As anyone on a Business Information Systems courses will already know, the worlds of business and technology have become inseparable. It seems that either one can now be said to be the driving force in the other s growth. Business Information Systems (BIS) represents this point of fusion between business functions and information modules. It aims to establish effective communication channels, to enhance organisation and productivity, and to promote competitiveness.
What does Business Information Systems involve
The main goal of all BIS courses is, quite simply, to prepare graduates for employment in an IT-related business context. To this end, BIS programmes at all levels involve extensive background training in the subjects that support best international business, finance and management practice. In addition to these, students will also develop their IT skills in areas such as systems analysis and design, database development, programming, web design and network management techniques.
Because of the fact that BIS is such an industry-related area of study (and therefore a competitive one too) obtaining a professional qualification is essential if you are to safeguard good career opportunities.
A part-time Diploma in Information Systems is a good place to start your journey as it will gradually introduce you to the principles, methods, tools and architectures used in the development and management of IS and IT. Upon graduation, you will possess business, communication and IT skills, all of which will have been developed through extensive practical assignments and project work. It is also possible to progress directly from the diploma (which is of two years duration) to a part-time BSc in Information Systems (which will require a further two years of study). At this level, it will be possible to take elective modules, thereby specialising in topics that may be of particular interest. Upon graduating you will be equipped to manage in all sectors of the IT industry and in a range of business functions.
Another popular qualification for those hoping to work in business and IT is the BA (Hons) in BIS. It is possible to study for this qualification part time, over the course of four years. Though this is undoubtedly a long period of study, learners will be given comprehensive training in the area, which will cover modules such as Business Applications, Principles of Programming, Data Management & Analytics, and Data Network & Communication. By the end of the course, you will have developed an excellent understanding of the significant role that information systems play in modern business and will have received thorough training in how to create, develop and manage IT policies and strategies.
An alternate option at undergraduate level is the part-time BA in BIS Cloud Computing, which is a four-year programme that will develop key skills in the use and application of current cloud computing platforms and how they are used to deploy web and other client applications to the Cloud.
Of course, the more experience and training you have, the greater your competitive advantage will be on the jobs market. Postgraduate study is therefore an excellent option for those who have already attained an undergraduate BIS qualification. A part-time Higher Diploma in Business Information Systems programme will develop conceptual knowledge and understanding of business and IT disciplines, but with a greater emphasis on the practical application of such knowledge to real-world business scenarios. Students will systemically develop the ability to blend conceptual understanding with practical application, particularly in IT-related areas. This is compounded by a four-month work experience opportunity.
Beyond even this level is the two-year part-time MBA in Information Systems. Students on this programme can choose to specialise in a wide range of areas, such as HRM, Project Management, Finance, Information Systems, Cloud Computing, Marketing or general Business Management. However, regardless of the stream you choose to specialise in, all students will gain a significant knowledge and understanding of global business especially on issues such as globalisation, standardisation and the customisation of products and services.
Why do it
Business Information Systems is a relatively new area of study and so brings with it a sense of dynamism and challenge. Students must learn to evolve with the subject, which is in a state of constant change and growth. However, the main incentive to study BIS is that it offers its graduates exceptional career prospects. Almost all organisations now depend upon new technologies to control and manage their data, which means that the demand for graduates with technological proficiency and business know-how is at an all-time high.
What comes next
Graduates of BIS programmes may take up positions as systems or business analysts, computer programmers, database administrators, network administrators or in a range of business functions, including marketing, logistics, production, finance and general business administration.
At a glance
A Part-time Diploma in Information Systems will last for two years, after which students can opt to study for a further two years to obtain a BSc in Information Systems. A part-time BA in Business Information Systems will take four years. A part-time MBA in Information Systems will take two years to complete.
