Monash University

Leader: Steve Wright

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

Through a critical examination of document forms and information seeking behaviour, this unit explores fundamental concepts of information in the context of identifying stakeholder needs and expectations at individual, collective, organisational and societal levels. It introduces students to the way information is managed to meet user needs and the role of ICT in Information Management.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, students will have a theoretical and conceptual understanding of:

1. fundamental concepts of information, and its use by individuals, organisations and societies;
2. information creation, representation, storage, access, retrieval, and use;
3. the impact of organisational and social contexts upon information needs and uses;
4. basic ICTs and IM tools developed to manage information and meet user needs;
5. the information-seeking behaviour of users;
6. the range of information sources;
7. the forms that information can take;
8. human computer interfaces to information.

At the completion of this unit students will have developed attitudes that enable them to:

1. be aware of the role and responsibilities of information professionals;
2. be aware of the role of ICTs and IM in human activity.

At the completion of this unit students will have the skills to:

1. evaluate information and its sources critically;
2. identify particular information needs;
3. evaluate ICTs and IM tools in terms of meeting user needs;
4. use basic ICTs and IM tools to create, represent, store, access, retrieve and use information.

At the completion of this unit students will have developed the teamwork skills needed to be able to work as part of a team capable of managing information in a range of social environments.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%
Assignments and practical work: 50%

Contact hours

Lectures 2 hrs/week, tutorials or laboratories 2 hrs/week

Prohibitions

IMS1102, IMS1603