Information Systems Management MSc module details
Block 1
Business Analysis & Modelling
This module covers the theory and ethical practice of systems analysis and design. It also covers the analysis of possibly complex data storage requirements and the design of appropriate databases to meet those requirements.
This module covers the complete lifecycle of systems analysis and database specification from investigation of the problem domain and construction of system requirements and data models, though to mapping those models into a relational database environment. Theoretical issues relating to database technology, such as relational theory, modern non-relational data models (for example, the object data model and the multi-dimensional data model), and approaches to the handling of concurrency, recovery and security, are also discussed. Ethical issues regarding data protection, security and privacy will also be studied.
Block 2
Enterprise Architecture
This module covers business, theoretical and practical aspects of computer systems, operating systems and computer networks. This module discusses the methodologies and tools of modern software and network systems, applied to the IT, business strategy and business transformations. In addition, it covers aligning IT with business processes to achieve organisational goals and objectives, as well as using IT as a strategic business tool and an enabler to achieve digital business transformation. Consideration will be given to the ethical dimension regarding data governance and big data solutions.
Block 3
Digital Transformation
The main objective of the ‘Digital Transformation’ module is to cover the opportunities in transforming environmental aspects around us including businesses and, to demonstrate the great potential of Information Systems (IS) in digitalisation to support such a level of transformations. The module covers different areas of digital transformation such as (i) digital business strategies through the context, theories, services, processes involved in managing information systems within an organisation and, (ii) working culture in a digitized environment, (iii) knowledge as the main driver for digitalization and (iv) digital innovations and technologies like eCommerce information systems within an organisation.
The module stresses the importance of the effective management of IS and IT and frames the discussions in the context of the latest technical and managerial issues and current information systems research literature. It also enables students to develop a conceptual understanding and then examine the process of the eCommerce information systems.
Block 4
Human Factors, Research and Skills
This module introduces and explores the human factor issues that need to be considered when designing interactive systems and will provide the research expertise and skills that are critical to understanding the issues to consider when designing interactive systems. Critical to understand and identify those factors requires that research methods and methodologies (quantitative and qualitative, methods and paradigms) are studied. This will develop the student’s ability to consider the stages of research both regarding human factors, but also in line with their MSc Project. Students will pilot different methodologies such as questionnaires and interviews, and develop skills in data collection, interpretation and evaluation from a variety of perspectives. Students will gain the skills to apply these to their own original research for this module and for their dissertation.
Blocks 5 & 6
PGT Project
The aim of the project/dissertation is to provide students with the opportunity to carry out a self-managed in-depth study involving design, fact finding, analysis, synthesis and integration of complex ideas which are sometimes based on incomplete and contradictory data or requirements. The project is likely to demonstrate the application of skills acquired from the taught course to the solution to a particular problem or research topic. Normally the project is a self-contained piece of work of considerably greater depth than can be accommodated within a taught module and may reflect and build on the entire breadth of material studied by the student.