Foundations of Information Systems

Subject 615-110 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Scheduled class meetings and independent study, supported by lecture notes, audio recordings (where available) in consultation with an allocated staff member.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 12 hours of scheduled class meetings, plus additional consultation time.
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Students may not gain credit for both this subject and any of 615-120 (prior to 2004), 103-100, 103-001 or 103-002.
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Reeva Lederman
Subject Overview:

The subject presents the foundations of information systems. The subject focuses on conceptual (systems thinking), organisational (culture and competitiveness), economic (cost structures), managerial (outsourcing and strategic processes), and societal (legal, ethical and security issues) aspects of information systems.
Objectives:

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • view the organisation as an information processing system designed to manage environmental uncertainty;

  • discuss the use of IS for automation, integration, organisational learning, reengineering, and strategy;

  • understand the economic characteristics of the information economy;

  • explain the operating, managerial and strategic processes associated with IS management; and

  • describe the ethical concerns associated with information privacy, accuracy, intellectual property, and accessibility.
Assessment:

A group project (of 3-4 members) of 2000 words due during the semester (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%); an individual assignment of 1500 words due during the semester (20%); an individual assignment based on class work during the semester (10%); Satisfactory completion of the examination and attendance of at least 80% of scheduled class meetings is necessary to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

In addition to these subject-related skills, students should acquire or extend other valuable, generic skills. These include:

  • problem-solving skills; and

  • working in teams to allocate duties and achieve specified goals.
Notes:

Commerce degree students are not permitted to enrol in this subject, except BCom/BIS students, where this subject is a core component.

This subject is only available by invitation from the Head of Department.

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