This unit examines the nature of the information needs of organisations, groups and individuals, and the ways in which IT-based systems support them. The main focus of the unit will be on organizational needs for IT-based systems and information management, but it will also consider the wider social context for issues relating to information and IT usage. The changing hopes and expectations of what IT and information can offer to assist the enterprise will be a particular focus of attention. This will provide the basis for consideration of the range of roles required of the IT professional in developing and implementing IT-based solutions to information problems.
2 hrs lectures/wk; 2 hrs tutorials/wk
Students will be expected to spend a total of 12 hours per week on this unit throughout the semester.
This will include:
Lectures: 2 hours per week
Tutorials: 2 hours per week
and up to an additional 8 hours per week for reading resources and texts, completing tutorial exercise, working on assignments, private study and revision.
Martin Atchison
Martin Atchison
Contact hours: Tuesday, 10-12; Wednesday 10-12; Other days and times by appointment
Dora Constantinidis
Contact hours: TBA
Martin Atchison
Contact hours: Tuesday 10-12; Wednesday 10-12; Other days and times by appointment
Dora Constintinidis
Contact hours: TBA
Malini Jayaganesh
Contact hours: TBA
On the completion of this unit, students will:
Examination (3 hours): 60%; in-semester assessment: 40%
| Assessment Task | Value | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| A case study in organizational use of information and IT | 20% | Week 6 of semester |
| Major issues in IT usage | 20% | Week 11 of semester |
| Examination 1 | 60% | To be advised |
Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through SETU, Student Evaluation of Teacher and Unit. The University's student evaluation policy requires that every unit is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.
For more information on Monash's educational strategy, and on student evaluations, see:
http://www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/directions.html
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html
If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to
https://emuapps.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp
Required resources will be included with each topic in the Moodle page for the unit
| Week | Date* | Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 21/02/11 | No formal assessment or activities are undertaken in week 0 | |
| 1 | 28/02/11 | Basic concepts: Organizations and information | |
| 2 | 07/03/11 | Basic concepts: The nature of information | Assignment 1: Case Study in organizational use of information and IT - made available |
| 3 | 14/03/11 | Basic concepts: Information technology capabilities and limitations | |
| 4 | 21/03/11 | Basic concepts: Developing and acquiring information and system solutions | |
| 5 | 28/03/11 | Organizations and information - the problem of organizational change | |
| 6 | 04/04/11 | Issues in the management of information | Assignment 1 due |
| 7 | 11/04/11 | Information technology - standards, specialisation and commodification | Assignment 2: Major issues in IT usage - made available |
| 8 | 18/04/11 | Issues in development and acquisition and the problem of failure | |
| Mid semester break | |||
| 9 | 02/05/11 | Beyond organizations: Basic concepts in individual and societal uses of information and IT | |
| 10 | 09/05/11 | Key issues in individual uses of infomation and IT | |
| 11 | 16/05/11 | Key issues in community and societal uses of information and IT | Assignment 2 due |
| 12 | 23/05/11 | Current issues and future concerns; unit review | |
| 30/05/11 | SWOT VAC | No formal assessment is undertaken SWOT VAC | |
*Please note that these dates may only apply to Australian campuses of Monash University. Off-shore students need to check the dates with their unit leader.
To pass a unit which includes an examination as part of the assessment a student must obtain:
If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination total assessment, and the total mark for the unit is greater than 50% then a mark of no greater than 49-N will be recorded for the unit
Criteria for assessment will be included in the assignment handout published on the unit web site
Criteria for assessment will be included in the assignment handout published on the unit web site
Assignment coversheets are available via
"Student Forms" on the Faculty website: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/
You MUST submit a completed coversheet with all assignments, ensuring
that the plagiarism declaration section is signed.
Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced.
You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html.
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University's academic standards, and to provide advice on how they might uphold them.
You can find Monash's Education Policies at:
http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/index.html
Key educational policies include:
The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at www.monash.edu.au/students The Monash University Library provides a range of services and resources that enable you to save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to http://www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library tab in my.monash portal for more information. Students who have a disability or medical condition are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit to discuss academic support services. Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) visit all Victorian campuses on a regular basis