Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
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:
- define and explain information needs and information behaviour;
* identify the information needs of managers, professionals, consumers and patients
*describe and appraise examples of information user studies
*consider how the organisation or work setting affects information behaviour
*describe systems approaches to the interpretation and mapping of business processes and information flows
*identify and use techniques for analysing information needs and changes to information systems
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'r 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.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7