While information has always been prized as an asset, a number of trends are making information management even more important in the digital context. Dr Jonathan Foster tells you what makes it a lucrative option
The study of Information Management takes the idea of information as a resource as its starting-point. In taking a principled systematic approach to the identification, acquisition, storage, retrieval, processing and use of that information, the theory and practice of information management aims to design effective information environments that can respond to managerial information needs, support decision-making and help in meeting organisational goals.
In order to accomplish this goal, information management draws on a range of fields including knowledge management, information retrieval, information systems, and project management; search engine optimisation, user-centred design and human-computer-interaction, website design and programming; as well as business intelligence, business processing modelling, organisational theory, information governance and ethics.
Being a generic discipline, the study of Information management has wide applicability to organisations of all kinds including business, government, health, transport and education.
While information has always been prized as an asset, a number of trends are making information management even more important in the digital context. These trends include the addition of data as an asset, and the systematic processing and use of data from an organisation’s internal (e.g. transaction data), and external environments (e.g. customer opinions); the emergence of platforms, datafication and the commodification of datamore generally; and beyond this the opportunities/problems of widespread connected information processing within an inter-dependent digital ecosystem. The last of these trends brings not only the value and benefits of information and data, e.g., personal data, to the fore but also the risks of their processing.
In a digital context there is also a contemporary concern not only with the idea of information as an asset, and increasing the value of information, but also the idea of information as a liability. Hence the need to address issues of information governance, accountability and ethics; how ethical values can inform the design and use of information products and services, and how not only organisations e.g. Governments but also societies e.g. citizens need to reflect on how their information data is gathered, processed and used for what ends.
A degree in Information Management lays emphasis on developing your knowledge, skills and experience of design, implementation, management and governance effective information environments. This includes examining their purposes, functions and processes and mediating between information users, resources and systems in both organisational and networked contexts. You'll also acquire practical experience in the use of new information and communications technologies and develop personal awareness and skills relevant to information management.
The field of information management covers a wide array of job roles. As an information management degree, your skills will be invaluable to employers from a range of sectors, these include: Information Architect; Taxonomist; Information Managers, Officers and Assistants; Information Rights Managers/Freedom of Information Officers; Competitive Intelligence Officers and Analysts; Data Protection Officers; Information Analysts; Information Governance Managers; Cyber-Security Managers; Web Managers; and Information Scientists.
The writer is Lecturer in Information Management, Information School, University of Sheffield, UK
