The focus of study in the MSIM program centers on managing information throughout its life cycle. The effective design of information systems and the effective provision of information services require the information professional, regardless of the chosen niche of professional practice, to understand the interrelated nature of that niche with the larger cycle.  This concentrated introductory course required at the beginning of every MSIM student’s program of study is intended to provide an overview and to frame that student’s future studies in the School in terms of a coherent picture of the social context, mechanisms of creation and distribution of information, information systems (traditional and new), stakeholders throughout the information life cycle, and the role of information in the development of knowledge.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to briefly discuss orally or in writing:

• The relationship between people, information, and technology.
• Information use in various organization types and cultural settings.
• The history of information science and its impact on the present and future.
• How technology can be shaped to meet user needs.
• The role of information in organizational management.
• Techniques for innovation and leadership.
• The most important ethical issues in information creation and use.
• How information affects our ability to manage organizational change.

To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled Student Services: 448 Schmitz, 206-543-8924 (V/TTY). If you have a letter from DSS indicating that you have a disability which requires academic accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the accommodations you might need in the class. Academic accommodations due to disability will not be made unless the student has a letter from DSS specifying the type and nature of accommodations needed.