Classes

An introduction to the economic, political and social dimensions of an information-rich environment. This course includes consideration of the historical development of information and knowledge production, issues of control versus free flow of information, applications of information management (IM) in support of situational understanding and decision-making, the organization of knowledge, and the ethical and legal aspects of IM.

This class examines the various means by which information can be organized to facilitate its retrieval, management and use. The class also provides an overview of the principles and theories of metadata development and implementation in the digital environment. Metadata interoperability, vocabulary control, standardization, quality control and evaluation are emphasized. An introduction to the principles of information architecture is also included, as they interconnect with best practices in the organization of information.

This class makes clear the relationship between IT and information management, often misconstrued in organizations. The class includes theories of databases and integrated systems design, allied with practical applications of a wide range of information technologies to support organizational goals. These include traditional intranet and extranet applications, along with emerging web 2.0 technologies. Concepts of information architecture (IA) relating to the design of shared and often web-based information environments (including intranets, databases and online communities) are introduced. The practices of IA are examined through analyses of real organizations and how the information environment can best serve their missions, goals, processes and their clients, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Understanding theories and practices of human-computer interaction is critical to organizational success. This class explores how technology affects human use and examines the process (from conception of an idea to design and evaluation) – with a particular emphasis on web-based activities. The class discusses individual and group information-seeking behaviours in public and private contexts – along with the theories and models of information-seeking behaviour that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the user experience.

Under Canadian law, all government and corporations must appoint someone to take responsibility for privacy within their respective organization – and all government and selected other agencies are required to delegate staff responsible for information access and privacy. This class explores a range of critical information-related issues facing organizations and the effects of policies and legislation on information management and organizational effectiveness. Topics include access to information, freedom of information, protection of privacy and the preservation of information. Professional ethics guiding information professionals are discussed, as is compliance. In addition, this class also discusses the roles of all levels of government, the private and not-for-profit sectors and key individuals in developing policies that affect information creation, control, access and use. While this class focuses on Canadian issues, it also includes international perspectives.

Knowledge management (KM) encompasses a range of theories and practices relating to the creation, identification, accumulation and application of knowledge to meet organizational goals. This class discusses theories of KM, intellectual capital and learning organizations – along with practices for efficient and effective harnessing of organizational knowledge. You’ll adopt an integrative approach, based on the key KM theories and concepts developed in the past decade applied across a wide range of organizational settings.

Based on your learning objectives, you may choose either a case study or a research project as your final assessed item.

Please note: this class is mandatory.

Please note also that you should take either MGMT5006 or MGMT5007 to prepare for this class.

Throughout this class you will work with an advisor and under the general supervision of the class instructor to complete a case study or a project of special relevance to your workplace. Case studies and projects are assessed on the extent to which they demonstrate application of the theories and techniques explored throughout our entire program.

Access some existing case studies



Gap analysis

Jennifer Woods worked with the Privy Council Office’s Records, Scheduling and Disposition Services group to assess its readiness to meet the challenges of an evolving digital workplace. Her resulting recommendations helped the Council create a focused, cost-effective and highly successful training program.

Find out more [PDF 242kb]



Collaboration

Musema Mossa’s research looked at the use of collaborative teams as a framework for building policy capacity within Health Canada’s Strategic Policy Branch.

Find out more [PDF 214kb]

Prerequisites: Either MGMT5006 or MGMT5007

Program evaluation is a structured approach to assessing program delivery with a goal of continuous improvement. This class introduces theories and techniques of evaluation including goal-setting, planning, design, development of indicators and measures, data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis and legislative frameworks. Case studies based on your workplace experiences are discussed. The class then concludes with a discussion and study of how to build evaluation capacity in your organization.

This class introduces concepts, methods (both quantitative and qualitative), and the practices of research that support evidence-based information management practice. The class addresses the nature and uses of research, tools for research, handling of evidence, analysis and interpretation of findings, reporting of results, evaluation of published reports and the management of research.

Geographically dispersed virtual workplace teams that cross time, space and organizational boundaries are increasingly common. As a result, information managers are more and more frequently called on to ensure these teams have effective decision-making processes, a common purpose and interdependent organizational and performance goals, and that they can contribute to organizational strategic goals. This class introduces theories and concepts relating to the rationale for, benefits and challenges of, virtual teams; steps for developing effective virtual teams, and examples of the technology you can use to support such teams.

This class introduces theories and practices of project management (PM) related to project objectives, development stages and control variables such as time, cost and scope. PM stages include initiation, development, execution and maintenance. This class explores these stages by using workplace case studies that relate to your professional experience. Adaptive as well as pre-planned methods and approaches, including process-based systems, critical path and event chain, are used.

How organizations engage in document or records management has a direct bearing on their efficiency and effectiveness – including their legal and ethical compliance. This class offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of records and information management in all formats including (though not limited to) paper and digital. Topics covered include record creation, evaluation, maintenance and control – as well as issues relating to the maintenance, storage and disposal of records.