Course Descriptions

IDRM K4300.  Introduction to Information Professions and Knowledge Management.  3 pts.

Description

This course instills in students an understanding of information systems, particularly as they relate to students’ own professional environments and experiences, and explores the basic techniques of knowledge management in order to see how these information systems fit into the overall information infrastructure of a corporation, nonprofit organization, or government agency.

IDRM K4350.  Information Networks.  3 pts.

Description

The development and applications of information networks – from the birth of the internet and growth of intranets, to the revolution of the World Wide Web, to the interactive nature of "Web 2.0"—has profoundly affected business, nonprofit and governmental organizations. This course will explore the cultural and economic impact of social media, collaboration (wikis) and emerging digital resources. Understanding the role and value of information management professionals to all types of organizations in this ever changing digital environment is a course objective.

IDRM K4310.  Legal and Policy Issues for Information Professionals.  3 pts.

Description

Rapid developments in technology and the exponential proliferation of digital records in the workplace and everyday life have dramatically affected the law, litigation, and the legal profession. This course introduces the fundamental principles and practical consequences of recent developments in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, electronic discovery law, labor and employment law, privacy law, intellectual property law, and attorney client privilege. The course will be taught using the socratic method, wherein students will be questioned in order to stimulate rational thinking and illuminate ideas. There will be guest speakers and a site visit.

IDRM K4315.  Exploring Digital Information in Business and Economics.  3 pts.

Description

This course will examine the various digital and online resources used to research the fields of business and economics. Course content will include government resources, proprietary databases and websites. Analysis and use of data will be discussed.

IDRM K4320.  Introduction to Information Technology and IT Project Management.  3 pts.

Description

Traditional project management techniques and frameworks are not always applicable to projects with a significant IT component and may fail to address adequately the organizational stresses caused by IT projects. Bringing a successful IT project to fruition can yield enormous institutional rewards when underutilized valuable information is brought to light and used. The quality of information can be improved overall, its scope of delivery greatly expanded, and its presentation made in ways that allow for its more effective use. This course enables the non-technologist to design and implement an IT-based project, not as an end in itself, but as a means to further an organization’s stated goals or mission. It teaches students how to communicate with IT staff at the level of specificity required to guide a project’s design and implementation, and to acquire the analytical and project management skills required to conceive and execute a coherent and effective strategy for implementing an IT project that serves the core mission of an organization.

IDRM K4335.  Records Management: Principles and Practices.  3 pts.

Description

This course lays the foundation for understanding the role, importance, and variety of print and digital record-keeping systems in organizations. Building on the foundation of simple records management, using case studies, and paying attention to organizations' diverse internal needs and overall goals, the course also introduces students to the more complex principles and practices involved in the design, implementation, management, and preservation of digital resources.

IDRM K4340.  Digital Asset Management.  3 pts.

Description

Digital Asset Management addresses the increasing variety and importance of digital resources held and used by business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Among the topics the course considers are the transfer of records and other materials from analog and other non-digital formats to digital format; the design and maintenance of digital databases; the preservation of digital assets; the practical integration of digital assets into the daily work and long-term missions of diverse organizations. The course, which employs case studies, more theoretical readings, student projects, guest speakers, and site visits, is a companion course to the Master's Project Seminar.

IDRM K4390.  Master’s Project Seminar.  3 pts.

Description

The Master's Project Seminar reinforces the practical focus of the program and ensures that graduates are prepared to undertake and implement information-related projects in professional settings. As part of their projects, degree candidates may serve as interns at appropriate organizations if they are not currently working in the field or if they wish to diversify their professional experience. Building on one of the projects prepared in a required course, students create and implement an information-related system for the organization in which they work or intern, and produce a substantial research paper or portfolio.

Note: the Master's Project Seminar may be taken during the fourth, fifth, or sixth term of study, but not before.

IDRM K4345.  Managing Relationships with Digital Information Providers.  3 pts.

Description

Every organization, whether it is a nonprofit, corporate or government agency, deals with a multitude of vendors to acquire the digital information resources it needs to meet goals. Developing effective working relationships with these information providers is a critical part of the process. This course will focus on growing these relationships and developing the skills necessary to work well with commercial vendors. Providing students with the ability to evaluate products that help their organization meet its goals, negotiate with vendors and maintain good ongoing vendor relationships are objectives of this class.

IDRM K4327.  Global Trends in Information Access and the Democratization of Information.  3 pts.

Description

This course will focus on the changing world of information and knowledge, its impact on the world of work and our ability to access, manage and disseminate information. The course will cover trends in social networking, the further development of web 2.0, as well as global trends in participation and involvement in the creation of information on the internet. Issues such as organizational behavior, knowledge sharing initiatives, enterprise content management applications and information handling in the workplace of the 21st century will be covered.