BCOMSCM Business Information Systems 202

BACHELOR OF COMMERCE IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS 202 MODULE GUIDE

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS 202

  • 1. Introduction

    • Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management programme.

    • Requirement to study and complete Business Information Systems course.

    • Importance of Information Technology (IT) in both business and personal domains.

    • Role of information systems across various industries (e.g., mining, banking).

    • Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the digital transformation of industries.

    • Course purpose: Introduce concepts and technologies relevant to information systems, providing foundational IT knowledge.

  • 2. Module Overview

    • Provides an overview of the BIS 202 Study Guide and its utilization.

    • Chapters included:

    1. Information System Concepts

    2. Business Information Systems

    3. Hardware

    4. Software

    5. Databases

    6. Networks

    7. E-Commerce

    8. Systems Development

    • Each chapter contains specific learning outcomes, essential readings, theories, and reflection questions.

  • 3. Aim of the Module

    • Comprehensive guidance on selecting, developing, and managing information systems (IS) in organizations.

    • Focus on the relevant software and hardware technologies, new IS acquisition, and management strategies.

    • Key skills for implementing Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

  • 4. Essential (Prescribed) Reading

    • 4.1. Prescribed Reading:

    • Bocij, P, Greasley, A., and Hickie, S. (2019). Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business - 6th Edition. Pearson Publishers.

    • 4.2. Recommended Reading:

    • Stair, R, and Reynolds, W.G. (2018). Principles of Information Systems - 13th Edition. Cengage Learning.

  • 5. How to Use the Module

    • Study using the prescribed texts and relevant module sections.

    • Read the topical section before diving into detailed textbook content.

    • Make notes while studying both resources to enhance understanding.

    • Complete tasks and reflection exercises to prepare for examinations.

  • 6. Navigational Icons

    • Think Point: Reflect on presented issues.

    • Tasks: Indicate required activities for self-evaluation.

    • Definitions: Highlight important definitions.

    • Case Studies: Apply concepts to real-life examples followed by questions for comprehension.

  • 7. Specific Outcomes and Chapter Alignment

    • Specific Programme Outcomes aligned with corresponding chapters for structured learning:

    • SO 1: Implement data analysis techniques (Chapter 5)

    • SO 2: Examine characteristics of quality data (Chapters 1,2)

    • SO 3: Assess business intelligence and analytics (Chapters 3, 4, 6)

    • SO 4: Align business objectives and IS activities (Chapter 1)

    • SO 5: Develop organizational models with IS support (Chapter 8)

CHAPTER 1: Information System Concepts

  • Chapter Outcomes: Understanding the dynamics between IS and organizational performance, identifying critical areas where managers require knowledge of IS, supporting business processes through applications, ethical concerns in IT management, and strategy development for IS activities.

  • 1.1. Introduction to Information System Concepts

    • BIS aim to produce high-quality information supporting organizational activities.

    • Importance of managing information as an organizational asset:

    • Understanding information transformation processes (data to information).

    • The constraints and types of decision-making processes.

  • 1.2. Examining Data and Information Concepts

    • DIKW Model: Framework by Russell Ackoff illustrating relationships between Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom.

    • Data -> Information -> Knowledge -> Wisdom (progression).

    • Value of knowledge and wisdom vs. data and information summarized.

    • Data: Raw facts, definitions, characteristics:

    • Definitions include measurement records, business transaction records, and observation-derived facts.

    • Types: Naturally occurring or artificially created data.

    • Information: Processed data for utility, includes definitions:

    • Contextually meaningful, tailored for user purposes, reduces uncertainties in decision-making.

    • Examples: Bank statements, forecasts, etc.

  • 1.3. Information Generation

    • Data needs processing to hold context.

    • Common processes for transforming data to information—classification, sorting, aggregation, calculations, and selections.

    • Information Cost: Value assessment formulas and considerations on tangible vs. intangible benefits.

  • 1.4. Information Attributes

    • Quality of information defined through different attributes (time, content, form) summarized in a table.

    • Attributes include timeliness, currency, frequency, accuracy, relevance, completeness, conciseness, clarity, etc., with implications for decision-making.

  • 1.5. Knowledge and Wisdom

    • Knowledge combines information with personal skills and intuition, diverging into tacit (experiential) and explicit (documented).

    • Wisdom: Application of knowledge in diverse situations.

  • 1.6. Managerial Decision-Making

    • Definition and distinctions between structured, unstructured, and semi-structured decisions influencing behavior.

  • 1.7. Levels of Managerial Decision-Making:

    • Different managerial levels (operational, tactical, strategic) shape decision characteristics and impacts.

CHAPTER 2: Business Information Systems

  • Chapter Outcomes: Understand manager’s information needs, evaluate communication strategies, assess different decision-making systems, and construct technology-based management strategies.

  • 2.1. Introduction to Information System Concepts

    • Systems theory and their implications.

    • Definition of a computer network.

    • Comparing LAN, WAN, and discussing their functions.

  • 2.2. Business Value of Networking: Networking characteristics and advantages identified.

    • Cost savings, efficiency improvements through real-time operations, sharing resources, promoting new working practices, etc.

CHAPTER 3: Hardware

  • Chapter Outcomes: Examining hardware evolution, types, and examining peripherals.

  • 3.1. Introduction to Computer Hardware: Address the role of investment in hardware for organizational success.

  • 3.2. Anatomy of a Computer: Components like processor, memory, and input/output devices outlined, with examples of how they function collaboratively.

  • 3.3. Memory: Types of memory (RAM, ROM) and their functions. Discuss importance for organizational efficiency.

CHAPTER 4: Software

  • Chapter Outcomes: Assess software trends, applications, operating system functions and roles, and programming languages.

  • 4.1. Introduction: Software divided into systems and applications, with definitions and examples of each type evaluated.

  • 4.2. Software Categories: Empowering personal productivity, workgroup collaboration, and enterprise functionality featured.

  • 4.3. Operating Systems: Functions described, including task management, resource access, and user interface features.

CHAPTER 5: Dat