Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI5C215: Management Information Strategy

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI5C215: Management Information Strategy

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap
Tied to N1D507
Tied to N1D707
Tied to N1DM07

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement a management information strategy within an organisation.

Content

  • Information requirements of an organisation
  • Information characteristics
  • Qualitative and quantitative information
  • Business support systems
  • Information networks and databases
  • Information strategies
  • Using information systems to create competitive advantage
  • Innovation and business process re-engineering
  • Developing an Information systems strategy
  • Outsourcing
  • Managing change within an organisational context.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module participants will be able to:
  • Identify how information supports the development and implementation of business strategy;
  • Critically evaluate the use of information systems in helping to deliver competitive advantage to a firm;
  • Explain in detail how changes in information systems and technology are changing the nature and structure of the working environment.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module participants will be able to:
  • Prepare a management information strategy.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

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

  • Through a combination of learning materal, self assessed exercises and a formative assignment on key topical issues, together with guided reading.
  • On the DL MA Programme each module is delivered in discrete Units which are equivalent to a lecture session. A DL Unit normally consists of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading.
  • Each student is allocated a Tutor for each Module. the Tutor is tasked with providing feedback on formative work and is available for individual consultation as necessary. Tutoring is normally provided at a distance and may be conducted by email, telephone, post or fax.
  • The DL Programme offers annual residential seminars. In addition to offering core curriculum, the seminars provide the opportunity for DL Students to interface with members of Faculty, meet Tutors and to interact with other members of the student cohort.
  • Tutorials are conducted by email, post or fax. Students are unlikely to require more than 5 hours of telephone support form a tutor combiend with a further 5 hours of tutor time in answering questions recevied by post, fax or email.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Units 9
Tutorials 5
Residential seminars
Preparation & Reading
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen written examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Written assignment of 1,500 words (maximum)


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