Computer applications in business
K Styles
6 points * 4 hours per week * Second semester * Distance education * Note: This subject is not available to computing students
Two parallel streams of study consider (a) general principles and concepts of computers and (b) application of business software packages. In the General stream students will study: computer use in business and society; types of computers and applications; business information systems development; trends and social issues; data communication and networks; internal organisation and functions; the processor, input, output and storage devices; the capture, entry, processing, storage, manipulation and presentation of data. In the Applications stream students will learn to understand and be able to use a PC and the following classes of common business software packages: operating system - basic structure and capabilities, management of files, application of basic commands; word processing - basic principles and operation, entry and edit, correction procedures, enhancement features and printing options; spreadsheets - concept and structure, basic rules, commands and functions, principles of use in business; database management systems - concept and structure, design guidelines, basic rules and commands. The practical study materials presented will be based on an IBM compatible PC running particular classes of software. Students can use other PCs and other similar classes of software, provided they meet the requirements of the assignments. Two hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials at each weekend school will be supplemented with study guides and tutorial guides.
Assessment
Assignments: 20% * Examination (3 hours): 80%
Prescribed texts
To be advised