This module provides the basic concepts of information system management, focusing on practical aspects and real-size case studies. After a general introduction to information systems and their recent evolution, the general issue of information system management is introduced and a detailed task analysis is carried out. Fundamental management rules are provided focusing on hardware/software infrastructure, software applications, and human resources. Specific attention is devoted to integration, network information systems, and corporate portals. Organization of the information system department, budget management, quality of service, internal and external relationships are dealt with as well. An important part of this module deals with knowledge management: the value of intangible assets, tacit versus explicit knowledge, knowledge life cycle, and knowledge quality are among the basic topics. A survey of the main approaches to knowledge management is provided, supported by concrete examples derived from professional practice. Typical knowledge management projects are presented, ranging from knowledge capitalization, to knowledge sharing, maintenance and creation.
PART I – Basic concepts
Information systems.
The time line: the evolution of information systems
Issues in information systems management.
PART II – Fundamental management tasks
Managing hardware and software infrastructure.
User support and hel-desk.
Application maintenance.
Developing new applications.
Managing human resources.
PART III – Additional topics
The ICT budget: managing financial resources.
Demand management.
Assessing management results.
effective internal and external communication.
PART IV – Specific issues
Integrated information systems (ERP and beyond).
The corporate portal.
PART V – Corporate knowledge management
The concept of knowledge.
Knowledge and intangible assets.
Identifying corporate knowledge: sources and life cycle.
Knowledge effectiveness (quantity and quality).
Managing knowledge:goals, benefits, and risks.
Approaches to knowledge management: How to get started (check-up, knowledge strategy, master plan).
Main types of knowledge management actions (retention, sharing, creation, exploitation - 2.0 tools for knowledge management - knowledge based systems). Analysis and discussion of practical cases.
A common background: knowledge acquisition. Methodology and techniques.
PART I – Basic concepts
Information systems.
The time line: the evolution of information systems
Issues in information systems management.
PART II – Fundamental management tasks
Managing hardware and software infrastructure.
User support and hel-desk.
Application maintenance.
Developing new applications.
Managing human resources.
PART III – Additional topics
The ICT budget: managing financial resources.
Demand management.
Assessing management results.
effective internal and external communication.
PART IV – Specific issues
Integrated information systems (ERP and beyond).
The corporate portal.
PART V – Corporate knowledge management
The concept of knowledge.
Knowledge and intangible assets.
Identifying corporate knowledge: sources and life cycle.
Knowledge effectiveness (quantity and quality).
Managing knowledge:goals, benefits, and risks.
Approaches to knowledge management: How to get started (check-up, knowledge strategy, master plan).
Main types of knowledge management actions (retention, sharing, creation, exploitation - 2.0 tools for knowledge management - knowledge based systems). Analysis and discussion of practical cases.
A common background: knowledge acquisition. Methodology and techniques.
K. Laudon, J. Laudon, Management dei sistemi informativi, Pearson Education Italia, Milano, 2004.
G. Guida, G. Berini, Ingegneria della Conoscenza. EGEA, Milano, 2000.
Teaching includes formal lessons, supported by the analysis and discussion of practical cases.
A written test, followed by a discussion on the main topics of the course. The written test may be replaced by a project focusing on a selected subject.
This course, belonging to the curriculum "laurea magistrale in Ingegneria Informatica", may be appropriate also for other tracks in the engineering and management fields, like, for example, "Ingegneria Gestionale".