Master of Science in Information Systems – Digital Business Systems

The course provides an introduction to the IS research field. Students will gain advanced knowledge of the key concepts and theories of IS research. They will acquire specialised problem-solving skills, being able to analyse and synthesize a research case. They shall take responsibility to a literature review of a specific IS topic.

Central topics include Information Systems as a research field, IS development, IS innovation, IS as sociotechnical and complex systems, Analytics and data driven decision making, Introduction to research methods in IS, Basic concepts and theories in IS, Literature reviews and writing style.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of enterprise systems, the backbone of modern organizations, enabling seamless integration and management of core business processes. Enterprise systems encompass a broad range of integrated software applications designed to support key operational areas such as finance, production, sales, supply chain, and customer relations. This course will provide students with the critical knowledge and practical skills required to understand, evaluate, and implement these complex systems within diverse organizational contexts.

By focusing on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems as core examples, the course delves into the role of enterprise systems in facilitating real-time data sharing, improving operational efficiency, and driving strategic decision-making. Students will engage with the theoretical concepts underpinning business process management and enterprise systems while gaining hands-on experience in using, configuring, and optimizing these systems for organizational success. Special emphasis will be placed on the challenges and critical success factors for successful Enterprise Systems adoptions and aligning enterprise systems with business strategy and requirements.

The purpose of the "Digital Strategy & Business Models" course is to build knowledge and understanding of how digitalization serves as a transformative strategy for companies, impacting their current business models and propelling them toward new and innovative frameworks. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the strategic importance of digital technologies and the evolving landscape of digital business models. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and application of digital strategies, the design and evolution of business models, and the role of digital innovation in driving competitive advantage.

The course will explore the implications of digital transformation on traditional business models, the development of new value propositions, and the creation of sustainable digital ecosystems. Students will gain a thorough understanding of key concepts such as digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of emerging technologies into business operations. Using case studies, practical exercises, and industry insights, students will be able to formulate and implement digital strategies that align with organizational goals and leverage digital tools to optimize business performance.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to critically evaluate and design digital business models, understand the strategic implications of digitalization, and lead digital initiatives that drive innovation and growth in various organizational contexts.

The main aim of this course is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of ethics and sustainability necessary for responsible innovation and the development of new information technologies (IT) in the modern society. The central topics include the role of ethics in responsible innovation and IT development; information privacy concerns, social, economic, and environmental impacts of innovations and new ITs; and how IT development and innovation can contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In covering ethical and sustainability issues, the course addresses the perspectives of various stakeholders at the individual level (IT developers, innovators, consumers, investors), the organizational level (commercial, public, and non-governmental organizations), and the societal level (local and regional communities, nations, international society). Group work on possible solutions to real-life ethical and sustainability challenges constitutes an essential part of the course.

Students will gain advanced knowledge of key concepts, laws, standards, technologies and ethics within IT security. They will acquire specialised problem-solving skills, being able to perform a comprehensive information risk analysis, and suggest the necessary controls. They shall take responsibility to conduct the design of an IT security plan for a case organisation, and assess the quality.

Business Intelligence (BI) is highly important for making good decisions in organisations. Students will gain advanced knowledge of the art and process of decision-making, as well as the BI process and the end- user tools such as reports, visualizations and dashboards. They will acquire specialised problem-solving skills and hands-on experience with a leading BI tool. They shall take responsibility to conduct a complete BI process and evaluate its business value.

This course is intended as a master level introduction to research methodology and the research process. This introduction gives the students an overview of the basic concept, methods, and practice of research.

Research is a cyclical process where new and carefully planned investigations build and extend on established work. The aim is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of research as a conceptual, empirical, and practical approach to gathering new insight and knowledge. The content provides a broad overview of how researchers work within the fields of economy, innovation, and technology. It presents students with relevant methods from these domains, along with their possibilities and limitations.

Students will learn a systematic approach to empirical investigation, including literature search, research design and methodology, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the presentation and evaluation of results.

At completion of the course, students will be able to study and interpret existing research on a topic and suggest approaches to broaden or deepen knowledge within a given topic.

The overall objective of this course is to help students conceptualize and prepare a timely and relevant research proposal, and to nurture a sense of inquisitiveness and active participation in research. The course aims at offering insight into the process behind a successful research project. It has an applied approach that involves collaborative and reciprocal partnerships between the university (faculty, staff, and/or students) and external communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources. The research proposal forms the basis for the master thesis and the allocation of supervisor(s).