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This paper reports on the educational aspects of an information systems work-integrated learning (WIL) capstone project for an organization which operates to alleviate homelessness in the Australian non-profit sector. The methodology adopted for the study is Action Design Research (ADR) which draws on action research and design research as a means for framing a project's progress. Reflective insights by the project stakeholders, namely, students, academics, and the non-profit client, reveal a curriculum at work through internal features of the organization; personal features of the participants and features of the external environment. Preliminary findings suggest that students in a WIL project for a non-profit are highly engaged, especially when they become aware of the project's social value. As well, the improvement of professional skills and emotional intelligence by students is more likely in real-life practice settings than in other less authentic WIL activities, equipping graduates for the workforce with both strong disciplinary and generic skills. Win-win-win synergies through project collaboration represent worthwhile outcomes to education, industry and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To succeed in the global marketplace, companies must reposition themselves to tap the sources of sustainable growth. After failing to connect information technology investments with business performance, successful senior managers today know that 'effective use of information' does not equal merely a new IT solution. Instead, business performance can only be improved with an excellence at using information proactively, sensing and processing information appropriately, and deploying IT for management support. The knowledge workers, on whom every company depends since the success depends on how fast they utilize proper information, should be the focus of information use in organizations. The paper presents three information capabilities that form information orientation, a high-level idea of senior managers, which embraces expectations of the business community regarding business-information systems professionals. Based on that presentation, a framework of topics for MScIS/MBA educational programs is developed. Findings can serve as a guideline when building, revising and endorsing contemporary and relevant curricula for mentioned programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]