Master Business Information Strategy (MSc)

Computer systems are no longer tools for mathematical and scientific calculation but a means of handling information represented within such systems. In business and in daily life computers, networks and software – collectively known as Information Technology (IT) – have become part of the infrastructure of our world. The impact of this change on business and its strategies is immense. One example of change in the traditional value chain is in how customers behave: they no longer approach suppliers in ignorance but they now tend to search the Web before buying goods and services. Hence, the traditional relationship between a business and its customer is no longer a direct one, but is both mediated by and affected by IT. Many new, or newly successful, organisations have become ‘IT-driven’ to operate in new markets.

Although IT is embedded in most organisations, IT and organisations have been uncomfortable partners for some time. While organisations struggle with IT, customers are creating new patterns of behaviour from having IT resources easily accessible, particularly the Web., which is creating value for customers, but not necessarily for businesses. Customer access to the Web as a knowledge resource changes everything.

The Role of Business Information Strategy
The role of business information strategy therefore is to create value through IT-based systems, often referred to as ‘information systems’. Organisations have had to change their strategy to adopt the new rules of behaviour with new uses of IT. IT has become strategic and now influences business models, for example, the business models of low-cost airlines are not possible without ubiquitous IT. Hence, fully strategic. Strategic information systems have become a key factor for success.

To positively contribute to strategy, IT must meet the requirements of cost-consciousness, process efficiency and effectiveness, flexibility, and corporate governance. IT has to be both the driver of value and the facilitator. Within organisations the use of IT must develop into Business Information Strategy.

The shift of IT to a more strategic orientation calls for professional and scientific education; hence this programme. The MSc Business Information Strategy goes deeply into those aspects of IT and information systems that make contributions to businesses at a strategic level, and explores concepts and practices from other business processes needed to make business information strategy effective.

The programme is aimed at graduates of IT and IT-related subjects who have wide professional experience and wish to take steps towards management roles or to enhance their (current) managerial position.