Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BUSI49515: MANAGING INFORMATION (DL) (to 2009)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI49515: MANAGING INFORMATION (DL) (to 2009)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2021/22
Tied to N1D417
Tied to N1D617
Tied to N1D414

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a management perspective on the business issues of realising benefits from information systems projects.
  • To provide instruction in the use of statistical methods for system monitoring and forecasting.

Content

  • Introduction to Managing Information
  • Elements of Information Systems Project Delivery
  • Agile approach to projects
  • Benefits-driven Approach to Projects: Benefits Planning
  • Benefits-driven Approach to Projects: Further Aspects of Benefits Planning
  • Adapting the Approach to the Context
  • Towards an Information Systems Capability
  • Describing Data
  • Probability
  • The Normal Distribution and Risk
  • Monitoring and Testing
  • Comparing Distributions
  • Correlation and Regression
  • Forecasting

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students will:
  • show a critical appreciation of some of the main elements of business decisions.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students will:
  • be able to use and critically evaluate statistical methods for monitoring and hypothesis testing and demonstrate competence in making forecasts;
  • be able to explain the key factors enabling a successful approach to realising benefits from IS investments;
  • be able to discuss and apply a number of key practices addressing the business issues of benefits realisation from IS projects;
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
  • The written examination will test students’ acquisition and articulation of knowledge. The written assignment will test students’ understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2,500 words maximum 100%
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Self-Assessment Exercises.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University