Using research techniques to teach management of IT concepts to postgraduate business students

Abstract

This paper examines the delivery of concepts related to the role of the information technology (IT) manager of an organisation and management of the organisation's information technology department to Masters level students in a business faculty of an Australian University. Initially, the development of a course designed to teach concepts related to the management of information technology in the Masters of Business (Information Systems) program (and similar programs) offered by Victoria University in Australia is outlined. The lecturers adopt a 'constructivist' approach to delivering the course, encouraging students to relate the course material to their own view of the world. Two learning activities in particular are examined to demonstrate how research techniques can be used to teach such management concepts. A unique feature of the paper is that it reports on recent delivery of the course in a new environment where the university encourages learning in the workplace and community and the adoption of new strategies to achieve student success.