Objectives and competences
In this course, students:
1. Understand the role and importance of information systems in supporting the digital transformation of organisations.
2. Learn about the core components of information systems—including hardware, software, networks, and cloud solutions—and their relevance in modern business.
3. Acquire methods for data modelling, database design, and SQL querying, as well as use Microsoft Access to develop business applications.
4. Gain practical skills in automating business processes using Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate) to improve productivity in organisations.
5. Gain hands-on experience in developing and using mobile business applications through low-code platforms (e.g., Power Apps) as part of business task digitalisation.
6. Learn about different types of data (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and techniques for managing, storing, and processing them in information systems.
7. Develop a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, its types, and applications in existing business systems (e.g., BYOAI and AI integration into solutions).
8. Become familiar with document management systems, their functionalities, and methods for handling documents and digital archives in organisations, including compliance with regulations (e.g., GDPR).
9. Develop the ability to assess emerging technologies and their impact on business models, and be prepared to adapt to rapid technological change.
10. Strengthen their digital competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in implementing and optimising information solutions.
11. Develop awareness of ethical, security, and identity-related issues linked to the use of artificial intelligence and generative content in business information systems.
12. Are trained for independent work in the development and integration of business information solutions and for effective participation in team-based projects.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course Information Systems Management focuses on understanding and managing the key components of business information systems, such as software and hardware, data, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of information systems management and the role of ICT in supporting business processes and strategic decision-making within organisations.
Special emphasis is placed on the practical use of modern tools for business task automation and digitalisation, including the development of mobile business applications using the low-code Power Apps platform, enabling rapid solution prototyping. As part of the course project, students develop a concrete business application using MS Access, SQL, Power Apps, and Power Automate.
Within the artificial intelligence module, students not only learn the basics of how AI works and how it is integrated into information systems, but also explore challenges related to digital identity and information integrity, such as deepfake content, AI-generated data, and ethical dilemmas in the use of generative AI in business contexts.
Detailed course content
1. Introduction to information systems management
o The role of information systems in modern business
o The connection between IT and the digital transformation of companies
o Fundamentals of IT governance
o The impact of information systems on organisational processes
2. Information infrastructure
o Hardware, software, and network infrastructure
o The importance and role of hardware and software for IS operation
o Network security and data protection
3. Cloud computing and technologies
o Basics of cloud services and examples of cloud providers
o Types of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
o Managing cloud solutions: migration and optimization of cloud services
4. Software
o System and application software
o Document management systems: document control, digital archives, regulatory compliance
o Integration of business systems (ERP, CRM)
5. Data and data management
o Types of data: structured, unstructured, semi-structured
o Data modelling, normalisation, and table design
o Data management systems (MS Access, SQL)
o Data processing methods: real-time vs. batch processing
6. Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate)
o Understanding and using Power Apps for business process automation
o Connecting applications and services using Power Automate
o Developing mobile apps with Power Apps
7. Artificial intelligence
o Fundamentals of AI: algorithms, machine learning, deep learning
o RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and the use of AI in business solutions
o Integration of AI into existing systems (BYOAI – Bring Your Own AI)
o Digital identity and information integrity
8. The future of information systems
o Trends in IS development: IoT, Blockchain, 5G
o The impact of emerging technologies on business models
o Opportunities and challenges for companies related to new technologies
Learning and teaching methods
- lectures;
- case analysis;
- discussion;
- programmed learning;
- practical exercises and assignments;
- project work
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of knowledge and understanding:
Students:
1. Understand the role and importance of information systems in modern business and their connection to the digital transformation of organisations.
2. Learn about the basic components of information systems, including hardware, software, network infrastructure, and cloud technologies.
3. Understand different types of data (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and how they are managed and stored in business information systems.
4. Become familiar with the principles of mobile application development using low-code platforms and their role in the digital transformation of business operations.
5. Understand the importance of the authenticity of digital information, the concept of digital identity, and the challenges of using artificial intelligence in content generation.
6. Acquire knowledge of the basics of artificial intelligence, its types, and how AI influences the architecture of information systems.
7. Be introduced to document management systems, their functionalities, and their importance in organisations, including regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR).
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Cognitive/Intellectual skills:
Students:
1. Develop the ability to analyze business needs and connect them to information support, especially through the use of data and business solutions.
2. Develop critical thinking skills regarding the future of information systems and their impact on organisational processes.
3. Acquire methods for data modelling, database design, and writing advanced SQL queries.
4. Develop the ability to manage unstructured data for analysis using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
5. Be able to analyse the risks of using AI-generated content in business environments and evaluate the reliability of sources within information systems.
6. Be able to plan simple mobile solutions to support business processes using a low-code approach.
Key/Transferable skills
Students:
1. Develop skills for managing information systems, including their planning, implementation, and maintenance.
2. Learn various methods and tools for automating business processes, such as Power Apps and Power Automate, and how to apply them in business environments.
3. Acquire the ability to use advanced tools for data management (e.g., MS Access, SQL, Power BI) and for developing business applications.
4. Develop competencies for integrating artificial intelligence into existing business solutions and for implementing AI in organisational systems.
5. Strengthen their digital competencies for working with low-code tools and their ability to rapidly develop solutions for mobile users.
6. Enhance their capacity for ethical judgment and responsible use of information technologies, especially regarding the use of AI and digital content.
Practical skills:
Students:
1. Gain hands-on skills in working with MS Access, including designing tables, queries, forms, and reports.
2. Develop the ability to automate business tasks and processes using the Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate).
3. Independently develop and test a simple mobile business application using Power Apps.
4. Be able to identify and analyse use cases of AI-generated content and assess their ethical, security, and informational implications.
5. Acquire practical skills in integrating data into databases and using SQL for data management and querying.
6. Be prepared for independent work on projects involving the development of business applications and solutions, and for effective collaboration in teams focused on the implementation and optimisation of information systems.
Readings
Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Bobek, S., Deželak, Z., Šišovska Klančnik, I. (2021). Informacijski management – učno gradivo. Maribor: Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta.
Bourgeois, D.: Information Systems for Business and Beyond (free e-book). Pressbooks, 2019. Link: https://opentextbook.site/exports/ISBB-2019.pdf
Osnove podatkov v Microsoft Azure (Azure Data Fundametals - Microsoft Learn - free). Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn
Power Platform (Microsoft Learn - free). Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/power-platform-fundamentals/
Additional information on implementation and assessment Written exam 40%
Practical exam 40%
Coursework 20%
Comments:
The written exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
The practical exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
