London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Modules

104
Information systems: evaluation and policy

Prerequisite – 62 Information systems development and management

This subject is composed of two distinct topics: Evaluation and practice of information systems and Information and communication technology policy. Students are required to study for, and be examined in, both topics.
A: Evaluation and practice of information systems
This unit aims to develop an understanding of the methods of evaluating information systems. Evaluation is understood in this unit as an organisational process set in an organisational context.
The notion, purposes and roles of evaluation.
The organisational context of evaluation.
Beyond the single organisation: Evaluation at industry, sector and/or national level. The productivity paradox. Methods of evaluation: Quantitative methods. Qualitative and interpretive methods.
Factors affecting evaluation in practice: The role of evaluation. The decision environment. System characteristics.
Matching methods to investments.

B: Information and communication technology policy
This unit aims to develop an understanding of the way governments and international institutions respond to the challenge of IT policy.
Case studies of national ICT policy: Students will study at least two well-known cases of IT policies choosing from Japan, the USA, the UK, Singapore and Malaysia.
Rationale for IT policy: Understanding the need for IT policy. Economic theories of technology and economic growth. IT policy for social transformation. Conceptions of the Information Society. IT and national sovereignty. IT and globalisation.
Areas of ICT policy: IT industries. Telecommunications industry liberalisation and regulation. National systems of innovation. IT in government. Legislation for data protection. Intellectual property rights, ‘knowright’, computer crime protection.