HCS 411
Management Information Systems
Module Summary
This module enables students to understand the application of computer-based information
systems used in business for the support of management decision-making, e.g. Management
Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Expert Systems, Executive Information
Systems, etc.
Module Designation
Core
Module Aims
This module enables students to understand the application of computer-based information
systems used in business for the support of management (Management Information Systems,
Decision Support Systems, Expert Systems, Executive Information Systems etc.).
The module aims to develop:
-making
at all levels within a business organisation and of the ways in which information and
information systems support this decision-making
based information system that have a role in supporting managers in their decisionmaking
management support systems
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a critical appreciation of the key processes involved in management
decision-making at all levels within a business organisation and of the ways in which
information and information systems support this decision-making
2. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the structure and function of different types of
computer-based information systems that have a role in supporting managers in their
decision-making
3. produce, in groups, a computer based information system that would provide significant
support to management in the decision-making associated with a given business
scenario, along with supporting design and implementation documentation
Module Outline
Systems Concepts
definition of model; types of models
physical and conceptual system
Management decision-making:
-making
anning
Information systems that support management decision-making:
Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS) fundamentals
Expert Systems (ES)
Techniques and methods:
d in computer-based decision support
Assessment Strategy
The assessment profile for this module; based on coursework and examination is:
Coursework (30%):
-Involves production of a computer based information system that would provide
significant support to management in the decision-making associated with a
given business scenario, along with relevant supporting documentation.
-The coursework assignment is designed to enhance learning by enabling
students the produce their own management support system, to support
decisions made by management, rather than to make the decisions themselves.
The Examination component (70%):
Is a 2 hour exam linked to Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
Learning and Teaching
Topics will be introduced through the medium of formal lectures, and on-line resources as
follows:
Lecture; (2 hour / week): introduction of the key topics identified in the syllabus, plus
suggestions for further study and directed reading
Workshop: the practical work is carried out in small groups . The practical assignment
consists of three phases: the production of a proposal document, a design document and
a
final report(together with the software solution). The initial design document and software
are essentially formative: written feedback is provided by the tutors on marked
assignments. There is also the opportunity for students to discuss their evolving system design
and implementation ideas within these workshop sessions
On-line resources; lecture notes and other supporting material are made available on
the university network and/or dedicated module web-site.
Bibliography
Cadle J and Yeates D,
FT Prentice Hall 2001,
stems, Sauter V, Wiley 1997,
Hill 2000,
Prentice Hall 2000,
Lecturer's Name
Gwanzura T.G.
E-mail: gwanzurat@msu.ac.zw