Business Information Systems

Credit Value: 10
Module Code:
Term(s) in which to be offered: Year 1 Term 1
Nominal hours: 100 hours
Status: Core
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None

Aims: Many traditional business processes have been transformed by the digital economy. This
course introduces students to information technologies that are used to create and enhance both
competitive positioning and effective management practices in business and commerce.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students completing the module will be able to:

1. Explain the concepts underpinning computer and information systems and outline their
roles in promoting business competitiveness;
2. Demonstrate and apply the core principles of computer-based information systems;
3. Outline and critically analyse the development and implementation of information
systems;
4. Discuss the importance of decision support systems, and apply the information systems
principles and concepts to specific business practices.

Learning and Teaching Strategies

The key concepts, methods and techniques will be introduced in lectures but students will be
expected to work cooperatively in groups and work on both individual and team activities. The
course may include the will incorporate case studies and the analysis of real world examples, and
may include guest speakers. Students will be given opportunities to present findings orally and
in written forms.

Content (topics)

No Topics
1 An Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations
Hardware: Input, Processing and Output Devices
2 Software: Systems and Applications Software
3 Organising Data and Information
Telecommunications, the Internet, Intranet and Extranets
4 Revision for Mid-Term Examinations
Mid-Term Examinations
5 Electronic Commerce and Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
6 Information (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS)
7 Specialised Business Information Systems
Systems Development
8
Class Presentation of Assignment
9 Security, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Information Systems and the Internet
 10 Revision

Assessments
Assessment Word count
Outcomes Type of Duration
Number Weighting (if
Assessed assessment (if exam)
coursework)

Mid-Term 1, 2 Closed-book 20%

2 hours
Examination
Written case-
3, 4 based analysis
Assignment 30% 1,000-1,500
and essay

Final 1, 2, 3, 4 Closed-book
50% 3 hours
Examination

Indicative readings including the followings (the latest editions should be used if they are
available):
Stair, R. & Reynolds, G. (2006) Fundamentals of Information Systems. 3rd ed. Thomson
Learning.

Laudon, K. & Laudon, J. (2006) Management Information System: Managing the Digital Firm.
9th ed. Prentice-Hall.

O’Brien, J. & Marakas, G. (2006) Management Information Systems. 7thed. McGraw

Hill.

O’Brien, J. (2005) Introduction to Information Systems. 12thed. McGraw-Hill.

Oz, E. (2004). Management Information Systems. 4thed. Thomson Learning.

Stair, R. & Reynolds, G. (2005) Principles of Information Systems. 7thed. Thomson Learning.

Schneider, G. (2005) Electronic Commerce. 6th ed. Thomson Course Technology

Turban, E., Rainer, R. & Potter, R. (2005). Introduction to Information Technology. 3rded. Wiley.