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What is Information Systems?
Information systems are combinations of hardware, software, and
telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect,
create, and distribute useful data, information, and knowledge,
typically in organizational settings. Organizations use information
systems for a variety of reasons: to gain competitive advantage,
reach more customers, or improve service.
What is an Information Systems (IS) Professional?
The term IS also refers to the field comprising those who design,
develop, use, manage, and study information systems in organizations.
It is important to recognize that nearly every industry, not just
computer hardware and software companies, relies heavily on IS professionals.
How does a Kelley degree, with a focus on Information Systems,
set graduates apart?
An information systems professional possesses valuable, integrated
knowledge and skills in three areas – technical, business,
and systems. It is a keen understanding of business and the technology/strategy
fit sets a Kelley graduate apart from others who have primarily
technical, non-business, knowledge and skills, e.g., computer science,
informatics. Ultimately, it is business skills that propel our graduates
into project management, and ultimately, management positions.
Course and project work develops graduates knowledge and skills,
specifically:
- Technical knowledge and skills: hardware (platforms, peripherals),
software (operating systems, application software), and networking
(LANs, WANs, Internet).
- Business knowledge and skills: business (business processes,
functional areas of business and their integration, industry);
management (planning, organizing, leading and managing people
and projects), social (interpersonal skills), and communication
(verbal, written, and technological communication and presentation).
- Systems knowledge and skills: systems integration (connectivity,
compatibility, integrating systems and subsystems), development
methodologies (steps in systems analysis and design, systems development
lifecycle, alternative development methodologies), critical thinking
(challenging assumptions and ideas), and problem solving (information
gathering and synthesis, problem identification, solution formulation,
comparison and choice).
What are Typical Careers for Our Graduates?
The IS field includes people in organizations who design and build
systems, those who use these systems, and those responsible for
managing these systems. An array of career opportunities are available,
including: systems analyst, systems programmer, systems operators,
network administrators, database administrators, systems designers,
systems managers. And, maybe for some, chief information officer!
Information Systems Department
Kelley School of
Business, BU560
Indiana University
1309 East Tenth Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Tel: (812) 855-3496 | Fax: (812) 856-3355 | email: isdept@indiana.edu
Last updated:
March 18, 2003
Copyright
2002, The Trustees of Indiana
University
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