Technology and the Digital Age

This module introduces the aspiring business professional to three areas involving the use of information which are likely to be critical to their future working life.

• Firstly, Information is a very important aspect of the modern world that is often referred to as the global information society.
  We will consider ways in which information underpins organisational activities from strategic, tactical and operational perspectives and the related IT skills that are useful.
• Secondly, organisations establish Information Systems (IS) to control their activities and as the basis for changing and improving their operations.
  We will consider a number of typical information systems within business which drive their operation.
  We also discuss ways in which information systems are critically important for managing activities and relationships with external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers and partners.
• Thirdly, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of information systems and business practice.
  Much of the way modern business works is reflected in its use and applications of ICT. We will discuss in business terms the ICT infrastructure of a typical company and potential future trends.

Learning and teaching

The course is taught through a mix of lectures and small group sessions.

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Distinguish between data and information and understand the relationship between information and activity within organisations
• Understand the role that information and communication technology (ICT) plays in the modern business
• Explore the transformative potential of ICT in the contemporary business environment;
• Describe the ways in which ICT impacts upon economic systems, social systems, political systems and physical systems.

Coursework and assessment

The module will be assessed by a written assessment.

Reading suggestions

• Beynon-Davies, P. 2013. Business information systems. 2^nd ed.  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.