module specification

This Management Information Systems (MIS) module introduces students to the dynamic landscape of modern accounting information systems, relevant to both general management and specialised accounting domains. The module will explore how integrated information systems, increasingly supported by foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, can enhance various business functions and contribute to an organisation's competitiveness.

A core focus will be on the functions and theoretical underpinnings of financial accounting within a computerised environment. Students will gain practical experience in applying key methods and developing essential skills for processing and interpreting financial data. The module will also explore into relevant information systems techniques, enabling students to explain system functions, interpret data flows, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical financial accounting methods within a broader systemic context. Crucially, it will examine how these systems support effective decision-making and introduce the concept of inherent biases that can influence outcomes.

Indicative Syllabus
(For full details, please refer to Section C in the module booklet.)
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Part 1: Foundations of MIS, AI, and Data for Decision-Making
This part introduces the core concepts of Management Information Systems (MIS) and the fundamental role of data in business.
• Introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS) and Data Generation:
o Exploring the fundamental concepts of MIS and the role of computerised accounting systems in generating essential business data.
o Understanding the lifecycle of data within a computerised bookkeeping system, from initial transaction recording to trial balance and period-end.
o Introduction to basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and their emerging role in automating data processing within MIS. [Maps to LO1]
• Core Business Information Systems:
o An overview of main financial information systems in organisations, including purchases and sales invoicing, payroll, credit control, cash, and working capital management.
o Discussing how these systems contribute to providing timely data for management decision-making. [Maps to LO1, LO4]
• Applying IT Tools for Data Processing:
o Practical application of common IT software, such as spreadsheet applications and basic database systems, for processing financial and operational data.
o Introduction to accounting packages as a framework for computerised accounting systems and their use in preparing financial statements. [Maps to LO2]
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Part 2: Data Quality, Bias, and Strategic Impact of MIS
This part delves into data quality, the impact of bias, and the broader contribution of MIS to organisational effectiveness and employability.
• Data Quality and Bias in Decision-Making:
o Identifying common weaknesses, potential for error, and inefficiencies within accounting and information systems.
o Understanding how these systemic issues, or even data collection methods, can introduce bias into the data and subsequently influence decision-making processes. [Maps to LO3]
o Examining the critical importance of data security and integrity within a computerised accounting environment to ensure reliable information for unbiased decisions. [Maps to LO3]
• MIS for Organisational Efficiency and Employability:
o Exploring the architecture of information systems, transaction processing, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and their foundational role in providing comprehensive data.
o Discussing how the effective management and use of MIS, data, and relevant technologies contribute to overall organisational efficiency and enhance employability across various accounting and business roles. [Maps to LO4]

Learning Activities: Engaging Lectures, Seminars and Comprehensive Digital Resources
The module adopts a dynamic blended learning approach, integrating interactive workshops with robust digital support to foster a deep understanding of Management Information Systems (MIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their impact on decision-making.

Lectures and seminars: These engaging sessions are designed to introduce new topics and themes pertinent to accounting, economics, and related disciplines, with a core focus on MIS and the foundational role of AI. Dedicated workshop time provides students with invaluable practical opportunities to apply concepts through hands-on exercises. This includes working with specialist computer software, such as accounting packages and spreadsheet applications, to generate and process financial and operational data. This practical engagement is crucial for developing robust employability skills and deepening students' understanding of how data analysis informs routine business decisions. Lectures and seminars will also introduce initial discussions on data quality and the importance of accurate data for reliable insights.

Digital Resources: Learning will be significantly enhanced and supported by a dedicated Weblearn site. This platform serves as a primary resource, offering supplementary materials, practical examples, and guided activities. Students are expected to access this site frequently to prepare for lectures and seminars, reinforce their understanding of MIS principles and basic AI applications, and engage in independent study that supports their development in data analysis and the recognition of ethical considerations, including potential biases in information used for decision-making.

LO1: Explain the fundamental role of Management Information Systems (MIS) and basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in generating and processing data to inform business operations and initial decision-making.

LO2: Apply common IT tools and accounting software to process financial and operational data, thereby supporting routine business decisions and enhancing practical employability skills.

LO3: Identify potential sources of bias within data and information systems and explain how these biases can influence decision-making processes in a business context.

LO4: Describe how a sound understanding of MIS, data, and relevant technologies contributes to organisational efficiency and underpins effective decision-making across various accounting and business roles.

Reading List Talis Link:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/BA768B7F-22C5-A948-1ED9-48EEA98DA09F.html

Core Texts:
Laudon, K. and Laudon, J. (2021) Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, Pearson Education, Limited Global Edition 17 (9 June 2021)
Romney, M. and Steinbart, P. (2020) Accounting Information Systems Pearson 15th edition (1 July 2020) ISBN-10: 1292353368; ISBN-13: 978-1292353364
Additional Texts:

Boddy, D. (2024) Management: An introduction. 9th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Boddy, D. (2019) Management: Using Practice and Theory to Develop Skill Pearson Education, Limited 8 Edition PRINT ISBN 9781292271811; EBOOK ISBN
9781292271804

Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, London: Red Globe Press; Macmillan International
Boczko, T. (2012) Introduction to Accounting Information Systems FT Publishing International 1st edition (21 Jun. 2012) 

Bragg, S. M. (2021) Accounting Information Systems AccountingTools, Inc. (27 Nov. 2021) ISBN-10: 164221079X; ISBN-13:‎ 978-1642210798

Turner, L., Weickgenannt, A. B. and Copeland, M. K. (2022) Accounting Information Systems: Controls and Processes, Wiley 5th edition (20 Dec. 2022) ISBN-10: 1119989485; ISBN-13:‎ 978-1119989486

Journals and Periodicals
To keep up-to-date with current developments and research, we recommend the following:
• Financial Times
• The Wall Street Journal Europe
•  Journal of Information Systems (Published by the American Accounting Association)
• https://publications.aaahq.org/jis
•  The Accounting Review (Published by the American Accounting Association)
• https://aaahq.org/AUD/Publications/The-Accounting-Review
•  Issues in Accounting Education (Published by the American Accounting Association)
• https://publications.aaahq.org/iae
•  International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility (JCSR) (Published by SpringerOpen)
• https://jcsr.springeropen.com/
•  Social Responsibility Journal (Published by Emerald Publishing)
• https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1747-1117
Electronic Databases
You'll use the following electronic databases to access academic articles and company information:
• ScienceDirect
• FAME (UK Companies)
• Education Research Complete
Here's the rewritten list of websites:
Useful Websites
These websites offer valuable insights into accounting, business technology, finance, and information systems:
• Accounting Today: http://www.accountingtoday.com - Provides news and information for accounting professionals.
• MSN Money UK: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money - Offers financial news, market data, and personal finance resources relevant to the UK.
• Computerworld: http://www.computerworld.com - Delivers news, analysis, and information on information technology.
• InformationWeek: http://www.informationweek.com - Focuses on IT strategy, enterprise applications, and technology trends for business.
• IBM Academic Initiative: https://www.ibm.com/academic/ - Provides resources and programmes for academic institutions from IBM.
• CNET UK: https://www.cnet.com/uk/ - Offers reviews, news, and features on consumer technology.
• Financial Times Technology: https://www.ft.com/technology - The Financial Times' dedicated section for technology news and analysis.
• Reuters Technology News: https://www.reuters.com/technology/ - Latest technology news and insights from Reuters.
• Oracle: https://www.oracle.com/uk/ - Official website for Oracle, a major provider of enterprise software and cloud technology.
• PCMag: http://www.pcmag.com/ - Provides reviews and news on computing, software, and electronic products.