Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for MSc Business Information Technology 1. Programme title Business Information Technology 2. Awarding institution Middlesex University 3. Teaching institution Middlesex University and University of Nicosia 4. Programme accredited by NA 5. Final qualification MSc 6. Academic year 2009/2010 7. Language of study English 8. Mode of study Part-Time 9. Criteria for admission to the programme The principal criteria for admission are that entrants are capable of working at postgraduate level and are able to succeed at, and benefit from, the programme. The following would normally be considered appropriate entry qualifications: An Honours Degree in a discipline related to the programme, such as relevant numerate subjects or those providing a significant exposure to Information Technology, or An Honours Degree together with employment or professional experience in a field relevant to the programme and at an appropriate level in the field. International students whose first language is not English or who have not been taught in the English medium throughout must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper based) 233 (computer based) 90 (internet based test). For further information, visit the learning resources web site at: http://www.lr.mdx.ac.uk/lang/index.htm. 10. Aims of the programme This programme aims to : Instil an understanding of theories that are imported from different disciplines to underpin the development of Information Technology and Information Systems in business and social contexts; these theories include Cognitive Psychology, Systems Theory, Organisational Theory and Discrete Mathematics Equip students with the knowledge and skills required to identify and evaluate those situations where Information Technology can make a valuable contribution to business and to society at large Develop an awareness of the impact that IT can have in organisations in a globalised context Develop an awareness of information systems development issues and enable students to make informed choices on specific Information Development technologies, methods and tools
Further the personal and professional development of students 11. Programme outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of : 1. Critically evaluate IT needs in complex organisational contexts, making effective use of relevant systems theory according to the context 2. Identify the major management challenges to building and using Information Systems 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the commercial possibilities of the Internet and the Web and their social implications 4. Demonstrate understanding of Computer networks and the Internet as enabling technologies, including the theoretical underpinnings of computer networks and their topologies 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underlying object-oriented development and implementation, such as the theory of abstraction 6. Differentiate between the major types of AI applications in management decision making 7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of managing industrial data B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Apply IT techniques and solutions in an area pertinent to the student s own working and/or organisational background and interests 2. Draw up a system requirements specification and model a problem Teaching/learning methods Students learn knowledge, gain understanding and develop cognitive skills and abilities through self directed, resource based learning, small group discussions, small group and individual exercises, lab sessions, demonstration software, on-line examples and the research project. Weekly seminar sessions supported by the Local Study Centre Tutor(s) provide the opportunity to address questions, queries and problems. Throughout their studies students are encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Critical evaluation and selection of methods, tools and solutions engage the students in relating theory to practice. Assessment Method Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by: Group and individual coursework, presentations and the unseen examination and the project thesis assess students knowledge and understanding. Outcomes l, 2 and 3 are assessed by group courseworks and unseen examination. Outcomes 4, 5, 6 and 7 are assessed by a mixture of individual and group coursework, as well as unseen examinations. Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. These abilities are also nurtured through small group discussions, small group and individual exercises, laboratory sessions, demonstration software, on-line problem-solving examples and the research project
situation using industry standard methods and techniques 3. Design and develop both static and interactive Web pages and critically evaluate web sites 4. Implement a specified information system using toolkits for user-centred methods and contemporary technologies 5. Develop and configure systems harnessing the hardware to ensure secure usage of computer networks and the Internet C. Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Select and use a variety of modes of discourse for effective communication, including mathematical, graphical, written and oral, according to the needs of the intended audience 2. Perform effectively as a member of a team in complex and diverse working environments such as arise where members of a team are brought together from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of European or global integration 3. Transfer advanced techniques and solutions from one specialised field of computing to another and from one complex problem situation to another 4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of, and the ability to deploy effectively, a wide range of learning methods resources and technologies, including, but not limited to, Information and Communication Technologies 5. Manage their own learning and development autonomously, demonstrating time management and organisational skills at a professional level 6. Demonstrate self-direction and Assessment Method Students cognitive skills are assessed by Students practical abilities are principally assessed through coursework reports and the thesis report, with examination questions addressing aspects of practical abilities as appropriate to the subject material. Outcomes 1, 2 and 4 are assessed through group coursework based on a case study and through the practical part of the project. Outcomes 3, 4 and 5 are assessed through individual coursework assignment and the research project. Teaching/learning methods Students learn transferable skills through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. Although not all the skills are explicitly taught, they are nurtured and developed throughout the programme, which is structured and delivered in such a way as to promote this process. Assessment Method Students transferable skills are assessed as follows: Outcome 1 is assessed through coursework, reports, examinations, presentations and the project report. Outcome 2 is assessed through group coursework and reports. Outcome 3 is assessed primarily through examinations. Outcome 4 is assessed through coursework Outcomes 5 and 6 are assessed primarily through the research project report. Outcomes 6 and 7 are assessed through individual coursework involving critical analysis and presentation of relevant current research issues.
originality in learning and problemsolving in familiar and unfamiliar situations 7. Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme Part Time Mode - Autumn Term start. Autumn Term 2009/2010 (AT) BIS4430 Web-Based Information Systems Management CW then Exam WT Winter Term (2009/2010) (WT) BIS4435 Industrial Data Management for Decision Support CW then Exam WT Spring Term (2009/2010) (ST) CMT4440 Software Development CW then Exam ST Autumn Term (2010/2011) (AT) CCM4300 CMT4440 Computer Software Networks, Development Wireless and Mobile Communications Systems CW then Exam WT Winter Term (2010/2011) (WT) BIS4992 Postgraduate Computing Project 100% CW Please note that students will start the programme with whatever module is running in the term they enrol
12.2 Levels and modules All modules on this programme (4 taught modules and a project) are at Level 4. BIS4992 Postgraduate Computing Project is worth 60 credits, and all other modules are 30 credits each. Compulsory (students must take all of the following): CMT4440 - Software Development BIS4430 - Web based Information Systems Management BIS4435 - Industrial Data Management for Decision Support CCM4300 - Computer Networks, Wireless and Mobile Communication Systems BIS4992 - Postgraduate Computing Project* *Students must pass all taught modules before they can progress onto the project 12.3 Non-compensatable modules Module level Module code No modules excluded from consideration for compensation. University regulations on compensation will apply.
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules This map shows the learning outcomes of the programme and the modules in which they are assessed Year Module Code 4 Computer Networks, Wireless and Mobile Communication Systems A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 CCM4300 Software Development CMT4440 Web based Information Systems Management Industrial Data Management for Decision Support Postgraduate Computing Project* BIS4430 BIS4435 BIS4992 *Other learning outcomes assessed will depend on the nature of the individual project, typically including one or more of A3 A7 and one or more of B3 B5 *Other learning outcomes assessed will depend on the nature of the individual project, typically including one or more of A3 A7 and one or more of B3 B5 MSc Business Information Technology supported by the University of Nicosia 2009/2010 7
14. Information about assessment regulations Information on how the University formal assessment regulations work, including details of how award classifications are determined, can be found in the University Regulations at www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations/. Theoretical material is normally assessed by coursework only at levels 0 and 1 and normally by a combination of both coursework and examination at level 4. Grades are awarded on the standard University scale of 1 20, with Grade 1 being the highest. To pass a module all components, both coursework and examination, must be passed individually with a minimum grade of 16. Failure in one of the components will result in the failure of the module. For additional information on assessment and how learning outcomes are assessed please refer to the individual module narratives for this programme. 15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable) Not applicable to IGI. 16. Future careers All programmes in the School of Engineering and Information Sciences their curricula and learning outcomes have been designed with an emphasis on currency and the relevance to future employment. Campus Careers Offices can be found on each campus for advice, support and guidance or go to www.intra.mdx.ac.uk/annex/careers/coreered.htm The majority of graduates are employed in IT posts relevant to the subject. Over 20% of students pursue further postgraduate study or research. The School has an Industrial Advisory Group which meets to advise and inform the School. The employer links with the School are encouraged and take part in a number of ways: by inviting practitioners from industry as guest speakers in lectures; through links with companies where students are employed as part of their Industrial placement and alumni both in the UK and overseas. 17. Particular support for learning The School s Teaching and Learning Strategy is compliant with those of the University, in seeking to develop learner autonomy and resource-based learning. In support of the students learning experience: All new students go through an induction programme. Students are allocated a personal email account, secure networked computer storage and dial-up facilities New students are provided with Programme Handbook at enrolment New and existing students are given module handbooks for each module they study. Soft copies of all module handbooks can be found on Oasis. Web-based learning materials are provided to further support learning Extensive library facilities are available on all campuses. The University of Nicosia Link tutor and MU Link tutor will offer advice and support to students. High-quality specialist network, software, digital and wireless laboratories equipped with industry standard software, hardware and tools as appropriate, for MSc Business Information Technology supported by the University of Nicosia 2009/2010 8
formal teaching as well as self-study. Middlesex University is a Cisco Local Academy and a Xilinx University partner For assistance and guidance in support of particular learning needs students should contact the Link Tutor. The Link tutors are available to offer personal academic advice and help. Tutorial sessions for each module organised for groups of up to 20 students are provided for additional teaching support Formative feedback is given on completion of student coursework Past exam papers with solutions and marking schemes for all modules are available for students in module handbooks and at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs/index.htm Research activities of academic staff feed into the teaching programme, which can provide individual students with ad-hoc opportunities to work with academics on some aspect of research Middlesex University encourages and supports students with disabilities. Some practical aspects of Engineering and Information Sciences programmes may present challenges to students with particular disabilities. You are encouraged to visit your institution at any time to evaluate facilities and talk in confidence about your needs. If we know your individual needs we ll be able to provide for them more easily. 18. JACS code (or other relevant coding G500 19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) Computing 20. Reference points The following reference points were used in designing the programme: QAA Computing subject benchmark statement QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland QAA/QAAS guidelines for programme specifications QAA Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in HE University s Regulations Module Narratives British Computer Society (BCS) Guidelines for Exemption and Accreditation Middlesex University and School of Engineering and Information Sciences Teaching, Learning and Assessment policies and strategies. University policy on equal opportunities. 21. Other information Middlesex University has formal links with 250 institutions world-wide, including student exchange agreements with more than 100 institutions. Currently a number of students both from the UK/EU and overseas take part in such exchanges. For further details please visit http://www.europe.mdx.ac.uk/ or contact Elli Georgiadou, the School of Engineering and Information Sciences coordinator of European Affairs & International Exchanges (email: e.georgiadou@mdx.ac.uk). MSc Business Information Technology supported by the University of Nicosia 2009/2010 9
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulation MSc Business Information Technology supported by the University of Nicosia 2009/2010 10