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 LSE The Department of Management is a fullyintegrated academic unit within a worldleading social science university, ranked #2 in the world in this field (QS World University Rankings 2014/15). As such, it is a core part of 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. 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, 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 2014-15 academic year: 1407 [ 50.3% (707) full-time MSc, 26.0% (366) BSc, 7.5% (106) incoming exchange students, 12.9% (181) Executive MSc/ MBA, 3.3% (47) 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: 71 Age range: 49% Female Average age: 51% Male Our alumni Our faculty Total academic and research staff: Number of nationalities: 69 26 18-55 24 [ 20 professors [ 41% Female 59% Male Student societies: Graduate Management Society, Management & Strategy Society, Human Resources Society, Information Systems Society, LSE CEMS Club Our students Location and facilities Publications in 2014-15: 8 BOOKS, 90+ journal articles 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, organisational behaviour. 04 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 05
Meet our Programme Director Prof Chrisanthi Avgerou, 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 whether that s in organisations or in consulting firms, in public agencies or in the private sector. The core concepts of the programme derive from fundamental theories that help make sense of the role of digital technology in society and in work. Digital innovation is the reconfiguration of information technology and human activities. The rapid development of possibilities for such reconfigurations poses constant challenges for organisations to assess, reflect, and act upon. So, our aim is not to teach technological skills per se, but to provide students the conceptual lenses by which they can understand and manage the role that technology plays in shaping organisations, mediating business models and influencing ways of working. A critical element in that knowledge kit is the understanding of the role design activities play in shaping 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 on our approach to teaching and on 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, social media, mobility, outsourcing, and electronic commerce. The programme focuses on how to make sense of these technology trends inside an organisation and across markets and how you can capitalise on them. Accordingly, in the next five years, as technology changes, the debates and the agendas which are part of the programme are bound to change. Yet, there are fundamental ways of how to think of the relationship between technology and organisations and the processes of digital innovation that remain stable. These form the core of the programme. Our teaching philosophy grounded on examples and case studies will also remain stable, although the content of what we teach is bound to shift to accommodate the rapid technological trends of our time. How does the programme contribute to 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 understand and shape our expanding digital world. 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, organisations and markets is vital to the programme. 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 that derive from 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 and how it can be used in productive ways. 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 management oriented 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. Leadership will therefore also require an in-depth understanding of the restructuring possibilities of digital technology. I would also incite students to 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 24,936 (academic year 2016/17) BENEFITS intellectually rigorous research-led globally relevant at the cutting edge of technology excellent employment opportunities 95% of students in work/further study after 6 months mean salary 23,300 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 elective 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 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, Carolina Oliveria e Carmo, Dor Vago, and Emily Mendel. COMPULSORY COURSES (2.5 UNITS) ELECTIVE COURSES (1.5 UNITS) nonassessed MG487 Innovation and Information Systems: Concepts and Perspectives (0.5 units) MG481 Innovating Organisational Information Technology (0.5 units) MG472 Global Strategy Management and Information Systems (0.5 units) MG4D9 Dissertation (1.0 unit) MG496 Study Skills and Research Methods Carolina Oliveria e Carmo (Portugal) MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation class of 2014-15 After my undergraduate studies in Business, I sought to gain differentiating skills with a future-oriented slant. A summer internship in technology integration consulting in the area of the financial service industry helped me to appreciate the study of innovation and technology as an advantageous option for the future. LSE s Master s in Management, Information Systems and Digital Innovation (MISDI) offers an interesting bridge between business and the study of technology. The program merges people from all backgrounds, with different kinds of knowledge and experience. Whereas some students come from a purely technological background, others might have a more business-linked expertise and yet others may have a sociological backdrop. Being among the youngest in class, I appreciate learning from such a diverse range of people, including individuals who have worked in the industry. One of the features of the programme that surprised me most was people s availability to build lasting connections. Although we are such a diverse group with different cultures and motivations, the great majority invests in building links and interacting in and outside the classroom. Academically, intellectually, personally and socially, I consider MISDI to be very valuable. 10 MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 11
Profiles (cont.) Emily Mendel (Canada) MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation class of 2014-15 Dor Vago (Israel) MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation class of 2014-15 Technology has always been a passion for me, and for the past two years I ve been working at a transformative sports technology company. I was attracted to the Master s in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation (MISDI) programme at LSE as I felt it would provide both the theoretical foundations and the practical tools to understand and implement business and technology strategies in my future career. MISDI is a community and a family of people from various academic, national or industry backgrounds that make coming to the lectures and seminars both intellectually stimulating and incredibly fun and exciting. During my pervious degree, group work was very limited and the group focused teaching method, especially the Deloitte consulting project, really attracted me to the course. Coming from a campus-based university, LSE s close knit community was very important in my decision. I love having world-renowned guest speakers just a quick 2-minute walk from my lectures and it s this environment and energy that encourages the exploration and challenge I was searching for. While studying Industrial Relations during my undergraduate degree, I completed a summer internship as a corporate recruiter. I was exposed to every type of job, but the department that fascinated me most was technology and media. By filling positions such as digital media marketing specialists and product development manager, I found myself wanting to work in these roles myself, but first had to learn more about the information systems field. It started with taking an introductory class during my Bachelor s degree and then became a fullfledged desire to study information systems at the graduate level. I chose LSE because of their world-renowned reputation, and the dynamic course selection. The course options prepare students for any career path in the technology management field, and the first semester classes lay the foundation for students (like myself) who do not come from a technical background. As we approach the end of the Michaelmas term, I m excited to partake in courses specific to my own particular interests next semester, which include e-commerce and Web 2.0. Whether your career path leads you to consulting or academia, MISDI has the excellent teaching staff and programme to prepare you. 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. 95% of our students are in work/further study after 6 months, with salaries averaging 23,300*. BNP Paribas EY PWC Deloitte Morgan Stanley Barclays Capital *2013-14 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 2015. 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 2016-17 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, Lucy Porter 2015 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