U21Global modules

Information Systems Architecture
Information systems architecture is the blueprint of an organisation?s resources, or how the foundation elements connect to provide computing capability to the organisation. Students are introduced to the basics of information systems architecture and the four building blocks ? hardware, software, telecommunications and databases. To identify new technologies that have the greatest business potential, the segment looks at new IT trends that are finding widespread acceptance in various applications.

Building Information Systems
The different processes used to develop information systems applications are explained. Students learn to identify management, organisation and technology issues associated with information systems development. Some of the tools and methodologies used for information systems development, including prototyping and outsourcing, are discussed. The importance of project management in information systems development is highlighted, along with project management best practices.

Managing Knowledge
The management of knowledge in an IT environment facilitates decision making at the organisational level. Students are introduced to the major decision-making IT systems ? management information systems (MIS), decision support systems (DSS), executive information systems (EIS) and group support systems (GSS). Knowledge management activities, such as codification, sharing and transfer of knowledge, help organisations effectively create and share knowledge.

Enterprise Information Technology
The segment examines the deployment of IT systems that span the whole enterprise. Students learn to identify the main challenges associated with the configuration, maintenance and updating of an overall IT architecture. In explaining the layered approach to IT architecture, the segment looks at how supply chain management systems can help link partners and suppliers in relation to procurement and logistics, and how enterprise resource planning can achieve operational and business benefits for the organisation.

Information Technology and Reengineering
Information technology can be used to enable business process reengineering, a powerful management technique characterised by critical scrutiny of business processes followed by their redesign. The different types of business process reengineering projects are discussed. Students learn how to apply the process and evaluate the impact of information technology on business process reengineering on organisations.

Information Technology Planning
Strategic planning within an organisation must involve information technology planning, to align the overall business plan of the firm. Students explore ways in which IT enables a firm to fulfil its strategic objectives and some of the challenges faced by organisations while conducting IT planning. Commonly-used approaches ? the critical success factors approach, contingency approach and business systems planning approach ? are reviewed, along with best practices in IT planning.

Supply Chain Management
This module, "Defining Supply Chain Management" explains the rise of supply chain management in the global economy of the 21st century. We will define a supply chain and supply chain management. We will also contrast supply chain management with logistics to provide a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between these concepts. You also learn about the elements of a supply chain, how a supply chain functions in meeting enterprise and cross-enterprise goals and the challenges inherent in its management. Finally, this module also describes the important role of technology in the Internet-enabled supply chain.

B2B eStrategy
Students develop an understanding of business-to-business (B2B) opportunities and transactions in the segment. Using well-known companies, such as Dell, Federal Express, Cisco and GE, the segment examines how organisations have applied the unique benefits of the Internet to achieve their goals. Students learn to maximise value from implementing supply chain management concepts through technologies in electronic data interchange, horizontal and vertical markets, and electronic trading hubs.

B2C eStrategy
The segment provides information on business-to-consumer (B2C) Internet practices, highlighting transition issues and the service-cost trade-offs. Students learn to construct and implement eBusiness models that integrate appropriate applications of automated customer interaction with human customer interaction, helping to mitigate online channel conflict. The integration of website strategies with online alliance channel strategies is an important element in customer relationship management which is covered in the segment.

IGNOU Subjects

Organisational Dynamics
Organisational Dynamics examines all aspects of group dynamics. With focus on both qualitative and quantitative features of group and collective, the segment details topics such as group development, group cohesion and alienation, and group dynamics and its conflicts with freedom and empowerment. Students are introduced to ?Role Dynamics? and related concepts such as Role Analysis, Organisational stress and burnout and how to deal with them. The segment also dwells on the concept of power and the difference between the functional and dysfunctional power. It entails various dynamics of organizational culture and inter-organisational dimensions to understand social responsibilities of organisations and how to manage diversity.

Economic and Social Environment
Dealing with the environment of business, the segment explains the socio-cultural and politico-legal environment. Students understand the structure of the Indian economy, with focus on all sectors. The various planning and policies in India are discussed and then the segment moves on to explain the external sectors, in terms of export-import policy, foreign capital and collaborations. Students learn about India?s foreign trade and economic reforms since 1991 and understand financial sector reforms that include banking, capital markets, insurance and pension funds.

Advanced Strategic Management
With emphasis on issues of corporate management, the segment helps understand corporate strategies, policies and governance, and introduces students to the competitive scenarios and strategies in the markets. Students get to analyse the scenarios in the stable and global markets and also examine the market structures and network externalities. The segment also examines the importance of IT in a firm and its role in this competitive environment. Students evaluate the significance of corporate social responsibility and evaluate the elements of social audit in today?s business scenario.

Technology Management
Introducing the student to technology issues and implications, the segment leads into technology forecasting, technology generation and development, and technology transfer. Students understand government policies on technology and are exposed to national and international linkages in the area of technology. They evaluate the support mechanism available and assess the role of information systems and sources of information for present and future technologies.

International business: role and processes
The segment explains basic concepts of international business, globalisation of business, international trade and FDI theories. It discusses the international investment process and finance and then focuses on strategic management of international business. Students learn about information and control systems, and the various tools for management, evaluation of performance and related problems. They understand how to apply their understanding of transfer pricing, technology transfer, employment and labour relations and other management practices. Students also examine management processes and practices and the process of international negotiations. The segment helps evaluate the role of LDCs in international business.

International Financial Management
Leading with an introduction on international financial management, the segment explains the intricacies of international economics with emphasis on international monetary system. Students understand foreign exchange markets and the prevailing conditions in the international finance and currency forecasting. They examine foreign exchange regulation and taxation issues. By evaluating international financial decisions, students get an understanding of financing foreign trade. This in turn leads into the perspective of budgeting for MNCs and FDIs and an awareness of international portfolio investment.