Business Information Systems

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Marion Frenz
• Tutor: Brian Gannon
• Assessment: a 30-minute group presentation (40%) and 75-minute multiple-choice test (60%)

The aim of this module is twofold: first, to provide you with an awareness of how information systems (IS) are used in the enterprise; and second, to present an overview of digital technology and its characteristics, together with aspects of digital technology that are important in the wider economy.

Business Information Systems presents an overview of the ways in which information technology is organised and used in industry, and describes some of the typical IS configurations (architectures) deployed in different sectors. In addition to discussing the uses of data and databases, the module also covers topics that are central to the way in which digital technologies underpin the modern economy, including information privacy and data protection, cybercrime and technology innovations in business, including cloud computing, data security and large-scale information systems development. Finally, the module highlights a range of strategic issues associated with IS that are central to the way in which modern business uses and invests in information systems.

The module is taught as a series of formal lectures and seminars. Topics presented in the lectures will be augmented with case studies presented and discussed in seminars. You will be expected to prepare for lectures and seminars by completing assigned reading prior to these sessions. During the seminars, you will receive guidance from tutors in completing the essay assignment.

Indicative module syllabus

• Introduction to BIS
• Information Systems Architectures
• Internet and Business
• Data and Databases
• Digital Privacy and Data Protection
• Computer Misuse and Security
• Information Systems Development
• IT Strategy

By the end of this module, you should:

• know the basic terminology that is used in connection with enterprise information systems and be familiar with how they fit in the modern corporation
• understand key concepts in information systems, including application software, database concepts and data management; and the use of the internet as a business tool
• be familiar with emerging digital technologies used in business such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning
• understand how IS are structured and organised in the enterprise and in various industries, and factors associated with the economics of IS
• have gained an overview of the legality, obligations and challenges associated with use of customer and other personal data, including data protection, computer misuse and cybercrime
• be comfortable with participating in strategic discussions on the use of IS in the enterprise, and be able to relate these discussions to academic case studies.