OSRA Technological Solutions for Business

Organizational & End-user Information Systems

Curriculum Model

Organizational and End-user Information Systems Concepts

Course Description

An overview of organizational and end-user information systems (OEIS)--technologies, business processes, and worker performance. This course emphasizes methods used to plan for and implement information technologies in the workplace. Advances in information systems hardware and software and appropriate applications are discussed. Emphasis is on understanding end-user needs and how to select or design systems to address them. Work flow and systems analysis methodology, work (re)design, organizational change, systems implementation, and management issues are covered. Basic computer literacy is assumed.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Identify OEIS technologies and differentiate the types of systems skills required to develop and implement OEIS in comparison to transaction processing systems
Explain what a system is and how systems concepts apply to the planning, design, and implementation of information systems in the office environment
Cite examples of specific business needs and how information technologies can be used to address them
Describe characteristics of office work environments and the impact of information technology on work performance
Identify human factors issues associated with the use of OEIS technologies
Define business process redesign and describe how enterprises are using it in conjunction with information technologies to improve business results
Defend the value of system methodology showing how it is applied to the analysis and design of organizational and end- user information systems
Summarize the role of training and support in OEIS implementation and describe approaches to meeting these needs
Identify organizational and management issues related to the use of technology in the workplace and explain how enterprises can address them
Find information regarding end-user technologies in the trade press, journals, and other reference sources

Course Approach

This course is designed to provide current thinking about information systems and the changing role of systems analysts, managers, and end users with regard to information system use, planning, implementation, and management at the desktop. To provide appropriate background and a solid foundation of understanding, instructors may find it helpful to arrange tours, bring experienced business people into the classroom, and/or arrange appropriate demonstrations of technology. Methods of instruction could include lectures, guest interviews, videos, and selected cases. Students participate in all class discussions by sharing experiences and commenting on assigned readings. Hands-on experience with technology could be included.

Although a basic text should be used for a foundation, students should also use and analyze information available in appropriate trade journals, videos, and other reference sources. Field and library-based research projects are recommended. Oral and written reports could help to develop necessary communication skills.

Course Content

1. Overview of systems concepts and the current status of end-user and networking technologies (10%) Skill level 1

Material covered: Overview of current directions in OEIS technologies, the impact of information technology on worker performance, and foundations for understanding office work environments. Introduction to basic systems concepts. Concepts of automated support in comparison to traditional office/administrative support. How OEIS fits into the typical enterprise information systems organization and how OEIS differ from transaction processing systems. Career opportunities.

2. Identifying business applications (30%) Skill level 1

Material covered: Improving workplace performance and supporting core business processes. Understanding requirements of the workplace and selecting appropriate hardware and software to meet performance needs. Applying technology to support knowledge workers in a wide variety of enterprises, including managerial, professional, technical, and administrative positions.

3. Workplace performance and productivity (20%) Skill level 1

Material covered: The impact of information technology on work performance; organizational and behavioral issues related to the introduction of new technologies. Topics include business process redesign, job design, organizational change, and human factors.

4. Planning and implementing OEIS (20%) Skill level 1

Material covered: Concepts, methodologies, and tools to assess how work is currently accomplished; the design of new systems to improve business processes. Implementation and evaluation strategies for now systems, and managing end-user computing. Adoption, infusion and assimilation of technology and organizational innovation. Introduction to project management.

5. OEIS training and support (10%) Skill level 1

Material covered: Important issues for effectively using computers in the workplace. Theoretical foundations and practical approaches to training and providing on-going support for systems users. Assessment of performance requirements, instructional design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs.

6. Organizational and managerial issues (10%) Skill level 1

Material covered: Management of computers in the workplace from a business perspective. Productive use of technology, establishing policies for end-user computing, controlling access to information, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data, and legal issues.

Resources

Resources should include a basic text plus current trade journals and publications. Because this is such a fast- paced field, instructors must keep up to date with the best resources and arrange for their availability for students. This will pose a constant challenge as new resources become available and others are outdated. Vendor videos demonstrating technologies are recommended.

Ray, C. M., Palmer, J. J., & Wohl, A. (1994). Office automation: A systems approach. Cincinnati, OH: South- Western Publishing Co. (OSRA endorsed text).

Regan, E. A., & O'Connor, B. N. (1994). End-user information systems: Perspectives for managers and information systems professionals. New York: Prentice Hall/Macmillan Publishing Co.

Boone, M. (1991). Leadership and the computer. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing.

Meyer, N. D., & Boone, M. (1987). The information edge. Homewood, IL: Business One.

Periodicals: Datamation, Infosystems, InformationWeek, InfoWorld, Modern Office Technology, Network World, Journal of Information & Image Management, PC Week, PC World, Personal Computing, Software Magazine (for Managers of Corporate Software), The Office, Wall Street and Technology

The OSRA Curriculum Revision Group

page design by Preston Lathrop
last revised: December 23, 1996