MODULE 5: USES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Teaching topic
Learning outcomes
5.1 Information and data within an organisation
Be aware of different internal and external sources of
information in an organisation.
Explain the characteristics of good quality information and
information flow within an organisation.
Describe and evaluate different ways in which information
can be presented.
5.2 Information Systems within an organisation
Understand how an organisation works in terms of business
and commercial issues, the people involved and the
technology used.
Distinguish between an information system and a data
processing system.
Describe the role of an information system in assisting
decision making at different levels: operational, tactical and
strategic levels.
5.3 Management Information Systems
Describe the purpose and main features of a typical
Management Information System (MIS).
Evaluate typical MIS by considering factors that influence
both success and failure.
5.4 Strategies used within
Management Information Systems
Explain the internal and external factors that will influence a
business.
Describe the factors that influence the structure of a
management information system.
Describe the need for formulating an information system
strategy.
5.5 Developments and change within
management information systems
Understand the reasons why an information system may fail.
Understand the implications of change when a new
information system is introduced.
Describe the main feature of decision support systems.
Describe the main components of an expert system.
Describe typical uses of expert systems and decision support
systems and explain the benefits and limitations of their use.
Teaching topic Learning outcomes
Teaching topic
Learning outcomes
5.6 Security and legal issues within a
management information system
Describe the potential threats to the security of an
information system: physical security, security from
unauthorised access and security of communications.
Explain the purpose and nature of the security policy of a
typical organisation.
Understand the need for audit trials.
Understand the need for a disaster recovery management
strategy.
Describe typical backup procedures and contingent recovery
plans.
Describe the features of laws relating to ICT: the Data
Protection Act, the Copyright Designs and Patents Act and
the Computer Misuse Act.
Describe the implications for the individual, for the
organisation and for society of these legal issues.
5.7 User support and training within a
management information system
Explain the different forms of support available to a user
when using a commercial software package: user
documentation with the package, technical support via a help
desk, user groups, on-line help and newsletters.
Understand the need for ICT training within an organisation.
Describe the different methods of training that can be made
available to a user: formal courses, video training, tutorials
and on-line instruction.
5.8 Social impact of
management information systems
Describe the impact of a MIS on the individual employee in
terms of work patterns and leisure activities.
Describe the impact of a MIS on different types of
organisations in the service and manufacturing sectors.
Be able to understand the social impact of MIS on society in
general.