Business Essentials for Technology Leaders

In this course, students will explore the essential attributes of business research and analysis in the Information Technology (IT) field to make appropriate business decisions. Students will individually and in teams explore the economic principles that drive the IT industry. This course sets the foundation for research, analysis, and critical thinking that will be encountered and required throughout the program. As such, a major component of this course is writing research papers on various topics including economic and technical drivers and challenges, IT economic principles, and the regulatory framework. Additionally, students will participate in collaborative teams as they consider industry trends and customer/user needs during the development process to create a product or service proposal and business case. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to evaluate and utilize management and process tools which will guide class discussions as well as critical thinking and analyses in a structured format. The applicability of these tools extends beyond this course and into the operation and management of an IT organization.