Business Information Management

The major purpose of the paper is to test candidates’ ability to exercise judgement and technique in identifying, implementing and managing information systems as part of the strategic management of the organisation. The underpinning philosophy of the paper focuses on the application of business information management concepts, tools and techniques to the organisation’s strategic objectives. This philosophy requires candidates to understand the interdependent relationship between business strategy and information systems strategy. The globalisation of markets has led to increased quantity and diversity of competition. The traditional view of computer based information systems as a backroom function is no longer viable in organisations that wish to survive and prosper in the twenty first century.

Structure of the examination paper
Section One
There are three compulsory questions. These questions will use a case study as a platform. None of these questions will require answers that merely focus on the understanding of a specific theory or technique, i.e. SWOT analysis, Porters’ value chain, PEST analysis etc, although a thorough understanding of the theories will be required to support the answers. These answers will require the application of a theory or theories to a specific business case, and consequently the implications of adopting the theory.

Typically, the information supplied in the case study will describe a business/organisation in its current form, ‘where we are’ and provide guidelines in a variety of contexts to where the organisation ‘wants to be’. This may include changes in the overall business strategy supported by relevant changes in the information systems strategy.

Section Two
Candidates will be required to answer two questions from a choice of three. The philosophy stated above will apply to all questions in this section. Questions will be drawn from any of the major parts of the syllabus, again high marks will be awarded for application and analysis of specific topics. Merely repeating facts direct from texts will result in the allocation of low marks.

There is not always a specific or correct answer to many of the questions. Alternative answers are valid as long as they are supported by evidence, i.e. if assumptions are made concerning a particular case these should be clearly stated. Some answers may draw on candidate’s own experience or an interpretation of a topic, within the context of their own organisation or an organisation that they are familiar with.

Candidates may find the following texts useful:

Kenneth Laudon and Jane Laudon Management Information Systems
(6th Edition) Prentice Hall
ISBN 0130156825

James O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems (9th Edition) McGraw-Hill
ISBN 0071169733

Kenneth Laudon and Jane Laudon Essentials of Management Information Systems
(3rd Edition) Prentice Hall
ISBN 0130115061

George J Bakehouse is Examiner for Paper 3.4