1. Develop arrays and data structures to address business-based design problems Knowledge and Understanding
2. Encode, test, and evaluate solutions to business problems using procedural languages. Application, Reflection
3. Design procedural and object-oriented solutions to problems using appropriate notations, and test these. Problem Solving,
Analysis
4. Implement object-oriented application models in a suitable programming language to complex business problems Application

A coursework to analyse, design, implement, test, and present a solution for a typical SME scenario, based on key fundamentals and practices of python programming. The assignment will develop various programming modules that fit together to form a bigger solution (Learning Outcomes 1 to 4)

Variables and Data Types
Variables & data types
Input & Output
Control structures (Sequence, selection & iteration)
Methods
Arrays and other data structures
Debugging
Problem Solving
Introduction to program analysis and design techniques
Algorithms
Exceptions
File handling
Design, implementation, and maintenance of trustworthy software (including British Standards Institution PAS 754)
Classes and Objects
Inheritance & polymorphism
Association & aggregation
Abstract classes
Introduction to GUI components
Testing and unit testing
OO & UML
Designing OO applications with UML
UML (Use case diagrams, Activity diagrams, Class diagrams, and Sequence diagrams)
Implementing OO application designs in an OO programming language
Simple design patterns
Event-driven programming
Accessing databases

This module establishes a solid foundation in the basic principles of programming computers. Students will explore OO Programming, Design and Documentation as well as linking programs to databases as part of the curriculum. By the end of it students should be able to clearly break down business related problems and be able to design and implement appropriate solutions for these.

Online class-based sessions (20 hours)
There are 20 hours of class-based teaching delivery presented online, which will include lectures, practical demonstrations, and group work where appropriate.

Self-led Learning (180 hours)
You are expected to spend 180 hours in self-led learning. This includes working through supplied tutorials, tools practice and background/guided reading.

Recommended (not essential):
Barry, P. (2017) “Headfirst Python.” 2nd edition. O’Reilly. ISBN: 9781491919538
Schneider, D.I. (2016) “An introduction to programming using Python.” Pearson. ISBN: 9781292103433
Paul et. Al (2014) Business Analysis, Paul et al, BCS Learning and Development, ISBN 9781780172274
Booch, G.; Rumbaugh, J.; Jacobson, I. (2005), The Unified Modelling Language User Guide, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 978-0321267979
Schmarzo, B. (2016) "Big Data MBA: Driving Business strategies with data science." Wiley & Sons. IBSN: 781119181385

You will need access to these resources:

1. Blackboard VLE for module information and learning materials

2. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), user/setup guide available via the Library: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/ld.php?content_id=33214004

3. Microsoft Teams for module communication

4. Staffordshire University library access (physical or digital) for access to recommended texts

5. It is strongly recommended that you have your own laptop, PC (Windows 10) or Mac (OS X / Big Sur) with internet access and ability to install and configure software (administrative access).
If administrative access is unavailable on your computer, e.g. it is a loan computer or does not belong to you, then access to VMWare with a Windows image is recommended so that software can be installed.
VMWare download for students: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/VMWare.aspx
Windows 10 for Education available via Staffs OnTheHub (register and search for ‘Windows 10’): https://staffs.onthehub.com

Software List (all software is free of charge):

JetBrains PyCharm (IDE for Python)
Microsoft Visio
NetBeans