Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 7 lectures x 1hour |
| Practical | 3 hours |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Review of free and subscription resource | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Report on the user needs of a business information service | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Submission of supplementary coursework for failed course elements in line with the learning outcomes of the original assignments |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
*Critically analyse and synthesise the similarities and variances of different types of business information service
- Identify and critically analyse the information needs of different businesses with reference to the broader economic environment.
*Identify appropriate systematic search strategy and perform complex searches upon key business information sources and evaluate output.
* Critically examine, evaluate and compare key business information sources, printed and electronic.
- Examine and appraise methods and tools available for providing evidence of the value of the business information service
*Critically analyse the value of business information in different contexts, with reference to user needs.
Brief description
The aim of this module is to give postgraduate students an overview of the field of Business Information which will allow them to explore, examine and evaluate this specialist information service using the knowledge that they have gained through the core modules and their work experience. The module will investigate and evaluate business information sources contextualising this specialist service in relation to more general information service. Students will also explore different business information workplace scenarios through case studies and professional literature. Students will engage with scholarly literature in the field. The module will offer the students an opportunity to determine if they wish to develop business information as their Masters dissertation topic.
Content
- Exploring the myriad information needs of business including financial information, HR information, strategic information, international trade and marketing
- Use and evaluation of business information sources such as news, market research. Identifying how sources are used to support decision making. How user needs impacts on choice of source.
- Profiles of diverse business information services e.g. business school, public library business information service, law library, business support services
- Professional practice: demonstrating and quantifying the value of a business information service. Understanding the organizational context, national and international context and how that impacts on the service.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Discussion of this covered in sessions on value of information service |
| Communication | Class discussion is encouraged, group work Written assignments assessed |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Class discussion and personal reflection |
| Information Technology | Use of IT integral to practical sessions |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Module presents an introduction to specialized field of business information which will be useful for future career planning |
| Problem solving | Written assignments and group discussions will encourage an investigative and critical approach to key issues |
| Research skills | To be developed through written assignment and practical sessions |
| Subject Specific Skills | Will introduce knowledge of business information profession, (learning outcomes 1,2, 3,4) and an understanding of professional practice (learning outcomes 2, 5) |
| Team work | Some group work will be included |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7