Monash University

Leader: Caulfield - Helana Scheepers; Malaysia - Thomas O'Daniel

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2008 (Day)
Sunway Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will examine the process of information system development and the key tasks in systems analysis and design from a problem-solving perspective. It will identify the key overall features which are common to all system development approaches and analytical and design techniques as problem-solving activities. From this foundation, it will examine, compare and contrast specific development approaches and analysis and design methods/techniques in the context of these problem-solving requirements.

Objectives

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

1. the purpose, objectives and tasks of analysis and design as problem-solving activities in the context of the development of information systems;
2. key issues involved in addressing informational, organizational, human and technological problems that arise in information systems development;
3. a range of problem-solving approaches relevant to the identification, definition, representation and addressing of informational, organisational, human and technological problems that arise in information systems development;
4. a range of problem solving techniques relevant to the problems that arise in information systems development;
5. the problem-solving strategies and approaches embodied in some of the key analysis and design techniques used in information system development;
6. the importance of the identification and definition phases in the problem solving process;
7. key differences between problem solving approaches and techniques, and their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their use as part of the system development process;
8. the importance of communication, interpersonal skills and ethical and professional behaviour in addressing the problems that arise in system development.

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. recognise the value of a systematic, critical and reflective approach to analysis and design as problem solving activities within the systems development process;
2. recognise the ethical and organizational issues that may accompany the identification, definition, representation and addressing of problems that arise in an organisational context;
3. appreciate the subjective nature of problem interpretation by organizational stakeholders and would-be problem solvers, and its impact on system development approaches and techniques for analysis and design;
4. appreciate the importance of the ability to approach system development problems from a variety of perspectives.

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. evaluate the overall context of information systems development problems in a critical manner, and identify appropriate methods for addressing those problems;
2. apply a range of general analysis and design techniques relevant to the identification, definition, representation and addressing of problems that arise in information systems development.

At the completion of this unit students will:

1. know the team skills necessary for successful development and implementation of IT solutions to information system development problems;
2. appreciate the importance of the inter-relationships between IT professionals and other stakeholders involved in the development of information systems.

Assessment

Exam 60%, practical assignment work 40%

Contact hours

4 x contact hrs/week (comprising 2 hrs formal lectures, 2 hrs tutorials and/or studio sessions).

Prerequisites

24 points of FIT first year common core units

Co-requisites

FIT2001 or equivalent

Prohibitions

IMS3230