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What Is Information Systems?
Although information systems (IS) is closely identified with computerized work practices, every organization, large or small, private or public, has information systems. For centuries these systems have been clerical, but the rapidly growing demand for information about the performance and operations of the organization has led to computers being used today in almost every size and form of organization. Today, the study of information systems concerns all types of business information technology (IT) applications in organizations.
Information systems work through the interaction of people, computers and communication networks. They exist to help people complete transactions faster and more accurately, make better decisions, or perform work more effectively. They help organizations perform better, as well as to create a competitive edge or develop new markets. To achieve these goals, information systems' developers must work closely with their business clients in identifying needs, recommending solutions and implementing new IT application systems.
Today, information systems affect everyone employed in organizations. Sooner or later, you will be involved in developing an information system, either as an IS professional or as a business client. Therefore, all business graduates must have a knowledge of information systems. Good communication is essential, and this comes from common understanding—IS people knowing the business and business people knowing about IS. The Department of Information Systems offers programmes that combine the study of business and IS in an integrated way, thereby providing such a common understanding.
About Our Programmes
The Department offers the most comprehensive range of academic programmes in the area of information systems in Hong Kong. In addition to the BBA (Hons) Information Systems, which has been highly rated in Hong Kong (according to a survey published by Education18.com) in the last few years, the Department is also the first in Hong Kong to offer a UGC-funded BBA (Hons) Electronic Commerce. This is important because information systems underpin all forms of electronic commerce, and electronic commerce is one of the most important and challenging areas of information systems applications. Both programmes therefore complement each other, and studying either one of them can benefit you from the expertise and resources available from the other.
In short, if you are broadly interested in the business applications of IT, the BBA (Hons) Information Systems is tailor-made for you. If you are mainly interested in electronic commerce and how IT can make it happen, the BBA (Hons) Electronic Commerce is custom-made for you.
A new UGC-funded programme, BBA (Hons) Global Business Systems Management has been introduced in 2007, focusing on how information systems provide suppport for global business operations. The Department offers a comprehensive educational path for students aspiring to become senior IS professionals. In addition to two major streams, the Department offers minors in more specialized areas of IS including Information Systems for Financial Applications minor, Global Business Systems minor, and Electronic Commerce minor. The Department also offers four non-UGC funded master's degree programmes ---- the MSc Electronic Business and Knowledge Management, MSc Business Information Systems, MSc Information Systems Management, and MSc Electronic Commerce (jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Systems), and the largest research degree programme in Hong Kong leading to the award of MPhil and PhD in Information Systems.
The programmes are taught by highly qualified international academic staff with expertise in research, teaching, practical systems development, IT management, and consulting. The Department works closely with the IT industry, commerce and government to enrich its work and ensure its relevance.
Your Added Value
All the programmes combine practical study with conceptual learning in a meaningful way. Active learning in a problem-based setting is emphasized. You will have access to some of the most comprehensive and sophisticated information systems learning environments in the world. The aim of the Department is to develop our graduates not only to be equipped with immediately useful technical skills, but also with analytical, business and problem-solving skills that enable them to grow quickly in their careers and move into managerial positions.
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