This course is designed to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of how information is processed and managed in a complex data driven world. Learners develop a broad understanding of project management and related product development tools as well as knowledge of the wider information systems context: social, economic and legal.
Successful completion of this course enables learners to have a deeper understanding of the processes and structures revolving around information systems and their relevance and importance in today’s society.
The course is divided into six sections.
COURSE SECTIONS
A. Describing Information Systems
B. Project Management (including the Project Lifecycle)
C. Systems Development Lifecycle
D. Social, Ethical and Legal Issues of Information Systems
E. Design Develop and use the Tools of an Information System
F. Applied IS Case Study (Major Project).
A. DESCRIBING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Information systems consist of components that interact to transform data into information. There are four key components:
- data
- equipment (software and hardware)
- people
- procedures.
Learning about specialised digital systems and how the components interact within the system and their environment includes developing an understanding and knowledge about:
- data – as the underlying component of all information systems
- equipment – which includes any of the digital technologies such as hardware, infrastructure or the variety of software/applications that may be used in an information system
- procedures – include those utilised by computer equipment and/or by people working with or using the information system
- people – there are a range of people identified as stakeholders who may be involved in an information systems. Stakeholders may include: users, developers, managers, customers, and clients.
B. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The effective use of project management techniques and tools enable learners to follow a Project Lifecycle (PLC) which includes the four phases:
- project initiation
- planning
- execution
- closure.
The PLC focuses on all the activities of a project not the just the specifics of the information system product(s).
In this section of the course learners will develop an understanding of the PLC and corresponding relevant project management terms and concepts such as: scope, stakeholder understanding, project feasibilities, project risks/limitations and project resourcing. Learners will also be exposed to graphic organisers such as Gantt Charts, Critical Path Analysis Diagrams, Pert Charts and Work Breakdown Structures.
C. SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE (SDLC)
The System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) focuses on realising the product(s) requirement and not the overall activities of the project.
The development of the product(s) in an information system requires an analysis of both the current situation and future needs. Design and development of a suitable and agreed system is followed by testing, documenting and evaluation of the solution. During this process appropriate modification and refinement is made.
The four stages of the SDLC are:
- analysis
- design
- development
- evaluation.
D. SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
In this section of the course learners develop an understanding of the social, ethical and legal implications relating to information systems in the Australian context. Knowledge gained will aid learners to critically analyse case study scenarios and develop an understanding of boundaries when planning and creating information systems.
Learners study a range of topics both past and current to help further develop their understanding.
Core topics within this section are:
- ethics (e.g. business practice; data handling)
- intellectual property (e.g. copyright; trademarks; patents; trade secrets)
- privacy (e.g. National Privacy Principles, Privacy Act 1988)
- computer crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, prevention)
- laws and best practice codes (e.g. censorship; government policies; Spam Act 2003)
- benefits and costs of information systems (e.g. employment, competitive advantage, digital divide)
- occupational health and safety (e.g. working environment, risks, design)
- digital citizenship (e.g. netiquette, literacy, cyber safety)
- sustainability (e.g. environment, e-waste, global equity).
E. DESIGN, DEVELOP AND USE THE TOOLS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM
In this practical section of the course, learners have the opportunity to undertake a range of applied tasks, from guided tutorials through to short challenge based activities.
Applied tasks provide opportunities for learners to design, create, test and evaluate product(s) in preparation for the Applied IS Case Study.
The range of tasks offered expose learners to software tools such as: databases, spreadsheets and web site development environments which aid in the development of an information system.
The applied tasks provide opportunities to apply creativity, planning and sound design principles to the product(s) being developed.
F. APPLIED INFORMATION SYSTEM CASE STUDY (MAJOR PROJECT)
This section of the course is intended to provide learners with an opportunity to work on an information system project using sound project management techniques. Working collaboratively in small groups, learners will design and develop an information system. The product will be internally assessed. This assessment will include criteria 4, 6, and 7.