MM3101-Information systems and digital business

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Keiichi Nakata
Email: k.nakata@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Information systems are the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information. Digital business makes effective use of information systems to enable organisations to create value throughout the value chain. This module covers key concepts, theories, techniques, and issues in developing information systems solutions for digital business. It emphasises the importance of aligning business and IT strategies through an understanding of the structure and function of information processed by IT systems from both business and technical perspectives. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, and University of Reading Malaysia. 

Aims:

The aims of this module are to: 

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of information processed and presented by IT systems in decision-support and management within a business enterprise; 


• Acquire the ability of planning and implementing information systems to support digital transformation of organisations with the awareness of social and technological changes and advances. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On the completion of the course, the students will be able to: 

• understand the underpinning theory and methodology in business information systems; 


• assess the user requirements and suitable IT systems solutions 


• comprehend the key issues and approaches in alignment of business and IT strategies in businesses 


• critically assess the social and technological interplay in business 

Additional outcomes:

• Appreciation of relevant theory and methodology and their value in the development of information systems. 


• Ability of critical selection of appropriate methods and techniques for solving problems and devising IT solutions that aligns with business strategies. 

Outline content:

• Informatics, Information Systems and Digital Business


• Design Thinking 


• Organisations as Information Systems


• Aligning Business and IT Strategies


• Business Requirements Analysis


• Business Solutions Design


• IT Solutions Design


• Integrating IT Solutions into Organisations


• Ethical issues in information systems and digital business 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Project-based learning - Learning through completing a project 


• A mix of lectures, case studies, exercises and discussions in class.


• Through a project that involves developing an information systems solution to a problem. Students are expected to gain interest and awareness in issues surrounding the use of technology in business.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One project report of 15 pages of A4 to be submitted on the first day of the Summer Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Project topic proposal to be submitted in week 5 of the term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% in the written assignment.

Reassessment arrangements:

By re-submission of the assignment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: The following books are recommended for the module but they are also available in the Library:  

Bocij, P., Greasley, A. and Hickie, S. (2019) Business information systems: Technology, Development and Management for the Modern Business, 6th ed., Pearson (also available as an e-book at the Library) – RRP £54.99;  

Liu, K. and Li, W. (2015) Organisational semiotics for business informatics, Routledge (also available as an e-book at the Library) – RRP £36.99;  

Some might make use of Inter-Library Loan to obtain relevant articles for the coursework. The rates are available at http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/beyond-uor/inter-library-loans/lib-ill-cost.aspx 

Last updated: 30 March 2023