How the Programme is Delivered

This postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. Most modules require that you acquire one or two textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the programme.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000 word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Programme Structure:

Project and Change Management - OSC1

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Project Management and Risk Assessment you are introduced to how key project management principles are applied to project planning, project scheduling, project generation, project feasibility selection and initiation and project scheduling techniques. In the second element, Managing Change, the different models of change are described and how these assist in understanding and managing resistance to change, building readiness for change and sustaining change. Finally, an elective where you can choose one element either Legal Frameworks or Enterprise Systems.

Sustainable Business - OSC2

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Research Methods 1 you are introduced to Qualitative and Quantitative research methods, while in Business and the Environment you are provided with an understanding of the essential elements of environmental management, including environmental management systems within an organisation and its link to business management.  The final element of this module Strategic Management, provides an overview of the development of strategy and strategy making processes and sets it in context.

Information Systems Strategy - OSC11

This is the core module of the MSc in Management of Information Systems Strategy programme. The aim of this module is to provide the manager with an in-depth understanding of the strategic role which information systems play in the organisation, operation and management of the business enterprise and an appreciation of their shared opportunity for re-engineering their management responsibilities to maximize the benefits such systems can provide.

Evidence based Evaluation and Entrepreneurship - OSC3

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. Research Methods II develops the concepts covered in Research Methods 1 by describing the specific research methods in more detail. This element is followed with a programme specific case study which requires assessment of all aspects of a particular situation relevant to the core programme.  The final element offers an elective between Legal Frameworks and Entrepreneurship.  In Legal Frameworks, you are introduced to Irish Law, court procedure and litigation, remedies and enforcement and will be equipped to understand European Environmental legislation and how this relates to Irish law.  In Entrepreneurship you will explore the skill set required to set up your own business or exploit new opportunities in an existing business environment.

Dissertation - OSC20

The Dissertation is a major piece of independent work of 15,000 words in length and gives you the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules on a specific issue of interest. An independent and critical appraisal of an issue is essential in order to successfully complete the dissertation.

Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:

The table below shows the pathway a student should take depending on their month of entry.

For example, if you are a September intake student, you should follow the first table below and register for OSC1 and OSC2 in your first year, followed by OSC11, OSC3 and 0SC20 in your second year (OSC20 is optional, this can be taken in the third year if required).

If you are a January intake student, you should follow the second table below and register for OSC2 only in your first year, followed by OSC11 and OSC3 in your second year.  Finally, you should register for OSC1 and OSC20 in your third year.Students studying under Springboard have different timeframes for completion of a Certificate or Diploma. For more details of this please see the Springboard+ website.

* Students can opt to take OSC20 in either year two or three.

Should you successfully complete OSC1 and OSC2 modules it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Graduate Certificate.

Should you successfully complete OSC1, OSC2, OSC11 and OSC3 it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma.