Information Systems Development

Module Title	Information Systems Development
Module Code	25-5019-00S
Semester of Delivery	See Module Information Table
Mandatory/Elective/Option	See Module Information Table
Level	5
Credit Points	20

Assessment Mode Weighting	Coursework	50%
	Examination	50%

Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None

Class Contact Hours
Average Weekly	2.5

Directed Learning
Average Weekly	10

Module Leader	Jean Lawrence
	Sheffield Business School
Module Banding	A
Approval Status	Validated

Rationale

In today's highly complex and competitive business environment, high quality information systems are critical to the success and competitive edge of an organisation.

In order to ensure that information systems are developed in line with business requirements stakeholders in the development process require a sound understanding of the various systems development approaches, tools and techniques that are required to manage and control these complex processes.

Summary of Aims

This module aims to provide the student with:

an understanding of the various systems analysis and design methodologies
the ability to apply the tools and techniques of systems analysis and design in the development of information systems
the ability to choose and apply a suitable systems analysis and design methodology
an understanding of the application of database management systems
practical experience in the use of relevant database applications software

Anticipated Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, the student should be able to:
Identify and explain the issues and problems inherent in the systems development process;
Apply project management techniques;
Distinguish between hard and soft systems analysis and design methodologies;
Select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools and techniques;
Explain relevant database structures and for each identify the relevant components;
Analyse an information system's requirements and using industry standard software, propose and develop a new database management system;
Explain the approaches to the development of the human computer interface suitable for differing user abilities;
Identify the risks associated with the systems development process and propose suitable control mechanisms;
Operate co-operatively with others in a group in order to produce a formal demonstration of the proposed system;

Assessment and Feedback Strategy

Assessment will comprise of coursework and a 2 hour examination.

The coursework will assess learning outcomes 2, 4,6 and 8.

The examination will assess learning outcomes 1,3,5,7 8.

Students will complete a group based systems development project (35% overall coursework mark) combined with an individual report that combines reflective self evaluation and an academic review of the approach taken to the development process (15% overall coursework mark).

Module Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcome	Assessment Method	Level descriptors
Learning Outcome	Assessment Method	Fail	Pass	2.2	2.1	First
Outcome 1	Exam	Little or no knowledge of issues and problems inherent in the development process	Some knowledge of issues and problems and some idea how they impact on organisations	Good knowledge of issues and problems and some idea how they impact on organisations	Good knowledge of issues and problems and a good appreciation as to how they impact on organisations	Extensive knowledge of issues and critical appreciation as to how they impact on organisations
Outcome 2	Coursework	Little or no knowledge of project management techniques, or the ability to apply them	Some knowledge of project management techniques, and some idea of how to apply them	Good knowledge of project management techniques, and some idea of how to apply them	Good knowledge of project management techniques, and a good appreciation of how they can be applied	Extensive knowledge of project management techniques. A clear, critical understanding of how different techniques are appropriate in different situations. Able to effectively select and use appropriate technique
Outcome 3	Exam	Little or no knowledge of hard or soft methodologies or how to distinguish a suitable choice depending on systems requirements	Some knowledge of hard or soft methodologies and demonstration of some ability to distinguish which to use depending on systems requirements	Good knowledge of hard or soft methodologies and demonstration some ability to distinguish which to use depending on systems requirements	Good knowledge of hard or soft methodologies and a good demonstration of the ability to distinguish which to use depending on systems requirements	Extensive knowledge of hard or soft methodologies and demonstration of a full ability to distinguish which to use depending on systems requirements
Outcome 4	Coursework	Little or no demonstration in the ability to select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools	Some demonstration in the ability to select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools	Able to demonstrate the ability to select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools	Good demonstration of the ability to select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools	Excellent demonstration of the ability to select and apply relevant systems analysis and design tools
Outcome 5	Exam	Little or no knowledge of relevant database structures or their associated components	Some knowledge of relevant database structures and their associated components	Adequate knowledge of relevant database structures and their associated components	Good knowledge of relevant database structures and their associated components	Extensive knowledge of relevant database structures and their associated components
Outcome 6	Coursework	Little or no ability in analysing, designing or setting up a computerised database management system. Little attention paid to users requirements	Some ability in analysing, designing or setting up a computerised database management system. Some attention paid to users requirements	Able to analyse, design and set up a computerised database management system. Attention is paid to users requirements	Able to analyse, design and set up a computerised database management system that is suitable for users requirements	Able to analyse, design and set up a highly effective computerised database management system that is suitable for users requirements and also considers other factors that user had not identified
Outcome 7	Coursework	Little or no knowledge of human computer interface issues, or their relevance to systems design	Some knowledge of human computer interface issues and their relevance to systems design	Good knowledge of human computer interface issues and their relevance to systems design. An awareness of how different interface designs are appropriate for different types of systems circumstances	Good knowledge of human computer interface issues and their relevance to systems design. Some evidence of a critical understanding of how different interface designs are appropriate for different types of systems circumstances	An extensive knowledge of human computer interface issues and their relevance to systems design. A clear critical understanding of how different interface designs are appropriate for different types of systems circumstances
Outcome 8	Exam	Little, or no knowledge of the risks associated with the operation of computerised information systems. Unable to propose suitable solutions	Some knowledge of the risks associated with the operation of computerised information systems. Some ability to propose suitable solutions	Good knowledge of the risks associated with the operation of computerised information systems. An ability to propose suitable solutions to various problems	Good knowledge of the risks associated with the operation of computerised information systems. Able to effectively propose suitable solutions to various problems	An extensive knowledge of the risks associated with the operation of computerised information systems. Able to effectively propose suitable solutions to various problems
Outcome 9	Exam Coursework	No evidence of group cohesion. Poor demonstration skills	Little evidence of group cohesion. Presented in an appropriate form - but weak demonstration skills	Evidence of group cohesion. Presented in an appropriate form - reasonable presentation skills	Evidence of group cohesion. Presented in an appropriate form - good demonstration skills	Evidence of excellent group dynamics. Presented in an appropriate form, in a professional manner.

Teaching and Learning Strategy and Methods

The module will be taught via a series of formal lectures linked to a programme of seminars and also by a series of computer workshops.

The seminar programme will utilise case studies and discussion groups in order to:

Encourage student centred learning;
Facilitate both individual and group work.

The workshop sessions will provide students with substantial hands-on experience in using an industry standard database package , to develop new information systems.

Indicative Content

Problems inherent in the systems analysis and design process
Project management techniques
Systems analysis and design methodologies - hard and soft systems
Tools and techniques used in systems analysis and design
Database structures and database management systems
Human computer interface issues
Systems development controls
Implementation techniques.

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