IFSM436 CLASS DESCRIPTION

Course Description

This course provides a methodical approach to developing computer systems including feasibility study, systems planning, analysis, design, testing, implementation and software maintenance. Emphasis is on the strategies and techniques of systems analysis and design for producing logical methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. The course approaches the development of information systems from a problem-solving perspective. This course builds upon concepts to which the student has been exposed in previous classes.

Prerequisites: IFSM 202 and IFSM 410

Course Objectives

  1. Be familiar with the concepts of a system and what it means to develop and implement an information system in an organisation.
  2. Be familiar with the major phases of the system development life cycle.
  3. Be able to identify the information and processing needs of the organisation.
  4. Be able to elicit, identify, recognise and capture requirements for information systems.
  5. Be able to produce a structured system specification for a simple system from system analysis.
  6. Be able to clearly represent the system analysis and design by means of basic diagrammatic modelling tools.
  7. Be able to design the information system from the specifications including the user interface, menu structure, system modular structure, etc.

Class Format

The class will be conducted primarily as a lecture. Class periods will also include discussions of relevant material and case studies. Each student is expected to read the assigned chapters beforehand and to be able to actively participate in class discussions; on-the-job experiences are encouraged.

Course Grading

The following distribution guidelines will be followed in this class:

Exams

Exams will consist of short case studies and/or brief essay questions. No make-up exams will be given except under extreme circumstances, and only when permission is received from the instructor in advance.

Scholastic Integrity

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of scholastic integrity. Cheating on exams or assignments, plagiarizing, interfering with another student's work, any other misrepresentation of the student's work, etc are serious offences and will be handled by the appropriate authorities in the department and the university.