MSIS Course One Done!

So, I started the MS program in Information Systems (IS) with Central Michigan University (CMU) online. I have very successfully completed my first class in IS. There was a lot of good material such as cyber security, project management, strategy, networking, supply chain management (SCM) topics, knowledge management (KM), and an introduction to databases.

The course meshed well with my prior graduate coursework in Performance Improvement and Training and Development. A little overlap with regards to knowledge management and project management.

A few very brief takeaways (amongst many that are worth sharing) are:

• The OACB writing system is a great way to structure communication, both written and oral. The O is for Opening. A equals the agenda. B is for the body of the communications. C is the closing paragraphs. The structure reduces the guesswork and provides sort of a “writing by numbers” or at least acronym.
• At face, IS problems might seem to be about the technology, but working backward, there often management or organizational causes. IS issues are the dependent variable. This was observed in many of the weekly case studies.
• There are some very exciting areas related to IS such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, project management, and knowledge management.

Currently, I am taking a business communication course and next semester plan to take courses in project management and application development.