Abstract:

Business informatics was originated during 1970s as a technology-oriented course in business and became a recognized scientific discipline and an accepted field of research and study at the beginning of this century, generally categorized as applied science, formal science and engineering discipline. Business informatics aims to support business functions by applying informatics principles and technologies. It deals with the concept, development, implementation, maintenance and utilization of business information systems. In addition to that, business informatics studies management of information systems, with particular emphasis on relationships between humans, business functions, information and communication systems and technology.

Due to its primary characteristics, business informatics is taught as a scientific discipline at bachelor, master and PhD study programs at universities in many European countries, as well as in Russia, USA, Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Malaysia, and Singapore. There are numerous study programs, with many similarities, but also many differences, while the interdisciplinary of their content can be highlighted as their most prominent trait.

This paper presents results of a comparative analysis of business informatics PhD study programs in the South East Europe region, available on university websites. The analysis is particularly focused on program titles, goals, learning outcomes, competencies, structure of disciplines, length of studies, means of realization and course content. Standard characteristics of study programs were identified based on the selected criteria. They can serve as a transferable experience to other universities seeking to develop or improve their study programs in this area. The paper also elaborates on the significance of standardized content, and also states the possibilities that emerge from its implementation.

Keywords:

Business informatics, PhD programme, comparission.