Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of the subject students should understand a wide range of electronic information sources; know the major vendors, and the arrangement, content and delivery mechanisms of important sources; be able to evaluate the content of various electronic information sources; and be able to manipulate and re-package electronic information into appropriate formats.
Synopsis This subject will provide students with an understanding of a wide range of electronic information sources that are available from the public and private sectors, and how they may be used to support an organisation's activities. Types of electronic information sources to be covered include: on-line databases (including full-text); CD-ROM databases; electronic journals; industry databases; economic and statistical information; electronic newspapers; and GISs (Geographical Information Systems). Consideration will be given to the arrangement, content and delivery mechanisms of important sources, and how they can be manipulated and re-packaged into appropriate value-added formats that are of strategic value to organisations. Their incorporation in EISs (Executive Information Systems) will also be dealt with.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 50% 2nd year, 40% 3rd year + Practical exercises: 30% 2nd year, 40% 3rd year + Evaluation project: 20%