Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
Course Outline
Communications systems are an integral part of any modern business. Starting in the 1990s, communication system started to migrate to the Internet. Today, it is crucial for students to appreciate and be familiar with these technologies. As a future manager, executive, or business owner, you may have to decide what type of communication needs your business has, and make a decision to purchase networking and communication equipment. This class will prepare you to understand the options you will face by teaching the essentials of communication system, computer networks, and the architecture of the Internet. Becoming literate in computer terminology and Internet protocols will also allow you to participate in technology decision making.
Aims of the Unit
¨ Identify the main applications of IT, for different types of organization and activity, such as
- management information
- procurement and inventory management
- production/operations control and management
- transaction processing and recording, and financial management
- customer relationship management, sales and marketing
- HR recruitment and management, training and development
¨ Explain the main structures required to setup IT systems
- open systems
- closed systems
¨ identify the main hardware for us in IT systems
- computers: servers, personal, laptop, midi, mainframe, super, etc
- input devices: keyboard, scanner, bar code reader, card reading devices, etc
- output devices: visual display unit (VDU), printers, etc
- storage media: CD ROM, disk drives, etc
¨ identify software for use in IT systems
- operating software
- application software (general purpose, integrated and bespoke)
¨ identify different network configurations
- multi-user systems
- distributed processing
- local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)
- internet (World Wide Web), intranets and extranets
- electronic data interchange (EDI)
¨ identify the types and purpose of information required of the management information system
- strategic (key ratios, strategic plans, market analysis, etc)
- technical (variance analysis, exception reports)
- operational (invoices, customer orders, stock records, etc)
¨ identify the functional areas of an organization which generate data to the management information system
- financial department (accounts, debtors, payroll)
- purchasing/procurement department (orders issued, stock selection)
- HR department (staffing levels, absenteeism, skills levels/shortages)
- Sales and marketing department (turnover, sales ratios, market intelligence)
¨ Formulate the presentation formats of the outputs of the management information system based on data type and user needs
- tabulation (quantities and values, sub-totals and totals, and percentages using different bases)
- graphical presentation (line graphs, pie and bar charts, etc)
- numerical (variance analysis and ratios, etc)
¨ identify the range of communication technologies and channels available to transmit oral, written and digital information within the organization
¨ identify and map the formal information flows in an organization, using standard information flow notations
¨ employ software to construct information flow diagrams
¨ identify informal information flows within an organization, the factors, determining their operation and their effect on formal information flows
¨ evaluate systems for transmitting, recording, storing, analyzing and using information
¨ explain the importance of accurate, timely and valid information, in appropriate formats, to solve problems and make decisions
¨ analyze the information requirements of others in solving problems and making decisions
¨ evaluate current information systems and make recommendations for improving information systems in the organization
¨ identify the relevant legal obligations of organizations, their employees and others in the collection, storage an transfer of information
- Date Protection Act 1998 and the eight principles for protecting personal and policy and practice on monitoring employee computer use and privacy information
- Computer Misuse Act 1990
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003
- Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulation 2004
- The Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000
- Electronic Communications Act (2000)
- Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2003
- Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999
- Role of the Information Commissioner
¨ Recognize the main external threats information security and confidentiality and the main policies and procedures needed to address these
- viruses, spam and denials of service
- anti-virus and anti-spam software, firewalls and encryption
¨ observe policy on retaining/archiving information and legal
- legal requirements for retention of data
- methods of data retention and archiving
- and policies and procedures for data retention and archiving
Learning Resources
E-business and E-commerce Management, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, Dave Chaffey ISBN: 0-273683780
Business Data Communications: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Thompson Course Technology, ISBN 0-7895-6806-3.
Assessment:
The world-processed report, of approximately 600 to 1,000 words. It should include:
¨ An overview of the main applications of information technology within the organization
¨ An evaluation of the policies, procedures and systems for collecting, storing, analyzing and reporting information within the organization or an operating division, including relevant security, confidentiality and legal requirements
¨ Reasoned proposals, including benefits and limitations, on how (aspects of) information systems and practices within the organization or operating division could be developed to improve procedures, problem-solving and decision-making.
Plagiarism
Students are asked to note the following College policy on plagiarism.
The College assumes students are honest and expects from students honest work in all their assignments. Good scholarship necessarily requires building on and borrowing from the work of others but this use must be acknowledged. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices which contravene academic values of respect for knowledge, scholarship and scholars. These practices devalue the quality of learning, both for the individual and for others enrolled in the course; they also finish the reputation of a College course. The College imposes strict penalties on students who are found to contravene the College plagiarism policy.
“Do not plagiarize. You will receive a “F” if you plagiarize materials directly from other authors (from books, internet or any other sources). However, you may quote and give credits to other authors, but you must not plagiarize.”
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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