Overview and aims
The Business Information and Decision-making module introduces learners to the nature of data and information within and externally to organisations, and how information informs operational and strategic decision-making. Emphasis is given to how information systems and technology help support data gathering and analysis to support decision making and value creation. Specifically, the module aims to:
- enable an understanding and appreciation of the importance of good data and information to support decision making and knowledge creation
- understand basic data types and analysis issues that can help create valid data and information for decision-making and operational purposes
- develop a critical understanding of how different data supports and is used by different activities within organisations and through its customer and supply networks
- develop an understanding of organisational capability in the development of supportive information systems, using such techniques as benefits realisation
- using data information and knowledge to create competitive advantage and support adaptable organisations
Module content
- Understanding data, information and knowledge in organisations
- Understanding basic data types and common analysis issues required to support different models of decision making
- Information and information systems in organisations and multi-stakeholder networks
- Using data and new technologies to develop innovative and adaptable organisations
- The challenges of benefits realisation and gaining competitive advantage from IT
- Building the Information Systems capability of the organisation
- Issues of security and ethics of information assets
Learning outcomes
After studying this module you should be able to:
- critically assess and apply theories and models of data, information, knowledge, and decision making within a variety of organisational arenas
- give a critically balanced account of the role of technology in the construction of information and knowledge to support (inter)organisational decision-making and value creation
- understand the relationship between information, information systems, organisational adaptability, and competitive advantage
- critically evaluate and create frameworks to develop organisational information systems capabilities
This module will help you gain the skills and qualities to:
- evaluate and present the application of data, information and ideas to practical contexts in a critical fashion
- express yourself clearly in written communication for diverse audiences