ICS 601
Foundations of Information and Communication Sciences
Luis E. Orozco. Assistant Professor.
Center
for Information and Communication Sciences.
College of Communication, Information, and Media.
ICS 601 is a high-impact course in which students from Technology Leadership tracks and MBA programs learn to analyze real organizational challenges, apply technology and AI as a decisionsupport tool, and develop strategic solutions aligned with today's digital and data-driven environment. The course also provides high-impact portfolio opportunities designed to strengthen professional growth, improve job readiness, and support career advancement.
WHY TAKE ICS 601?
Understanding the complex landscape of challenges that professionals face in the information and communication industries prepares students to think critically and respond strategically to real-world issues. As technology continues to permeate all aspects of organizational operations, students need to understand how technology reshapes communication, leadership, and management practices.
ICS 601 is the foundational course in the Master’s in Information and Communication Sciences, designed to help students understand and solve complex problems at the intersection of:
• Communication
• Technology
• Leadership
• Organizational decision-making
This course explores how these areas integrate in today’s change-driven information economy and develops holistic problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AND ACHIEVE
1. Ability to identify and analyze a broad spectrum of contemporary problems and issues within information and communication fields, particularly focusing on how these problems manifest in different contexts and sectors.
2. Improve digital literacy and technology awareness by exploring new technologies and their business applications
3. Ability to investigate and discuss the primary challenges encountered by companies during the digitalization process, understanding barriers and facilitators of successful implementation.
4. Ability to integrate new transferable skills within their future professional career.
5. Ability to reflect upon their ability as an IT leader.
6. Ability to prepare convincing written and oral business communication.
7. Disseminate your work through different academic events, including conferences, poster presentations, and symposiums, to improve your presentation skills and extend your professional network
HIGH-IMPACT PORTFOLIO OPPORTUNITIES
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CASE-BASED ACTIVITIES
In this course, you will analyze cases through the lens of technology and digital transformation, with a focus on disruptions caused by external events. Based on the information provided, you will identify the core problem through your own analysis, evaluate how digital tools and strategies influence outcomes, and develop evidence-based conclusions that inform organizational decisionmaking
SHADOW A MANAGER
During one or two days or several hours, you will shadow an ICS manager or someone related to an ICS activity and learn different leadership skills. As part of this shadowing activity, you will be asked to complete a reflection on the most critical managerial skills these managers exhibited. Also, you should provide detailed descriptions of their ICS and strategy activities, as well as the knowledge gained.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
One of the best ways to understand technology is through the experience of those who have faced the challenges of implementing it during times of crisis. The purpose of the capstone is to provide you with an understanding of the challenges companies faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they adopted digital technologies to address these challenges.
AI CHALLENGE
You will be presented with a company situation. Your task is to understand and analyze the situation, identify the main challenges and opportunities, and propose a practical, high-level AI solution that addresses the organization’s needs. Depending on the case, your recommendation may involve process improvement, technology adoption, innovation, organizational change, or another strategic solution.
CHATGPT AS A BUSINESS ADVISOR
In this assignment, you will simulate a business advisory session using an AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT) based on a company scenario. You will act as a consultant, using AI to generate, evaluate, and refine strategic recommendations for the organization.
AGENTIC AI APPLICATION
In this assignment, you will use an agentic AI application to solve a human resources problem related to collecting, organizing, and interpreting applicant resume information to support hiring decisions.
INDUSTRY-ORIENTED RESEARCH
You will have the opportunity to apply your unique background and experience to participate in real industry research projects focused on technology and digital transformation. In addition, you may have the opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and to the development of scholarly work for submission to high-level conferences and reputable journals.
FALL 2025 CLASS.
“The instructor always provides opportunities for student [sic] to be succesfull [sic] both in the classroom and through professional development.”
“I liked the instructor's use of discussions [sic] sessions in the class! I gave me [sic] a better understanding of the topics and allowed me to learn from other students.”
“[The] instructor is passionate about teaching and impacting students.”
