Managing Change for IS Professionals

This subject is not offered in 2014.

200 hours

Students who are enrolled in the two year 200 point Master of Information Systems must have completed 50 points of study to enrol in this subject.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Aims

This elective subject focuses on the development and implementation of information systems as both a catalyst for, and a response to, organisational change. In this subject, the interrelationship between information systems and organisational change is examined from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Several change management theories and models are investigated in depth with an analysis of their applicability, benefits, risks and impacts.

This subject supports course-level objectives by allowing students to develop analytical skills to understand the complexity of real-world work in organisations. It promotes innovative thinking around the deployment of existing and emerging information technologies. The subject contributes to the development of independent critical inquiry, analysis and reflection.

Indicative Content

This subject focuses on providing foundation understanding for the IS professional to understand and manage the impact of change from an IS project perspective. The interrelationship between IS and organisational change is examined from both the theoretical and practical perspectives and looks at the implications of change for the organisation, the individual and work groups.

Topics discussed include: the need for effective change management, the relationship between IS and change, the adoption of technology, how to build successful project teams, various personality assessment models, the change management process and strategy.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Understand the reciprocal relationship between IS and organisational change
2. Be aware of the importance of interpersonal relationships required by the role of an effective IS practitioner
3. Be familiar with a range of change management theories and models
4. Have the ability to develop a change management strategy
5. Understand the change management issues involved in creating successful project outcomes

Assessment for this subject consists of the following components.

• Leadership of a 30 minute weekly reading discussion throughout the semester worth 15% of final grade, requiring approximately 20-22 hours of work. Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 & 3.
• Group Research Assignment by a group of 3-5 students of 3,500 words worth 35% of final grade and due towards the end of semester, requiring approximately 45-50 hours of work per student (addressing ILOs 3, 4 & 5).
• Group Presentation by a group of 3-5 students of research assignment of 20 minutes duration, worth 10% of final grade, requiring approximately 13-15 hours of work per student (addressing ILOs 1 & 5).
• End-of-semester exam of two hours duration worth 40% of final grade (addressing all ILOs).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Analytical and interpretative skills, in diagnosing organisational issues
• High-level analytical skills, through application of organisational change theory in a practical context
• Problem solving skills using change management models
• Team-work, through working on a group project
• Report-writing skills; and
• Presentation skills

Learning and Teaching Methods

The subject is delivered in weekly 3 hour seminars with each containing a lecture on theoretical concepts and student led presentation and discussion of relevant literature. The subject is supported by the University’s Learning Management System which provides the repository for lecture and reading resources and facilitation of group assignment collaboration.

Outside class students will study theory and cases through reading and continuing group research and report writing activities.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

Lecture Notes and required readings are made available through the University’s Learning Management System.

Careers/Industry Links

Organisational change management is increasingly recognised as a critical success factor for organisations endeavouring to improve business practices through the adoption of technology. This subject is relevant to careers in information systems as it builds an understanding of the soft skills required in addition to technical knowledge to be successful as an IS professional. These soft skills are increasingly sought after by employers.