Abstract:

This paper focus on the methodological improvements developed in the subject Management of Information Systems in Organizations, belonging to the Business Management Degree, at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón. Specifically, students in this subject work the strategic planning of information systems and the implementation and operation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

Information and communications technologies (ICT) are a key part of the new educational and academic approaches. In this vein, ICT should be transversely incorporated in pedagogical and methodological areas, assuming the lecturer the role of guidance and orientation. Our methodological proposal approaches our university environment to the business environment, by facing students to real situations of organization and business management. In this context, students will develop a complete internal process of a firm, following the pattern of work established by the lecturer, on which each student should be able to make their own decisions about their learning processes.

The new information and communication tools should transform traditional didactic and methodological process into a more interactive and participative one. Specifically, this subject is developed on the basis of a study case and the role-playing technique. In this sense, the students take on different roles in different areas within a company, work on the theoretical aspects and their practical development in the software application, and make business decisions in each of the roles acquired, which stimulates their motivation.

The lecturer places the students in a fictional company which manages its information system through an ERP, gathering starting data as a result of several years of business. The lecturer explains to the students that the company will introduce a new line of business, and requires the students to be responsible for introducing the needed information and procedures for such management.

Students should work individually their own company, assuming different functions of different departments in the company, obtaining a holistic view of the organization. Students develop all their activity using information and communications technologies (ICT), specifically Sage 100 ERP from SAGE Company. The lecturer controls student performance progressively, from the weekly activities developed in practical classes.

In short, through this methodological proposal lectures can develop their student’s generic skills, related to the information analysis, synthesis and management, the organization and planning, and the resolution of problems; specific skills as the planning, management and direction of the information systems of organizations; and relational skills related to teamwork and critical thinking.

Keywords:

Information and Comunication Technologies (ICT), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Role-playing, Business Management Degree.