Module Descriptors
INFORMATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
COIS40807
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 96
Independent Study Hours: 204
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 20%
- SOFTWARE APPLICATION weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Resources
1. Course texts
2. A PC computer per student with suitable applications installed, for example: a Relational database, spreadsheet and word processor.
3. An appropriate CASE tool.
4. WWW
5. Library
2. A PC computer per student with suitable applications installed, for example: a Relational database, spreadsheet and word processor.
3. An appropriate CASE tool.
4. WWW
5. Library
Module Learning Strategies
The module is essentially a practical one. You will experience a variety of learning environments, for example: One-hour lectures; Two-hour hands-on computer workshops. One hour surgery session.
(1:n) (1:25)2 (1:n)
The lectures are used to deliver the academic and technical content of the module. The tutorials/seminars will help you put the practical side of analysis, design and construction into its proper context. The tutorials will give you the opportunities to experience group-working activities. The two-our hands-on computer workshops will be used to learn and use the computer applications required to support systems analysis, design and construction, for example: a CASE tool; a database application; and other applications that may be used in the construction of an information system.
The module is supported by electronically distributed learning material.
This module will normally run across both study periods.
(1:n) (1:25)2 (1:n)
The lectures are used to deliver the academic and technical content of the module. The tutorials/seminars will help you put the practical side of analysis, design and construction into its proper context. The tutorials will give you the opportunities to experience group-working activities. The two-our hands-on computer workshops will be used to learn and use the computer applications required to support systems analysis, design and construction, for example: a CASE tool; a database application; and other applications that may be used in the construction of an information system.
The module is supported by electronically distributed learning material.
This module will normally run across both study periods.
Module Texts
Essential Texts: Mastering Systems Analysis and Design, Hughes M., Macmillan Press, Basingstoke, (2000), ISBN 0-333-69343-4
An appropriate source for learning the database application eg MS Access. This may be a textbook, ebook or web site
An appropriate source for learning the database application eg MS Access. This may be a textbook, ebook or web site
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Indicative Content
The student will be introduced to the system development life cycle and all its stages (including an introduction to SSADM).
ANALYSIS
Structured systems analysis techniques, for example: Investigation methods; Dataflow analysis; Entity Relationship analysis; and Entity and Event modelling. An appropriate CASE tool is utilised to aid analysis through diagram production. The analysis stage will be completed through the production of a Feasibility Report for an elementary case study.
DESIGN
The student is introduced to elementary design methods and techniques, for example: An introduction to relational data analysis
There is an introduction to relational data analysis that will enable the student to produce efficient and stable data models through, for example: Normalisation; Physical Data Structure (PDS). Process description will be addressed through narrative and graphical definition. The student will also be introduced to concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and quality.
CONSTRUCTION
You will study how to use a standard database application. Drawing on your knowledge of other applications, for example word processors and spreadsheets, you will learn how to integrate them with a database application to provide a working solution to a user's needs.
ANALYSIS
Structured systems analysis techniques, for example: Investigation methods; Dataflow analysis; Entity Relationship analysis; and Entity and Event modelling. An appropriate CASE tool is utilised to aid analysis through diagram production. The analysis stage will be completed through the production of a Feasibility Report for an elementary case study.
DESIGN
The student is introduced to elementary design methods and techniques, for example: An introduction to relational data analysis
There is an introduction to relational data analysis that will enable the student to produce efficient and stable data models through, for example: Normalisation; Physical Data Structure (PDS). Process description will be addressed through narrative and graphical definition. The student will also be introduced to concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and quality.
CONSTRUCTION
You will study how to use a standard database application. Drawing on your knowledge of other applications, for example word processors and spreadsheets, you will learn how to integrate them with a database application to provide a working solution to a user's needs.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Semester 1
Class Test 1 (1 hour) - 20% (Learning outcomes 1and 2)
Assignment 1 - Feasibility Report (approx 1500 words) - 30% (Learning outcome 3)
Semester 2
Class Test 2 (1 hour) - 20% (Learning outcomes 4)
Assignment 2 - Database prototype application (typically 15 input forms/reports and queries integrated with Excel using VBA) - 30% (Learning outcomes 5, 6 and 7)