1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

describe how computers are used in large organisations,
including centralised processors, distributed systems and
networked PCs;
understand basic communications terminology and
describe some currentlv used communication services
and products;
describe alternative methods of systems development
and means of obtaining information for analysis of
reauirements;
understand the social implications of computerisation.
Textbooks
To be advised
Recommended reading
Behan, K. and Holmes, D. Understanding Information Technology.
2nd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, 1990
BT404 Computer Programming
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: prior to
beginning this subject students are not expected to have any
previous experience with computers or information
technology. Assessment: to be advised
v, A subject in the Graduate Certificate in Business
Information Technology
5
Objectives and Content
This subject aims to give students an understanding of the
principles and practice of commercial programming.
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
describe the programming process, from problem
definition through to program testing;
discuss the ~rinci~les of structured programming;
explain the importance and philosophy of testing;
design a logical structured solution to a problem using
various algorithm techniques;
read, understand, modify, and debug COBOL programs;
design, write, test, and document attractive, wellstructured
programs in COBOL.
Topics covered include the following:
program structure
data structure
algorithm design
data validation
arrays and tables
sequential files
reporting
indexed files
strings
testing
Recommended reading
Grauer, R.T. Structured Cobol Programming. Englewood Cliffs,
N.J., Prentice Hall, 1985
Juliff, P. Program Design. 3rd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, New
York, 1990
Stern, N. and Stern, R.A. Structured Cobol Programming. 7th edn,
New York, Wiley, 1994
Topping, A.L. and Gibbons, LL. Programming Logic: Structured
Design. Chicago, SRA, 1985
BT405 Information Systems Strategies
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite BT403
Assessment: to be advised
A subject in the Graduate Certificate in Business
Information Technology
Objectives
The aim of this subject is to provide students with a
thorough understanding of the varying information
needs of an organisation and the various methods which
are appropriate to meet those needs.
-- -
Particular emphasis will be placed on the need to
understand the data available in and to an organisation
and how it can be used to provide relevant information
reliably and efficiently.
Content
Topics covered include:
types of decisions, types of information;
types of information systems, transaction processing,
management information systems, executive
information systems, decision support systems, expert
systems;
retrieving data, processing and presenting it - SQL;
networks - centralised, decentralised distributed
processing;
strategic and tactical issues of networks and E.D.I.;
developing an information strategy including the use of
modelling;
managing end user computing;
internal controls and security; crime, fraud, theft, piracy
and sabotage;
improving, refurbishing, redeveloping, existing systems;
using technology for operational, tactical and strategic
advantage.
Recommended reading
Cashmore, C. and Lyall, R. Business Information Systems and
Strategies. New York, Prentice Hall, 1991
McNurlin, B.C. and Sprague, R.H. Jr. Information Systems
Mamgement in Practice. 3rd edn, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice
Hall, 1993
Nelson, R.R. End-User Computing, Concepts, Issues and
Applications, New York, John Wiley, 1989
Panko, R.R. End User Computing Management Applications and
Technology. New York, Wiley, 1988