Global Digital Transformation is a pervasive phenomenon reshaping various aspects of organizations, environments, and societies. As digital technologies become increasingly integrated across sectors, the importance of Information Systems (IS) continues to grow, playing a critical role in supporting corporate strategies and ensuring the efficient management and control of IT operations. This course provides students with a foundational understanding of information systems, focusing on their strategic alignment with corporate objectives while also addressing the broader international and cross-cultural dimensions that influence their deployment and management.

As the first course in the SBWL on Information Management and Control, it introduces key concepts essential for both driving digital transformation initiatives and effectively managing routine IT operations. In addition to covering core organizational and corporate aspects, the course offers insights into global challenges such as cross-border IT operations, regulatory compliance in different jurisdictions, and the cultural factors affecting IS adoption and governance. By integrating these perspectives, the course aims to cultivate a Global Mindset (see also) in students, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape with a broader, more inclusive outlook.

Course Content Overview:

• Introduction to Information Systems (IS):

Key IS concepts, their role in business operations, and strategic importance in corporate settings. The course explores global variations in IS adoption, reflecting cultural and economic differences.

• Corporate IT/IS Strategy:

Planning and aligning IT/IS with business objectives, focusing on governance and efficiency while addressing challenges such as global IT sourcing and diverse teams.

• Digital Transformation (DX):

Examination of digital transformation, emphasizing agility, innovation, and competitiveness while addressing regulatory and cultural factors.

• Digital Socio-Technical Systems and Human Factors:

How corporate IS interact with human elements to optimize performance while considering cultural challenges in global settings.

• IT Service Management (ITSM):

Best practices in IT service delivery to meet business goals efficiently, considering global service models and regulatory differences.

• Introduction to Software Engineering:

Core principles for corporate IT projects, focusing on managing distributed teams and maintaining operational consistency.

• Requirement Analysis, Change and Risk Management, and Sustainability:

Approaches to requirements, change, and risk management in corporate IT, emphasizing sustainability and compliance.

• Governance and Compliance:

Governance and compliance strategies ensuring operational integrity and security with a focus on international regulations.

• Emerging Challenges and Future Perspectives:

Analysis of IS trends, focusing on corporate value creation, ethicality, accountability, sustainability, and resilience, alongside global cybersecurity challenges.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of information systems’ role in supporting corporate objectives and managing digital transformation initiatives.
• Develop IT/IS strategies that align with organizational goals while accounting for international considerations such as regulatory compliance and cultural diversity.
• Analyze the interplay between corporate IT management and global socio-economic factors influencing IS adoption and implementation.
• Apply IT service management and software engineering principles to corporate scenarios, recognizing the challenges of international operations and multicultural teams.
• Assess governance and compliance issues, identifying the implications of differing international and global regulatory frameworks on corporate IT management.
• Collaborate effectively in diverse, intercultural teams, applying negotiation and communication skills within international corporate contexts.
• Demonstrate critical reflexivity regarding one’s own perspectives, experiences, and biases, particularly in relation to cultural and social norms in IS management.
• Evaluate the interconnectedness of global social and economic systems and their impact on corporate information systems strategies.
• Constructively address diversity and foster an inclusive approach to information management, recognizing varying cultural and organizational preferences.

As a course meticulously designed to cultivate Global Mindset skills among students, the following additional learning outcomes are anticipated:

• Skills to Collaborate in Intercultural Teams for IT/IS Strategy Development
• Discursive and Negotiation Skills in International IT Management Contexts
• Consideration of Multilingualism in Global Information Systems Communication
• Critical Reflexivity in IT/IS Management Regarding Cultural, Social, and Political Norms
• Ability to Constructively Deal with Diversity in Information Systems Management
• Knowledge of the Interconnectedness of Global Social and Economic Systems in IT Strategy

In conclusion, this course equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective management and strategic development of information systems within corporate environments and broader organizations. Additionally, it fosters an understanding of global challenges and opportunities.

This course employs a blended teaching approach that combines traditional lectures with interactive, student-centered learning activities. Lectures delivered by the instructor provide a structured overview of key concepts, theories, and frameworks, offering students a solid foundation in information systems management and control. These lectures are complemented by various interactive elements designed to deepen understanding and facilitate practical application.

Students are expected to engage with the provided course materials before each session to ensure they arrive prepared to actively participate in discussions, group work, problem-solving exercises, and case studies. This combination of lectures and interactive learning activities encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The instructor’s role extends beyond lecturing to guiding discussions, addressing questions, and providing insights that connect course content to practical and global perspectives. This balanced approach fosters a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of information systems in corporate and international contexts.

Course materials and schedules are accessible via the LEARN platform, and students are expected to take responsibility for their preparation to make the most of in-class learning opportunities.

This course is part of the SBWL Information Management and Control.

Students need to first enroll into this SBWL successfully and then into this course.  

Please see the website of the SBWL: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/imc/teaching/sbwl/

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