Information systems are the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information.

The domain involves the study of theories and practices related to the social and technological phenomena, which determine the development, use and effects of information systems in organisations and society.

1. Theoretical underpinnings of information systems
2. Data, information and knowledge management
3. Information in organisational decision making
4. Integration of information systems with organisational strategy and development
5. Information systems design
6. Development, implementation and maintenance of information systems
7. Information and communication technologies (ICT)
8. Management of information systems and services
9. Organisational and social effects of ICT -based information systems
10. Economic effects of ICT -based information systems

The notions of wholeness, boundary, environment, emergence, communication, co-ordination and control are fundamental to the understanding of IS. IS draws primarily on systems theory, which provides an intellectual foundation and a basis for studying the enterprise as a complex adaptive system. The practice of IS necessitates the integration of systems theory and theories from other disciplines relevant to the range of application domains.

Indicative topics

Systems theory and relevant theories from the domains of computer science, software engineering, linguistics, cybernetics, management science, information science, ergonomics, economics, management, sociology, anthropology, learning, psychology, philosophy, organisation behaviour, ethics.

Understanding of how data, information and knowledge can be modelled, stored, managed, processed and disseminated by computer systems. Knowledge of techniques and technologies used to organise data and information and enable their effective use by individuals, groups and organisations.

Indicative topics

Theory, e.g. data, information and knowledge; data modelling, e.g. entity- relationship models and normalisation; file design and organisation; object-oriented design; distributed databases; data mining and data warehousing; tool support, e.g. database management systems and query languages, data dictionaries and systems repositories; technology, e.g. database machines; information resource management, e.g. planning, control and security, privacy issues; information seeking behaviour and information use; people support, e.g. knowledge, information, data and database management in organisations; developing databases, expert systems and AI applications; products and services.

Providing relevant information for decision making is a primary function of an information system. Creating and utilising information systems for effective decision making requires the system designer to understand what constitutes pertinent information and the context in which decisions are made.

Indicative topics

Definition of information, information policy, information management, information structures and relationships; sources of and delivery of information, internal, external, information media; properties of information, e.g. accuracy, currency, timeliness, completeness, conciseness, relevance, etc.; information access and security; nature and significance of decisions and decision making activities and processes and decision time scales; characteristics of decision makers - individuals, groups, organisations and the cultural context; decision analysis; decision support systems.

The study of the relationship between the evolving role of information systems and the nature of strategic development in organisations is integral to understanding the role and effects of information systems. This includes the rationale and processes by which organisations identify the needs for development and how they assess the business and organisational consequences.

Indicative topics

Analysis of business and organisational strategic implications of IS; business/IS strategy derivation, alignment, implementation and review; IS planning (applications, resources, services, technology); investment appraisal/evaluation; risk management; benefit realisation; organisational change management; sourcing decisions and organisational structuring of IS resources/activities.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) enable the processing and transfer of data and information electronically for the purposes of the information system. ICT provide the infrastructure for intra- and inter-organisational information systems. Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of ICT as components of information systems is essential to understanding the design, performance, operation and use of information systems.

Indicative topics

Computer hardware; systems software; application software; communication technologies; network configuration and management; systems architectures; communication software and protocols; programming languages and environments; security; communications interfaces; communications media; middleware.

The management of the specialist knowledge and capabilities associated with the applications of information systems and ICT to deliver and sustain beneficial use, and the development of best practice in information systems provision and governance.

Indicative topics

The definition of roles and activities, development and acquisition of IS/IT skills and competencies; organisation and deployment of resources; relationships with external suppliers; relationship and service management between IS/IT specialists and other organisational activities; management of IS/IT specialist personnel; operational performance evaluation of IS, corporate governance of IS/IT, accounting for IS/IT investments and costs, information and systems security and integrity.

ICT based information systems affect individuals, groups, organisations and society. The nature of work, skills, employment, organisation structures and management and professional practices are constantly changing due to technology innovations and their pervasive application. These systems also impact on social interaction and social and cultural evolution.

Indicative topics

Individual skills, education and training; life-long learning - educational infrastructure, provision and delivery; adaptability and behavioural effects; effects of ICT in the home, leisure; information access and dissemination - the “information society”; health and safety; legal issues (e.g. Data Protection); computer based crime; social surveillance and control; national security; community governance; democratic participation and accountability (“electronic government”); employment patterns; terms and conditions of employment; location of work; organisation of work; teleworking and telecommuting; management processes and structures, empowerment, virtual organisations, learning organisations; job design and reward systems; internationalisation and globalisation.

Information systems have economic and financial effects on individuals, organisations, industries, markets, national economies, including the ICT industry. Understanding these effects requires the application of economic theories and theories of competition, firms, markets, and social behaviour to interpret and explain the range of effects in the different dimensions of economic activity.

Indicative topics

ICT industry (computers, telecommunications, software) analysis, its national, regional and global evolution; national and global ICT infrastructures; information-based products and services; effects on industry development and structures (e.g. logistics, financial services); ICT as an enabler of corporate globalisation, mass customisation and the effects of information availability; electronic commerce (intermediation and dis-intermediation effects); effects on financial, commodity and equity markets of global computer-based trading; effects of legislation, regulation and trade agreements; implications of external factors on IS/IT investment patterns.