Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI46B15: MANAGING INFORMATION (SINERGHIA)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI46B15: MANAGING INFORMATION (SINERGHIA)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Module Cap
Tied to N1KK17

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • A management perspective on the business issues of realising benefits from information systems projects.
  • Instruction in the use of statistical methods for system monitoring and forecasting.

Content

  • Quantitative Methods and Statistics: Review of relevant basic mathematics; Data description; Probability; Central limit theorem; normal distribution and risk; Reporting: confidence intervals and hypothesis testing; Contingency tables; Linear models: estimating and regression; Forecasting.
  • Information Systems: The Information Systems project lifecycle and a framework for the management of an Information Systems project; Risk management; The Benefits Management process for an Information Systems investment; Sources of benefits from Information Systems; Identifying opportunities for Information Systems; Benefits planning for an Information Systems project; Stakeholder management; Adapting the project approach to the context; Project governance; Benefits review.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students will:
  • show a critical appreciation of some of the main elements of business decisions.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students will:
  • be able to use and critically evaluate statistical methods for monitoring and hypothesis testing and demonstrate competence in making forecasts;
  • be able to explain the key factors enabling a successful approach to realising benefits from IS investments;
  • be able to discuss and apply a number of key practices addressing the business issues of benefits realisation from IS projects.
Key Skills:
  • Sourcing appropriate data and evaluating evidence.
  • Interpreting and using numerical and financial information.
  • Developing critical thinking.
  • Exercising discrimination and judgement.
  • Synthesising diverse perspectives.
  • Developing coherent and persuasive arguments.
  • Selecting appropriate modes of communication.
  • Presenting effectively using oral, written and technological media forms and by making group presentations.

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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by Distance Learning material. The written examination will test students' acquisition and articulation of knowledge. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 24
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 2,500 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students receive feedback on their contributions to the workshops.


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