MODULE DELIVERY PATTERN

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1 MODULE TITLE IT Decisions MODULE LEVEL 7 MODULE CREDIT POINTS 15 SI MODULE CODE (if known) MODULE JACS CODE G500 SUBJECT GROUP Computing MODULE DELIVERY PATTERN ( as applicable or give dates for non-standard delivery) NB "Semester 3" ends on 31 July each year LONG (2 semesters) SHORT (1 semester) NON-STANDARD DELIVERY Sem 1 & 2 Sem 1 Start Date Sem 2 & 3 Sem 2 End Date Sem 3 Variable MODULE ASSESSMENT PATTERN ( as applicable - also complete Table A, Section 5, below) Single Module Mark with Overall Module Pass Mark of 40% Single Module Mark - Pass/Fail only Up to Three Assessment Tasks with Pass Mark of 40% for each Task and Overall Module Pass Mark of 40% Up to Three Assessment Tasks - Pass/Fail only Other - if choosing "Other" please give further details of assessment pattern in the blank space below. Overall Module Pass Mark if other than 40% (subject to approval) % MODULE INFORMATION ( as applicable - also complete Table A, Section 5 Is a timetabled examination required for the assessment of this module? Is a timetabled examination required for the reassessment of this module? Is the module delivered wholly by Distance Learning (ie. not timetabled at SHU) Are any staff who are responsible for teaching on this module non-shu employees? MODULE STATUS ( as applicable to status of module in the context of current proposal) Unchanged: an existing module, presented as unchanged from previous years Modified: an existing module being modified as a result of this validation, eg. changes to delivery or assessment pattern, title, credit weighting etc New: new module to be approved through current validation process If status is 'Modified', please give date when modified version is to be available from Breakdown of notional study hours by type (Typically requires 10 hours of notional study time for 1 CATS credit) Tutor-Led (Contact Hours) Tutor- Directed Study Self-Directed Study OTHER COURSES FEATURING THIS MODULE (please list below) MSc IT and Management, NTM, IT Professional No No Yes No TOTAL STUDY HOURS for this Module

2 1 AIM OF THIS MODULE To investigate and evaluate the role of an IT infrastructure To determine the components of an IT infrastructure To explore issues and decisions relating to the development of a strategic IT infrastructure To explore issues relating to the maintenance of an IT infrastructure 2 BY ENGAGING SUCCESSFULLY WITH THIS MODULE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO 1. Evaluate the functionality and role of the components of an IT infrastructure 2. Describe the integration of IT components into an infrastructure 3. Evaluate different approaches to developing an IT infrastructure 4. Critically analyse an existing IT infrastructure 5. Make use of decision making methods and tools to better understand the organisational approach to developing effective IT solutions 6. Analyse and discuss issues relating to IT infrastructure planning 7. Relate theoretical material on IT infrastructures to your work context and vice versa 8. Monitor and review your own learning and development in this area 3 THESE ARE EXAMPLES OF THE CONTENT OF THE MODULE The Information Technology Components of - computer hardware, operating system software, 'middleware' and digital communications facilities. IT Strategy & Technology Drivers - industry drivers of IT (Microsoft, ORACLE, Novel and SAP), strategic alignment of IT, IT strategy, technology architecture, knowledge engineering, competitive advantage (Formulation of strategies is covered elsewhere in the course). Components - client-server architecture, communications networks, software, data management and middleware, application development methodologies. development - infrastructure planning, service level agreements, configuration management, capacity management, management of change. Sourcing - Outsourcing, facilities management, perspectives on outsourcing of IT facilities, smart outsourcing (strategic (out) sourcing decisions are also covered elsewhere on the course) Changing Nature of Data & Information - on line transaction processing (OLTP), on line analytical processing (OLAP), data warehouse & data mart, data mining & knowledge discovery. Future Technology - the virtual organisation, electronic data interchange, internet technology & services, workflow

3 4 THESE ARE THE MAIN WAYS YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR LEARNING TO ACHIEVE THESE OUTCOMES This module will be taught 100% online. Through the use of an electronic learning pack, students will be presented with an outline of key components and ideas for the creation of a commercial IT. Students will be expected to analyse and evaluate the use of those components, and apply technical decision making techniques, in order to formulate a corporate IT strategy for application in ever changing organisations. This core material will be expanded upon through the use of guided readings and a core real world case study. Self-assessment exercises and work-based investigations will be included. It is expected that students will build upon the ideas presented in the module by actively researching the domain of IT Decisions. The module is structured to actively encourage student-led discussion through the use of threaded online discussions. In on-line tutorial groups the students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the learning material being presented against their real world experience, relating their evaluation to the case study. Throughout the module activities (group and individual) are provided to encourage critical thinking and evaluation. Formative self-assessment exercises and specimen solutions help develop the students understanding of the key concepts presented in the module and helps inform and focus the student on the assessment at the end of the module. 5 THESE ARE THE WAYS THAT WILL BE USED TO ENABLE YOU TO DEMONSTRATE YOU HAVE MET THE LEARNING OUTCOMES Formative assessment will take place within the module through self assessment exercises contained within the module on the eu platform, and through online discussion. Summative assessment for the module is 100% course work based. The assignment builds upon extensive group interaction activities from online discussions, and consists of a single individual written piece of work of between 3,000 and 4,000 words in length. The assessment takes place at the end of the module and covers the critical evaluation of the application of theory in practice. Students may choose from a wide choice of assessment topics, which will require the demonstration of topic understanding, further research and the application of selected material from the module to work place problems and issues, and an appraisal and critique of the outcomes. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND METHODS Task No. TASK DESCRIPTION SI Code Task Weighting % Word Count / Duration 1 Coursework CW 100% 3,000-4,000 In-module retrieval available

4 To pass you will need to meet the following assessment criteria: 1. Understand the basic components used in order to build a corporate IT and describe the functional requirements for the development of an IT, then apply that understanding when analysing the Case Study. (LO 1,2,7) 2. Demonstrate in-depth research into the corporate market place in order to gain an understanding of the different types of IT s in existence. (LO 3) 3. Concentrate on a single element of an IT, critically analyse the practice and principles in the design and evolution of that element, critically analyse the examples provided within the Case Study, and bring in to the analysis examples drawn from the students organisational experience. (LO 4) 4. Demonstrate an understanding of decision making methods employed by organisations during the development of strategies which guide the organisation in their long term planning for IT s. (LO 5) 5. Demonstrate a series of contributions to discussion forums principally on a single IT element, which increases the knowledge in that area for others, to agree and define a definition for that element, in order to plan for a cohesive and complete IT. (LO 6) 6. Complete self assessment questions which inform and guide the student through the programme of learning in order to develop an in depth understanding in the area of IT s. (LO 8) The following marking grid gives a summary of the criteria for passing the module and for gaining a distinction. A more detailed breakdown of the marking criteria will be available online. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Fail Pass Distinction Identification of basic components of IT s (LO 1,2,7) No components identified, functional requirements not explained, case study not examined Components of an IT explained, a set of functional requirements provided in order to develop an effective IT, with reference to the module Case Study Critical analysis of literature and methods applied to IT development correctly referenced + water tight argument Research and Understanding in the field of IT s (LO 3) No demonstrable research in the field, no demonstrable understanding of the types of IT s in existence in the corporate market place Demonstrate research in the corporate market place and provide evidence for three different types of IT Examples of current and future trends and development s in the field of IT s

5 Critical Analysis of an elective element of an IT (LO 4) Decision making methods used to build successful IT s (LO 5) Discuss IT Elements within a group (LO 6) Self Assessment (LO 8) Unable to demonstrate suitable analysis of the elected element of an IT No decision making methods applied, unable to develop a strategy for future development No contributions made in the chosen IT elements, poor or limited contributions which do not demonstrate understanding No self assessment questions completed Good critical analysis of the practice and principles in the design and evolution of an element of an IT, using the Case Study as the basis for the analysis Demonstrate an understanding of decision making methods used within organisations, demonstrate ability to strategically plan for an organisations IT Demonstrate a series of contributions to appropriate discussion forums, agree and define with others a definition for an IT element, demonstrate planning for a complex IT Demonstrates an understanding of the area by completion of preset self assessment questions + Appropriate examples of design and evolution taken from the students own experience within organisations + Multiple suggestions for decision making processes + Mature ability to strategically plan + Multiple contributions which aid the definition of more than one element + Identify multiple planning elements for complex IT s + Can identify areas of further investigation and argue a case for their inclusion in future teaching

6 6 THIS IS HOW YOU WILL BE GIVEN FEEDBACK ON YOUR PERFORMANCE Students will be provided with feedback on their progress in achieving the desired learning outcomes during the module via their progress in the self-assessment exercises and via online discussions, where 'specimen' solutions will also be provided. Feedback during online discussions will be provided both by other students and by tutors. In addition, students will be given opportunities during the course of the module to present drafts of their written work and request feedback from tutors. Summative feedback will be provided on a marking grid, with written comments where appropriate. 7 THESE ARE EXAMPLES OF THE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES YOU WILL USE Broadbent M. & Weill, P., (1997). Management by maxim: how business and IT managers can create IT infrastructures. Sloan Management Review, 38 (3), pp Chung, Linh. (1997). Java, the Internet and beyond. CCR/Publications, 19 (8) Oct. Visited June URL: Currid, Cheryl. C.. & Currid, A. D., (1997). Introduction to Networking. Novell Press. Linthicum, David S. (1997). David Linthicum's Guide to Client/Server and Intranet Development.,Wiley. Oracle Corporation, (1997). Network Computing: increasing the return on investment. Oracle White Paper, June FINAL TASK According to the Assessment Strategy shown in the Module Descriptor, which task will be the LAST TASK to be taken or handed-in? (Give task number as shown in the Assessment Strategy) MODULE REFERRAL STRATEGY Task for Task (as shown for initial assessment strategy) Single Referral Package for All Referred Students Task No. 1 Y N REVISIONS Date July 2012 Reason Assessment Framework review