Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI55915: INFORMATION SYSTEMS STRATEGY (DL)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI55915: INFORMATION SYSTEMS STRATEGY (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To cover key aspects of managing information systems (IS) and information and communications technologies (ICTs) focusing on recent research and practice from the emerging academic discipline of IS. Current research suggests that IS and IT is becoming increasingly critical to strategic competitive success and the effective operation and management of organisations. The ISM Module explores the underlying reasons as to why IS is a complex multi-disciplinary discipline, identifies the key management issues due to the emergence and adoption of new ICTs and identifies frameworks and tools for more effective strategic management of the IS resource.

Content

  • In Business with Information Systems
  • Strategy and Business Processes
  • The Ubiquitous Database
  • The Value and Source of Information Systems
  • Project Management of Information Systems
  • Quality Aspects of Information Systems
  • Business Communications and Knowledge
  • Topical Information Systems

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • define the discipline of IS and understand its multi disciplinary nature;
  • identify key IS issues facing organisations, managers and IS stakeholders;
  • identify and classify different types of IS application;
  • determine a contingent approach to IS and IT strategic planning;
  • understand the social, political and power relations associated with IT adoption.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • practically contribute to an IS design, development and implementation project.
Key Skills:

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

    • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
    • 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
    D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    1 Compulsory Tutor Assessed Assignment, (1,500 words).


    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