CIS 5001 Information Systems for Managers

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
CIS5001203081, 2003EXTInformation Systems for Managers1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOBUS
Academic Org:FOB005
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:020399

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Aileen Cater-Steel
Moderator: Charmaine Ryan



RATIONALE:

We live in an age of technology and for corporations to remain competitive it is essential that management is able to use information technology to support the attainment of corporate goals. Information systems provide a means of supporting the decision making requirements of organisations in a complex environment. Computer technology has developed beyond its original data processing function into a management support role, but this development also makes new demands on managers. The modern manager must be able to understand this technology, plan and develop it using an appropriate methodology, and then use it effectively.


SYNOPSIS:

This course examines the trend in the use of computer systems away from data processing and towards information processing, particularly towards that type of decision support required to guide corporate strategy. The strategic implications of information systems are analysed, and students are guided through current developments in the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of various types of information systems, especially decision support systems. Both hardware and software technologies are studied from the perspective of management in relation to the need of corporations to maintain a competitive edge in a complex and changing environment. Various development methodologies currently used in information systems are compared. The developments in the area of electronic commerce are also assessed. A number of current issues are discussed and extensive reading of both the text and current articles is required.


OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Analyse the information needs of an organisation and evaluate how these relate to the decision making activities of key executives.

  • Evaluate information as a corporate resource and analyse the activities needed to plan, develop and manage an Information System.

  • Understand and analyse the technical foundations on which information systems are built, and analyse how new directions in technology will impact on the use of information systems by management.

  • Understand and evaluate the impact of systems implementation on the organisation in terms of planning, personnel control, security and contingency planning.

  • Analyse and critically evaluate the impact of information systems on other key management issues of this decade.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Managing the Digital Firm
    		 7.70
    2. IS in the Enterprise
    		 7.70
    3. IS and Organisations
    		 7.70
    4. The Digital Firm: E- Business
    		 7.70
    5. Managing Hardware, Software and Data Resources
    		 7.70
    6. Telecommunications and Networks
    		 7.70
    7. The Internet & the new IT infrastructure
    		 7.70
    8. Redesigning the organization with IS
    		 7.70
    9. Understanding the Business Value and Managing Change
    		 7.70
    10. Managing Knowledge
    		 7.70
    11. Enhancing Management Decision Making
    		 7.70
    12. IS Security and Control
    		 7.70
    13. Ethics and Management of Global IS
    		 7.60

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    Computer access required. Access to a word processor is needed. It is highly recommended to use a computer with CD-ROM drive if you plan to purchase the CD-ROM disk that accompanies the text; it is not essential to buy the CD-ROM in order to pass this course. Access to the Internet is also highly recommended.

    Selected articles of current interest from MIS Quarterly, Information & Management, Information Systems Management and other Information Systems journals are also recommended.

    Laudon, KC & Laudon, JP 2002, Management information systems: Managing the digital firm, 7th edition, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

    Summers, J & Smith, B 2003, Communication skills handbook: How to succeed in written and oral communication, 5th edition, John Wiley & Sons, Brisbane.

    (revised edition)




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Selected articles of current interest from MIS Quarterly, Information & Management, Information Systems Management and other Information Systems journals are also recommended.

    Turban, E & Aronson, JE 2001, Decision support systems and intelligent systems, 6th edition, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Assessment20
    Directed Study105
    Private Study40


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    ASSIGNMENT100.0025.00Y14 Apr 2003
    EXAM PART A (MULTI-CHOICE)30.0023.00YEND S1(see note )
    EXAM PARTS B & C (WRITTEN)70.0052.00YEND S1
    NOTES:
    .
    The examination is scheduled to be held in the end-of-semester examination period. Students will be advised of the official examination date after the timetable has been finalised.

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      If you are an International student in Australia it is a requirement of your student visa that you attend all classes at your campus. For all other students, there are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete the assignment satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the assignment, achieve at least 50% in the examination, and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
    6. Examination information:
      This is a restricted examination. Candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination).
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL: http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook. Students should also read The Guide to Policies and Procedures of the Faculty which can be found at the URL: http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/business/polproc/index.htm or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    1.Assignments: (i) The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. (ii) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner. (iii) The Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances. Students may apply for an extension through the DEC before the due date or by including an application with the submitted assignment after the due date. Such applications should be in writing and include supporting documentary evidence. The authority for granting extensions rests with the relevant Examiner. (iv) The Examiner will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media. (v) Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the Examiner to negotiate such special arrangements. (vi) In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
    2.Course Weightings: Course weightings of topics should not be interpreted as applying to the number of marks allocated to questions testing those topics in an examination paper.
    3.Referencing in Assignments: Unless otherwise directed by the Examiner, all written and oral assignments submitted by students must conform to the guidelines laid out in the 'Communication skills handbook: How to succeed in written and oral communication'. Any work not prepared in accordance with these guidelines may be subject to penalty or requirement for resubmission.
    4.Make-up Work: Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete - Make up). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the Examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study.
    5.Deferred Work: Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded: IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination); IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
    6.Appeals: Any appeal against the award of a grade in the course will be conducted in accordance with University Regulations. These Regulations are published in the University Handbook.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. E-mail and Internet Access: Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.