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CIS 8220/IB 8710: International Information Technology Issues and Policy

CSP: I, II, IV, V, VI

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course examines the role of technology as an integral and key factor in the delivery and support of information and communication technologies in the global economy for both traditional and electronic businesses, and the related technical and managerial issues. The first half of the course is grounded in business strategy and information technology fit, culture and national policy theory. The second half examines business in practice in the different world regions. Illustrative case studies coupled with readings of current press, class discussion, and practitioners from the international business community who provide real-world insight are used to bridge concepts and practice. In a major project, students assess the attractiveness of a particular country for a real company.

DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION

The success of organizations in the global marketplace is increasingly dependent on their ability to manage information on an international scale. Moreover, the management of this information is itself dependent on the effective use of highly sophisticated information systems and technology. Thus, managers need to have a greater understanding of issues related to information technology in the global environment. These issues include but are not limited to: business and IT strategy alignment, national infrastructure, hardware and software availability, language barriers, standards and regulations, global teams,  privacy, intellectual property rights and other ethical issues, copyright infringements and software piracy.   

Another critical issue for managers dealing with the international arena is to understand how cultural differences can affect the adoption and development of information technology. In a world moving rapidly toward globalization of markets and corporate multi-nationalism, this need is notable. As foreign managers locate plants and offices in the U.S. and as American managers establish foreign subsidiaries and offices abroad, it behooves them to know as much as possible about the potential cultural impacts of culture on technological innovation. Such knowledge can make the difference between success and failure in implementing new information technology. It can also increase the chances that information technology investments are well thought out and do not result in lost opportunities to increase productivity.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To understand all dimensions of the landscape of IT at the national level
To foster ability to conduct a national IT assessment for any nation
To analyze the implications for the globally-competing firm

DETAILED COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Apply the Bartlett and Ghoshal and Broadbent frameworks to explain how and why international enterprises might structure themselves.
2. Integrate this framework with strategic models for analyzing the development of strategic systems.
3. Analyze the interaction of strategy, national IT policy and infrastructure, and culture and their effect on IT capabilities.
4. Reasons why management would or would not want to locate IT personnel abroad.
5. Identify the design elements of systems that are affected by cultural differences.
6. Identify trends, challenges and opportunities within and across geographic regions in order to compare and contrast.
7. Illustrate how national regulations can affect the availability, planning, and design of information systems.
8. Describe common barriers that are created by differences in languages as related to the use of information technology.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in using an Internet utility for accessing the World Wide Web (WWW) and international networks.

Methods of Instruction and Assessment

Conceptual knowledge about the course material will be conveyed through lectures, cases, and accompanying discussion, as well as readings. Students will develop skills in using the Internet through in-class laboratory tasks, out-of-class practice, and course projects.

Student learning and skill development will be assessed via some or all of the following methods:

1. Class participation
2. Course projects
3. Case discussions
4. Examinations

Conduct of Course: Lecture/Discussions and Labs

Class sessions will utilize three pedagogical approaches: (1) lecture/discussion of course concepts, (2) cases, (3) instructor demonstrations of systems integration management concepts and skills [through the Internet, electronic databases, project management software, and spreadsheet applications, for the most part], and (4) student laboratory sessions working with these course concepts and computer resources. Because of scheduling considerations, it will not always be possible to work in lab on concepts and skill sets introduced in lecture/discussion during the same class session. Nevertheless, these concepts and skill sets will receive attention as soon as possible in subsequent demos and labs.

Generally speaking, the purpose of this method is to introduce and reinforce ideas and skill sets so that students can master these on their own after class hours. To bring this knowledge to a highly proficient, professional level, students will have to spend time and effort outside of class working in the GSU computer labs or on their own micros.

To ensure that you have the basic knowledge that will allow you to function on your own after class, be sure to ask the instructor questions during class, either during the lecture/discussion, demo, or lab. Remember: The only poor question is an unasked question.

  TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: Deviations may be necessary.

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