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.

The module aims to provide an overview of the nature of organisations, their business models, and how key areas operate to meet business objectives.
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, public/private – plc, ltd, partnership, sole trader – and their management structures.
2. Information systems and development of business strategy;
3. Management of information systems and services.
4. Classification of typical information systems.
5. Information and communications technologies (ICT).
6. Overview of the systems developmental life cycle, roles and responsibilities, activities and artefacts.
7. Organisational and social effects of ICT based information systems and their economic benefits.
8. Overview of the systems developmental life cycle, roles and responsibilities, activities and artefacts.
9. Similarities and differences identified in some key approaches to systems development (e.g. structured, RAD, object-oriented)
10. Requirements analysis and design, implementation and maintenance of information systems.
11. Data modelling and database design.
12. Introduction to intranets, extranets, the Internet and the World Wide Web.
13. Designing for the web: HTML, CSS (e. g. formatting, position, layout, etc), JavaScript, usability and accessibility.
14. Legal issues (eg Data Protection, Copyright etc) 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: outline the main legal frameworks for business organisations, typical internal structures together with their rationale in terms of business aims;
LO2: describe the role of information processing within businesses, and the relationship between business strategy and ICT provision;
LO3: apply a range of information systems modelling techniques to explain the processes involved in information systems development as part of a team;
LO4: explain the basic principles underlying database management systems and develop a database application;
LO5: explain a range of internet technologies and develop a personal development planning  website;
LO6: demonstrate an awareness of some key legal requirements related to information systems and relevant professional and ethical issues and standards;

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

Intro to Microsoft Access – find a suitable one

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