Introduction to the Department

Introduction

The rapid development in Information Technology (IT) has enabled business organizations to exploit IT as a tool to obtain competitive advantages. A key ingredient in the formula for success in this endeavour is for business professionals to apply Information Technology in management practices. Graduates armed with appropriate knowledge in Management and Information Technology disciplines is desired by the industry to meet the national requirement. The launch of a new Special degree programme named B.Sc. in Business Administration (Information Systems) (Special) by the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2001 was aimed to meet this demand. This programme was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka that combined Management and Information Technology disciplines for students in the Advanced Level commerce stream. The Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences was established in the Faculty to provide the organizational infrastructure for the degree programme.

In December 2007, the Department was split into two separate departments – namely Information Technology and Decision Sciences to facilitate the development of the separate disciplines. Subsequently, the existing degree programme offered by the Department of Information Technology was renamed as B.Sc. in Business Information Systems (Special) Degree. The renaming of the degree was carried out to better reflect the composition of the course structure and to address the evolving market needs. Continuing this progression, in 2022, the programme was further strengthened and reintroduced as the B.Sc. Honours in Business Information Systems Degree, marking a significant milestone in aligning the curriculum with international academic standards and the evolving expectations of the industry.

Facilities at the Department

The department is located at the Soratha Building of the university. The department office is equipped with necessary infrastructure, computer lab, furniture, and other equipment to provide support to both lecturers and students of the department. Each staff member has his/her room with necessary facilities for studying, research, and meeting with students. Students have a resource centre which they use for group activities, and also for various activities performed by their Students’ Association.

Practical Training

Practical training is a compulsory component in the degree program. Students are allowed to go for practical training during the final year of their degree programme. The aim of the practical training is to expose students to a working environment so that they can gain variety of benefits that include: gaining know-how, developing skills and abilities, gaining work experience, and applying theoretical knowledge in to practice.