Innovating Systems Development

IS471

Half/ full unit

Half

Dr C Sørensen Room NAB 3.11
Dr W Venters  Room NAB 3.13

This course is compulsory for the MSc in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems. It is optional for MSc Operational Research and is available as an outside option to other MSc students.

A basic knowledge of computing, including hardware and software, is expected.

A critical review of the processes by which organisational problems are analysed, and information systems are developed to address these problems. An appreciation of the tools used in systems development.

The course considers the framing, resourcing and execution of systems development projects within various organisational contexts. Particular attention is given to problem structuring and problem design issues. Contemporary analysis and design approaches are critically reviewed as are issues related to the provision of organisational and information services. Issues of the innovation, design and construction of systems are considered, as well as the implementation of new systems into organisational contexts. The course considers systems development activities within a life cycle model, as well as within contrasting contemporary approaches such as Agile methods and Open Source.  A two-week intensive "boot camp" group project using a consulting case study is undertaken to develop practical understanding of the pressure and difficulties of systems development.

Michaelmas term

Lectures

10 x 2 hours and 5 x 1 hour

Michaelmas term

Classes

10 x 1 hour

Students discuss articles, practice systems development techniques, and critically evaluate their success. The “boot-camp” group project provides a realistic experience of developing systems within a consulting role, and is supported by classes and Question and Answer sessions. Students gain an understanding of the benefits and difficulties of working within a small team under pressure. There is also a mock exam in January shared with IS470 and IS472.

• C Avgerou and T Cornford, Developing Information Systems: concepts, issues and practice (2nd edn), Macmillan, 1998
• D Avison & G Fitzgerald, Information Systems Development Methodologies, McGraw Hill, 2002
• K Beck, Extreme Programming Explained, 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley, 2005.
• P Checkland, Systems Thinking, Systems Practice, Wiley, 1999
• C Ciborra (ed) Groupware and Teamwork, Chichester, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons,1996
• M Fowler and K Scott UML Distilled: a brief guide to the standard object modeling language,1999

Selected reading references to other books and papers will be provided.

• Team project (40%)
• Two hour examination in the Summer term (60%)