Management Information Systems (MGIS)

Do you enjoy working with other creative people in a high-performing team? Do you like challenging, multi-disciplinary opportunities that address complex business problems and diverse environments? Then, a career in Management Information Systems might be for you! Management Information Systems examines the use, management, and impact of Information Technologies on individuals, organizations, industries, the economy and society. Our program combines industry knowledge, practical applications, and academic principles with a strong background in traditional business disciplines. MGIS students graduate with the ability to stay current with evolving information technologies and to apply those technologies to deliver effective solutions to improving organizational processes and value. A concentration in Management Information Systems will: develop your skills and abilities for discerning information needs, then selecting, assessing and applying Information Technology to meet corporate goals prepare you to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to analyze develop and implement Information Systems solutions to organizational challenges and opportunities provide you with hands-on experience with current Information Technologies and Information Systems tools.

You will study the organizational and individual use and management of information systems and technologies. You will become skilled in the analysis of business processes and be able to improve those processes through innovative application of information technologies. To put these skills to the test, you can elect to complete your MGIS concentration by conducting a field project sponsored by a Calgary-based company to address one of their current information systems challenges. Contact: Area Chair (403) 220-7173 Common Myths about Management Information Systems #1 Management Information Systems is purely a technical concentration Computer science is purely technical. Management Information Systems is focused on understanding people, processes, policies, and technologys role in a corporation. #2 People in MGIS are isolated from the rest of the company MIS positions generally require good interpersonal skills because they involve consulting with clients. Whether you are leading a project team, or gathering requirements from client groups - you will spend time working with people throughout the company. #3 MGIS jobs do not pay well If MGIS jobs do not pay well, why would people choose this field in the first place? The mean salary for someone with 3 years experience in 2006 was about $70,000, well above the average for most business careers. MGIS skills are transferable across industries and highly marketable.

Profile of a Management Information Systems Graduate Management Information Systems graduates are able to: understand the role of information and information technology in a business environment (for support and competitive advantage) understand the role and operation of telecommunications and networks monitor and assess future trends in technology conduct systems analysis and design, employing appropriate tools and methodologies design, construct, and operate databases using ACCESS, Oracle, and SQL learn and effectively utilize new computer-based applications to improve business processes communicate clearly with various functional business units understand the evolving social aspects and business ethics surrounding information technology and information use. Related Organizations Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) CIPS is Canadas association of Information Technology Professionals. It has 24 chapters across the country with approximately 600 members in Calgary - including several Special Interest Groups, an active Student Group and a professional mentorship program. www.cips.ca Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) Works with entrepreneurs to help them accelerate the success of their technology company. www.calgarytechnologies.com Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) ITAC keeps in touch with the needs of the Canadian ITC industry through a network of sources, which includes partners, affiliated associations, government and non-government agencies, and leading authorities in academic and professional disciplines. www.itac.ca Student Club Association for the Management of Information and Operations (AMIO) Academic, social, and networking events are the focus of AMIO. AMIO hosts two main events: an Industry Night for career development and an Alumni night for introducing past executives to current students. www.ucalgary.ca/~amio

Nature of Work and Types of Jobs Consultant act as an internal (or external) consultant for business process improvement bring specialized Information Systems expertise to bear on challenges in Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources Database Administrator analyze data stored in a database and make recommendations relating to performance and efficiency of that data storage model data to optimize system layout participate in preliminary database design Project Manager organize and manage project teams provide discipline and leadership to complex project in the organization respond to the responsibility for providing solid business value form technology-based projects Telecommunications Specialist supervise installation of systems provide maintenance and service to clients after installation Positions Obtained by Recent MGIS Graduates Applications Analyst Business Analyst Business Systems Operator Consultant Customer Support Analyst Network & Support Specialist Quality Control Specialist