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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Introduction to Computing in a Business Environment
Reference CM1700 Version 2
Created April 2018 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved June 2017 SCQF Points 30
Amended July 2018 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide students with a context for the computing discipline and an introduction to the skills needed to design, develop solutions to software development and IT challenges in a business environment, including an introduction to the software development lifecycle with a focus on user requirements in the context of the WBLE.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Describe a variety of approaches for software design and development methodologies and how those are reflected in the management style of the business in order to evaluate effectiveness in implementation.
2 Use a systematic and structured approach to design, develop and evaluate solutions to problems in the computing domain in the context of specific businesses, their security needs, and changing technology.
3 Explain legacy systems, architectures, and technologies and the associated risks of maintaining and replacing such systems.
4 Create effective verbal and visual presentations with clear and concise delivery and appropriate visualisations in order to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking.
5 Elicit and negotiate user requirements and validate these requirements according to criteria such as feasibility, clarity, testable, freedom from ambiguity, etc.

Indicative Module Content
The computer system: Main components, hardware and software, networks, operating systems, LSEPs and security issues. Business functions, organisational structures, client relations. Current and Future IT technologies for Business. Software design and development approaches for alignment of business practices and technology. Agile and Prince2 Software Development methodologies and hybridisation of methodologies to fit business needs Modelling and Design: The software lifecycle, data flow diagrams, interaction diagrams, use case, documentation, stepwise refinement and meeting client requirements, tender and bidding process and considerations for cost, time, resource approaches Testing: Tracing programs. Strategies for testing, use of defensive programming, open source software and tools Legacy Systems, Standards and Best Practice Guides, ISO 9001, ISO 27001.

Module Delivery
This module uses the following delivery modes: Guided study (lectures, tutorials, and other learning materials delivered through VLE + bibliography), Mentored practical work undertaken in the workplace, Project work in the workplace including a design brief, Personal study and Group reflective sessions via VLE and at RGU. Key concepts are introduced and illustrated through lectures (physical and virtual). Theory is put into practice in the workplace guided by a mentor. The understanding of students is tested and further enhanced through virtual interactive labs and tutorials.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 30 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours 240 N/A
TOTAL 300 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body 240  

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: Work-based portfolio.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 100% weighting for C1. An overall minimum grade of D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A The student needs to achieve an A in C1.
B The student needs to achieve a B in C1.
C The student needs to achieve a C in C1.
D The student needs to achieve a D in C1.
E The student needs to achieve an E in C1.
F The student needs to achieve an F in C1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module No prerequisites.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BOCIJ, P., GREASLEY, A., and HICKIE, S., 2014, Business Information Systems, 5th edition, Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business.
2 BROWN, C., DEHAYES, D., HOFFER, J., MARTIN, W., and PERKINS, W., 2013, Managing Information Technology: Pearson New International Edition, 7th Edition.
3 SEACORD, R., PLAKOSH, D., and LEWIS, G. A., 2003, Modernizing Legacy Systems: Software Technologies, Engineering Process and Business Practices, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc. Boston, MA, USA.
4 ACM Digital Library http://dl.acm.org
5 REDDY, A. 2015. The Scrumban [r]evolution: getting the most out of Agile, Scrum and lean Kanban. Addison-Wesley Professional.
6 MCDONALD, K.J. 2015. Beyond requirements: analysis with an agile mindset. Addison-Wesley Professional.
7 BALTZAN, P. and PHILLIPS, A., 2016. Business driven information systems. McGraw Hill Education.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781