Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module BUSS2011: INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Department: ECONOMICS FINANCE AND BUSINESS (BUSINESS) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BUSS2011: INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N420
Tied to NN43
Tied to N200

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to ideas of managing information systems, particularly a management perspective on: the role and contribution of information systems to organisational strategy.
  • the development and implementation of information systems.

Content

  • Introduction to information and information systems.
  • Sources of value from IS.
  • Information systems strategy - identifying opportunities and setting priorities.
  • Elements of IS project management.
  • Introduction to systems development.
  • Approaches to IS evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module - students are expected to: Understand the sources of value from information systems.
  • Understand issues involved in setting priorities for investments in information systems investments.
  • Appreciate aspects of the skills required to design and implement an information system.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to apply a range of approaches to identify opportunities for information systems in an organisation.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - e.g. by completing the formative assignment and through the summative assessment.
  • Planning, Organisation and Time Management - by observing the strict assignment deadlines
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - by applying the necessary analytical skills to make use of the taught material, in answering questions
  • Initiative - by searching relevant literature and information in preparation of the summative assignment
  • Computer Literacy and Information Retrieval - e.g. by word-processing summative assignments

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures, seminars and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars and private study (inlcuding student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of contribution to a project-based group presentation. Summative assessment is by means one written assignment of 4500 words.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 Per Week 1 Hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in Term 1, 4 in Term 2 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 4500 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

Contribution to a project-based group presentation.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University