Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module BUSS2011: INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Department: Business School (Business) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BUSS2011: INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2017/18 Module Cap Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N420
Tied to N200
Tied to N201
Tied to N202
Tied to N501
Tied to N502
Tied to NN12
Tied to N500
Tied to N102
Tied to NN42
Tied to NN24
Tied to N401
Tied to N300

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module aims to provide a management perspective on the business issues of realising benefits from investments in information systems.

Content

  • Introduction to information and information systems.
  • Elements of IS project management.
  • Sources of value from IS.
  • Benefits driven approach to planning investments in IS.
  • Succeeding in realising the planned benefits.
  • Developing a strategic business case for an IS investment.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students are expected to:
  • understand issues involved in setting priorities for investments in information systems investments.
  • understand key factors that contribute to successful realisation of benefits from investments in IS/IT
  • demonstrate knowledge of the structure and format of an IS investment based business case
  • demonstrate knowledge of the factors relevant to seeking venture capital funding.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students are expected to:
  • be able to apply a number of key practices addressing the business issues of benefits realisation from IS projects.
  • be able to prepare and document a strategic investment business case for a major IS project
  • monitor and act upon the content of the financial statements related to running a start-up business venture.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - e.g. by completing the assignments.
  • Planning, Organisation and Time Management - by observing the strict assignment deadlines
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - by applying the necessary analytical skills to make use of the taught material, in answering questions
  • Initiative - by searching relevant literature and information in preparation of the summative assignment
  • Computer Literacy and Information Retrieval - e.g. by word-processing summative assignments

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

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study.
  • Formative assessment will be provided on the individual and group work undertaken during the seminars.
  • Summative assessment is by means of individual and group assignments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 Per Week 1 Hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in Term 1, 4 in Term 2 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment 1 Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 2000 words max 100% Same
Component: Assignment 2 Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 3000 words max 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback will be provided on the work undertaken during the module seminars.


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