Andes
Thank you so much
Introduction
The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary business information technology (IT) systems and how organisations develop and continuously review their IT strategy in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Students will explore the areas of business that benefit from the support of IT systems and how organisations are using IT as a driver for business improvement.By the end of this unit students will be able to critically analyse the application of current and future technologies and suggest best solutions for an organisation.
Learning outcomes
LO1 Demonstrate understanding of the role of different IT systems in support of organisational objectives
The role of IT systems:
- The role of IT in knowledge management, data management and customer service management
- The impact of IT systems and their contribution to solving business problems.
- The impact of IT systems on the functions and structure of organisations to support meeting organisational objectives.
LO2 Analyse flexible and reliable IT systems that respond to organisational requirements
Types of IT systems:
- Use of different types of IT systems (e.g. transaction processing, customer relationship, business intelligence, knowledge management) and their roles in relation to meeting business objectives and improving operational efficiency.
Types of information and data:
- Layers of information systems: services, integration, security and analytics.
- Corporate database management systems, data management and characteristics of data within organisations.
- Types and flow of information within an organisation.
- Data protection and confidentiality.
Reliability of IT systems and data quality:
- The importance of ensuring accurate and appropriate data collection.
- Quality assurance and control measures used to ensure data quality on entry and after data collection.
LO3 Evaluate IT systems that support value-added change within organisations
Project management methodologies and strategies to create value and competitive advantage:
- Project management methodology for achieving specific goals.
- Value creation strategy, competitive advantage, make or buy decisions.
- Cost and benefit analysis.
IT support for value-added change:
- New and existing approaches to improving IT position and impact on other business areas providing value-added services.
- System development tools and techniques
LO4 Recommend practical IT systems solutions to given organisational scenarios
IT systems support for problem-solving:
- Problem-solving using decision-making models (e.g. decision support, group decision, artificial intelligence) and IT systems application.
- The use of IT systems to support the storing and managing of data, information sharing, communication, security and gaining a competitive edge.
Monitoring and evaluating IT systems:
- Effective monitoring and evaluation of IT systems and their impact on organisations.
Resources
- BENYON-DAVIES, P. (2013) Business Information Systems. 2nd Ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
- BOCIJ, P. (2008) Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business. 4th Ed. London: Prentice Hall.
- TURBAN, E. et al (2015) Information Technology for Management: Advancing Sustainable, Profitable Growth. 10th Ed. Oxford: Wiley.
