MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (MGIS)

Bachelor of Commerce Degree

Do you enjoy working with other creative people in a high-performing team? Do you like
challenging, multi-disciplinary opportunities that address complex business problems and
diverse environments? Then, a career in Management Information Systems might be for you!

Management Information Systems examines the use, management, and impact of Information
Technologies on individuals, organizations, industries, the economy and society. Our program
combines industry knowledge, practical applications, and academic principles with a strong
background in traditional business disciplines. We then examine new technologies to
understand their impact on the business and organizational processes and environment.
MGIS students graduate with the ability to stay current with evolving information
technologies and to apply those technologies to deliver effective solutions to improving
organizational processes and value.

A concentration in Management Information Systems will:

 develop your skills and abilities for discerning information needs, then selecting, assessing
and applying Information Technology to meet corporate goals
 prepare you to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to analyze develop and
implement Information Systems solutions to organizational challenges and opportunities
 provide you with hands-on experience with current Information Technologies and
Information Systems tools.

You will study the organizational and individual use and management of information systems
and technologies. You will become skilled in the analysis of business processes and be able to
improve those processes through innovative application of information technologies. To put
these skills to the test, you can elect to complete your MGIS concentration by conducting a
field project sponsored by a Calgary-based company to address one of their current
information systems challenges.

Contact: Area Chair (403) 220-7173

Common Myths about Management Information Systems

#1 Management Information Systems is purely a technical concentration

Computer science is purely technical. Management Information Systems is focused on
understanding people, processes, policies, and technology’s role in a corporation.
#2 People in MGIS are isolated from the rest of the company
MIS positions generally require good interpersonal skills because they involve consulting with
clients. Whether you are leading a project team, or gathering requirements from client groups
- you will spend time working with people throughout the company.
#3 MGIS jobs do not pay well
If MGIS jobs do not pay well, why would people choose this field in the first place? The
mean salary for someone with 3 years experience in 2006 was about $70,000, well above the
average for most business careers. MGIS skills are transferable across industries and highly
marketable.

(additional information on reverse)

 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
SYSTEMS (MGIS)

Profile of a Management Information Systems Graduate Nature of Work and Types of Jobs

Management Information Systems graduates are able to: Business Analyst

 understand the role of information and information technology in a  identify business problems and identify
business environment (for support and competitive advantage) solutions
 understand the role and operation of telecommunications and  liaise between the business side of an
networks enterprise and the information technology
 monitor and assess future trends in technology department
 conduct systems analysis and design, employing appropriate tools Consultant
and methodologies  act as an internal (or external) consultant
 design, construct, and operate databases using ACCESS, Oracle, for business process improvement
and SQL  bring specialized Information Systems
 learn and effectively utilize new computer-based applications to expertise to bear on challenges in
improve business processes Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Human
 communicate clearly with various functional business units Resources
 understand the evolving social aspects and business ethics Database Administrator
surrounding information technology and information use.  analyze data stored in a database and
make recommendations relating to
Related Organizations performance and efficiency of that data
storage
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)  model data to optimize system layout
CIPS is Canada’s association of Information Technology Professionals.  participate in preliminary database design
It has 24 chapters across the country with approximately 600 members Project Manager
in Calgary - including several Special Interest Groups, an active Student
 organize and manage project teams
Group and a professional mentorship program. www.cips.ca
 provide discipline and leadership to
complex project in the organization
Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI)
 respond to the responsibility for
Works with entrepreneurs to help them accelerate the success of their
providing solid business value form
technology company. www.calgarytechnologies.com
technology-based projects
Telecommunications Specialist
Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)
 supervise installation of systems
ITAC keeps in touch with the needs of the Canadian ITC industry
 provide maintenance and service to
through a network of sources, which includes partners, affiliated
clients after installation
associations, government and non-government agencies, and leading
authorities in academic and professional disciplines. www.itac.ca
Positions Obtained by Recent
Student Club MGIS Graduates

Association for the Management of Information and Operations  Applications Analyst

(AMIO)  Business Analyst
 Business Systems Operator
Academic, social, and networking events are the focus of AMIO.  Consultant
AMIO hosts two main events: an Industry Night for career  Customer Support Analyst
development and an Alumni night for introducing past executives to  Network & Support Specialist
current students.  Quality Control Specialist
www.ucalgary.ca/~amio