module specification

Students will receive an introduction to the business environment and the role of information management and information systems within business.
The module develops an understanding of the Information Systems development process and the basic technology underpinning these systems. This will include database management systems and the Internet. Students will develop aspects of an information system, including databases, websites, and visual interfaces with particular regard to usability.  (Exam, group course work, database and web site).
 

The module aims to provide an overview of the nature of organisations, their business models, and how key areas operate to meet business objectives.  It introduces students to organisational culture, data information and knowledge management, information security and information in organisational decision making.

Within the module the students will be given  an appreciation of the effect of ICT on organisational performance, and a basic understanding of the processes of developing and maintaining information systems, software products and services.

An introduction to underlying technologies (eg database, Internet and Web) is embedded in the module, which also seeks to develop basic competence and confidence in the use of appropriate tools, techniques and academic and communication skills, with an underlining awareness of legal, social, ethical and professional issues.
 

1. Introduction to business organisations, private/public- plc, ltd, partnership, sole trader - and their management structures.
2. Introduction to organisational cultures.
3. Information systems and development of business strategy.
4. Data, information and knowledge management and information security.
5. Classification of typical information systems.
6. Management of information systems and services.
7. Information in organizational decision making.
8. Integration of information systems with organisational strategy and development.
9. Organisational and social effects of ICT based information systems and their economic benefits.
10. Information and communications technologies (ICT).
11. Overview of the systems developmental life cycle, roles and responsibilities, activities and artefacts.
12. Similarities and differences identified in some key approaches to systems development (e.g. structured, RAD, object-oriented)
13. Requirements analysis and design, implementation and maintenance of information systems.
14. Analysis and design modelling techniques; standard notation (eg UML).
15. Data modelling and database design.
16. Introduction to intranets, extranets, the Internet and the World Wide Web.
17. Designing for the web: HTML, CSS (e. g. formatting, position, layout, etc), JavaScript, usability and accessibility.
18. Key legal requirements related to information systems and relevant professional and ethical issues and standards.
 

Topics will be introduced through the medium of formal lectures, supported by tutorial/workshop sessions and on-line resources as follows:

Lectures (1 hour / week) cover theoretical aspects of the key topics identified in the syllabus, plus suggestions for further study and directed reading for independent study.

Tutorials/Workshops (2 hours / week) consolidate understanding of topics introduced in the lecture via class and group discussions encouraging reflective learning, informal presentations and hands-on experience of appropriate software, which students should also experiment with during independent study to become proficient.

On-line resources: lecture notes, tutorial/workshop exercises and notes, example questions and suggestions for further study and directed reading available on Weblearn.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
LO1: describe the main legal frameworks for business organisations, typical internal structures together with their rationale in terms of business aims;
LO2: explain the role of information processing within businesses, and the relationship between business strategy and ICT provision;
LO3: explain, and apply as part of a team, the processes involved in information systems development;
LO4: apply a range of Information Systems modelling techniques;
LO5: explain the basic principles underlying database management systems and develop a database application;
LO6: explain a range of internet technologies and develop a personal development planning  website;
LO7: demonstrate an awareness of key legal requirements related to information systems and relevant professional and ethical issues and standards;

The assessment for this module enables both theoretical and practical elements to be assessed. It  includes a group work section to develop team working skills.

Coursework:

- Groupwork  Report (20%): a group report focused on a suitable subject related to business structure and function and the importance of information and information systems to businesses.
The coursework may be linked to a case study. Students are provided with detailed guidance on structure and indicative content. Advice is given in tutorial sessions on style and referencing. (LO1-4,7)

-Website (20%): individual work to create an online website for containing Personal Development Plan, reflection and career related information. (LO6,7).

-Database (20%): individual work to create a database. (LO5,7).

Exam:
(40%): a 2-hour unseen exam covering a range of topics related to the module content. (LO1-7).

Beynon-Davies, P., 2002, Information systems, Palgrave, ISBN 0-333-96390-3 

Bocij, D., Chaffey, D., Greasley, A., Hickie, S.  2006 , Business Information Systems, 3rd ed., Edited by Andrew Greasley. FT Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-273-68814-6

Curtis, G and Cobham, D., 2008, Business Information Systems: analysis, design and practice, 6th ed., FT Prentice Hall, ISBN 9780273713821

Deitel H., Deitel P., 2007, Internet and World Wide Web: How to Program (How to Program),4th edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0131752421

Fry, C., 2010, Microsoft Access 2010 (Plain and Simple), Microsoft Press, ISBN 0735627304 or 978-0735627307

Huczynski, A and Buchanan, D., 2001, Organizational Behaviour - an introductory text, 4th ed.,  Prentice Hall

Needle, D., 2004, Business in Context, 4th ed., Thomson, ISBN 1 86152 992 9

West, R, Muck, T, 2004, Dreamweaver MX, A Beginner’s Guide, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0072229969

Whiteley, D., 2004, Introduction to Information Systems, Palgrave, ISBN 0-333-99766-2