squash courts, a swimming pool and a well equipped gym. 12 13

As Strathclyde is so central and transport to the centre is plentiful, our students live in all areas of the city... After completing the BITS course I successfully attained a job as a consultant for Cap Gemini. Cap Gemini is one of the largest consultancy firms worldwide. I firmly believe it was the wealth of knowledge and experience I gained on the BITS course that enabled me to secure a job as a consultant. The BITS course is challenging, dynamic, interesting, fun and widely recognised by major firms, and a choice that I'm very proud of. Glasgow Glasgow is Scotland s largest city and is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan in Europe. It is also the commercial capital of Scotland, allowing us to build strong links with local organisations and industry. Glasgow is friendly and vibrant and has outstanding architecture, superb shopping facilities and diverse cultural interests. Its rural surroundings are spectacular, from the beautiful coastal hills around Inverclyde and the country parks, historic towns and heritage sites of Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire, to the sheltered woodlands of the Clyde valley. Glasgow enjoys Excellent transport inks with Europe and elsewhere. Glasgow airport is 20 minutes from the city centre. Proximity to Scotland s parliament only 50 minutes by train to Edinburgh. Easy access to some of Scotland s most stunning scenery, and outdoor leisure facilities including world-class golf courses. A vibrant cultural scene home to Scottish Opera and Ballet, the Royal National Orchestra and the Royal Concert Hall which regularly attracts artists of international standing. Elaine Corrigan, MSc BITS 2003 Consultant, Cap Gemini There are 26 public art galleries and museums. A lively nightlife with numerous theatres, cinemas, restaurants and nightclubs. Shopping facilities Glasgow has the best shopping experience outside London. 14 15

For general information on the Strathclyde MSc BITS programme or any of our other programmes please contact us at: Graduate Admissions Office, 199 Cathedral Street, GLASGOW G4 0QU. telephone: +44(0)141 553 6118/6119 fax: +44(0)141 553 6162 email: admissions@gsb.strath.ac.uk Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Business Information Technology Systems www.strathclydebits.com