• Will TV exist in 25 years?
• Will the Internet exist in 25 years?
• Will they be distinguishable?
• Does it matter?

• Will paper catalogues be mailed to individuals in 25 years?
• Will the US Post Office exist in 25 years?
• What will it deliver?

• Will the US Mint need to print money in 25 years?
• Will banks exist in 25 years?
• What will they do?

• Will Universities exist in 25 years?
• Will libraries exist in 25 years?
• Where will you go to upgrade your knowledge and skills?

• Will automobiles exist in 25 years?
• Will you shop in person for clothes or groceries when you are 55 (i.e., about 25 years)?

• What will it take for organizations to be able to compete in 2024?
• What kind of computer, communication and information infrastructure will be needed to support this kind of world?
• What do we do in the meantime?
• What managerial issue must be addressed as we move forward?

Two major themes regarding computer, communication, and information technologies will be covered in the course:

Managerial use: computer, communication, and information technologies play a dual role, both as a major enabler of change as well as a powerful force driving change. The value of these technologies is in their ability to enable organizations to compete more effectively. We will explore technology industries, and the (vertical) markets which they are both serving and transforming. We will use business models to evaluate the impact of the technologies and plan their strategic use. These goals will be accomplished through the extensive use of cases, student research papers, and guest speakers.

Personal use: computer, communication, and information technologies support and enhance the learning process by students demonstrating mastery of a breadth of skills including data modeling and simulation; electronic-communications, collaborative work, and meeting support; information management, search, and retrieval; and integrated text and graphics tools. Competency with this array of skills is gained through training and ongoing use. A series of class assignments will provide this practice.
 
E-commerce Project:  A major course project will be to develop a prototype e-business (complete with starter web site).  This project brings both major themes together in a practical application formal.

Prerequisites:  The class is an introduction to managerial computing, its terminology and technology;  those with a technology background may find the some aspects of the course very basic.

Objectives (or what you should take away)

• Debate the dual role of information technologies as a driver / enabler of organizational and societal change
• Be a knowledgeable participant in strategic and managerial level decisions involving computer, communication, and information technologies
• Discuss the major application areas of computer, communication, and information technologies and how they can contribute to the competitiveness of an organization
• Understand the management issues involved in the implementation of client / server, Web based software systems designed for individuals and organizations
• Discuss concepts and issues related to knowledge management systems (both personal and organizational) and their implementation
• Comfortably conduct information searches which utilize online resources
• Create a Web page environment to support an Internet-based business

Suggested reading for understanding potential "ultimate" impact of information technologies, any of the books in the Robot Series by Isaac Asimov.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.