New degree program focuses on strategic information management

Information Management Journal, Jan/Feb 2003

The University of Maryland's College of Information Studies (CLIS) is preparing to offer an innovative new management degree program: the Master of Information Management (MIM). The degree is a companion to the college's long-standing Master of Library Science degree. The degree proposal has been approved by the university and i4 awaiting final approval from the state, which is expected in February. Students are being recruited for the first entering class, which will begin studies this fall.

According to Roberta Shaffer, program coordinator for the MIM degree, "Students will benefit from an unrivaled confluence of advantages offered by a management degree that focuses on information and is housed at an excellent college at the heart of a major research university and located near many of the world's most critical information resources and centers. The opportunities are simply without bounds. "

The new degree's initial focus will be on strategic information management. Designation of this initial theme was influenced by ARMA International's emphasis on strategic information management and articles in The Information Management Journal and other publications on the evolving role of information management in institutions, explains CLIS Interim Dean Bruce W. Dearstyne.

"We believe the new program will produce information professionals who understand the technology, have insights into institutional strategic needs, and will be able to ensure that the right information is available to the right people in the right format at the right time. It should be an excellent degree for the records/information management professionals of the future;" Dearstyne says.

The MIM degree reflects the need for professionals who are adept at working within organizations to improve the systematic creation, access, and use of information to further the organization's strategic goals and competitive advantages. It is intended to produce people with knowledge, skills, and abilities that are suited to the needs of business, government at all levels, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurial endeavors. The new degree will address the growing and unique information management needs of e-business, e-commerce, and e-government.

Students who pursue the MIM degree are expected to emerge with the ability to

analyze organizational environments, strategic information problems, and client requirements

add value by evaluating, analyzing, interpreting, organizing, packaging, and presenting information in actionable form

make information available when and where needed

facilitate strategic use of information

assess and address policy, security, and privacy needs

The MIM degree capitalizes on the emerging central role of information professionals in business processes who develop strategies and systems for institutions to draw on and use a variety of information and knowledge resources.

Market research, reports from government, professional associations, and the experience of other universities that have developed similar programs all point to the availability of significant numbers of excellent jobs and rewarding careers for people who pursue this kind of academic experience, says Dearstyne.

The MIM program portfolio will include courses in information environments, information technology, use and users, and program management. It will feature an information management team-based experiential learning component, and will put students at the center of learning. A strong orientation toward case-based problem solving, peer learning, team teaching, and multidisciplinary analysis will give the program a rich foundation. Students will be able to choose additional courses in technology, management, and a broad array of other disciplinary areas in consultation with their advisors.

CLIS is currently accepting students and recruiting faculty (including adjunct professors) to teach in the new program. A series of information sessions have been scheduled for spring 2003 to explain the degree to potential applicants.

Dearstyne adds that a second specialty degree - in information architecture and content management - is expected to be developed later, as resources permit.

More information on the new degree is available from Roberta I. Shaffer, visiting professor and MIM degree development coordinator, College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, Hornbake Building, Room 4105, College Park, MD 20742-4345, rs371@umail. umd.edu, phone 301.405.1260, fax 301.405.9145. Information is also available online at www.clis.umd.edu.