On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
describe some approaches to identifying the strategic impact of information technology on an organisation
recognise how the costs and benefits of an information systems implementation should be appraised
explain and appraise the usefulness of soft systems methodologies
apply process modeling and discuss process architecture
outline structures system approaches
apply object oriented techniques usinf UML
consider the strengths and weaknesses of structured methodologies
distinguish the main features of collaborative and competitive procurement
explain the role of standards in procurement and identify the main legal and ethical issues in procurement
assess and propose suitable implementation strategies (including training and an evaluation framework)
explain project management methodologies such as PRINCE and describe how risk should be managed.
Brief description
Health information systems, large or small, need to take account of national and local policies and development frameworks. An information system should serve future needs, hence the need for an information strategy, which is discussed in Unit 1. Systems analysis requires a creative toolkit to map current systems and examine possible solutions, and changes to business processes. Unit 2 examines the `soft? methodologies, the techniques and philosophical approaches to systems design that emphasise a client-centred approach. Unit 3 discusses the methodologies which are more structured, including SSADM. Object-oriented methods of analysis can be viewed as a mix of both soft and hard approaches. Unit 4 examines procurement which is much more than purchasing a piece of kit. The relationship between supplier and procurer needs to be ascertained, and the role of standards clarified. Implementation can be done in several ways and Unit 5 discusses the possible approaches to implementation, together with the necessary training and support. Unit 6 examines project management techniques and the PRINCE project management methodology.
Reading Lists
Books ** Recommended Text
Avgerou, C and Cornford, T (1998) Developing information systems: concepts, issues and practice
2nd. Basingstoke: Macmillan (Macmillan Information Systems Series)
Avison, D and Shah, H (1997) The information systems development life cycle
Maidenhead, Berks: McGraw Hill
Bennett, S. McRobb, S. Farner, R. (2002) Object-oriented systems analysis and design using UML
2nd. London: McGraw-Hill
Each Unit in the module is supported by readings supplied in a seperate pack. The module conmference area contains Web site links. Ould, MA. (2005) Business Process Management
Swindon: BCS
Vidgen, R, Avison D, Wood, B and Wood-Harper (2002) Developing Web information systems,
Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann