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
- Students will be aware of the relationship between organisational (strategic) objectives and the need for information and information systems.
- 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.
- Students will be aware of the concept of a “system”, and its implications for the investigation of organisational behaviour.
- Students will recognise the nature of complexity in systems, including both information systems and organisations.
- 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.
- 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