The master’s degree programme in Information Systems Management (ISM) emphasizes the multi-disciplinary nature of the development and management of information services. The curriculum is composed of modules, each focusing on one of the key competence areas, and the master’s thesis. The student can also supplement the studies by choosing appropriate master level courses either in HAAGA-HELIA or some other university.

The core competences are acquiredin in the three compulsory core modules. They address the common knowledge and skills every ISM graduate has to master. By choosing either one of the two elective modules the student builds a more specialised profile in the field of ICT management. The master’s thesis is a practical development project that gives the framework for the studies. The overall extent of the studies is 90 ECTS credits.

Core Studies (35 ECTS Credits)

Methodology Studies (8 ECTS credits)

Methodological skills belong to the fundamental competence set of any ISM graduate. The research and development methods as well as the best industry practices and frameworks are studied using a practical approach. The student acquires the mandatory skills needed in real life development work and also directly applicable in the thesis work.

Courses:

• Research and Development Methods (5 ECTS)
• ICT Management Frameworks (3 ECTS)

Leadership and Communication Skills (10 ECTS credits)

Managing multi-cultural and multi-professional teams require not only strict management competences but also strong leadership skills. In the training of ICT people the leadership and communication skills are often neglected and, therefore, they are given a special attention in the curriculum of ISM. In this module the students evaluate their managerial and leadership skills and adopt the mindset of continuous development of these skills. They learn various communication and leadership methods and tools. A personal development plan is created for each student.

Courses:

• Personal Development (5 ECTS)
• Leadership and Communication in Multicultural Environment (5 ECTS)

Business and ICT Linkage (17 ECTS credits)

Business and ICT are linked together on all levels of organisations, whether they be strategic, tactical, or operational, in both businesses and non-profit organisations. Recognizing their linkages as well as the need for alignment are relevant to the success of an organisation. The Business and ICT Linkage module aims to give the student a deep understanding of the very important interaction and codependences between Business and ICT as a whole and, furthermore, knowledge and skills pertaining to specific areas of this interaction and these codependences as chosen by the student from the offered elective courses in this field.

One prevailing theme in this module is to understand and manage the continuous change taking place in the business environment and ICT technology field.  The ICT function has to respond to the changing needs of business and, on the other hand, open the opportunities provided by ICT technology and drive the required change for the business to profit from these opportunities.

Courses:

• International Corporate Strategy (5 ECTS)
• Aligning ICT and Business (5 ECTS)
• Riding the Waves of Change (4 ECTS)
• Opportunities of ICT Technology (3 ECTS)

Elective Studies (15 ECTS credits)

After the core studies the student selects one of the two alternative modules in order to further specialize either as a Service Development Manager or a Program Manager.

Service Development Manager Orientation

In this module the student specializes as a business ICT service manager. A service refers to a means delivering value to the business (e.g. running a CRM system and related processes). The Service Development Manager is capable of designing new services and enhancing existing services together with the business functions. The Service Development Manager may work at strategic or operative level either in the customer or supplier organization. In all positions the competence of the service manager is build on top of the practical knowledge of running continuous ICT services. The student learns the best industry practices of service management, such as vendor management, and gains the skills to adopt the practices according to the business requirements. The right attitude for continuous service improvement and capabilities to see and use the opportunities of new ICT technology in creating business value are the key learning outcomes of the module.

Courses:

• Service Management in Practice - Case Study (5 ECTS)
• Service Management Best Practices (5 ECTS)
• Vendor Management (5 ECTS)

Program Manager Orientation

This module broadens and deepens student’s knowledge and skills for managing large international ICT programs. A program may consist of several sub-projects value (e.g. introducing an ERP system and related processes in an international organisation). A Program Manager is often accountable from the planning up to the roll out of the new processes and ICT systems. The planning phase is carried out in close cooperation with the business management and the roll out typically involves all levels of the organisation. The student learns the best industry practices of  ICT program management, such as sourcing management, and gains the skills to adopt the practices according to the business requirements and program size. The right attitude and capabilities to accomplish the necessary changes in the processes are key learning outcomes of the module.

Courses:

• Program Management in Practice - Case Study (5 ECTS)
• Program Management Best Practices (5 ECTS)
• Sourcing Management (5 ECTS)

Free-Choice Studies (10 ECTS credits)

The student completes his or her competence profile by freely selecting the most suitable courses. A large collection of master level business management, communication management and technology oriented courses are available in HAAGA-HELIA.

Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS credits)

Master’s thesis is the basis of the studies. It is the basis for professional growth. Master’s thesis is tied to development efforts made in business projects and operations. Applied research is carried out to improve development efforts in a way that business development achieves desired value. Value may be either deeper understanding of business development challenge, new insights into development efforts or means of overcoming challenges and carrying out development. Students achieve a mindset for carrying out applied research. They learn to plan a research process supporting a work related development project, implement the research process, bring process outcomes into the development project, evaluate the research process and write a thesis. Thesis is a collection of both individual and group tasks and evaluation of these tasks. Guiding students through this process is supported by workshops in which students present and work on their theory basis and outcomes, share insights, learn together and achieve guidance from a workshop moderator.