A synergistic strategy for MIS curriculum development: response to rapidly advancing information technology - Management information systems

College Student Journal, Dec, 2001 by Mayur S. Desai, Thomas von der Embse

Discussion and Future Directions

The areas 1, 2, and 4 in Figure 2 have been addressed and presumed to be well- understood in both educational, and business organizations. However, area 3 is often weak and requires special attention. A close relationship between IS faculty and IT creators in the field helps provide training to students along with the education students need. It also helps business organizations reduce the learning curve of their new employees. Overlapping area 1 also needs attention. It helps IS faculty understand the expectations of the business faculty so that IS faculty can relate projects directly to the business faculty's expectations. This helps students understand the purpose of their specific IS courses and how these courses can make them successful end users of IT. Area 5 represents the intersection of all four constructs and a focal point of all interaction. It implies that every group in business and educational organizations needs to understand the collaborative roles and the interrelationships among them. Such interactions can produce a curriculum of IS education that best serves the student community and result in technically sound end users. This synergistic result is a measure of the overall effectiveness of the participants' interactions.

A future research agenda would be to evaluate the existing MIS curricula in several educational institutions against the synergistic model criteria in this proposal. A further study could include the views and actions of colleges and university committees. The results of such studies can test this model and subsequently lay the groundwork for a standard approach to required changes in future MIS curricula.

Conclusion

It is suggested that a synergistic approach to MIS curriculum development will be very useful for future graduates who will also be the end users of IT. It will also help faculty reassess their strategy and priorities in designing their curricula and courses. This approach will help fulfill stakeholder obligations to the business community, the profession, and, most importantly, the students. It can definitely help business organizations reduce the learning curve for their newly hired graduates in a high-demand field. While possibly making businesses more profitable, the learning curve benefits should accrue to the educational institution as well, increasing their external support and their students' career opportunities.

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