INTRODUCTION - Information Systems & Technology (Compulsory) This is one of the 4 courses designed for Semester 1 of Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Degree program. Information Systems and Technology course aims to develop an understanding of the components of Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS), their functions and types of CBIS used in organizations. Furthermore, it aims to provide a general understanding of the Information Systems (IS) development process as well as ethical and security issues associated with the use of information systems. CREDITS: 04 LEARNING OUTCOMES After successful completion of this course students will be able to: Describe the components of a computer based information systems. Explain different types of information systems and their use. Describe the IS development process. Describe management challenges/issues associate with the use of computer based information systems as well as methods that can be used to prevent these challenges/issues. MINOR MODIFICATIONS When minor modifications are made to this syllabus, those will be reflected in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and the latest version can be downloaded from the relevant course page of VLE. Please inform your suggestions and comments through the VLE. http://vle.bit.lk ONLINE LEARNING MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES You can access all learning materials and this syllabus in the VLE: http://vle.bit.lk, if you are a registered student of BIT degree program. It is very important to participate in learning activities given in the VLE to learn this subject. ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS The assignments consist of two quizzes, assignment quiz 1 (It covers the first half of the syllabus) and assignment quiz 2 (It covers the second half of the syllabus). Maximum mark for a question is10, minimum mark for a question is 0 (irrespective of negative scores). Final assignment mark is calculated considering 40% of assignment quiz 1 and 60% of assignment quiz 2. Pass mark for the online assignments in a course is 50. You are advised to do online assignments before the final exam of the course. It is compulsory to pass all online assignments to partially qualify to obtain year 1 certificate. FINAL EXAMINATION Final exam of the course will be held at the end of the semester. Each course in the semester 1 is evaluated using a two hour question paper which consists of 40-60 MCQs. 1
OUTLINE OF SYLLABUS Topic Hours 1. An Introduction to Information Systems (ISs) 7 2. Information Technology Concepts 8 3. Organizing Data and Information 6 4. Organisations and Information Systems 6 5. Business Information Systems 10 6. System Investigation and Analysis 7 7. System Development 8 8. Security, Privacy, Ethical Issues and National Development 8 TOTAL 60 REQUIRED MATERIALS Main Reading: Ref 1: Ref 2: Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. Principles of information systems. 8 th Edition: Thomson Course Technology. (Indian Edition) O Brien, J. (2005). Introduction to information systems. 12 th Edition: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited. Online References: Ref 3: http://www.icta.lk 2
DETAILED SYLLABUS 1 An Introduction to Information Systems (ISs) (7 hrs) Distinguish data from information Describe the characteristics used to evaluate the quality of information Identify system concepts Differentiate various types of systems Name the components of an information system Briefly explain the activities of an IS Recognize the components of a computer based information system List out the basic types of business information systems Identify the role of IS in business and the management challenges Describe the importance of studying information systems 1.1 Information Concepts 1.1.1 Data vs. Information (Ref 1: pg.5-7) 1.1.2 The Characteristics of Valuable Information (Ref 1: pg.708) 1.1.3 The Value of Information (Ref 1: pg.8-9) 1.2 System and Modeling Concepts 1.2.1 System Components and Concepts (Ref 1: pg.8) 1.2.2 System Performance and Standards (Ref 1: pg.11) 1.2.3 System Variables and Parameters (Student Manual) 1.2.4 Modeling a System (Student Manual) 1.3 Information System 1.3.1 What is an Information System (Ref 1: pg.11; Ref 2: pg.22) 1.3.2 Main Components of an Information System (Ref 1: pg.11-12) 1.3.3 Computer Based Information Systems 1.3.3.1 Hardware (Ref 1: pg.13; Ref 2: pg.26) 1.3.3.2 Software (Ref 1: pg.14; Ref 2: pg.26) 1.3.3.3 Databases (Ref 1: pg.14; Ref 2: pg.26) 1.3.3.4 Telecommunications, Networks and the Internet (Ref 1: pg.14-15) 1.3.3.5 People (Ref 1: pg.16; Ref 2: pg.25) 1.3.3.6 Procedures (Ref 1: pg.16)* (*in Ref 2 procedures are mentioned under software) 1.3.4 Activities of an Information System (Ref 2: pg.27) 1.3.5 Trends in Business Information Systems (Ref 2: pg.10) 1.4 The Role of Information Systems in Business and Managerial Challenges 1.4.1 The Fundamental Role of IS in Business (Ref 2: pg.8) 1.4.1.1 Information Systems in Functional Areas of Business (Ref 1: pg.30) 1.4.1.2 Information Systems in Different industries (Ref 1: pg.30) 1.4.2 Managerial Challenges of IT (student manual) 1.5 Importance of Learning Information System 1.5.1 Computer and Information Systems Literacy (Ref 1: pg.28-30) 1.5.2 Information Systems Careers (Ref 1: pg.63-69) 3
2 Information Technology Concepts (8 hrs) Identify the role of the CPU and memory in a computer system Identify secondary storage devices and briefly describe access methods, capacity of secondary storage Discuss the functionality and importance of input output devices Identify types of computer systems Discuss how application software can support personal, workgroup and enterprise business objectives Discuss the pros and cons of basic types of application software Outline the overall evolution of programming languages with respect to five generations Identify key issues and trends of software that have an impact on organisations and individuals 2.1 Hardware: Input, Processing and Output Devices 2.1.1 Overview of Hardware of a Computer System (Ref 1: pg.83) 2.1.2 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) (Ref 1: pg.84-85) 2.1.3 Memory (Ref 1: pg. 87-89) 2.1.4 Secondary Storage (Ref 1: pg. 92) 2.1.4.1 Magnetic Tape (Ref 1: pg.93; Ref 2: pg.92) 2.1.4.2 Magnetic Disks (Ref 1: pg.93-94; Ref 2: pg.90-92) 2.1.4.3 Optical Disks (Ref 1 : 96; Ref 2: pg.92-94) 2.1.5 Input Devices (Ref 1: pg.100-106; Ref 2: pg.80-85) 2.1.6 Output Devices (Ref 1: pg.106-109; Ref 2: pg.86-87) 2.2 Types of Computer Systems 2.2.1 Single-User Systems (Ref 1: pg.110-113) 2.2.2 Multiuser Systems (Ref 1: pg. 113-114) 2.3 Application Software 2.3.1 Overview of Application Software 2.3.2 Types of Application Software (Ref 1: pg.146-147) 2.3.3 Functions of Application Software 2.3.3.1 Personal Application Software (Ref 1: pg.147-153; Ref 2: pg.106-111) 2.3.3.2 Work Group Application Software (Ref 1: pg.154) 2.3.3.3 Enterprise Application Software (Ref 1: pg.154-155) 2.3.3.4 Application Software for Decision Support and Specialised Purpose (Ref 1: pg.155) 2.4 Programming Languages 2.4.1 Overview 2.4.2 The Evolution of Programming Languages (Ref 1: pg.157) 2.4.3 Selecting a Programming Language (Student Manual)** 2.4.4 Programming (Ref 2: pg.129-130) 2.4.4.1 Language Translators (Ref 2: pg. 130) 2.4.4.2 Programming Tools (Ref 2: pg. 130) 4
2.5 Software Issues and Trends 2.5.1 Software Bugs (Ref 1: pg.160) 2.5.2 Copyright and Licenses (Ref 1: pg.160) 2.5.3 Open Source Software (Ref 1: pg.160-162) 2.5.4 Software Upgrades (Ref 1: pg.163) 2.5.5 Global Software Support (Ref 1: pg.164) 3 Organizing Data and Information (6 hrs) Define general data management terms Identify advantages and disadvantages of the database approach to data management Recognize the common functions performed by a database management system Define the term database administration and briefly outline the responsibilities of a database administrator Identify and discuss current database applications 3.1 Data Management 3.1.1 The Hierarchy of Data (Ref 1: pg.177-178) 3.1.2 Data Entities, Attributes, and Keys (Ref 1: pg.178-179) 3.1.2.1 The Traditional Approach vs Database Approach (Ref 1: pg.179-181) 3.2 Data Modeling and The Relational Database Approach 3.2.1 Data Modeling (Ref 1: pg.181-182; Ref 2: pg.160-163) 3.2.2 The Relational Database Model (Ref 1: pg.182-183) 3.2.2.1 Manipulating Data (Ref 1: pg.183-184) 3.2.2.2 Data Cleanup (Ref 1: pg.185-186) 3.2.3 Brief Comparison of Database Models (see student manual) 3.3 Database Management Systems 3.3.1 Overview of Database Types (Ref 1: pg.187-188) 3.3.2 Providing a User View (Ref 1: pg.188) 3.3.3 Creating and Modifying the Database (Ref 1: pg.188-190) 3.3.4 Storing and Retrieving Data (Ref 1: pg.190) 3.3.5 Manipulating Data and Generating Reports (Ref 1: pg.191-193) 3.3.6 Database Administration (Ref 1: pg.193-194) 3.3.7 Popular Database Management Systems (Ref 1: pg.194) 3.3.8 Special Purpose Database Systems (Ref 1: pg.195) 3.3.9 Selecting a Database Management System (Ref 1: pg.195-196) 3.3.10 Using Databases with Other Software (Ref 1: pg.196) 3.4 Database Applications 3.4.1 Linking the Company Database to the Internet (Ref 1: pg.196-197) 3.4.2 Data Warehouses, Data Marts and Data Mining (Ref 1: pg.197-201; Ref 2: pg.143-146) 3.4.3 Business Intelligence (Ref 1: pg.202) 3.4.4 Distributed Databases (Ref 1: pg.202-204; Ref 2: pg.142-143) 3.4.5 Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) (Ref 1: pg.204; Ref 2: pg.300) 3.4.6 Object Oriented Database Management Systems (OODBMS) and Object Relational Database Management Systems (ORDBMS) (Ref 1: pg.206; Ref 2: pg. 157) 3.4.7 Visual, Audio and Other Databases (Ref 1: pg.206-207) 5
4 Organizations and Information Systems (6 hrs) Define the terms, organizational structure and culture Define the term competitive advantage Describe how organizations are using Information Systems to gain competitive advantage Describe the role of the network in an organisation Identify some of the network trends and business value they generate 4.1 Business Organisations 4.1.1 Organizational Structure (Ref 1: pg.46-48) 4.1.2 Organizational Culture and Change (Ref 1: pg.49-50) 4.2 Competitive Advantage and Strategic Information Systems 4.2.1 Introduction to Competitive Advantage (Ref 1: pg. 56) (student manual) 4.2.2 Competitive Forces and Strategies (Ref 2: pg.40-41; Ref 1: pg.57-58) 4.2.3 Use of IT to Support Competitive Strategies (Ref 2: pg.42-44) 4.2.4 The Value Chain and Strategic IS (Ref 2: pg.44-45) 4.2.5 Other Strategic Uses of IT 4.2.5.1 Building a Customer Focused Business (Ref 2: pg.48-49) 4.2.5.2 Reengineering Business Processes (Ref 2: pg.50-51) 4.2.5.3 Improve Agility (Ref 2: pg.52-54) 4.2.5.4 Develop Virtual Organisations (Ref 2: pg.54-55) 4.2.5.5 Improve Knowledge Creation (Ref 2: pg.56-57) 4.3 Role of networks in organizations (see student manual) 4.3.1 Communication Networks and the business value they generate 4.4.1 Business value of telecommunication networks (see student manual) 4.4.2 Business value of the Internet (Ref 2: pg.174-177) 4.4.3 Business value of Intranets (Ref 2: pg.178-179) 4.4.4 Business value of Extranets (Ref 2: pg.180-181) 5 Business Information Systems (10 hrs) Identify basic activities and business objectives common to all transaction processing systems (TPSs) Describe some key control and management issues associated with a TPS Identify the inputs and outputs for the transaction processing systems associated with order processing, purchasing and accounting business process Define the term MIS (Management Information System) Distinguish the difference between a TPS and a MIS Describe the inputs and outputs associated with different types of MIS List and discuss the important characteristics of DSSs (Decision Support Systems) Identify and describe the basic components of a DSS Discuss the use of GSS (Group Support Systems) and ESS (Executive Support Systems) Define the term Artificial Intelligence and identify its major application areas List the characteristics and components of an expert system 6
Identify the benefits and limitations associated with the use of expert systems 5.1 Transaction Processing System (TPS) 5.1.1 Overview of TPS (student manual) 5.1.2 Types of Transaction Processing methods (Ref1: pg.346-347) 5.1.2.1 Batch Processing 5.1.2.2 Online Processing 5.1.3 Organisational Objectives of a TPS (Ref 1:pg. 348) 5.1.4 Activities in a TPS (Ref 1: pg.349-354) 5.1.5 Control and Management of a TPS (Ref 1:pg. 354) 5.1.6 TPS Applications (Ref 1: pg.357-362) 5.2 Management Information Systems (MIS) 5.2.1 Overview of MIS (Ref 1: pg.388-392) 5.2.2 Characteristics of a MIS (Ref 1: pg.392-393) 5.2.3 MIS in Functional Areas of Business 5.2.3.1 Financial MIS (Ref 1: pg.396-397) 5.2.3.2 Marketing MIS (Ref1: pg.400-402) 5.2.3.3 Human Resource MIS (Ref 1: pg.404-405) 5.2.3.4 Manufacturing MIS (Ref 1: pg.397-400) 5.2.3.5 Other Management Information Systems (Ref 1: pg.405-406) 5.3 Decision Support Systems (DSS) 5.3.1 Introduction to DSS (Ref 1: pg.406-408; Ref 2: pg.301-304) 5.3.2 Capabilities of a DSS (Ref 1: pg.409-410; Ref 2: pg.304-307) 5.3.3 Basic Components of a DSS (Ref 1: pg.410-413) 5.3.4 Comparison of MIS and DSS (Ref 1: pg.410-411) 5.3.5 Group Support Systems (GSS) (Ref 1: pg.413-415) 5.3.6 Executive Support Systems (ESS) (Ref 1: pg.417-420; Ref 2: pg.308-309) 5.4 Other Specialized Information Systems 5.4.1 An overview of Artificial Intelligence (Ref 1: pg.437-445; R2: pg.316) 5.4.1.1 Other Application Areas of Artificial Intelligence (Ref 2: pg.316-324; Ref 1: pg.445) 5.4.2 Expert Systems 5.4.2.1 An Overview of a Expert System (Ref 1: pg.447-451; Ref 2: pg.325) 5.4.2.2 Applications of an Expert System (Ref 2: pg.325-326; Ref 1: pg.453-456) 5.4.2.3 Benefits and Limitations of an Expert System (Ref 2: pg.326-328; Ref 1: pg.520-521) 6 Systems Investigation and Analysis (7 hrs) Identify the key participants in the systems development process and discuss their roles Define the term information systems planning and identify reasons for initiating a systems project Discuss the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of the traditional, prototyping, rapid application development, and end-user systems development List out the factors that influence the success or failure of a systems development project Identify and describe the tools that can be used to improve system development 7
State the purpose of systems investigation and system analysis 6.1 An Overview of Systems Development 6.1.1 Introduction (student manual) 6.1.2 Participants in Systems Development (Ref 1: pg.479-480) 6.1.3 Initiating Systems Development (Ref 1: pg.480-481) 6.1.4 Information Systems Planning 6.1.4.1 Aligning IS and Corporate Goals (Ref 1: pg.481-482) 6.1.4.2 Developing a Competitive Advantage (Ref 1: pg.482-483) 6.1.5 Establishing Objectives of Systems Development (Ref 1: pg.485-486) 6.2 Systems Development Life Cycles 6.2.1 The Traditional Systems Development Life Cycle (Ref 1: pg.487-488; Ref 2: pg.342-343) 6.2.2 Prototyping (Ref 1: pg.488-490; Ref 2: pg.343-344) 6.2.3 Rapid Application Development (Ref 1: pg.490-491; Ref 2: pg.344) 6.2.4 End User System Development (Ref 1: pg.491-492; Ref 2: pg.353) 6.2.5 Outsourcing Systems Development (Ref 1: pg.492-494) 6.3 Factors Affecting Systems Development Success 6.3.1 Degree of Change (Ref 1: pg.494-495) 6.3.2 Quality and Standards (Ref 1: pg.497) 6.3.2.1 6.3.3 Use of Computer-Aided Software Engineering(CASE) Tools (Ref 1: pg.500) 6.4 Systems Investigation 6.4.1 Initiating Systems Investigation (Ref 1: pg.502-503; Ref 2: pg.346) 6.4.2 Participants in Systems Investigation (Ref 1: pg.502) 6.4.3 Feasibility Analysis (Ref 1: pg.503-504; Ref 2: pg.346-347) 6.4.4 The Systems Investigation Report (Ref 1: pg.504-505) 6.5 Systems Analysis 6.5.1 General Analysis Considerations (Ref 1: pg.505) 6.5.2 Participants in Systems Analysis (Ref 1: pg.505) 6.5.3 Data Collection (Ref 1: pg.506-507) 6.5.4 Data Analysis (Ref 1: pg.507) 6.5.5 Requirements Analysis (Ref 1: pg.511-513) 6.5.6 The Systems Analysis Report (Ref 1: pg.514) 7 System Development (8 hrs) State the purpose of systems design Discuss the differences between logical and physical systems design Outline key concepts in interface design and system security control Describe the techniques used to make systems selection evaluations List the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing versus developing software State the purpose of systems implementation and discuss the various activities associated with this phase of systems development State the importance of systems and software maintenance and describe the activities involved Describe the system review process Discuss the importance of managing organizational change 8
7.1 System Design 7.1.1 Logical and Physical Design (Ref 1: pg.526-527) 7.1.2 Systems Design Considerations 7.1.2.1 Interface Design and Controls (Ref 1: pg.529-530) 7.1.2.2 Design of System Security and Controls (Ref 1: pg.531-534) 7.1.3 Generating Systems Design Alternatives (Ref 1: pg.535-536) 7.1.4 Evaluating and Selecting a System Design (Ref 1: pg.538-539) 7.1.5 The Contract (Ref 1: pg.540) 7.1.6 The Design Report (Ref 1: pg.540-541) 7.2 System Implementation 7.2.1 Hardware Acquisition (Ref 1: pg.542-543) 7.2.2 Software Acquisition 7.2.2.1 Externally Developed Software (Ref 1: pg.543-544) 7.2.2.2 Internally Developed Software (Ref 1: pg.544-545) 7.2.3 User Preparation (Ref 1: pg.546-547) 7.2.4 Hiring and Training of IS Personnel (Ref 1: pg.547) 7.2.5 Site Preparation (Ref 1: pg.547) 7.2.6 Data Preparation (Ref 1: pg.547) 7.2.7 Installation (Ref 1: pg.547-548) 7.2.8 Testing (Ref 1: pg.548-549) 7.2.9 Start-Up (Ref 1: pg.549) 7.2.10 User Acceptance (Ref 1: pg.550) 7.3 System Maintenance 7.3.1 Reasons for System Maintenance (Ref 1: pg.551) 7.3.2 Types of Maintenance (Ref 1: pg.553) 7.3.3 The Financial Implications of Maintenance (Ref 1: pg.553) 7.3.4 The Relationship between Maintenance and Design (Ref 1: pg.555) 7.4 System Review 7.4.1 Review Procedures (Ref 1: pg.556) 7.4.2 Factors to Consider During Systems Review (Ref 1: pg.557) 7.5 Managing Organisational Change (see student manual) 7.5.1 Involving End Users (Ref 2: pg.366-368) 7.5.2 Change Management (Ref 2: pg.368-369) 8 Security, Privacy, Ethical Issues and National Development (8 hrs) Describe some examples of waste and mistakes in an IS environment, their causes, and possible solutions Explain the types and effects of computer crime, along with measures for prevention Discuss the principles and limits of an individual s right to privacy Identify ethical dimensions and important ethical issues associated with the use of computers Explain how to address health issues associated with use of computers in the work environment Discuss ethical responsibilities of IT Managers and users in the work environment Identify types of security management strategies and defences and explain how they can be used to ensure the security of business applications of IT Discuss the role of IT in national development 9
8.1 Computer Related Wastes, Mistakes and Crime 8.1.1 Computer Related Wastes and mistakes (Ref 1: pg.576-577) 8.1.2 Preventing Computer Related Waste and Mistakes (Ref 1: pg.580-591) 8.1.3 Computer Crime (Ref 1: pg.580-,591) 8.1.4 Preventing Computer Crime (Ref 1: pg.591-597) 8.2 Ethical Issues 8.2.1 Overview of Ethical Dimensions (student manual) 8.2.2 Business and Technology Ethics (Ref 2: pg.380-382) 8.2.3 Privacy 8.2.3.1 Privacy Issues (student manual) 8.2.3.2 Internet Privacy, Laws and Regulations (Ref 1: pg.598-602, pg. 382-383) 8.2.3.3 Fairness in Information Use (Ref 1: pg.599) 8.2.4 Other Ethical Issues Associated with the Use of Computers in Work Environment 8.2.4.1 Employment Challenges (Ref 2: pg.393-394) 8.2.4.2 Computer Monitoring (Ref 2: pg.394-395) 8.2.4.3 Impact on Working Conditions (Ref 2: pg.395) 8.2.4.4 Effects on Individuality (Ref 2: pg.395) 8.2.4.5 Health Issues (Ref 1: pg.706-708; Ref 2: pg.395-396) 8.2.5 Ethical Guidelines for IT Professionals (Ref 2: pg.382-383; Ref 1: pg.606-607) 8.3 Security Management 8.3.1 Importance of Security Management (student manual) 8.3.2 Security Controls (Ref 2: pg.410-411) 8.3.3 Security Policy (Ref 2: pg.407-410) 8.3.4 Security Classification and Privacy (student manual) 8.3.5 Security Audit (Ref 2: pg.411-412) 8.3.6 Security Awareness (student manual) 8.4 Role of IT in National Development (Ref 3) 8.4.1 ICT Policy, Leadership and Institutional Development 8.4.2 Re-engineering Government 8.4.3 e-society 8.4.4 ICT HR Capacity Building 10