They are facing radical changes in the way they compete, service their customers, and relate to their employees. Decades-old ways of working must be transformed at a rapid pace, and old assumptions must be discarded. For those entering into the workforce for the first time, it can be a uniquely exciting time. Organizations that are poised to transform themselves need human resources who are not fettered with old routines, who have initiative and ideas, and who thrive on uncertainty. New technologies of communication and computing are intricately linked with these major changes in the way organizations function.
Technological developments are at once both drivers of change and, in turn, driven by such change.
Individuals who understand the social, organizational, and management issues linked to communication technologies, and not just the technical ones, are important resources for organizations. More than ever organizations are struggling to understand how best to manage in the context of intranets and extranets, electronic commerce, interorganizational information systems, and other developments that affect the core of how communication takes place in and between organizations. Also, critical analytical capabilities must be developed through application of theoretical principles to realistic contexts. Thus, this course will focus on activities that will give you the opportunity to apply textbook principles to real organizations. You will apply your analytical skills and judgments to reach decisions and recommendations as if you were a real participant in the case.