Formation/Cours

At the end of the course, the student should be able:
– explain (i.e., show understanding in) the Gartner Hype cycle,
– discuss the role of new information technologies in companies,
– identify (i.e., analyse) the latest trends in Information and Communication Technology implementations in companies across the globe,
– decide (i.e. evaluate) when investing in an information system is a good/bad idea by applying appropriate theoretical lenses,
– identify ethical dilemmas related to information systems innovations (such as planned obsolescence and website visitor tracking practices),
– Generate sustainable solutions for organizations (2C),
– propose creative solutions within an organization (3B),
– make effectual organizational decisions (5D),
– convey powerful messages using contemporary presentation techniques (4C).

We investigate TRIZ trends in digital innovations, ranging from “boundary breakdown” and “increasing dimensionality” to “increasing use of senses” and “action coordination”.
We study many different information technologies (such as RFID, augmented reality, blockchain, prediction markets, Big Data and IFTTT) with cases from all over the globe; and assess that not all implementations are appropriate in all regions. We also investigate the impact of technologies on society-level and notice different speeds of adoption in different countries. We discuss ethical dilemmas related to privacy and sustainability.
Students prepare a presentation about digital innovations in a specific industry and they pay special attention to TRIZ trends in that presentation. The industries that were studied in the past include Finance, Hotels, Music, Newspapers and books, Shoes, Toys and Games, TV and sports, Airlines, Clothing, Education and Furniture.
Key theories from the information systems field are derived through case studies. For instance, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology is derived on the basis of a case study concerning the implantation of RFID tags at the Baja Beach Dance Club. Theory is also derived to determine whether some information technology investment can give a company sustainable competitive advantages. After class, the students have to write a report.