Module Identifier ILM0220  
Module Title INFORMATION NEEDS ANALYSIS  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Christine J Urquhart  
Semester Semester 2  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Report 2,000-2,500 words  50%
Semester Assessment Report 2,000-2,500 words  50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:






Brief description

Without an understanding of information behaviour, and the organisational processes, information systems may not meet the needs of the organisation or the individuals (staff and customers) who use the systems. Information behaviour encompasses how individuals express, or don¿t express possible information needs, the way they use information, their habitual information sources, the setting in which they use the information, and the role of the user (at work, in the home or with friends). The module will encourage appraisal of the research evidence on user behaviour, and the theoretical frameworks and models of information behaviour. Unit 1 deals with the information needs of managers, and the way managers use informal and formal information in their role. Unit 2 focuses on studies of health professionals and other professionals. Unit 3 discusses the development of the informed consumer. Unit 4 examines the theory and methodology of information user studies. Unit 5 introduces the systems approaches to understanding information flows among people and groups. Unit 6 explains how surveys to assess information needs should be designed, and demonstrates some techniques (such as rich picture, use case diagrams and business process modelling) that could be used to map processes and information flows.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
Avison and Shah (1997) The information systems development life cycle Maidenhead, Berks: McGraw Hill
Avgerou, C and Cornford, T (1998) Developing information systems: concepts, issues and practice 2nd. Basingstoke: Macmillan
Vidgen, R, Avison D, Wood, B and Wood-Harper (2002) Developing Web information systems. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann
In addition the resouce pack for this module contains essential readings for each Unit.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7