SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

TOPIC: INFORMATION DESIGN SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY

GROUP: “2”

BY

SALMANU SADISU

P23EDLS8015

COURSE CODE: LIBS 802

COURSE TITLE: INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

COURSE LECTURER: PROF TIJJANI ABUBAKAR

DECEMBER, 2024

1
Information Systems Technology: What Is It & How Does it Work?

In the world of technology, many jobs fall into two categories: information
systems (IS) and information technology (IT). Since both of these paths
provide valuable skills and knowledge about the technology field, it can be
difficult to choose one over the other.

Fortunately, a new branch of the tech world is becoming available to

students and professionals alike: information systems technology. This all-
encompassing degree path offers a balance of IT and IS, which gives
graduates an opportunity to familiarize themselves with a wider range of
skill sets.

If you’re interested in learning more about the field of information systems

technology and are considering becoming an information technologist
yourself, continue reading!

What is Information Technology?

The first leg of any computer science project will fall under the category of
information technology. This is because IT places a greater emphasis on
the creation and development of the software and hardware that
information systems utilize.

Basically, IT professionals are trained to keep computer systems up and

running. More specifically, the concept of IT can be defined as the study,
implementation, support, or management of computer-based information
systems. This means that information technology jobs may include any of
the following responsibilities:

Computer support – Technical support includes fixing computer errors,

troubleshooting, and helping other members of an organization better
understand the technology they’re using. Generally, those within the IT
field must have good customer service skills and ample experience in
technical support for both hardware and software.

2
Network systems administration – The next step above IT support is known
as network systems administration. This is usually considered a higher-
ranking position with increased responsibility. As an administrator, you’ll
likely oversee a team of IT professionals, and will be in charge of
upgrading and maintaining an organization’s system of computers,
software, and networks.

Programming and software development – Within the IT field, there are

also people who program and develop the software these organizations use.
Many software developers will work directly with their place of employment
to design and implement operating systems and applications to improve
day-to-day operations. Software engineers often have ample experience in
computer science and are usually fluent in programming languages like
JavaScript and Python.

What Are Information Systems?

Next, we have the broader concept of information systems. While IT is all

about developing and maintaining computer-based technology, IS is more
of an umbrella term. This means that a lot of different systems can fall into
the category of IS.

To help you better understand this idea, let’s take a look at the actual
definition of information systems: Information systems refer to the systems,
hardware, networks, and processes designed to collect, filter, store, and
exchange digital information2. To that end, information systems can be
broken up into five unique components:3

Software – Essentially, software tells a computer or computer system how

to work. Computer software can include operating systems like Windows or
iOS, as well as applications like internet browsers, file-sharing programs,
word processors, and internet security systems.

Hardware – While software tells a system how to work, hardware does the
work at hand. To that end, hardware refers to the physical devices that
3
make up an organization’s computer networks. This is a crucial component
because efficient, dependable hardware is needed to run the programs that
IS requires. Hardware includes computers, external hard drives, servers,
keyboards, scanners, and more.

Telecommunications – Telecommunications refers to the way data and

information are transferred between the hardware within a network. The
internet is the most well-known example of a telecommunications system,
but smaller-scale examples may be found within an organization.

Databases – Once data is collected by the software, it needs to be stored

somewhere. Databases are an important aspect of information systems
because they keep the information organized, secure, and accessible.

Human procedures – Finally, we have the human aspect of information

systems. To run the software, collect data, and keep programs up and
running, you’ll need skilled IS professionals like software engineers and
data analysts controlling everything behind the screen.

What is Information Systems Technology?

With a deeper understanding of how these two systems work, now is the
time to discuss how they can work together.

Information systems technology is essentially the combination of both IT

and IS into one diverse field. This unique branch of tech delves into the
integral aspects of both IS and IT. More specifically, information systems
technology is going to cover both the development of these systems as
well as the technology that keeps them in place.

The field of information systems technology also includes the process of

managing these systems and the technology they rely on. Everything from
basic IT support to high-level network development is going to fall into this
overarching category.

Jumpstart Your Career With An Information Systems Technology Program

4
If you’re interested in this emerging field, you can earn a Bachelor’s of
Science or a Master’s of Science in Information Systems Technology—or
both! We’ll be discussing the curriculum, benefits, and typical requirements
related to each of these unique degree programs.

BS in Information Technology Systems

A typical BSIST program is designed to prepare students for a variety of

entry-level positions in the technology field. Throughout your four-year
program, you’ll likely learn valuable skills related to a myriad of IT and IS
subjects, including:

 Cybersecurity

 Information systems

 Data analytics

 Software development

 Software testing

While these are just a few examples of popular IST lessons, most BS
information systems technology programs provide a well-rounded
education with the goal of preparing you for the professional world.

With a balanced curriculum and many technical skills acquired, graduates

will join the professional world ready with a number of applicable skills
under their belts, from tech support to project management.

Some managerial positions, however, require additional experience and

education. If this sounds like an intriguing and worthwhile career path,
then you may benefit from an MS in information technology systems, as
well.

5
MS in Information Technology Systems

An informational technology master’s degree isn’t required for anyone

pursuing a tech career, but it may provide some advantages in such a
competitive job market.

Some employers prefer to hire candidates with master’s degrees, often for
positions such as:

Computer and information research scientist

IS/IT project manager

Computer systems analyst

Cloud architect

Chief technology/information officer

Web production specialist

Many technology-based bachelor’s degree programs are already highly

rigorous. After such intensive undergraduate education, many students
often find themselves asking the same question: why would employers
prefer a candidate with an MSIST degree?

MSIST graduates can have:

Increased knowledge of the technology field

More management experience

Better critical thinking skills and science literacy

More hands-on experience with IT and IS

A larger portfolio of impressive projects

6
At Alliant, these skills will be polished through a number of unique courses.
Our MSIST program operates on an 8-week calendar with the following
curriculum:

Information Systems Technology and Infrastructure Management

Database Design Principles and Technologies

Data Analytics and Decision Making

Management of Information Security

Enterprise Systems Analysis and Project Management

Distributive Communications and Protocols

Advanced Programming with Python

Professional Practice I

Cyber security Technology

Professional Practice II

Cloud Computing Concepts, Tools, and Applications

Professional Practice III

Industry Research Project

As you can see, the MSIST curriculum delves deeper into the complexities
of the technology field to provide students with relevant professional and
managerial skills.

Why You Should Advance Your Education in Information Systems

Technology

7
By earning your degree in information systems technology, you’ll be
allowing yourself to explore and prepare for all aspects of the technology
industry. Rather than restricting yourself to just the IT or IS portion of the
field, joining an information systems technology program may open up
numerous opportunities for you within the tech industry.

In addition to this freedom, graduates from a computer information system

technology program may be eligible to earn higher salaries upon joining
the workforce. If you have the technical skill and know-how, an
information system technology job just might be the right career path for
you.

Earn Your Degree in Information Systems Technology with Alliant

At Alliant, we understand the importance of thorough STEM education.

That’s why we don’t limit our students to an IT or IS degree. Instead, our
in-depth Information Systems Technology program allows students to
experience the tech industry from numerous frames of reference.

Whether you’re interested in software development, project management,

or web design, our IST programs can help you hone your skills and achieve
your career goals. With flexible in-person and online classes, real-world
internship opportunities, and experienced faculty, the information systems
technology program at Alliant is designed to be accessible and applicable to
a career in STEM.

Learn more about our information systems technology programs, and start
your technology career today!

References

Bourgeois, Dave, and David T. Bourgeois. “Chapter 1: What Is an

Information System?” Press books. Press books.

8
 https://bus206.pressbooks.com/chapter/chapter-1/. Accessed:
January 7, 2022.

Gregersen, Erik. “5 Components of Information Systems.” Encyclopædia

Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc.
https://www.britannica.com/list/5-components-of-information-
systems