1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

BT521 End User Computing
Credit points - 12.5 3 hours per mek over I semester
Prerequisite - BTS04 Introduction to Information Techology
~nstru-ction: lecture/tuto&l/laboratory Assessment: -
examination (60%) and assignment (40%)
Objectives
The subject aims to enable students to understand the
development process for business systems and to apply
techniques to the development of end-user systems. The
emphasis moves on from the BT504 Introduction to
Information Technology aim of understanding the
technology, to an identification and evaluation of the
technological solutions which may be applied to business
problems. The subject also aims to enhance skills in the
verbal and written presentation of system studies.
Content
Business computing is studied from the user's point of view
rather than from that of the Information Systems
Department.
Hands-on exercises are used to build upon the practical skills
gained in first year, with emphasis on the utilisation and
evaluation of business packages. Skills previously developed
with business software packages will be enhanced and
extended.
Textbooks
To be advised.
References
A detailed reading guide will be issued for each topic and will
include articles from industry journals and newspapers. Also
included will be:
Cushing, B.E. and Fomney, M.B. Accounting Information Systems,
6th edn, Reading, Mass., Addison Wesley, 1994
Shore, B. Introduction to Computer Information Systems. New
York, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1988
Wilkinson, J.W. Accounting and Information Systems. 3rd edn,
New York, John Wiley, 1991
BT522 Business Computing Applications
Credit points - 12.5 3.5 hours per week over I semester
Prerequisite - BTS04 Introduction to Infomtion Techology
Instruction: lecture/tutorial/laboratory Assessment: a major
group assignment (40%) and one final exam (60%)
Objectives
The unit covers the relationships and distinctions between
the different types of application systems within the
business environment, with major emphasis on computerbased
information systems. The unit explores in detail
typical business systems and involves spreadsheet, DBMS
and EIS and MIS software.
Content
particular features and requirements of various business
hformation systems applGations: marketing,
manufacturing, financial and human resources
computer-based systems
the design of good quality entry forms, screens and
r --
the essential elements of an Executive Information
System, and other decision support systems
design, implemention and manipulation of files using
electronic spreadsheet, DBMS and EIS and MIS software
mastery of an Executive Information System/MIS
package
Text
McCleod, R. Management Information Systems, 5th/6th edn,
Macmillan, New York, 1993/1995
References
Schultheis and Sumner, Management Information Systems, 2nd
edn, Irwin, USA, 1992
Thierauf, R.J. (1991) Executive Information Systems a guide for
senior management and MIS professionals, New York, Quorum
Books
Kanter, J. Management with Information:, 3rd edn, Englewood
Cliffs, N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1989
Sprague, R.H. Jr and Watson, H.J., Decision Support Systems:
Putting theory into practice, 3rd edn, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Prentice-Hall International, 1993
Sprague, R.H. Jr and Carlson, E.D. Building Eff~tive Decision
Support Systems, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1982.
BT523 Systems Analysis 1
Credit points - 12.5 3.J hours per mek over I semester
Prerequisites - BT52O Data Analysis and Design Instruction:
lecture/tutorial Assessmat: examination (65%) and project
(35%)
Objectives
This subject expands skills learnt in previous units and
relates them to the analysis, design and implementation of a
straightforward transaction processing system with more of
an emphasis on the procedural aspects. Basic information
technology user skills and data analysis skills are extended to
the analysis of business problems with a view ultimately to
building of an information system to support the business
functions.
Content - ---
Emphasis is on gaining an understanding of a problem in its
business context and the tools and techniques the analyst
can use in the adequate documentation of-the system to
ensure that the information produced is relevant and
accurate.
Classical and structured tools for describing data flow, data
structure, process flow, input and output design will be
applied. Particular topics include:
modelling organisational data; modelling organisational
activities; setting implementation priorities; estimation;
database design; forms, screen and reports design; process
design; development strategies; implementation and
installation; evaluation.
Texts
Whitten, J., Bentley, L. and Barlow, V. Systems Analysis and
Design Methods, 3rd Edn, Irwin, 1994
Ravalli, G. Process Modelling (notes), Swinburne Bookshop, 1992