Posted: December 8th, 2007 by Alison Ruth

Categorised as:  Learning  NewTech  What is... 

An interesting development within the Tech-ish groups at Griffith is the proposal for a combined degree in informations systems and business.  We (Management in Business) have been collaborating with ICT to develop a really innovative program that puts business and IS together.  I really like that approach as it recognises the importance of understanding the influence of systems on business and business on systems, and I'm not referring solely to tech systems.

Systems thinking is a central part of what makes up Business Informatics.  It views the whole system, not just the components that make up the system.  Systems thinking was one of the unique approaches that enabled the establishment of Griffith as an 'alternative' university back in the 70's.  In some ways, Griffith was ahead of its time in the approach we took to teaching and learning.  One of the first degrees offered by Griffith involved a systems approach to environmental studies.  Business Informatics is, in some ways, a reflection of the foresight of the founders of the university.  We are now looking to develop a systems approach to the study of the business environment, an approach which will prepare students for changing systems and systemic change.

New ways of seeing (a core part of the Business Informatics course and a foundation part of the new degree) can only be a good thing for a university with global links.

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