Abstract: One of the fundamental challenges of information systems education within a school of business is to integrate technology theory and business analysis. Information systems as an academic discipline must contain a theoretical component, for theory development is, after all, the essence of academia. However, model curricula for IS education (e.g., IS’2002.6) have been incorporating a growing number of applied, hands-on topics. This is especially true of the undergraduate course in data communications and networking (DCN). While we do not negate the value of a lab experience in network configuration, we posit that applied DCN topics can be effectively taught via the business case method as well. Toward this end, our article proposes a pedagogical framework. This type of framework can also be used in other Information Systems courses to maintain an appropriate balance between technology theory and business analysis.

Keywords: Pedagogy, Data communications, Networking, Network design, IS'2002

Download this article: JISE - Volume 14 Number 4, Page 361.pdf

Recommended Citation: Gendron, M. & Jarmoszko, A. T. (2003). The Integration of Technology Theory and Business Analysis: A Pedagogical Framework for the Undergraduate MIS Course in Data Communications and Networking. Journal of Information Systems Education, 14(4), 361-372.