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Course Descriptions



MGMT 5001

syllabus

Information, People and Society

This course provides an introduction to the economic, political, and social dimensions of an information-rich environment. Includes consideration of the historical development of information and knowledge production, issues of control versus free flow of information, applications of information management in support of situational understanding and decision-making, the organization of knowledge, and the ethical and legal aspects of information management.

MGMT 5002

syllabus

Organization of Information

Information management is the management of organizational processes and systems that acquire, create, organize, distribute, and use information. This course examines the various means by which information can be organized to facilitate its retrieval, management and use, and provides an overview of the principles and theories of metadata development and implementation in the digital environment. Emphasis will be placed on metadata interoperability, vocabulary control, standardization, quality control and evaluation. Contextually-relevant information is essential to support decision making and strategic planning by individuals, groups and organizations. An introduction to the principles of IA is included, as they interconnect with best practices in the Organization of Information.

MGMT 5003

syllabus

Information Systems and Technologies

This course makes clear the relationship between IT and IM, often misconstrued in organizations. The course includes theories of databases and integrated systems design, allied with practical applications of a wide range of information technologies to support organizational goals. These include traditional intranet and extranet applications along with emerging Web 2.0 technologies. Concepts of information architecture (IA) are introduced relating to the design of shared information environments which are often web-based, including intranets, databases and online communities. The practices of IA are examined through analyses of real organizations and how the information environment can best serve their mission, goals, processes, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders.

MGMT 5004

syllabus

User Experience

Understanding of theories and practices of human computer interaction is a key determinant of organizational success. This course explores how technology affects human use, and examines the process from conception of an idea to design and evaluation, with a particular emphasis on Web-based activities. The course discusses individuals’ and groups’ information seeking behaviours in public and private contexts, and the theories and models of information seeking behaviour that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the user experience.

MGMT 5005

Information Policy

This course explores a range of critical information issues facing organizations and the effects of policies and legislation on information management and organizational effectiveness. Topics include access to information, freedom of information, protection of privacy, preservation of information, etc. Professional ethics guiding information professionals are discussed alongside compliance. By law(s) in Canada, all government and corporate entities are required to appoint an individual responsible for privacy within the organization, and all government and selected other agencies are required to delegate staff responsible for information access and privacy. Discusses the roles of all levels of government, the private and not-for-profit sectors, and key individuals, in developing policies which affect information creation, control, access and use. Focuses on Canadian issues, while including international perspectives.

MGMT 5006

syllabus

Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a structured approach to assessing program delivery with a goal of continuous improvement. This course introduces theories and techniques of evaluation including goal-setting, planning, design, development of indicators and measures, data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, legislative frameworks, etc. Case studies based on students’ workplace experiences are discussed and the course concludes with how to build evaluation capacity in your organization.

MGMT 5007

syllabus

Research Methods

Introduces concepts, methods (both quantitative and qualitative), and the practices of research that support evidence-based information management practice. Addresses the nature and uses of research, tools for research, handling of evidence, analysis and interpretation of findings, reporting of results, evaluation of published reports, and the management of research.

MGMT 5008

Knowledge Management

Knowledge management (KM) encompasses a range of theories and practices relating to the creation, identification, accumulation and application of knowledge to meet organizational goals. This course discusses theories of KM, intellectual capital and learning organizations, and practices for efficient and effective harnessing of organizational knowledge. An integrative approach is adopted, based on the key KM theories and concepts developed in the past decade and applying them across a wide range of organizational settings.

MGMT 5009
(Elective)

syllabus

Collaboration

Geographically dispersed workplace teams who cross time, space and organizational boundaries are increasingly common. Information managers increasingly contribute expertise to ensure that such teams have effective decision-making processes and contribute to organizational strategic goals. Virtual collaboration can take place through many modes including audio or teleconferencing, online communities and others. Team members have a common purpose and interdependent organizational and performance goals. This course introduces theories and concepts relating to the rationale for, benefits and challenges of virtual workplace teams, steps for developing effective virtual teams and examples of technology that supports such teams.

MGMT 5010
(Elective)

syllabus

Project Management

This course introduces theories and practices of project management (PM) related to project objectives, development stages and control variables such as time, cost and scope. PM stages include initiation, development, execution and maintenance and the course explores these through workplace case studies related to students’ professional experience. Adaptive as well as pre-planned methods and approaches are explored, including process based systems, critical path and event chain.

MGMT 5011
(Elective)

Digital Media Content and Management

This course will focus on a highly pertinent “hot trend” in private and public sector information management. For the first year or two, Geospatial Information Management will be the focus. Private, public and not-for-profit organizations increasingly analyse their markets, constituents, products and services from a spatial perspective in order to increase service and policy effectiveness. This course introduces theories and techniques in support of effective management of spatial information. Topics include the nature of spatial information, how it is generated, stored, accessed and used, principles and practices associated with metadata, GIS, licensing, spatial information databases, spatial data infrastructures and web-based delivery of products and services. This course explores the effective development of an enterprise-wide approach to managing spatial information data. The course also provides students with hands-on experience in using Geographic information systems.

MGMT 5012
(Elective)

syllabus

Records Management

How organizations engage in document or records management has a direct bearing on their efficiency and effectiveness including legal and ethical compliance. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of records and information management in all formats including, but not limited to, paper and digital. Topics covered include: records creation, evaluation, maintenance and control; issues related to the maintenance, storage and disposition of records.

MGMT 5013
(Elective)

Governance, Security and Privacy

To support the special needs of information privacy professionals, this course introduces concepts and practices of risk management, notably the systematic identification of opportunities and threats around the security of information and information privacy. In particular, the course addresses security audit procedures. Topics include risk assessment, investigating non-compliance and providing principle-based guidance.

MGMT 5020

syllabus

Capstone Course: Case Study or Research Project

Based on individual learning objectives, students may choose either a case study or a research project as the final assessed item for the Program Structure. They will have been advised, in light of their interests, to take either MGMT 5005 or MGMT 5006 as preparation for the Capstone. Students work with an advisor, under the general supervision of the course instructor, to complete a case or a project of special relevance to their workplace. Cases and projects are assessed on the extent to which they demonstrate application of the theories and techniques explored throughout the program.