module specification

This module is designed to introduce Methodologies, Techniques and Tools used to develop an Information Systems. Students will study the principles and methodologies of information system analysis, design, implementation and testing. It also covers the key concepts and principles of management information systems. Students will quickly gain the basic knowledge, skills and experience from developing small real-world information systems.

Background knowledge: Students should have studied a course in Computing or IT subject areas.

This module aims to provide  students with:
1. a deep  understanding of the key concepts, principles and  methodologies in information systems development life cycle;
2. the ability to choose and apply suitable system analysis, design methodologies and tools to real-life applications  in information systems development;
3.  an opportunity to design a small information system  with  planning and management.

• Information system development process, Life cycles.
• Information system analysis and modelling: requirement analysis, object oriented analysis, context models, interaction modules, structural models, behavioural models, model driven architecture, and UML
• design methodologies  for information system architecture design, interface design, data structure or database design, algorithm or component design, object oriented design, etc.
• Software project management including: project proposal, project planning, quality control, Agile project management etc.; business analysis and ITIL.
• Information System Developing methods and models: traditional development approaches (e.g., SSADM, DSDM and OOADM), Agile development techniques, waterfall module, incremental development, software reuse, etc.
• Information system development tools and techniques: O-O development, UI development, client and server-side Architecture, web enabled database driven forms development.
• • Information System evaluation: software testing approaches, white box and black box test, unit testing, system testing, user testing, static testing, test driven development, etc.
• Identify the risks associated with the systems development process and propose suitable control mechanisms
• Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional issues relayed to systems development

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures, laboratory/tutorial sessions, and self-study exercises. The lectures (24 hours) will be used to introduce the theoretical concepts and principles of the related topics [to enable the student to achieve LO1 through LO5]. Each lecture will be followed by a laboratory/tutorial session (24 hours). During the laboratory sessions students will gain practical experience by doing computer-based exercises [LO2, to LO5]. During the tutorial session, students will discuss the theoretical concepts, principles of the related technologies [to enable the student to achieve LO1 to LO5]. The self-study exercises are individual exercises which are specifically designed for students to work in their own time and at their own speed [LO1 to LO5] requiring about 96 hours of private study. It is expected that the student will dedicate further 32 hours implementing the coursework assignment [LO2, to LO5], and 24 hours preparing for the final examination [LO1, LO2 and also LO5].

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
LO1 – Develop a deep understanding of the concepts and principles in the process of information system development.
LO2 – Critically demonstrate knowledge and skills in information systems development used for systems analysis and design.
LO3 – Prove the ability to manage and develop a small information systems involving planning, management, the use of relevant resources and communication with stakeholders;
LO4 – Appraise and apply understanding of the key Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional issues involved in information system development.
LO5 -- Exhibit  ability to use a range of data collection, analysis techniques

The learning outcomes of this module comprise both theoretical and practical elements of information system development; hence the module’s assessment will include components to assess student’s theoretical understanding as well as analysis/design and development skills. The coursework will require student to develop a real world small Information Systems application, The unseen exam is aimed to assess their understanding of information system development related concepts, knowledge and skills.

There will also be in-course weekly assignments with informal feedback for the students to implement in the laboratory/ tutorials which will help them to learn and to consolidate the concepts and development techniques covered in the lecture.

Details of the assessment components and their matching learning outcomes are indicated in below:

1. Bocij, Greasley & Hickie,  2015, Business Information Systems, 5th edn: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business, 5/e,  Pearson,  ISBN-10: 0273736450 ,  ISBN-13: 9780273736455 [CORE]
2. Ian Sommerville, 2016, Software Engineering 10/E, Pearson, ISBN-10: 1292096136 ,  ISBN-13:9781292095131 [CORE]
3. James Cadle,  Donald Yeates, 2008, Project Management for Information Systems, 5/E, Pearson , ISBN-10: 0132068583 • ISBN-13: 9780132068581
4. Kenneth C. Laudon, Jane P. Laudon, 2016,  Management Information Systems, Global Edition, 14/E, pearson,  ISBN-10: 1292094001 • ISBN-13: 9781292094007
5. Avison, D. & Fitzgerald, G. (2006) Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques & Tools. 4th ed. McGraw-Hill.