Unit Title: Introduction to Management Information Systems
Unit Reference Number: F/505/4045
Guided Learning Hours: 100
Level: Level 4
Number of Credits: 12
Unit purpose and aim(s):
This unit aims to give learners a sound understanding of: the meaning of ‘Information System’ and related terms
the purposes of the hardware and software components of a PC how to select a program development environment
functions of common office packages
data processing stages of computerised business applications
the impact of the Internet and other recent technologies on business models and applications
IT staffing and skills requirements
the importance of adequate security safeguards in the operation of IT
Learning Outcome 1
The learner will: Understand the meaning of ‘Information System’ and related terms.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
1.1 Explain the terms
‘information’ and ‘system’. 1.1.1 Explain the meaning of the term ‘system’ using examples from everyday life. 1.1.2 Distinguish between the terms ‘data’ and ‘information’. 1.2 Explain the types of
information needed by management.
1.2.1 Explain the reasons why managers need information in order to perform their varied roles.
1.2.2 Describe the different types of information (such as routine, exception and summary) with examples from the workplace.
1.2.3 Highlight the importance of relevance, timeliness and accuracy in the delivery of information.
1.3 Discuss the concept of an information system.
1.3.1 Explain the concept of an information system using familiar commercial examples.
1.3.2 Identify the common features of information systems in terms of data input, storage, processing and the output of results.
1.3.3 Illustrate the extent to which computer systems partly or wholly support the work of information systems.
1.3.4 Outline the features of computer systems in common use, ranging from laptops to supercomputers and including networked systems.
Learning Outcome 2
The learner will: Understand the major hardware and software components of a PC and their purposes
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
2.1 Name the major hardware components and describe briefly the
function of each.
2.1.1 Distinguish between the central processing unit (CPU) and the peripherals.
2.1.2 Describe the primary function of the CPU.
2.2 Categorise the peripheral devices in common use and identify appropriate applications for them.
2.2.1 Identify the output peripherals in common business use and suggest applications for each one.
2.2.2 Describe the current data entry methods which are in general use.
2.3 Classify the backing store devices employed and summarise their properties and uses.
2.3.1 Explain the need for backing storage and provide examples of devices and their media.
2.3.2 Compare the main properties of fixed and portable backing store devices.
2.4 Distinguish between systems software and applications software, and illustrate typical functions in each group.
2.4.1 Explain the role and importance of software in computer systems.
2.4.2 Distinguish between the functions of systems software and applications software.
2.4.3 Describe the typical appearance of a graphical user interface (GUI) in a modern operating system.
Learning Outcome 3
The learner will: Understand the importance of selecting an appropriate development environment for a project.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
3.1 Describe, in outline, the typical stages in developing a software product.
3.1.1 Explain the importance of a systematic approach to the creation of effective software.
3.1.2 Describe the typical stages in the development of a software product using a high-level language.
3.1.3 Explain the role of translator programs such as compilers and interpreters.
3.2 Explain the benefits of program development environments as a means of increasing productivity.
3.2.1 Describe the features of a program development environment (PDE).
3.2.2 Justify the use of a PDE when developing a modern software product.
Learning Outcome 4
The learner will: Know the common office packages used in business and their main functions.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
4.1 Name the packages in common use in business.
4.1.1 Name the packages in common use, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, presentation, and email.
4.2 Describe the main functions of each package and how they contribute to office efficiency.
4.2.1 Describe the main functions of each individual software package.
4.2.2 Suggest ways in which each package can improve office efficiency.
4.3 Determine the value of integrating the functions of packages in a software suite.
4.3.1 Indicate what additional facilities can arise by integrating functions across packages.
4.3.2 Give examples to show the benefits of using integrated software suites in the business environment.
Learning Outcome 5
The learner will: Understand the data processing stages of common business applications which have been implemented on a computer system.
The learner can: 5.1 Identify the data necessary for input to the system.
5.1.1 Identify, for a common application, such as payroll or stock control, the items of data which need to be input to the system.
5.1.2 Describe the checks and procedures which should ensure that data is stored accurately within the computer.
5.2 Suggest suitable file structures for data storage.
5.2.1 Explain the main methods of organising individual data files.
5.2.2 Suggest suitable file structures for common business applications.
5.2.3 Account for the need to relate several data files (tables) to form a database.
5.3 Describe briefly the likely processes applied to the data.
5.3.1 Distinguish between querying and updating processes using examples.
5.3.2 Compare the updating processes achieved by batch and online methods.
5.4 Summarise the results which are output from the system, and compare alternative methods of producing and
disseminating the information.
5.4.1 Describe briefly the various media which can be used for issuing results produced by a computer system.
Learning Outcome 6
The learner will: Understand the impact of the internet and other recent technologies on business models and commercial activities.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
6.1 Distinguish between the internet and the services which it supports.
6.1.1 Explain what is meant by the internet and name the main services which it supports.
6.2 Describe the purpose of the main internet services such as the world wide web, email and file transfer protocol.
6.2.1 Describe the purpose of the main internet services such as the world wide web, email and file transfer protocol.
6.3 Describe well-known e-Commerce applications employed on the internet such as Amazon and eBay.
6.3.1 Explain the potential benefits and drawbacks of e-Commerce to businesses and their customers, including personal financial transactions (Electronic Funds Transfer etc.). 6.3.2 Describe well-known e-Commerce applications such as Amazon and eBay.
6.3.3 Outline a typical procedure for obtaining goods or services using an e-Commerce application.
6.4 Explain how mobile (wireless) devices can be used to communicate and obtain information.
6.4.1 Name the various media which can be used to obtain a connection to the internet.
6.4.2 Identify the hardware, software and services needed to communicate over the internet.
Learning Outcome 7
The learner will: Understand the staff and skills required for effective development, implementation and use of computer systems.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
7.1 State the job titles of individuals employed in a computer project.
7.1.1 List the job titles of the staff employed in the development of a computer systems project.
7.1.2 Identify the job titles of staff employed in the long-term support of a working computer system.
7.2 Outline the functions of, and the skills required by, the individuals identified in 7.1.
7.2.1 Outline the functions of the individuals identified in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, and summarise the skills they require.
Learning Outcome 8
The learner will: Understand the importance of adequate security measures in the operation of computer systems.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
Indicative Content
8.1 Outline the risks and threats to which computer systems are exposed.
8.1.1 Name the components of a computer system which are exposed to risk.
8.1.2 Categorise the threats faced by computer systems under the headings: accidental and deliberate.
8.2 Summarise the security precautions which should be adopted in order to achieve adequate levels of
protection.
8.2.1 Explain the meaning of general methods of protection such as physical, technical and procedural.
8.2.2 Suggest practical precautions which should achieve a degree of protection for each of the threats in 8.1.2.
8.3 Describe the importance and the main contents of a business continuity plan.
8.3.1 Justify the need for a business continuity plan in every commercial organisation.
8.3.2 Summarise the main contents of a business continuity plan.
Assessment:
Assessment method: written examination (unless otherwise stated). Written examinations are of three hours’ duration.
All learning outcomes will be assessed.
Recommended Reading:
Please refer to the Tuition Resources section of the Members Area of the ABE website (www.abeuk.com) for the recommended reading for this subject.
