Benchmarking the Required Information Systems Course in Aacsb Accredited MBA Programs: An Analysis of Course Content and Processes

Abstract

Educating future executives in information technology (IT) management has a positive impact on the performance of an organization. Managers comfortable with technology are twice as likely to initiate systems projects. Since technology is the growth engine of our economy and IT investments are half of the typical U.S. firm's capital expenditures, educating rising executives in information technology management is a critical task and an important research topic. Furthermore, business school deans have expressed concern about the variation in IS course content from university to university. This study details a content analysis of syllabi used in the required information systems course in AACSB accredited MBA programs. Components of the analysis include course title, texts, assessment, teamwork, and topics. Syllabi topics are compared to key issues identified by CEOs and CIOs. Then, a survey is administered to develop a list of essential topics for the required information systems course in MBA programs.