Recent years have witnessed the rapid rise of social media tools, and businesses are eager to hire graduates with a sophisticated understanding of how these tools can be used for business advantage. 85% of managers surveyed by MIT Sloan Management Review indicated that social media would be important to their business in the coming 3 years, yet other reports lament the lack of competent people on the job market with the requisite skills to understand the business implications of these tools. This course focuses on developing a strategic understanding of social media tools for marketing and management, the legal and regulatory environments for industries like finance and healthcare, and the underlying business models used by social media startups. Students of all concentrations are welcome, and MBA students who may have difficulty registering for the course are encouraged to contact Prof. Kane directly for an override.

Course Instructor

Gerald C. (Jerry) Kane is an Associate Professor of Information Systems. His research interests include exploring the role of information systems in social networks, organizational applications and implications of social media, and the use of IT in healthcare organizations. Prof Kane is a recent recipient of a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, the Foundation’s “most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research,” for research and teaching related to using social media to manage knowledge. He was also honored twice as Boston College’s nominee for the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. Professor of the Year competition.