Module overview
This module helps students to appreciate the central importance of technology in the development of business organisations, industrial sectors, and national economies more generally - ‘from steam engines to search engines’. The module will locate industrial technology and innovation as the main driver of economic growth during the period of ‘digital age’ (post-industrial) development between 1950 - present. The module will provide students with an appreciation of major international trends and breakthroughs in technological innovation and production that have taken place since World War II.
‘the digital age’ is distinctive in linking breakthroughs in information and communication technology (ICT) from the 1950s to the present with the developments in business information systems, management practices and consumer behaviour. Student will examine the history of computer hardware and software, and the process of implementing ICT applications into various business sectors and government agencies. Students will also examine how computer networks and the Web led to the rapid growth of new product markets and services industries, new business models, organisational structures and relationships between organisations and customers. In addition to appreciating the impact of the digital age of the business world students will also gain a valuable introduction to some of the tools of computer software, including concepts of relational databases and software programming. This will allow students to build a foundation on which to take specialist modules in software programming, web design, web science and data analytics in parts 2 and 3 of their degree programme.
By the end of the module students will have an understanding of how technology (with particular focus on ICT), economy, society, and the natural world are interrelated, and how a mix of government and private organisations, profit and not-for-profit enterprises shape economic growth.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the intimate relationship between scientific knowledge, technological application and business productivity;
- the major events in the history of computing and digital technology between 1950 – present, including General Purpose Technologies, infrastructure, open source movement;
- the salience of understanding the influence of technology on the structure and dynamics the business world.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- appreciate the impact of computer technology for economic growth, business operations and management practices;
- appreciate the impact of key technology clusters, in particular Silicon Valley, and university-technology linkages in the development of digital industries;
- relate commercial/economic objectives to technical processes;
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurs and technological change.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- conduct independent historical and bibliographical research using a range of information sources.
- manipulate basic digital data structures in programming interfaces and write basic programming commands;
- write well-crafted essays and present them in a well-structured manner;
- demonstrate sound digital literacy, including knowledge of data security and privacy;
Syllabus
The topics covered in this module will include:
- Information, (types of) information systems, information technology, and their role in the organisation; IS and IT strategy.
- IT infrastructure: hardware, software, telecommunications and networks.
- Database management: the database management approach; data analysis techniques; relational databases; database applications and architectures; SQL.
- Information systems development: the systems development life cycle; structured analysis and design techniques; alternative development methodologies.
- Introduction to e-business.
- Introduction to business intelligence.
- Digital literacy, including web searching, use of social media, online privacy and ethics.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Interactive case studies
- Problem-solving activities
- Directed reading
- Private/guided study.
Learning activities include:
- Introductory lectures
- Individual written coursework to deepen learning in a specific topic of the module chosen by you)
- Case study/problem solving activities
- In class debate and discussion
- Private study
- Use of video and online materials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Revision | 16 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
| Follow-up work | 58 |
| Completion of assessment task | 22 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Bocij, P., Greasley, A. & Hickie, S. (2015). Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business. FT Prentice Hall.
Laudon, K. C. & Laudon, J. P. (2014). Essentials of Management Information Systems. Pearson Education.
Curtis, G. & Cobham, D (2008). Business Information Systems: Analysis, Design and Practice. FT Prentice Hall.
Assessment
Formative
Formative assessment description
Coursework In-class activitiesSummative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual assignment | 100% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat
Repeat assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External