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Managing Information

Systems:

Kensington College of Business:


STUDENT HANDBOOK

MODULE GUIDE

SRING SEMESTER 2011

Module Leader - Cilliers Diedericks


cilliers@kensingtoncoll.ac.uk

Assignment Due Date:

Thursday, 3rd March 2011 < 16.00pm

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CONTENTS Page

1. MODULE DEFANITION 3

2. MODULE TEACHING 4

3. INDICATIVE CONTENT 4

4. MODULE READING LIST: TEXT BOOKS 5

5. LECTURE SCHEME 6

6. METHODS OF WORKING 7

7. THE GROUND RULES 7

8. ASSESMENT METHOD AND WEIGHTING 7

9. COVER SHEET 8

10. THE ASSIGNMENT 9

11. TUTOR’S MARKING SCHEME 10

12. HARVARD REFERANCE SYSTEM 11

13. ASSIGNMENT CHEKLIST 14

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Title Code
KCB 03
Managing Information
Assessment This module will examine the importance of Information Systems (IS) in
One Coursework
assignment
every area of business, both internally and in relation to the external
environment. In addition, IS will be examined in the light of recent
developments in digital and Internet technologies and e-commerce. A
technical overview will be reinforced by an understanding of systems
analysis, design and IS/E-commerce strategies
Module Level & Level 7 [MASTERS] 15 CREDITS
Credit Rating
Pre-requisites NO PRE-REQUISITES

Aims
To understand the role and types of information systems in the modern competitive environment.
To understand the important issues in managing hardware and software components.
To appraise alternative methods of developing and managing new systems.
To use, manage, integrate and operate IT effectively as a strategic weapon.
Manage organisational change more effectively.
To understand and evaluate the role of Internet and digital technologies in transforming organisations
and business models.

Learning Outcomes Assessed in K C P T


this module
On successful completion of the module the student will be able
to:
L1 Identify major hardware and software used in modern businesses Yes
2 2

L2 Systematically analyse and critically evaluate the IT requirement Yes


of an organisation. 1 1 4 1
2 3 2
L3 Understand the importance of IT to organisation in gaining Yes
competitive advantage. 2 7

L4 Manage and develop the IT resource more effectively Yes


2

L5 Yes
Understand the interaction between IT and stakeholders 3

Module Definition Form

K– Knowledge and Understanding C –Cognitive Skills P– Practical Skills T– Transferable Skills

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The teaching and learning methods include:

Lecture sessions (1 hour long) that provide a concise explanation of the key concepts,
theories and practical issues of IS and e-commerce technologies.
The lectures will consist of PowerPoint summary slides allied to elaboration and
structured discussion where appropriate.
The lectures will be supplemented by a seminar session (Also 1. hour long) whereby
smaller groups will work on assignments, exercises and case studies to develop their
critical thinking.
The seminar sessions will also provide guidance in the preparation and structuring of
their coursework.
Individual private study guided by materials provided in lectures and seminars. This
should be reinforced by the students‟ personal learning styles.

Indicative Content

Basic concepts: An overall introduction to IS, the key types of hardware and software
applications.

IT in the Digital Economy: The importance of information. Defining the new concepts
of the information and knowledge revolution and information/knowledge management.

Management support systems: DSS, ES, AI, EIS and Data Warehousing
The role of networking and intranets. The evolution from electronic data inter-change
(EDI) to integrated e-commerce systems.

System Development: Systems analysis and design: The acquisition and development
of Information Systems and the initiation of systems development in the organisation.

Implementing and Managing IT: Managing change, BPR, TQM.


Strategic Information Systems for competitive advantage. Value chain and Porter‟s 5
forces model.
The role of E-commerce and the Internet. Value chain integration using e-commerce
systems, from supply chain management to efficient distribution. Accelerated
marketing systems.

Impact of IT on individuals and Society: Security, ethical and legal issues.

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Main Texts & Web Sources

Essential reading:

Management Information Systems 9e


T. Lucey, Visiting Professor at Aston Business School
ISBN-13: 9781844801268
eISBN-13: 9781844808304
ISBN: 1844801268
eISBN: 1844808300

Supplementary Reading:

1) Bocij, P. & Chaffey, D., (2005) Business Information Systems: Technology,


Development and Management in the E-business, Prentice Hall.
2) Chen, S., (2004) Strategic Management of E-business, J Wiley & Sons.
3) Laudon & Laudon, (2007) Management Information Systems, 10th Edition, Prentice
Hall.
4) Clarke Steve (2007); „Information Systems Strategic Management: an integrated
approach‟. ISBN 978-0-415-38187-1; Routledge Printing, Canada
5) Fattahi. R and Ebrahim Afshar (2006), „Added value of information and
information systems: a conceptual approach‟; Library Review Vol. 55 No. 2
6)Jackson D. Ford (1987); „Conceptual model of an integrated management,
Computers & Industrial Engineering Volume 13, Issues 1-4, 1987, University of
Tennessee, USA

Periodicals and WWW sources:

MIS Quarterly
Sloan Management Review,
CIO Magazine
Information and Management;
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Journal of Information Systems Management; Behavior and Information Technology
Journal of E-business
Journal of Electronic Commerce
Harvard Business Review
Wired Magazine
E-Business

www.brint.com: An excellent resource on e-commerce and IT related subjects


www.cnet.com: portal on IT, especially on hardware and software technologies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/ UK site with current articles on IT
http://www.computerweekly.co.uk/ An excellent site covering IS and IT news.
http://www.techweb.com/headlines_week/ IT news and information portal

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KCB LECTURE SCHEME
Course: MBA Group 1, 2 and 3.

Subject: Managing Information Systems

Lecturer: Cilliers Diedericks

Term: Spring 2011

WEEK DATE PRIVATE LECTURE Core Text


( Wednesday) STUDY Reading
1 12/01/11 Private Study Introduction: Chapters 1 &
Period IS in Global Business. 2
2 19/01/11 Private Study IS in Enterprise. Chapters 3 &
Period 4
3 26/01/11 Private Study IS, Organizations, Chapters 5 &
Period Management and 6
Strategy
4 02/02/11 Private Study Leadership, Chapters 7 &
Period Management and 8
Coordinating
5 09/02/11 Private Study Enterprise Chapters 9 &
Period Applications 10
6 16/02/11 Private Study Planning and Chapters 11
Period Decision Making & 12
7 23/02/11 Private Study Elements of Control Chapters 13
Period & 14
8* 02/03/11 Private Study Information and Chapters 15
Period Communication & 16
9 09/03/11 Private Study Influences on MIS
Period Design
10 TBA Private Study
Period

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METHODS OF WORKING:

Lectures must be attended. Weekly reading is essential!!!! You are likely to find
seminar work easier to accomplish if you have a copy of the lecture notes with you.
Seminars are essential for developing the required skills for the module.

On this module you are treated as an independent and autonomous learner. As


such, to succeed in the module you will need to read around your subjects; both in the
recommended texts and in relevant journals, think things through, reflect in a critical
way about your own transfer of knowledge to practice as well as that of organisations
you notice around you, solve problems, research topics and integrate your learning in a
coherent way. It is recommended that you match your university time for this
module with an equivalent
independent study period each week.

GROUND RULES & CONFIDENTIALITY

Success on this module requires that you develop a critical and reflective approach and
there will be opportunities for discussion.

To be a productive process it is vital that all students demonstrate levels of trust that
allow participants to reflect honestly on their work experiences. For this reason
participants are asked to adhere to „ground rules‟. All opinions and experiences that are
exchanged during the sessions should be treated in an appropriate and confidential
way.

Treat others with respect, for if you don‟t it is indicative of your personal being…

Assessment method and weighting

Assessment 1: 100% of marks

An individual written assignment of up to 3,500 words that will critically assess the information
needs of an organization or business.

*** Use Harvard Referencing system. (NO HRS = FAIL!!!!) You are ALL WARNED!!!

*** The deadline for submission is 4pm Thursday 3rd March 2011 . No late Submissions!!!

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Date Received By

Kensington College of Business


Assessment Cover Sheet
Please use Black biro and write on a hard surface when completing this form

Section A MUST be completed by the student and the form submitted with the assignment on or by the required submission date.
Please note that you should always keep a copy of your submission and your name must not appear anywhere on the
assignment.

A: Record of Submission and Plagiarism Declaration:

I declare that this assignment is my own work and that the sources of information and material I have used (including the
internet) have been fully identified and properly acknowledged as required in the referencing guidelines provided. You are
required to acknowledge that you have read the above statement by writing your student number(s) below:

KCB ID:

(If this is a group assignment, please provide the student numbers of ALL group members)
Course: Module Code/Title: Lecturer:

Intake:
Assignment Title and Tasks:

No. of pages submitted in Submission Date:


total including this page:
Is this a resit? Yes / No (Delete as applicable)

Copies submitted: a) One hard Copy b) One CD c) One Turn It In report (Tick as appropriate)

B: Assignment feedback to be completed by Module tutor:

Grading: 5 Excellent 4 Good 3 Average 2 poor 1 Unacceptable


Aspect 5 4 3 2 1
Concepts & Underpinning Theory
Application & use of relevant examples
Ability to recommend/justify points
Evaluation Techniques
Format and Presentation

Other Comments:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

All marks are subject to confirmation by the Examination Boards

Signature: Date: Mark awarded:

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Managing Information Assignment

An integrated MIS should achieve optimisation by performing the following three main
functions for the organisation that it is applied into:
a) Provide information across various departments
b) Facilitate decision making at the three tiers of management
c) Serve as efficient means for managing business processes
Organisations can either provide “service” or “manufactured goods” as their product or
more commonly a combination of both.

Due to our current success D&D International Enterprises* is considering new methods
of optimisation and expansion. We are therefore specifically looking at the role MIS and
how implementation can be utilised in setting up an online business.

For this report you are required to look at the application of the use MIS in other
“service” based or a “manufacturing” based organisations and critically evaluate how
this has helped them to improve their performance, followed by future
recommendations (1000 – 1500 words) how our organisation will implement and
manage a online business.

This is a 3000 word report and counts 100% of the assessment for the “Managing
Information” module of the MBA.

*** Use Harvard Referencing system. (NO HRS = FAIL!!!!) You are ALL
WARNED!!!

*** The deadline for submission is 4pm Thursday 3rd March 2011. No late
Submissions!!!

References:
Clarke Steve (2007); „Information Systems Strategic Management: an integrated
approach‟. ISBN 978-0-415-38187-1; Routledge Printing, USA & Canada
Fattahi. R and Ebrahim Afshar (2006), „Added value of information and information
systems: a conceptual approach‟; Library Review Vol. 55 No. 2, 2006 pp. 132-147

It is important that you retain a copy of any documents that you hand in for
assessment.
Deliverables:
1) A hard copy (printout) of your essay with a length of 3,000 words.
2) A soft copy (a digital version on a CD) of your essay plus the Turnitin report.

* D&D International Enterprises is a fictitious organization.

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Assessment - Grade Criteria

10 0-3 4-7 8-10


Introduction
The introduction must state an Poor or missing Adequate introduction Excellent introduction
aim and explicitly identify the introduction which briefly outlines the which concisely outlines
relevant arguments and areas topic the topic
to be addressed.

30 0-12 13-21 21-30


Discussion of the three functions
The contents must clearly Limited relevance to the Addressed the aims of the Clearly relevant.
relate to the three functions area of study and practice. area of study with some Original and creative.
described. Does not meet the originality and creativity. Application and integration
The contents must clearly theoretical learning Applied to practice. of
relate to an organisation. activities. Does not meet all the knowledge to practice.
Knowledge and understanding theoretical learning Meets all the theoretical
must be applied to the study. outcomes. learning outcomes.
40 0-15 16-29 30-40
Critical Evaluation
The study must be clearly Poor organisation and Attention paid to the Good structure and
structured and presented. structure. structure and presentation and
There should be a clear critical Lack of Critical Evaluation organisation/coherence. coherently expressed.
analysis and synthesis of Evidence of discussion Widely discussed.
issues, which are well and critical evaluation Good levels of analysis,
integrated and evaluated, as comparison and critical
appropriate. evaluation.
These areas, once identified
must be followed up logically
in the main body of the study.
There must be a firm
conclusion of the areas
discussed.
10 0 4-8 9-10
Clarity of Expression

Quality of referencing
Areas must be clearly Vague, over simplistic, Meaning clear. Articulate and fluent.
expressed, articulate and does not get to the point. Spelling and/or grammar Good spelling and
fluent. Accurate spelling and Poor spelling and need some improvement. grammar.
grammar. grammar. Most sources cited. All key sources cited.
All key sources must be cited, Main key sources not Consistent and accurate Consistent and accurate
and a consistent and accurate cited. use of an accepted use of an accepted
use of an accepted referencing Limited or no use of an referencing system. referencing system.
system must be maintained. HSR referencing system
= Fail !!!!!
10 0 4-9 10
Essay and Turnitin Report on CD-
Rom
Blank CD-Rom Incomplete CD-Rom Complete CD-Rom

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REFERENCING USING THE HARVARD SYSTEM

It is not enough for you to state that you have read a number of texts in the
preparation of your assignment; it is important to show how and where you have used
your sources within the assignment itself.
Referencing allows you to do this and ensures that you avoid plagiarism.
The finest source of reference is the peer reviewed journal since it will be current and
reliable as it has been peer reviewed. The least reliable source is the website and these
should be kept to a minimum with no more than two or three appearing in a list of 30
references.
Tabloids, the Metro, the Evening Standard or Wikipedia are not acceptable references
and you should trace any of their material to the original source and quote this.
Equally you cannot quote a lecture unless you are citing the lecturer‟s published book
or journal.

Three points are important when referencing with the Harvard Referencing System

 Acknowledge the work by other people that you have used in your assignment
 Offer enough information to allow the reader to follow up your reference, and
access it for themselves
 All references should appear as a (name, date) in the text and in full on the
Reference list.

CURRENT REFERENCES (THIS CENTURY!)


References should be current 2008+ and preferably post 2009. If you are using an
older model then quote the original date followed by a recent journal article which
mentions it to show that it is still part of the contemporary debate. For example Kolb‟s
learning cycle would be (Kolb, 1974; Simmonds 2009) and both would be listed
separately on your reference list.

Referencing in the text itself with the Harvard Referencing System


You can demonstrate how you have used sources in your assignment through
appropriate referencing in the text itself. The Harvard system uses the authors
surname and year of publication as the main way to identify documents within the text.
Here are some practical examples of referencing within the text.

 For a single author:


e.g. It has been shown that……… (Jones, 2009)
e.g. Jones (2009) shows that…….
 For something written by two people:
e.g. The main features of …. have been identified as…..(Jones and Brown,
2010)

 For papers written by more than two authors:


e.g. Smith et al (2010) indicate that …….
The full list of authors must appear in the reference section at the back

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 For corporate authors, for instance a consultancy report:
e.g. Key issues for Anderson industries were….. (Anderson plc, 2008)
 For publications with no obvious author, such as ACAS
e.g. Key stages in the discipline process are……. (ACAS, 2009)

QUOTATIONS

When you quote directly from a source you should place the quotation in inverted
commas and the page number should be given in the reference.
e.g. “The employment relationship is central to personnel and development,
whether in terms of the direct employment of staff by an organisation, or the
subcontracting of work to external bodies”. (Marchington and Wilkinson,
2010:7)
Direct quotations should be kept to a minimum as paraphrasing is preferred with the
reference (name,date) in brackets after it. A direct quote always requires a page
number.

REFERENCING IN THE REFERENCE SECTION USING THE HARVARD


SYSTEM

The Reference section follows the end of your assignment text (but comes before
any appendices). This is where you list the publications you have referred to in full
and in alphabetical order. The following information should be provided to allow
anyone to follow up your reference and access it accurately:
 Author‟s surname and initial(s)
 Year of publication
 Title of book (or article) either underlined or italicised (or italicised)
 Publisher of the book (or journal in which the article was found)
 Place of publication (eg London, New York, Paris)

EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES ON THE REFERENCE LIST -


MAINLY JOURNALS PLEASE!
[You will mostly be using journal articles for your research]

 Reference to an article in a journal:


[You will mostly be using journal articles for your research]

Riusala, K. and Suutari, V. (2008) Expatriation and careers: perspectives of


expatriates and spouses. Career Development International Vol.5. No. 2 pp 81-90

NB– where the journal has volume numbers and part numbers these should be
clearly shown – page numbers of an article should be given wherever possible

 Reference to a book
Bloisi, W. (2008) Management and Organisational Behaviour (2nd European Edn.)
McGraw Hill.

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 Reference to a booklet
Department for Education and Employment (2009). Delivering Skills for All:
Second Report of the Skills Task Force. HMSO, London.

 Reference to the work of someone cited in a different source (such as a text-


book).
McGregor, D. (1960), The Human side of Enterprise. cited in Bloisi, W. (2009)
Management and Organisational Behaviour (3rd European Edn.) McGraw Hill. & then
give the page number where you found it

 Reference to a particular chapter in an edited book:


OSullivan, N. (2009) The Future of Work in Matthewman, L., Rose, A. and
Hetherington, A. (eds.) (2009) Work Psychology . Ch 16. pp 348-367. OUP England

Reference to an item found on the internet. Should be cited in the text as (Web
1), (Web 2) etc with a fresh number for each reference. The bibliography
should then list them separately. If the same Web page is used on different
dates as a regular source of information then the date should also be included
in the reference e.g. (Web 1, 22/3/10) then (Web 1, 24/3/10) on subsequent
occasions.

They need not be alphabetical order.


This should include the fact that the item was accessed on-line & when

e.g. Web1, (1999) „Pay and Conditions in Call Centres‟, available at


http://www.incomesdata.co.uk/callcent/htm Accessed 23 October 2008

Graphs, charts and tables


Graphs, charts and tables should be numbered in sequential order with the
data source shown beneath them. For example:

Table 1.1 Percentage of unemployed builders in Carmarthenshire and


Pembrokeshire 1999-2001

1999 2000 2001


Year
Carmarthenshire 23 27% 19%
%
Pembrokeshire 14% 38% 8%
Source: Welsh Employment Statistics (2002)

*** Remember all graphs, charts and tables MUST be sited in the back!

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NB Date of access is crucial for all websites although websites
should be your least frequent reference and peer reviewed
journals your preferred source.

REMEMBER:

*** Use Harvard Referencing System. (NO HRS = YOU FAIL!!!!)

You are ALL WARNED!!!

*** The deadline for submission is 4pm Thursday 3rd March 2011. No late
Submissions!!!

ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST

Cover Sheet
Module Title & Code
Lecturer‟s name
Student Number
1 x Paper copy of report
1x Turnitin report attached
1x Memory stick or disc in envelope attached to the report (non-returnable)

No turnitin report = no mark!!!!

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