MM258-An Introduction to the Management of Information Systems

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Stephen Gulliver

Email: s.r.gulliver@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module considers management of business focused Information Systems (IS), and introduces students to the interplay of management, organisational and information technology IS dimensions. It covers enterprise applications in detail, and allows students to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between company information infrastructures and business capability. This module is delivered at both University of Reading (Spring) and Beijing Institute of Technology (Autumn).

Aims:

This course introduces students to the fundamentals that underline the design, implementation, control, evaluation, and strategic use of information systems in business. After introducing conceptual foundations underlying information systems, the course considers, from a business perspective, categories of information systems and their purpose in modern business. Although the course considers some information technology issues, the course aims to deliver a socio-techniqical perspective of information management from a management perspective.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the Module students should be able to:

• Identify the fundamental concepts and theoretical constructs concerning management of Information Systems (IS)

• Describe the capabilities and limitations of the technology upon which IS is structured.

• Consider appropriate theories and models related to business and competitive effects of IS strategies.

• Discuss and analyse issues involved with the development and use of an organisation's information systems resources: data, information, application systems and hardware.

Additional outcomes:

At the end of the Module students should benefit from:

• Improved analytical and evaluation skills

• Improved commercial solution awareness.

• Heightened general business awareness.

Outline content:

• The origins, current standing and future trends in the field of IS

• Strategic alignment of IS and business strategy

• A management view of the key dimensions of IS: management, organisational and information technology

• A management viewpoint of some core techniques, e.g. functional decomposition, data analysis, business process re-engineering, management of change, etc.

• How IS investment, if managed, can add value and create a competitive advantage

• Internet, e-commerce, websites and the wider digital future

• Information systems development / implementation lifecycles

Global context:

Discussion concerning cultural impact on ‘best practise process’, and consideration of national, business, and individual culture are all discussed within class sessions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures provide the base material, and use numerous case studies. This module has a strong use of practical business examples taken from real life cases. Coursework feed-forward support and 3x 2hr revision tutorials are provided to students to support preparation for assessment points.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		4
Tutorials			6
Project Supervision		2
Guided independent study		138	30
Total hours by term		164.00	36.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Examination: Students will also sit a 2-hour paper that will constitute 70% of the overall marks. The examination will test the theoretical aspects of the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessment consists of two components: a written coursework assignment (30%) and an exam (70%).

Coursework: One 3000 word essay (+/- 10%) needs to be handed in by the end of the Spring term. To prepare an essay, students will need to research a particular topic and conduct an analysis of a case study.

Examination: Students will also sit a 2-hour paper that will constitute 70% of the overall marks. The examination will test the theoretical aspects of the module.

Formative assessment methods:

Feed forward is provided to all students in the autumn term on a project draft in advance of final coursework submission. A pre-examination tutorial is given to student with additional revision material to support students in the examination.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Examination Only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books -  £10-£50  (version dependent)

Last updated: 20 April 2018