1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

forecasting problem (ie. differentiate between the
approaches of predictive, casual and more importantly
(for users and workers in the field of information
technology) qualitative forecasting (specifically
technological forecasting).
be able to carry out a technological forecasting exercise
and then, via the medium of a management report,
communicate the findings to the appropriate people;
to create an awareness of the strategies and problems of
innovation diffusion in industry
to develop skills to manage the innovation of
technology
Content
Topics include general introduction to forecasting
approaches, time based forecasting techniques, technological
forecasting, scenario analysis, latest development in IT and
emerging technologies, their diffusion through the
workplace and industry in general. Advantage will be taken
of local and visiting speakers. The selection of technologies
for examination is subject to developments at the time that
the subject is offered. It is anticipated that technologies in
such areas as communications and knowledge based
introduction and measuring the success of new technology.
Recommended Reading
Bails, D.G and Peppers, L.C. Business Fluctuations Forecasting
Methods and Applications, Eaglewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice Hall
1982.
Makridakis, S. and Wheelright, S.C. Forecasting Methods for
Management. 5th edn, New York, Wiley, 1989.
Tornatsky, L.G. and Fleischer, M. The Process of Technological
Innovation, Lexington Books, Massachusetts, USA, 1990.
Levine, L. Editor, Diffusion, Tranfer and Implementation of
Information Technology, Proc. IFIP TC8 Working Conference,
Software Engineering Institute, Canegie Mellon University,
Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 1994.
BT731 Project 1
25 credit Points 4 hours per week over I semester or
equivalent Prerequisites - nil Instruction: Supervised
reading, field work and individual consultation as required
Assessment: written qort and presentation 100%
A subject in the Master of Information Systems
Objectives
To provide a flexible program of study which allows the
student to undertake a special project. This would require
research into a topic which is relevant to the course but
alternative to the prescribed subjects in Stage 1 of the Master
of Information Systems degree.
Content
Students will work on an approved project under staff
supervision. Projects will usually require a literature survey
and a theoretical or experimental investigation. Students will
present their research results to staff and students in a school
seminar or equivalent.
References
There is no prescribed text. Students will be directed to
appropriate books and journal articles.
BT732 Project 2
25 credit Points 4 hours per week over 1 semester or
equivalent Prerequisites - nil Instruction: Supervised
reading, field work and individual consultation as required
Assessment: written report and presentation 100%
A subject in the Master of Information Systems
Objectives
To provide a flexible program of study which allows the
student to undertake a special project. This would require
research into a topic which is relevant to the course but
alternative to the prescribed subjects in Stage 2 of the Master
of Information Systems degree.
Content
Students will work on an approved project under staff
supervision. Projects will usually require a literature survey
and a theoretical or experimental investigation. Students will
present their research results to staff and students in a school
seminar or equivalent.
References
There is no prescribed text. Students will be directed to
appropriate books and journal articles.
BT733 Minor Thesis
50 credit points 4 hours per week over 2 semesters or
equivalent Prerequisites - Completion of 4 approved Stage 2
subjects Instruction: Supervised reading, field work and
individual consultation as required Assessment: - written
report and presentation 100%
A subject in the Master of Information Systems
0 b jectives
To provide an opportunity for students to develop
analytical, research and report writing skills while exploring
in depth a topic from either the Management or Technology
Streams.
Content
Students will work on an approved project under staff
supervision. Projects will require a literature survey and a
theoretical or experimental investigation. A preliminary
proposal of the project to be undertaken must be submitted
for approval by the management panel of the Masters
program and it is expected that topics will be related to the
current research interests of staff.
There will be a requirement for formal monthly reporting
by the candidates, both oral and written throughout the
project. Failure to meet satisfactory standards of progress
may preclude final submission for the Masters degree.
Students will present their research results to staff and
students in a school seminar or eauivalent. The thesis will
be examined by at least two examiners.
While developing their thesis proposal, students will attend
a course of study on research concepts and methodologies.
References
There is no prescribed text. Students will be directed to
appropriate books and journal articles.
Swinburne University of Technology 1997 Handbook 327