Upon completing this module you should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of systems theory as a basis of resource management;
Identify systems and their boundaries within your own environment of information provision;
Understand the systems life cycle and its role in effective systems analysis;
Be able to use 'hard' or 'soft' systems methodology;
Apply a decision model to a specific situation in your information or library service;
Show how a project that you have managed could have benefited from formal techniques;
Explain the role of each type of management information system;
Identify a management information system in your own information service and the models that underlie the information processing;
Identify generic evaluation criteria and specific criteria within your library or information service
Brief description
The module looks at systems in management in a structured way which progresses from an understanding of the overall concepts to the practicalities of project management, system implementation and evaluation. Since the course hopes to encourage the active development of theory into day-to-day management reality, you will be encouraged to relate the material that you are using to the information or library service in which you work.
Aims
The overall aim of this module is to achieve an understanding of the role of systems in the management of organisations, with reference to information services through exemplar materials.
Reading Lists
Books ** Essential Reading
Mason, D. and Willcocks, L (1994) Systems Analysis, Systems Design
McGraw-Hill
Parker, Charles, and Case, Thomas (1993) Management information systems: strategy and action
2nd. McGraw-Hill