Management 404 Information Systems
Fall 1999
Jason L.
Frand, Instructor
Course Overview
- Will TV exist in 25 years?
- Will the Internet exist in 25 years?
- Will they be distinguishable?
- Does it matter?
- Will paper catalogues be mailed to
individuals in 25 years?
- Will the US Post Office exist in 25
years?
- What will it deliver?
- Will the US Mint need to print money in
25 years?
- Will banks exist in 25 years?
- What will they do?
- Will Universities exist in 25 years?
- Will libraries exist in 25 years?
- Where will you go to upgrade your
knowledge and skills?
- Will automobiles exist in 25 years?
- Will you shop in person for
clothes or groceries when you are 55 (i.e., about 25 years)?
- What will it take for organizations to be
able to compete in 2024?
- What kind of computer, communication and
information infrastructure will be needed to support this kind
of world?
- What do we do in the meantime?
- What managerial issue must be addressed
as we move forward?
Given the lack of a great
crystal ball to answer all these questions, this Mgmt 404
Information Systems class will explore business models which
support the competitive use of computer, communication, and
information technologies, and looks at one technology area,
communications (including the Internet and WWW), in some details.
Two major themes
regarding computer, communication, and information technologies
will be covered in the course:
Managerial use:
computer, communication, and information technologies play a
dual role, both as a major enabler of change as well as a
powerful force driving change. The value of these technologies
is in their ability to enable organizations to compete more
effectively. We will explore technology industries, and the
(vertical) markets which they are both serving and transforming.
We will use business models to evaluate the impact of the
technologies and plan their strategic use. These goals will be
accomplished through the extensive use of cases, student
research papers, and guest speakers.
Personal use:
computer, communication, and information technologies support
and enhance the learning process by students demonstrating
mastery of a breadth of skills including data modeling and
simulation; electronic-communications, collaborative work, and
meeting support; information management, search, and retrieval;
and integrated text and graphics tools. Competency with this
array of skills is gained through training and ongoing use. A
series of class assignments will provide this practice.
E-commerce Project: A major course project
will be to develop a prototype e-business (complete with starter
web site). This project brings both major themes together in
a practical application formal.
Prerequisites: The class is an introduction
to managerial computing, its terminology and technology;
those with a technology background may find the some aspects of
the course very basic.
Objectives (or what you should take away)
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Debate the dual role of information technologies as a driver
/ enabler of organizational and societal change
- Be a knowledgeable participant in strategic and managerial
level decisions involving computer, communication, and
information technologies
- Discuss the major application areas of computer,
communication, and information technologies and how they can
contribute to the competitiveness of an organization
- Understand the management issues involved in the
implementation of client / server, Web based software systems
designed for individuals and organizations
- Discuss concepts and issues related to knowledge management
systems (both personal and organizational) and their
implementation
- Comfortably conduct information searches which utilize online
resources
- Create a Web page environment to support an Internet-based
business
Suggested reading for understanding potential "ultimate" impact of
information technologies, any of the books in the Robot Series by
Isaac Asimov.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
jason.frand@anderson.ucla.edu
May 13, 1999