Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Information systems (IS) and the underlying information technologies (IT) are transforming interactions between individuals, corporations, and governments faster than any other revolution that has occurred over the past 2000 years. Accordingly, it is important for all individuals to have a basic level of knowledge and understanding of modern information systems theory and practice and what impact the systems have upon their users.

Aims

This unit introduces fundamental academic areas and important developing trends in the industry. By completing this unit you will gain a basic understanding of information technology and information systems, as well as an awareness of the possibilities and limitations of future technological solutions. Similarly you will gain an understanding of how information technology underpins commercial information systems that support business functions. You will also consider the ethical issues and possible negative impacts of information technologies, by raising your awareness of the social implications of information technology and information systems at the global, local and personal levels. Finally, this will provide a foundation for future studies in information systems and information technology at a tertiary level.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Complete basic computing usage related activities (GC1, GC3)
   
2. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of information technology and information systems fundamentals as well as the latest trends (GC1, GC3, GC4)
   
3. Discuss the impact of Information Technology at global, local and personal levels (GC1, GC6, GC7)
   
4. Propose how information technology and information systems can be used to compete in a global marketplace (GC1, GC2, GC6)
   
5. Communicate effectively and professionally within a team environment appropriate to an information technology workplace (GC5, GC6, GC7)

Key: Bachelor of Information Technology Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC2 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC3 - Knowledge and Skills
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Leadership and Change
GC7 - Communication

Content

The underlying theme of this unit is to illustrate how information systems are used in the real world. Early lectures introduce the industry and consumers while later lectures provide you with a conceptual understanding of the pillars that underpin information systems. Early lectures provide introductory perspectives into information technology and its trends; these include the IT from the perspective of consumers (e.g. social media) and perspective of corporate users (e.g. enterprise systems). Later lectures introduce key technology areas that underpin information systems. In addition, relevant real world examples will be included in class activities and assessments to further illustrate the relationship between technology and users.

The following topics will be covered in this unit:

- Introduction to Information Systems;
- Consumer Information Systems;
- Business Information Systems;
- Information Systems Infrastructure
- Data and Business Intelligence;
- Service and Cloud Computing;
- Business Process Management;
- Security and Privacy;
- Technology Impact.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Your learning opportunities within this unit are enhanced by its learning environment. You will come to appreciate the breadth and depth of IT's integration with the world in today's society.

This unit runs from week one to week thirteen, with lectures from weeks one to thirteen, and small-group tutorials from weeks two to thirteen. The required theory and concepts for this unit are presented in lectures, specifically scheduled to provide relevant information. Weekly tutorials after the lectures will provide opportunities for you to apply the knowledge you have gained, develop your skills, and work within a professional team environment. The involvement of industry professionals (where appropriate) will provide you with examples of the impact information technology and information system strategy has on a variety of industry sectors.

Assessment in this unit will form a very importaint part of your learning. In addition to understanding technical solutions, your assessment will also enable you to develop the skills to assess their impact at the individual, localand global levels.

For questions pertaining to course structure and management they should be directed at either:
Academic Support: Anthony Deacon (aj.deacon@qut.edu.au)
Tutorial Support: Venkat Venkatachalam (venkat.venkatachalam@qut.edu.au)

Assessment

The assessment for this unit has been designed to provide you with progressive feedback with can be incorporated into your study program. Specifically, tutorial sessions provide early feedback for your assessment tasks.You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
· Informal: worked questions, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
· Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
· Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
· Indirect: to the whole class

Your main point of contact for assignment related help should be your tutor, and for exam content the relevant lecturer.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: The Problem Based Learning Portfolio requires you to complete three progressive assessments throughout the semester. The PBL approach to teaching involves you (a) analysing and preparing a solution to each of the problems presented and then (b) participating in and reflecting on your answers during classroom discussion.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: This graduate-capabilities assignment will require you to research and prepare a solution to a service innovation probem. The assignmentis to be submitted electronically through Blackboard. All assignments will be checked for plagiarism electronically.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: An assessment of your knowledge of content covered throughout the semester. All lectures, tutorials and prescribed readings are examinable.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Required text:
Valacich JS, Schneider C. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World. Boston: Prentice Hall; 2012.

Recommended Reading:
Further information will be provided on Blackboard

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013