Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

FIT2011 is the foundation unit for the Decision Making/Decision Support sequence of units. The unit will introduce the history of decision support systems (DSS), the types of decision support systems, the ideas of normative and descriptive models for decision making and management. Descriptive models of decision making will be based on behavioral decision theory and cognitive biases. Evolutionary systems development methods for DSS will be discussed in detail. Current practice in personal DSS, data warehousing, and business intelligence will be the underlying focus of the unit.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have:
A knowledge and understanding of:

• the major approaches to using IT to support management decision making;
• the nature of managerial work to a level required for DSS systems analysis;
• how managers make decisions and what processes can be followed to improve managerial decision making;
• a systems development methodology for personal DSS;
• data warehousing and business intelligence;
• the principles of DSS strategy and governance.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor David Arnott

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

Completion of 12 points at level 1 from FIT or BusEco.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit2011