FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary information systems and demonstrate how these systems are used throughout global organizations. The focus of this course will be on the key components of information systems - people, software, hardware, data, and communication technologies, and how these components can be integrated and managed to create competitive advantage. The necessary topics that will be covered in this course are; how and why information systems are used today, how organizations are using information systems for competitive advantage vs. competitive necessity, information technology concepts such as hardware and software, telecommunication and networks, internet, intranet, extranet, electronic and mobile commerce, enterprise systems, decision support systems and knowledge management.

FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

Course outcomes

1. 01 1. Explain how and why information systems are used today.
2. 02 2. Explain the technology, people, and organizational components of information systems.
3. 03 3. Build understanding of trends in the hardware and software of information systems.
4. 04 4. Explain globalization and the role information systems has played in this evolution.
5. 05 5. Build understanding of how organizations are using information systems for competitive advantage vs. competitive necessity.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Fundamentals of Information Systems, International Edition, 7th Ed., Stair R. and Reynolds G., 2014.
2. 02 Principles of Information Systems, International Edition, 11th Ed., Stair R. and Reynolds G., 2014.
3. 03 Information Systems Essentials, 6th Ed., Ralph M. Stair and George Reynolds, 2014

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Explain the basic concepts of information systems, identify their main components, and analyze their role in supporting business operations and decision-making. SOLO 4
2. L02 Describe how information systems are used in organizations, analyze their impact on business processes, and explain their relationship with organizational performance and globalization. SOLO 3.5
3. L03 Explain the importance of data and knowledge management, analyze how organizations collect, store, process, and use data, and evaluate the role of knowledge management in improving business performance. SOLO 4
4. L04 Describe the basic concepts of telecommunications and networking, analyze the role of networks in organizational communication, and explain how connectivity supports information sharing and business operations. SOLO 3
5. L05 Explain the concepts of e-business and e-commerce, analyze how digital platforms support online transactions and business activities, and evaluate their benefits and challenges for organizations. SOLO 4
6. L06 Explain the principles of mobile computing and mobile commerce, analyze how mobile technologies support business activities, and evaluate their impact on customers, organizations, and digital services. SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline.
2. P02 Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline to the solution of complex engineering problems.
3. P03 Ability to define complex engineering problems by using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the problem addressed.
4. P04 Ability to formulate complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
5. P05 Ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
6. P06 Ability to design creative solutions to complex engineering problems.
7. P07 Ability to design complex systems, processes, devices, or products in a way that meets present and future needs while considering realistic constraints and conditions.
8. P08 Ability to select and use appropriate techniques and resources—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
9. P09 Ability to select and use modern engineering and computational tools—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
10. P10 Ability to conduct literature research and use appropriate research methods for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
11. P11 Ability to design experiments for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
12. P12 Ability to conduct experiments, collect data, analyse results, and interpret findings for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
13. P13 Knowledge of the impacts of engineering practices on society, health and safety, the economy, sustainability, and the environment within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
14. P14 Awareness of the legal implications of engineering solutions within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
15. P15 Knowledge of ethical responsibility and adherence to the principles of professional engineering conduct.
16. P16 Awareness of acting impartially without discrimination in any matter and of being inclusive of diversity.
17. P17 Ability to work effectively as an individual.
18. P18 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in intra-disciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
19. P19 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in multidisciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
20. P20 Ability to communicate effectively in spoken form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
21. P21 Ability to communicate effectively in written form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
22. P22 Knowledge of professional practices such as project management and economic feasibility analysis.
23. P23 Awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation.
24. P24 Ability for independent and lifelong learning.
25. P25 Ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.
26. P26 Lifelong learning ability that includes the capacity to think critically about technological changes.

Po-Lo Matrix