Coursework 100%

Assessment 1
A series of four short in-class tests (12.5% each, 50% in total) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5)

Assessment 2
For a case study scenario you will submit (25% each part, 50% in total)

Part A: A feasibilty report: The report document will include, as aresult of analysis, CASE tool produced DFDs, ERDs, ELH and proposed solution (Learning outcomes 3, and a - f)

Part B: A requirements specification and design prototype (using appropriate software)
(Learning outcomes 6, 7, 8 and a - f)

ESSENTIAL TEXTS
Mastering Systems Analysis and Design, Hughes M. Macmillan Press, Basingstoke, (2000), ISBN 0-333-69343-4.

An appropriate text for the prototyping tool, for example:
Access 2000: A Professional Approach, Stewart K., Glencoe McGraw-Hill, New York, (2000), ISBN 0-02-805589-6

ADDITIONAL TEXTS that will provide you with useful material
Introducing Systems Analysis, Skidmore S., Macmillan Press, Basingstoke, (1997), ISBN 0-333-72141-1

SSADM in Practice, Duncan et al, Macmillan Press, (1995), ISBN 0-333-46999-2.

1. An appropriate commercial database prototyping application.

2. An appropriate CASE tool.

3. WWW

4. Course text.

The module is essentially a practical one. In the two hour sessions you will experience a combination of learning environments, for example: lectures including short tutorials; seminars; group workshops; and practical 'hands-on' computing exercises. The lecture environment is used to deliver the academic and technical content of the module, whereas, the other learning environments help you put the practical side of analysis and design into its proper context. You will participate in group working activities that will give you insight into how groups work. Electronic distributed learning will be used to support you learning.

Within this module you will be introduced to and/or be able to develop your:

- Intellectual skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Personal skills for Lifelong Learning

1. That you can recognise, describe and justify the use of appropriate investigation techniques for a given scenario
2. That you can create basic structured systems analysis diagrams using an appropriate notation
3. That you are able to investigate, analyse and record your findings for an elementary case study feasibility report
4. That you can apply basic process specification skills using structured English, decision tables and decision trees
5. That you can apply the basic design skill of normalisation to an elementary scenario
6. That you can produce a systems specification report for your proposed design
7. That you can design and produce a simple working prototype information system for the case study scenario
8. That you can consider and apply the basic HCI and quality issues (as appropriate to this module) to the prototype

This module will also give you opportunity to demonstrate the following skills:

(a) analyse
(b) think creatively
(c) evaluate
(d) present written and oral arguments in a clear and cogent manner
(e) manage personal learning
(f) exercise sound judgement

ANALYSIS
The system development lifecycle and all its phases. The use of elementary structured analysis techniques including: investigation methods, dataflow analysis; entity and event modelling; problem description (including an introduction to SSADM). An appropriate CASE tool is utilised to aid analysis . You will produce a feasibility report for an elementary case study.

DESIGN
An introduction to relational data analysis to produce stable and efficient data models. Elementary narrative and graphical functions definition techniques. Physical data, dialogue and output design. An introduction to quality and the human-computer interaction (HCI) aspects of system design. Practical prototyping, for the case study scenario, using an appropriate prototyping computer application.

A CLASS-TEST length 1.5 HOUR(S) weighted at 25%.
A ASSIGNMENT weighted at 25%.
A CLASS-TEST - SECOND CLASS TEST length 1.5 HOUR(S) weighted at 25%.
A ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 25%.
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