Enterprise IT Fundamentals Primer for MBA Students¶
AU Kogod School of Business | ITEC-617 "Information and Technology"
Welcome¶
This primer is your go-to reference for enterprise IT concepts that every MBA graduate needs to understand. It is designed as a companion to ITEC-617, a half-semester course that introduces you to information technology, analytics, and information systems in a business context.
While the course covers digital transformation, sustainability, emerging technologies, analytics, AI, change management, and technology investment through projects and case studies, it cannot dive deeply into every foundational enterprise IT topic. This primer fills that gap — giving you a persistent, searchable reference you can use during the course and throughout your career.
What You'll Find Here¶
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IT Governance
Governance frameworks (COBIT, ITIL), C-suite IT leadership roles, how the CIO works with business units, and IT financial management.
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Enterprise Technology
Build vs. buy decisions, cloud computing strategy, data center fundamentals, enterprise architecture, and core business applications.
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Risk & Security
Shadow IT risks, cybersecurity governance for managers, data governance, and regulatory compliance.
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Digital Transformation
Transformation frameworks, AI and emerging technology strategy, and business process management.
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IT Management
Vendor selection and management, IT project and portfolio management, and the PMO.
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Reference
Comprehensive glossary, framework quick-reference cards, real-world case studies, and further reading.
How to Use This Primer¶
Getting the Most from This Resource
- During the course: Look up unfamiliar terms and concepts as they arise in lectures and case studies
- For assignments: Use the frameworks and discussion questions to deepen your analysis
- For your career: Bookmark this as a quick reference when you encounter IT decisions in the workplace
- Search: Use the search bar (top of page) to find any topic or term instantly
- Tooltips: Hover over abbreviations like CIO, ERP, or SaaS anywhere on the site to see their full expansion
About ITEC-617¶
ITEC-617 "Information and Technology" is a 1.5-credit, half-semester course required for first-year MBA students at AU Kogod. The course covers:
- Strategic and operational roles of IT in business
- Data-driven insights for operations and innovation
- Analytical tools for business decision-making
- IT resource management and governance challenges
- IT's impact on sustainability (energy, carbon footprint)
- Building business cases for technology investments
Course topics span Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Emerging Technologies, Analytics, AI & Change Management, and Technology Investment Business Cases — culminating in a "Shark Tank"-style presentation to industry judges.