CM1206: Fundamentals of Information Systems

School Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics
Department Code COMSC
Module Code CM1206
External Subject Code 100371
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader DR Federico Cerutti
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2023/4

Outline Description of Module

Information systems professionals need sound knowledge of information and communication technologies, which are used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of information systems and more importantly the organisations in which such systems are deployed. The aim of this module is to develop students’ capabilities to think about issues related to information systems within the organisational context in a constructive, critical, analytical, practical and systemic way. Systems thinking is of particular importance for dealing with the complexity associated with the specification, provision and use of information in modern organisations. In order to provide an understanding of the impact and use of information systems, the academic content of the module includes elements of information theory, systems theory, information technology, information systems  and organisational management. This module shares a “common core” with the module “Fundamentals for Computing with Java”. Items relevant to this core are marked * thus.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Students will be aware of the relationship between organisational (strategic) objectives and the need for information and information systems.
  2. Students will be aware of the distinction between reality and a model as a way of thinking about reality, in relation to the representation of data, information and knowledge relevant to the organisational needs.
  3. Students will be aware of the concept of a “system”, and its implications for the investigation of organisational behaviour.
  4. Students will recognise the nature of complexity in systems, including both information systems and organisations.
  5. Students will be aware of the operations of information systems, the role of information technology in such systems, and the strategies for developing information systems.
  6. Students will be aware of the different ways of looking at organisations and the key concepts of organisational management.

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, supervised lab sessions, example classes and tutorials as appropriate.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Awareness of the decision making process

Awareness of the role of data, information and knowledge

Information modelling approaches

Awareness of systems concepts

Dealing with complexity issues

Awareness of IT

Awareness of the information system development

Awareness of organisations and their management

How the module will be assessed

A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations.

Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations.

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Class Test 30 Class Test: Knowledge On Information - And System-Related Concepts N/A
Written Assessment 70 Fundamentals Of Information Systems N/A

Syllabus content

 

  • Introduction to information and information systems

Need for information in decision making

Basic concepts: data, information, knowledge and metadata

Categories of information based on source, nature, level, etc.

Characteristics of valuable information: availability, accuracy, reliability, etc.

Organising data and information: structured, semi-structured and unstructured information

Systems

The concept of a system and its features

Control: regulation, adaptation, viability, sustainability and feedback

Systems thinking

Complexity

Systemic methods

Soft Systems Methodology: exploring the relationship between purpose and structure

System Dynamics: exploring behaviour over time, the relationship between structure and behaviour

Information systems

Components: people, hardware, software, communication and data

Types of information systems: data processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems,

executive information systems

Functions of information systems: gathering, storing and processing data and outputting information

Information technology: storage, communication and security

Information systems development: analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance

Organisations

Organisations as systems

Organisational structure and organisational culture

Business environment

Planning, strategy and management

Decision making

The use and impact of information systems


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