The Applied Information Management program: multidisciplinary continuing higher education

Abstract

This article presents a descriptive introduction to an innovative, multidisciplinary graduate degree program in information management designed to serve in-career professionals working in high technology corporate settings. Three curricular topics are addressed: (a) an analysis, in relation to a larger professional context, of the need for a multidisciplinary approach; (b) the resulting program philosophy and administrative structure; and (c) the central role of students as active contributors. Specific attention is given to applied information management, a term that reflects a basic change in orientation within the professional arena. Conclusions recommend that: definitions of information management must be revised; more on-site research must be conducted, designed to present better understanding of the changing professional context; and there is a need to continue to develop multidisciplinary curricula, drawing upon varied disciplines engaged in the study of information management.