Information Systems Management Course

Lesson 1 • Types of Information Systems

Surveys transaction processing, management, decision support, and executive systems. Enables classification of real-world systems by function and user level.

Lesson 2 • Defining Information Systems

Covers the definition, scope, and purpose of IS within organisations. Anchors all subsequent technical and managerial concepts in a shared vocabulary.

Lesson 3 • IS Stakeholders and Roles

Identifies key actors—users, managers, IT staff, and executives—and their responsibilities. Clarifies accountability structures essential for governance discussions.

Lesson 1 • Software Layers and Licensing

Covers operating systems, middleware, application software, and licensing models. Connects software selection to cost, flexibility, and vendor dependency.

Lesson 2 • Cloud Computing Models

Distinguishes IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS delivery models and public, private, and hybrid deployments. Equips managers to select cloud strategies aligned with cost and control needs.

Lesson 3 • Networking and Connectivity

Explains LAN, WAN, and internet architectures along with key protocols. Grounds network design decisions in bandwidth, latency, and reliability trade-offs.

Lesson 4 • Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

Introduces structured approaches to aligning IT assets with business capabilities. Prepares students to read and contribute to enterprise architecture documentation.

Lesson 1 • Non-Relational Database Options

Surveys document, key-value, column-family, and graph databases. Guides selection of the appropriate database type for unstructured or high-velocity data.

Lesson 2 • Data Modelling Fundamentals

Introduces entity-relationship modelling and normalisation principles. Provides the conceptual language for specifying database structures to developers.

Lesson 3 • Data Warehousing and Analytics

Explains data warehouse architecture, ETL processes, and OLAP concepts. Connects operational data management to business intelligence and reporting capabilities.

Lesson 4 • Relational Database Concepts

Covers tables, keys, joins, and basic query logic in relational systems. Enables managers to validate data retrieval requirements and interpret query results.

Lesson 1 • Threat and Vulnerability Assessment

Covers threat modelling, vulnerability scanning, and risk scoring methods. Enables prioritisation of security investments based on likelihood and impact.

Lesson 2 • Information Security Fundamentals

Establishes the CIA triad and core security concepts. Creates the conceptual baseline for evaluating all subsequent security controls and policies.

Lesson 3 • Security Controls and Countermeasures

Surveys preventive, detective, and corrective controls across technical and administrative domains. Connects control selection to risk treatment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Security Governance and Compliance

Addresses security policy frameworks, audit processes, and regulatory compliance obligations. Links technical controls to organisational accountability and reporting.

Lesson 1 • IT Service Management Concepts

Covers service lifecycle, service catalogue design, and key ITSM processes. Enables managers to define and deliver IT services that meet agreed business expectations.

Lesson 2 • Service Level Management

Addresses SLA design, key performance indicators, and service reporting. Connects measurable service commitments to customer satisfaction and operational accountability.

Lesson 3 • Continuous Improvement in IT

Introduces improvement models, metrics-driven review cycles, and maturity assessments. Embeds a culture of ongoing service enhancement within IT operations.

Lesson 4 • IT Governance Frameworks

Introduces governance principles, accountability structures, and major IT governance frameworks. Positions governance as the mechanism linking IT decisions to business value.

Lesson 1 • Planning and Scheduling

Introduces work breakdown structures, dependency mapping, and critical path analysis. Translates project scope into actionable, time-bound delivery plans.

Lesson 2 • Project Monitoring and Closure

Addresses status reporting, change control, and formal project closure activities. Ensures lessons learned are captured and benefits realisation is tracked.

Lesson 3 • Project Initiation and Scoping

Covers business case development, feasibility analysis, and project charter creation. Establishes the governance foundation before resources are committed.

Lesson 4 • Budget and Cost Management

Covers IS project cost estimation, tracking, and earned value analysis. Enables managers to detect variances early and take corrective action.

Lesson 1 • System Testing and Deployment

Covers unit, integration, user acceptance, and performance testing strategies. Ensures systems meet quality standards before production deployment.

Lesson 2 • Vendor and Contract Management

Addresses RFP development, vendor scoring, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management. Protects organisational interests throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Lesson 3 • Build Versus Buy Analysis

Provides a structured framework for evaluating custom development against packaged software acquisition. Connects the decision to total cost of ownership and strategic fit.

Lesson 4 • Systems Development Lifecycle

Surveys SDLC phases from planning through maintenance and retirement. Provides the process framework for all subsequent development and acquisition decisions.

Lesson 1 • Digital Transformation Strategies

Examines how organisations redesign processes and business models using digital technologies. Prepares managers to lead transformation initiatives and manage disruption.

Lesson 2 • IS Investment and Value Realisation

Covers ROI analysis, benefits realisation frameworks, and IS value measurement. Enables executives to justify IS investments and track delivered business value.

Lesson 3 • IS Strategic Planning Process

Covers environmental scanning, IS vision setting, and strategic roadmap development. Integrates business strategy with IS capability planning at the executive level.

Lesson 4 • Emerging Technology Evaluation

Provides a structured approach to scanning, piloting, and scaling emerging technologies. Reduces adoption risk while capturing first-mover advantages.