The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS), previously called the Institute of Data Processing Management (IDPM), is the leading international association promoting excellence in the field of Information Systems Management through professional association and education. Its headquarters is in the United Kingdom, and it has approximately 12,000 members the majority of whom reside outside the UK. The Institute was founded in 1978 and is a registered charity. The Institute has consistently played a prominent role in fostering greater understanding of the importance of Information Systems management, working to enhance the status of those engaged in the profession, and promoting higher standards through better education and training, both in the UK and overseas.
Contents
- IMIS Qualifications
- Foundation Diploma
- Diploma
- Higher Diploma
- Membership Grades
- Student Member
- Practitioner Member
- Professional grades
- Licentiate Member LIMIS
- Associate Member AIMIS
- Fellow FIMIS
- IMIS Journal
- References
While there are several professional associations concentrating primarily on the technical side of information systems, the IMIS is the only one which focuses specifically on the practical application and management of information systems within society. It strives towards the recognition of Information Systems Management as one of the key professions influencing the future of the world.
Since their early establishment, the IMIS (formerly the IDPM) and the British Computer Society (BCS) have been regarded as the two main UK professional institutes for computer professionals. In a Press Release dated 03 May 2013, the BCS announced that "Following an overwhelming majority vote from its membership, the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS), has ratified its decision to merge with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, with immediate effect. The agreement will see all IMIS professional members transfer into BCS membership".
IMIS Qualifications
IMIS qualifications are divided into three levels:
Files of each course syllabus are available from the institute in PDF format via their website.
Foundation Diploma
This course is suitable for young people who want to work with computers and need some entry-level education. All modules defined within the course structure may be taken individually or collectively to form a Foundation Diploma. Each module is designed to introduce the student to the basic elements of information systems practices.
Diploma
Completion of these examinations awards a Diploma Certificate and Licentiate grade of professional membership. The general standard equates to the National (ONC) Certificate. Candidates having completed the Diploma course are working at the equivalent level of early entry analysts..
Higher Diploma
The Higher Diploma extends and complements the Diploma course to give students a comprehensive knowledge of the entire field of operations, programming, systems analysis and design, and computer management. Access at this level is also available to candidates who comply with the entrance requirements which can be found on the IMIS website page. Completion of these examinations awards a Higher Diploma Certificate and Associate grade of professional membership. The general standard equates to the Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND) and prepares candidates for work at the equivalent level of analyst/team leader.
After gaining their academic IMIS qualifications students can become full Members (or later Fellows) of the Institute.
Membership Grades
IMIS offers tiered levels of membership dependent on what stage the candidate is at within their career. There are two Affiliate grades and four Professional grades of membership in IMIS, reflecting an individual's level of academic and experiential qualifications.
Student Member
Open to those studying for a recognised Information Systems qualification leading to a professional membership grade.
Practitioner Member
Open to those who are spending a substantial proportion of their working day involved in some aspect of information systems.
Professional grades
Retired professionals can retain their membership grade and benefits for a yearly fee.
Licentiate Member (LIMIS)
Open to members having up to four years information systems work experience, combined with an appropriate professional qualification or waiver.
Associate Member (AIMIS)
Requires a minimum of four years information systems work experience, combined with an appropriate professional qualification or waiver.
Fellow (FIMIS)
The highest grade, FIMIS is available to members of the profession who have achieved distinction and/or a senior position over a career of no less than 15 years experience.
IMIS Journal
The Institute has its own professional publication, the IMIS Journal which is a quarterly magazine circulated to the organisation’s 12,000+ members, in addition to business leaders, policy makers and academic institutions. The editorial content contains coverage and analysis of current people, events and topics of interest to senior managers working in an information systems setting. There is also a section of the IMIS Journal devoted to college and student members. The journal is currently distributed only online.