INF1002H
:: Information Systems 1
Course Introduction
Prerequisites: Nil
Status: First Year introductory course
Course Convenor: Mike Kyobe
Course Administrator: Natasha Samuels
Lecturers: Mike Kyobe & Salah Kabanda.
Course Description
This course provides a business perspective of information systems, and
stresses how information systems can be used to improve the planning and
running of businesses. The course introduces students to the theoretical and
practical basics of business and information systems. It investigates
information system concepts such as data, input, processing, output, and
information technology such as hardware, software and networks. It
investigates the use of information technology and communication technology
as well as their convergence (coming together) to support business
information systems. The nature and value of information as well as the
impact of Internet technology on organisations and society are also
considered.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of computer software and hardware
terminology with a focus on integrated software.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different purposes of
applications and systems software.
- Demonstrate the ability to use business software as a tool when
solving simple business problems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different problem solving
approaches used to analyse requirements and implement “automated”
business solutions.
- Evaluate the benefits and costs associated with electronic commerce
in relation to business systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the trends in the development of
information technology occupations and the implications of these trends
for the future.
- Achieve an understanding of the impact that information systems have
on society in terms of culture and the ecology.
For purposes of INF1002H, students are seen as playing one or more of the
following roles with respect to ICT in the future (users, designers,
evaluators and managers).
User role: Professionals use various ICT tools and techniques to
help meet their objectives or to help others meet their objectives. Typical
tasks that users carry out with the help of ICT include gathering and
summarising data, choosing alternative courses of action on the basis of
analyses applied to data, devising strategies and tactics, documenting
observations, evaluating performance and communicating. Task 1 is pure User
role, whereas Tasks 2-5 & 7 contain aspects of the user role where students
will use certain tools to carry out the tasks.
Designer role: Professionals are often involved in the design of
information systems, some for personal use, but most for organisational use.
Tasks 2-5 & 7 will engage students as designers of various solutions.
Manager role: Many professionals become involved in management
roles that bring them into contact with business information systems (IS).
In this capacity their management responsibilities may include:
participation in strategic planning for use of IS to support entity
objectives; selecting and evaluating potential investments in ICT, including
the identification of user needs and essential internal control features;
monitoring system acquisition/development, change and problem management;
and exercising control over IS productivity. Although most tasks have
managerial aspects, Task 7 will engage students mostly in this role.
Evaluator role: This role encompasses evaluating ICT and in
particular Information Systems. Issues such as controls, accuracy,
completeness, compliance, effectiveness, efficiency as well as advantages
and disadvantages of ICT may be evaluated. Task 6 and Task 9 require
students to take an evaluator role.
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