Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module BUSI41V15: BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ONLINE)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI41V15: BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap
Tied to N1KS17
Tied to N1KR17
Tied to N1N317
Tied to N1N417

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to a benefit driven framework for Information Systems strategy to enable business transformation.
  • To equip business managers to play an effective role in enabling their organisations to succeed in realising the strategic potential of Information Systems.

Content

  • A framework for IS and business transformation strategy: understanding opportunities for value.
  • Creating value for stakeholders: using a range of perspectives including business processes to understand the opportunities for value.
  • Exploring the opportunities created by IT innovation.
  • Achieving business transformation through portfolio management.
  • A benefits-driven approach to delivering value from information systems through business transformation.
  • Realising value in specific business scenarios.
  • Management frameworks for succeeding with business transformation through IS.
  • Building the organisational capability to succeed with business transformation.
  • Becoming leaders of transformation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of the sources of value provided by IS and illustrate the business opportunities provided by major trends in IS/IT.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to articulate a framework for business transformation and IS strategy;
  • be able to apply a range of specialised techniques for identifying opportunities for IS-enabled business transformation that would contribute value to an organisation;
  • be able to critically evaluate and set priorities for investments in business transformation and IS;
  • be able to design a process for developing and implementing a business transformation strategy;
  • be able to debate a strategic perspective on management of the business transformation and IS investment portfolio;
  • be able to debate factors in building the business transformation capability of the organisation.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.
  • 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

  • The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Portfolio of individual written contributions Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of individual written contributions 4,000 words (maximum) 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


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