GCO1851

Computers in business

J Hewson (coordinator) and G Williams (lecturer)

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* First/second semester, Gippsland
* First semester, distance

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the basic concepts and terminology associated with the technology of computer-based information systems; understand the ways in which computer based information systems support business operations; understand the fundamentals of information systems development; and be able to model a range of business problems using spreadsheet and database application packages on a microcomputer.

Synopsis Two parallel streams of study consider general principles and concepts of computers and application of business software packages. General stream: 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. Applications stream: operating system - basic structure and capabilities, file management, basic commands; wordprocessing - basic principles and operation; entry and edit, correction, enhancement and printing; spreadsheets - concepts and structure, basic rules, commands and functions, use in business; database management systems - concepts and structure, design guidelines, basic rules and commands. Students must have access to a microcomputer.

Assessment Assignments: 30%
* Examination: 70%

Prescribed texts

Capron H L Computers and information systems: Tools for an information age 4th edn, Benjamin Cummings, 1996
Microcomputer applications Select edn, Benjamin Cummings, 1995