Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI59215: MANAGING SYSTEMS (DL)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI59215: MANAGING SYSTEMS (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This core theme provides an introduction to some ideas of managing systems such as the role of information systems in management; the use of statistical method for system monitoring and forecasting.

Content

  • The Essence of Information Systems
  • Strategic Information Systems
  • Information Systems at Work
  • Information Systems Initiation and Development
  • Information Systems Success and Failure
  • Information Systems and Society
  • Information System Foundations of E-Commerce
  • Describing Data
  • Probability
  • The Normal Distribution and Risk
  • Monitoring and Testing
  • Comparing Distributions
  • Regression
  • Forecasting

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the Module, students will:
  • appreciate the main elements of business decisions;
  • understand the nature of Information Systems and their relations to, and implications for business.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the Module, students will:
  • be able to use statistical methods for monitoring and hypothesis testing;
  • be able to make simple forecasts.
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 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
    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: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 2,500 words maximum 100%
    Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Examination 2 hours 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