Module Identifier
DSM5110
Module Title
SYSTEMS AND BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYSIS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Christine J Urquhart
Semester
Distance Learning
Mutually Exclusive
DSM0320

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
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;

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

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not applicable
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
Information Technology Through use made of ICT for graphics
Personal Development and Career planning By acquisition of a range of practical skills that can be applied to organisational problems
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
Subject Specific Skills a) Systems analysis, b) Business process analysis, c) Project management, d) Research skills
Team work Through appreciation of the roles of systems and process analysts within organisational change teams

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7