DSM5110 - SYSTEMS AND BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYSIS

Module Identifier

DSM5110

Module Title

SYSTEMS AND BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYSIS

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Dr Christine J Urquhart

Semester

Available all semesters

Mutually Exclusive

DSM0320

Course delivery

Lecture

Introductory session at study school

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Coursework Report (2,500 word essay equivalent)	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Resubmission of failed coursework	100%

Learning outcomes

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

Explain the development of soft and participative methodologies;

Select and apply appropriate soft systems techniques;

Discuss and define approaches to business process modelling;

Apply business process modelling techniques and diagrams to a business problem;

Explain the rationale for structured systems approaches and development of object oriented analysis;

Formulate and draw a range of UML diagrams, and structured systems diagrams;

Brief description

The module covers a variety of techniques that may be used throughout the planning and implementation of new information systems. New information systems often upset current ways of working and therefore considerable emphasis is placed in the module on the techniques that analysts and users can use to help in planning for a new information system, analysing the current data and information flows and business processes so that discussion of system and process improvements can be productive. Students will compare various methodologies ¿ `recipes¿ ¿ for systems analysis to help understand why systems failures occur, and how they can be avoided..

Content

The content includes:
Unit 1: Soft and participative methodologies, techniques used in soft systems analysis (e.g. cognitive mapping, repertory grids, conceptual modelling), information systems philosophies
Unit 2: Business process modelling (approaches, techniques such as RIVA activity diagrams and process architecture)
Unit 3: Structured approaches to systems analysis, SSADM diagramming, object oriented analysis (principles, diagramming techniques, working with users)

Module Skills

Problem solving	Through practical work on systems analysis and business process modelling techniques
Research skills	By critical appraisal of the evidence for the factors affecting the success or failure of projects
Communication	Through practice with different methods of presenting information flows, and processes
Improving own Learning and Performance	By appreciation of their own likely preferred roles within a team
Team work	Through appreciation of the roles of systems and process analysts within organisational change teams
Information Technology	Through use made of ICT for graphics
Application of Number	Not applicable
Personal Development and Career planning	By acquisition of a range of practical skills that can be applied to organisational problems
Subject Specific Skills	a) Systems analysis, b) Business process analysis, c) Project management, d) Research skills

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7