Information Orientation, Information Technology Governance, And Information Technology Service Management: A Multi-Level Approach For Teaching The MBA Core Information Systems Course

Despite the ever increasing reliance of modern businesses on information technology, many leading MBA programs (within the US) have apparently concluded that IS-related content does not merit inclusion in their core MBA curricula. The IS academic community has long recognized that serious issues exist with the selection and delivery of IS-related content and has offered various approaches to address perceived deficiencies [Silver, et al. 1995]. This article outlines a multi-level pedagogical approach for teaching a core MBA IS course that draws upon several IT management frameworks. The course is intended to demonstrate the value and relevance of IS-related knowledge for aspiring enterprise managers. While we believe the course is relevant for those pursuing careers in IT management, the course is targeted to meet the needs of general business students. Rather than designing our course around the traditional strategic, tactical and operational categories of IT management, we parse IT management activities by responsibility. That is, we ask our students to consider which IT management activities merit active engagement by corporate governance bodies and enterprise executives or business process owners and operators, and which activities might safely be left in the hands of IT professionals. The course design remains a work in progress but the initial course offerings have, generally been positively received