Teaching information systems at undergraduate level: a viewpoint

Abstract

This paper will consider the emerging importance of Information Systems as a subject area in its own right and will report on the University of Hertfordshire's proposed move from an Information System stream on a Computer Science degree to a specialist degree in Information Systems. It will present definitions of Information Systems which have been put forward but will propose that the rationale is as important as an agreed definition. It will suggest that the teaching should cover the integration of all relevant underlying social, technical and organisational principles and concepts, and include critical analysis of current thinking and developments. Finally the paper presents the view that Information Systems must be positioned within the overall business framework and thus this content should underpin the teaching of the subject. This viewpoint is supported by our experiences of teaching IS/IT strategy within the Information Systems stream of the University of Hertfordshire's Computer Science Degree.