• Understand Management Information Systems (MIS) and their role in today’s organizations
• Identify how MIS shapes and controls current (or prospective) jobs and how to use this insight to improve your own job performance and satisfaction and and enhance your career prospects
• Become familiar with the major trends in MIS and MIS infrastructures (Cloud, Big Data, ERPs, outsourcing) and how these evolutions will affect workplaces and business strategies
• Bridge the MIS-related second “digital gap” that exists, after basic computer literacy, in most professional jobs

Week 1: MISs. Importance. Procurement
We will examine how modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming our world, and analyze what Management Information Systems (MISs) are and how do they fit within the overall ICTs environment. We shall then discuss how companies obtain their MISs, by either purchasing ready-made packages or by bespoke development, and explore the alternative offered by open systems.

Week 2: The Communications revolution – Distributed Information Systems
We will discuss how the trend towards globalization and continuous connectivity drives the need for distributed MISs supported by Telecommunication Networks. We will explore the various types of networks and distributed MISs architectures.

Week 3: Data, Databases, Big Data
Data is the raw material upon which information is built. We will discuss the role played by data (and, particularly, data structure) in MISs, and analyze the Database Management Systems used to manage data. We shall then explore the fast-evolving landscape of Big Data.

Week 4: Integrated Information Systems (ERP) and Integrated Business Processes
Integrated Information Systems are the “top predators” at the apex of the MIS world. We will introduce participants to the concept of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and their relationship with Integrated Business Processes.

Week 5: Implementing and customizing ERPs and other major MISs. Who adapts to whom?
Implementing an ERP is a major project. It generally requires either modifying current business practices (through Business Process Reengineering) or customizing the ERP system. We shall discuss the challenges this implies.

Week 6: MISs in decision-making
In this last week we will turn our attention from the day-to-day operation of the business to the role played by MISs in information-driven decision-making. After discussing Decision Support Systems (DSSs) and the analytics used in Big Data environments, we shall conclude with a word about the future and a heartfelt farewell.

"The best MOOC I have taken so far. Very informative, and easy to understand. Great instructor. The analogies and examples were top notch."

"This course gave me a good grass roots understanding of how everything fits together for our Company MIS implementation. I feel like I understand why some of the decisions were made. Instructors gave relevant strategic insight and I learned new concepts. Thanks team!"

"Very good material delivered with great teaching style. This was a really enjoyable and interesting course. Even if you have MIS knowledge, this course helps putting a structure to it. I strongly recommend it! Thanks!"