Business Information Systems

Business Information Systems (BIS) was first introduced by the University of Galway J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics in 1979 and since then has become recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in research and teaching through scholarly contribution to academia, industry and contributing to the wider society. The BIS Discipline consistently ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in Information Systems, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Computer Science and Information Systems).

For further information please e-mail bis@universityofgalway.ie

 

Teaching

There are five key BIS programmes:

BSc Business Information Systems

MSc Information Systems Management

MSc Business Analytics

MSc BIS by research

Structured PhD programme.

Research

The BIS discipline distinguish themselves by publishing research in numerous national and international high-quality peer-reviewed conferences and journals, specifically the top basket AIS journals, securing significant external research funding from external sources, and by assuming important roles to academic and industry forums. Members of the Discipline have published their research in leading journals such as Information Systems Research, European Journal of Information Systems, Information Systems Journal, Journal or Strategic Information Systems, and Journal of Information Technology.

The BIS Discipline has significant experience in securing national and international research funding, totalling over €6m in the last 3 years.  Recent awarding bodies include the Irish Research Council, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Royal Irish Academy and the European Union, under schemes such as Horizon 2020 amongst others.

Our research broadly addresses the business and societal implications brought about by rapid advances in digitalisation.  The emergence of new technologies (e.g., fitness trackers, drones, virtual reality, big data), and the increase in prevalence and intensification of use of older technologies and platforms (e.g., video conferencing, social media sites, artificial intelligence) have transformed the way we live, work, connect to communities, inform ourselves and relate to others.  As our lives become increasingly immersed by powerful digital devices and services, questions regarding the drivers of these processes and their effects on individuals, societies and organisations still remain largely unaddressed. Thus, the grand challenge BIS addresses is to understand and manage the risks, challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation. 

Engagement

Our faculty are well-connected to all types of businesses, including Dell, Cisco, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, Boston Scientific and Ericsson.  We receive industry sponsored awards from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Mazars.  We also advise Government agencies such as the Irish Research Council and Department of Education. 

Internationalisation

Our faculty are globally engaged, and embrace internationalisation in all activities. We work to provide a globally diverse and culturally rich learning and working experience in our School. Our discipline does this through collaborations with leading global researchers, maintain EFMD accreditation for our BSc BIS programme, visiting appointments in prestigious international universities, international student fields trips, adjunct Professorial appointments from abroad, and an IS seminar series where we host world renowned guest speakers. 

We build relationships and partnerships with international universities and partners, and hold strong positions in international networks. We create global mobility opportunities for our students including City University of Hong Kong, Villanova University, Clarkson University, Lehigh University, Montana State University, Hertfordshire Business School, ESC Rennes, ESC La Rochelle, University of Northumbria, University of Wilmington North Carolina, and the University of Liechtenstein.

 

Taught Programmes