BSc (Hons) - IT352 - Advanced Systems Development

Unit Co-ordinator: Mr Fred Garlick

AIMS

  1. To examine those aspects of behavioural studies of particular relevance to Information Systems Development.

  2. To develop further the aspects and methodology of Systems Analysis and Design introduced in earlier semesters.

  3. To investigate, compare, evaluate and develop skills in the use of recently developed approaches to Systems Analysis and Design.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of behavioural studies to the analyst-user relationship.

  2. Make use of the various tools and techniques used in systems development.

  3. Make informed decisions regarding the choice of a systems development methodology and accompanying software in a given environment.

SYLLABUS OUTLINE

The topics covered in this unit will include:

  1. Human computer factors in Information Systems Development-user characteristics and needs; reactions, resistance, perception and introduction of change; user centred design; user support; users and information systems now and in the future; associated methodologies, e.g. ETHICS, Multiview, Client-led design.

  2. Review, comparison and evaluation of information system methodologies- e.g. object oriented analysis and design, soft systems, prototyping, JSD, NIMSAD.

  3. Software tools and techniques supporting information systems methodologies- e.g. CASE tools, query languages, scaling-up systems, RAD,DSDM.

  4. Soft Systems Methodology

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

  1. Examination(34%)-1 hour, closed-book written paper

  2. Examination(33%)-1 hour, open-book written paper based on a case study

  3. Examination(33%)-1 hour, closed-book, multi-choice paper with 40 questions.

INDICATIVE READING

  1. Avison and Fitzgerald, (1995), Information Systems Development, Blackwell

  2. Stapleton J, (1997), DSDM - Dynamic Systems Development Method, Addison-Wesley.

  3. McConnell S, (1996), Rapid Development, Microsoft Press.

  4. Checkland P and Scholes J, (1991), Soft Systems Methodology in Action, Wiley

  5. Smith A, (1997), Human Computer Factors, McGraw-Hill

  6. Avison and Wood-Harper, (1991), Multiview, Blackwell

NOTES

The subject will be presented using a variety of formats including lecture, seminar, practical, and supported by extensive directed reading from the course text.