Dr Michael P. O’Brien is Associate Professor of Information Management in the Department of Management and Marketing at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. A committed educator and researcher, he integrates expertise in computer science, information systems, and technology-enhanced learning to explore how people learn, innovate with, and engage through digital technologies in today’s AI-enabled world. He also serves as AACSB Assurance of Learning (AoL) Lead at the Kemmy Business School, supporting the continuous enhancement of teaching and learning quality across academic programmes.

Michael lectures on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Business Information Systems, Information Management, and Business Analytics, and is Programme Director for the MSc in Management. His teaching excellence has been recognised with the University of Limerick Teaching Excellence Award for Pedagogical Support (2024), reflecting his commitment to high-quality, student-focused learning.

Michael holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Limerick, along with an MSc (by research & thesis) in Computer Science and a BSc (Hons) in Information Systems. His research interests include data/learning analytics, cognitive and educational psychology, game-based learning, and software evolution. A past recipient of the AGB Dwyer Memorial Award for Excellence in Education, his work has been presented internationally at leading conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Michael is an active member of the Irish Learning Technology Association (ILTA), the Psychology of Programming Interest Group (PPIG), and the Computer Science Education Research Network (CSERN), reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. Driven by curiosity and a belief in lifelong learning, his work bridges business, technology, and education – helping individuals and institutions harness data and cognitive insight to learn, innovate, and lead.

Beyond academia, Michael contributes to cultural life as (co-founder &) Director of Limerick Choral Festival and is an accomplished pianist, organist, and choir conductor, with enduring passions for music, photography, and travel.

Michael's research interests focus on pedagogical innovation in higher education, with a particular emphasis on game- and simulation-based learning. He examines how immersive, role-based learning environments promote reflective practice, ethical reasoning and the development of professional identity, aligning closely with the principles of responsible management education. He also draws selectively on learning analytics to better understand learner engagement within these environments. More broadly, his work explores how digital learning systems and instructional design shape authenticity, engagement and meaningful learning within business and management education.

Michael's teaching interests include Information Management and Business Information Systems, where he focuses on how organisations capture, structure, and leverage data to support decision-making. He is also engaged in Business Analytics Simulation, using experiential and game-based learning to help students develop practical analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition, he has a strong interest in Instructional Design, particularly in creating learning experiences that integrate technology effectively, and in Technical Communication, ensuring that learners can translate complex ideas into clear, accessible forms across professional contexts.

Current Modules:

• MI4007: Business Information Management
• IM6101: Information Management
• MI6303: Business Analytics Simulation
• PT3071: Information Systems & Decision Support

Previously Taught Modules:

• MG3521: Management Information Systems (Healthcare)
• MP6013: Business Simulation
• MP6061: Information Management for Small & Medium Enterprises
• IM6102: Knowledge Management
• MI4408: Strategy & Knowledge Management
• MI4407: Social and Economic Perspectives of Information Management
• MI4305: Data and Decision Making in Organisations
• EL6041: Instructional Design
• TW4115: Principles of Professional & Technical Communication & Information Design
• TW4116: Workplace Issues in Technical and Professional Communication
• TW4118: Content Development and Information Management
• TW5211: Principles of Professional & Technical Communication & Information Design (Distance)
• TW5222: Content Development and Information Management (Distance)
• CS2911: Introduction to Information Technology (Distance)
• CS4001: Computer Applications for Scientists

Recent Postgraduates

Masters Supervision:

2024/25

• Quindan Yang: Software Evolution & Hospital Management
• Tom Mitchell: The Economics of Consumer Preferences: Can Leveraging AI Optimise Marketing Strategies?
• Sidharth Sunil Deth: The Role of AI in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Trading: Enhancing Trading Strategies and Risk Management

2021/22

• Ashley Bently: Finding the right security paradigm: an exploration of the Azure platforms capabilties when securing Power BI configurations under the IaaS, Saas and PaaS configuration models.
• Gerard Ryan: The challenges facing Human Resources (HR) in mobilizing line managers to implement engagement strategies: A review of the literature and recommended remedies.
• Joey Walshe: The evolution of digital banking and its effect on existing Irish Banks during the Covid 19 Pandemic.
• Nan Wang: Marketing and Development of Brands in the Internet Celebrity Economy - The Case of HEYTEA.

2020/21

• Arkadeep Chatterjee: Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics: Realising the Benefits, Challenges and security Issues in an Organisational Settings.
• Da Man: Big Data's Influence on Strategic Decision-Making in E-commerce: A Case Study ofAlibaba Group.
• Paras Oberoi: Smart Grocery Management Systems: Management and Implementation.
• Naveen Revanna: A Study on How Business Operations (Identity Management, Supply Chain Management and Financial Management) Can Reduce Uncertainties and Increase Transparency Using Blockchain Technology.

2019/20

• Sreejith Pallathana Santhosh: Big Data Analytics and its Impact on Supply Chain Management
• Jack O'Donoghue: Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Discover and Design of Drugs in the Pharmaceutical Industry
• Hao Guan: Blockchain Technology in FinanceGerard Anand Dhanasekaran: Review on Online Journalism based on Traffic of Popular News Websites
• Sena Olalekan Tonato: Business Intelligence Among SMEs

2018/19

• Kelly Flaherty: Cloud Computing: Security and Risk Management Issues for SMEs
• Darragh Lawlor: Big Data Security and Privacy: A Social Media Context
• Eoin Maye: Artificial Intelligence as a Force of Creative Destruction: The Threat it poses to the Human Workforce
• Joseph Geary: Blockchain and its Implications for International Business
• Nuomin Bao: The Analysis of the E-Commerce Model based on Cloud Computing Platform
• Danyang Li: How Big Data Brings Opportunities and Challenges for SMEs
• Noelle Leahy: Digital Media Marketing: The Value of Blogging/Vlogging in Business

2017/18

• Kieran Carroll: The Impact of Government Intervention on the Private Rented Housing Market.
• Shiyu Li: An Analysis of Culture Differences on Advertising and Marketing.

2016/17

• Robert Kirwan: Wearable Technology: The Potential for the Health Industry
• Evelyn S. de Oliveria: Design, Motivation and Engagement in MOOCs - a Blueprint for Best Practice
• Rong Fan: An Examination of the E-Commerce Ecosystem and its Marketing Mechanism - A Case Study of Alibaba Group
• Yuanyuan Cui: An Examination of Mobile Commerce in Today's Web 3.0: An Exploratory Study in Relation to Strategic Planning of WeChat in China.Samson
• Adekunle Oyadeji: The Role of Leadership in Motivation and Effective Decision-Making in Small & Medium Enterprises.
• Lorraine Hickey: MUSEO - Software for the Music Industry

2012/13

• Tuli, Madhu: Towards the Making of an E-Learning Course: Identifying Tasks and Writing Objectives.
• Xu, Jing: After Effects CS3 Basic Training.
• Gilleran-Wall, Pamela: E-Government From Policy Document to Framework for Heuristic Evaluation.

2012-2015

• Costello, Diarmuid: An E-Learning Course in Freehand Sketching.
• Gough, Pearse: Dropbox E-Learning Course.

2011/12

• Tierney, David: Learning Styles and Strategies: Designing Online Advice for Students.
• Gaffney, Kevin: Reference Point - An e-Learning Course.
• Leahy, Dermot: An Introduction to Search Engine Optimisation e-Learning Course.
• Power, John-Paul: Puppet-Making: An E-Learning Course.
• External Examiner: Thompson, Brian: FlowZone: The Application of Edutainment to Learning Computer Programming. (M.Sc - I.T. Carlow)

2010/11

• O'Neill, Emily: Technical Communication in Virtual Teams: The Effects of Culture, Tools and the Development Lifecycle on the Building and Maintenance of Trust.
• McGovern, Michael: Sitting with Students at Recess: Facebook as a Classroom Support.
• Slammon, Cathriona: Introduction to Visual Merchandising: An E-Learning Course for Fashion Retail Employees.
• Rainsford, John: Fact or Fallacy E-Learning Paradigms And The Vocational Integration Of People With Disabilities in Ireland.
• Nyamakaz, Lidiolo: English for Medical People.
• Murray, Maureen: Technical Communication Section Website Development Project.
• O'Donnell, Sherona; Rice, Susan; Seery, Avril: University of Limerick Practicum Development Project - Online Development for the Dissemination of Findings from Stage One of the Ennus Hub Plan.