Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

BT404 Computer Programming
Subject alms and descr~ption
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 principles 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.
Textbook
Stern, N. and Stern. R.A. Structured Cobol Programming. 6th ed.
New York: Wiley, 1991
References
Grauer, R.T. Structured Cobol Programming. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall, 1985
Juliff, F! Program Design. 3rd ed, Sydney: Prentice-Hall, 1990
Topping, A.L. and Gibbons, I.L. Programming Logic: Structured
Design. Chicago: SRA, 1985
8
C
g BT405 lnformation Systems Strategies
4 No. of hours per week: three hours
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Instruction: lecture/tutorial/laboratory
6. Assessment: to be advised
#TI
Subject aims
The aim of this unit 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.
Subject description
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, redewloping, existing systems
References
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
Management in Practice. 2nd ed. London: Prentice Hall, 1989
Nelson, R.R. End-User Computing, Concepts, lssues and Applications.
New York: John Wiley, 1989
Panko, R.R. End User Computing Management Applications and
Terhnology N.Y.: Wiley, 1988
BT406 Data Base Design and Implementation
No. of hours per week: three and a half hours
Prerequisite: BT404 Computer Programming
Instruction: lecture/laboratory
Assessment: examination/assignment
Subject aims
This unit is very much a hands-on unit. Students will get the
opportunity of using the relational DBMS, Oracle, and
associated query languages.
The major aim is to prepare students to be productive in
projects involving relational database applications.
After completing this unit successfully, students should:
be able to dewlop a data model for a small application
be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of
the database as opposed to the traditional file approach
of data processing
have a good unde~tanding of the terminologies and
concepts associated with relational DBMS
be able to use SQL with confidence to define, load and
access data in relational databases
understand the need for normalisation of data
differentiate between logical 'and physical data
independence
understand the strategies used in implementing a
database management system.
References
Courtney, J.F. and Paradice, D.B. Database Systems for Management.
2nd ed, Homewood: Irwin, 1992
Date, C.J. An Introduction to Database Systems. Vol. 1, 4th (1986) or
5th (1990) ed, Addison-Wesley
Kroenke, D.M. Database Processing. 4th ed, New York: Macrnillan,
1992
Shepherd, J.C. Database Management Theory and Application.
Hornwood: Irwin Inc., 1990
BT407 Technology and Change
Subject aims
The aim of this unit is to enable the student to understand
the significant impact that information systems may have on
an organisation strategically, tactically and operationally.
Students will be able to know the processes by which these
changes may be managed.
Subject description
Topics include:
approaches to information systems planning
understanding corporate culture
impact of IT on management
managing change
evolving systems development approaches
planning strategies
project selection including project estimation and cost
benefit analysis
project management -
team building
training
change-over
ergonomic lssues - hardware, software, people