Information Management Techniques

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Two level two subjects from the following areas of study:

• COMP
• SWEN
• INFO
• SINF
• ISYS

None

None

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Aims

Knowledge is one of an organization’s most valuable assets. Since knowledge is derived from information, organizations need to manage and control their information and knowledge assets to achieve the most benefit from them. The exponential growth of information together with new developments in networking and collaboration technologies impact on ways in which information is managed and controlled. Topics include: the difference between data, information and knowledge; mechanisms and processes to classify, manage and control information and knowledge; security threats to these assets; strategies and countermeasures to protect information; best practice security governance and business continuity; and legal and ethical issues associated with information security and protection.

For Bachelor of Science students this is a required subject in the Informatics major and an elective subject in the Science Informatics major. This subject is available as a breadth subject for other Bachelor degrees and is an elective in the Working with Information breadth track.

Indicative Content

Techniques of analysis and design likely to be learned are: Soft System Methodology; Work Systems Analysis; Knowledge Management; Business Process Modelling Notation; Risk Assessment and Risk Management. Real world cases examined are likely to be in the following domains: banking; software industry; retail; creative/fashion industry; manufacturing; emergency management.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Discern data from information and information from knowledge
2. Select and apply appropriate information management mechanisms and techniques
3. Apply semantic aspects and structures to model information and knowledge
4. Understand security threats and the need to protect information and knowledge
5. Identify and propose security management principles and strategies to protect information and knowledge.

• A 1000 word analysis report (10%) supported by a 20-minute presentation (10%) by a group of 3 students, both due mid-semester, requiring approximately 20-25 hours of work per student.
• A 1000 word design report (10%) supported by a 20-minute presentation (10%) by a group of 3 students, both due towards the end of semester, requiring approximately 20-25 hours of work per student.
• Individual participation in seminar activities throughout the semester (10%), requiring approximately 10-13 hours of work.
• 2-hour examination held in the examination period (50%)

Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject students must obtain at least:

• 50% overall
• 25/50 in the examination
• 25/50 in the other components of assessment combined.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in the mid-semester assessments; ILO 3, 4 and 5 are addressed in the end of semester assessments. All ILOs are addressed in seminar activities through the semester.

None

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• An ability to synthesise information and communicate results effectively
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a project team
• In-depth critical and independent thinking and reflection skills
• An ability to solve problems and communicate solutions both orally and in writing.

Learning and Teaching Methods

The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, group presentations and team-based learning where a group of students will analyse the information manage needs or an organization and design an information management system. Outside class students will study theory and cases through reading and continuing their group activities.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides. The subject LMS site also contains links to recommended literature and other resources.

Careers/Industry Links

All organizations must manage their information in order to be effective. There is a large range of career opportunities for information managers, analysts and consultants both within and outside the IT industry. There will be one or two lectures from invited practitioners from industry.