Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with the fundamentals of Information and Communication Technologies. With Information Technology being used widely all over the globe, this module will help students to develop a good understanding of various application areas of information technology.
Brief module description/summary: This module is designed to provide students an understanding of the functions of different units of the computer systems and their interaction with different types of software and the computer user. The students also get introductory exposure to the database systems management, data communications and working of the Internet. This module will also provide a good foundation for pursuing more advanced IT modules.
Learning outcome 1: Understand and use computing terminologies.
Learning outcome 2: Understand ethical and social issues associated with Technology.
Learning outcome 3: Differentiate between types of networks.
Learning outcome 4: Appreciate the growth and use of the Internet.
Learning outcome 5: Understand the role of Information Technology in Management.
Learning outcome 6: Understand the different stages of systems development.
Assessment
Analysis / an
Individual Report investigation of a chosen 2000.3000 words
organization / theory /
relevant
Assessment Strategy
Indicative schedule of delivery:
Session Indicative Content Independent Study Activities
Week 1 Impact of Technology Explore how information technology is impacting individually in personal life and businesses in professional environment.
Week 2 History of Computers Investigate how the computers have been evolving for several centuries.
Week 3 Understanding Your computer Research into computer and its major components and functions.
Look at different types of computers. Explore latest technology such as quantum computing.
Week 4 Computer Networks Examine different types of networks that you have come across and popular network types and networking challenges in general
Week 5 Software Development Life Cycle Look into different SDLC models and (SDLC) applications
Week 6 Software and its types Explore different types of software that you come across from your smart phone, tablet, laptop and desktop computers.
Week 7 Artificial Intelligence and Ethics Explore applications of AI and what impact does it have on the society and businesses.
Week 8 Using the Internet Identify and explore what makes Internet and different types of transmission media
Week 9 Introduction to Ecommerce Identify the challenges and advantages of an Ecommerce company. Explore how an Ecommerce company can be started.
Week 10 Social media What social media platforms are you using?
Explore the challenges with social media, such as privacy and security
Week 11 Ethics and Privacy Explore ethical and legal challenges in general and in IT in particular
Week 12 Revision and Assignment Guideline Extensive research and reading needs to be done on the assignment topic.
Guidance on how to use independent study time: Watch Videos Listed in the Supplementary Study materials folder, in addition to independent study activities.
Referencing system: Harvard system of referencing. Learning Materials/Resources: Supplementary Study Materials folder is available on the student portal.
Assessment brief/s: Scenario:
Information technology (IT) is an integral part of many businesses. IT plays a vital role in every business including small, medium, and large (multinational). Network (intranet and internet) and email play a key role in the organisational communication internally as well as externally. However, IT can also have significant challenges on businesses, such as ransomware attacks, which have shut down large sectors of the American economy, with hackers taking advantage of weak security measures for an easy payday.
Task: A
Select an organisation in the retail sector, for example supermarkets and conduct research on the organisation, together with an analysis of relevant academic books and journals:
- Discuss different types of computers. Which type of computer is very widely used in business environment? Can a computer exist independent of Software?
- Ethical and social issues are increasingly becoming important in the digital world. Identify and discuss the importance of them to run businesses,
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is very much dependent on the network, especially Wide Area Network. Discuss different types of network that makes the ICT.
- Discuss the role of IT in helping managers to manage
businesses.
Support your analysis with a discussion of the potential benefits and drawbacks of your chosen company investing in Information Technology.
Structure
Ensure that the report has the following structure and contains the details outlined:
• Title Page
• Abstract
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Literature review
• Analysis and discussion
• Conclusion
• Reference List
Length Required
2000 - 3000 words.
Formatting and Report'
Please note the following when completing your written assignment:
1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style
2. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.
3. Document format: Report
4. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a reference using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.
5. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g., academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.