Digital Business Systems

Our study programme  Digital Business Systems is a specialisation within the Master's degree Master of Information Systems (IS), and is an advanced programme for students who aim for a career in business systems.

NITH educates competent and socially responsible IT professionals, who work in many fields, such as CIOs, project managers, business analysts, consultants, systems developers and IT security experts. The programme is research based, and is taught by active researchers. The programme is also developed in close co-operation with business and public organisations. 

Information Systems (IS) is both a professional discipline and an academic field, aiming to bridge the technical capabilities of IT with business needs. As an academic discipline, IS investigates a wide range of topics, such as IS strategy and management, business systems, IS development methods, user behaviour and usability. It also investigates more theoretical issues, such as the relationship between technology and the social world, and the dynamics of the Information Society. 

The programme is run over two years (full time) or three years (part time). The first year offers eight courses (four courses in part-time mode the first and second year). The last year offers two courses, and a Master Dissertation. The programme is taught in English only.

The awarded title is: Master of Information Systems with specialisation in Digital Business Systems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Candidates will achieve an advanced knowledge of information systems as a research field, in terms of theories, knowledge claims, research methods and professional standards. They will be able to apply this knowledge, and to reflect on how information systems contribute to business and societal aims. They will be able to describe and discuss key theories on how business systems support value creation in organisations, and to understand the role of business systems in innovations.

Skills
Candidates will acquire practical skills in analysing complex IS problems, designing or recommending solutions, and in measuring and evaluating results. Candidates will also have strong skills in applying research methods and techniques. They will be able to configure and implement key business systems and to evaluate business systems solutions.

Competence
Candidates will take responsibility for solving complex tasks and conducting a research project at a high standard in an organisation. This includes the ability to choose the appropriate research approach, to choose or develop a solution, to handle relationships ethically and professionally, and to evaluate and communicate the results in a systematic way. They will take the responsibility to participate and contribute to the implementation of a business system in an organisation. Candidates will also assess results in relation to digital business research, and communicate findings in a professional and ethical way.

Main content

The first year provides the students with knowledge and skills in IS research, project management, IT governance, emerging technologies, innovation, IT security, IT strategy and architecture and innovation networks. 

The second year has a stronger focus on competence, aiming at synthesising knowledge and skills into the ability to conduct projects. The shared courses of the second year prepare the student for the Dissertation. During the Dissertation the student will be able to draw on and integrate all these resources. During the third semester an internship at a company is recommended.

Forms of teaching

The programme uses a number of varied forms of teaching in order to encourage learning.

• Lectures, to introduce theoretical issues and domain knowledge
• Seminars and group work, to give the students the opportunity to discuss different perspectives, intergrate with previous knowledge, and practice analytical assessment with case materials.
• Practical assignments and lab work, to develop hands-on technical skills
• Directed and student-selected readings, to develop a solid knowledge base
• Oral presentations, to develop personal communication skills
• Essay and dissertation writing, in order to synthesise knowledge and present analyses and results
• Supervision, to provide detailed feedback and discussion of student projects in close interaction with NITH researchers.

Opportunities

Job opportunities
IS Masters work as CIOs, IT managers, business developers, software developers, business analysts, consultants and IT security staff. 

Exchange
For outgoing students, NITH has established student exchange agreements with the following institutions:

• Brunel University in London, UK
  
• Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland
  
• Universidad de Granada in Spain
  
• University of Skövde in Sweden
  
• Hogschool-Universiteit Brussel in Belgium

Further studies
After completing the Master’s programme, the candidate is formally qualified for a PhD study in a related area of research.

For further information, please contact our Master programme coordinator, Marit Myhre.