INF1002H :: Information Systems 1

Course Introduction

Prerequisites: Nil
Status: First Year introductory course
Course Convenor: Salah Kabanda
Course Administrator: Portia Desi
Lecturers: Salah Kabanda, Mike Kyobe, Maureen Tanner and Eric Cloete

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.

Designer role: Professionals are often involved in the design of information systems, some for personal use, but most for organisational use. Students will be engaged in tasks that will require them to be 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.

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.