11730 (v.4) Advanced Problem Solving for IS Managers 501

Area:

School of Information Systems

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Approaches to problem solving, innovation and creativity, philosophy and systems, systems theory, epistemological and ontological modes, problem identification, problem analysis, solution design, solution implementation, solution review, problem solving methodologies.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to - Understand systems concepts. Differentiate between ontological and epistemological notions. Develop information requirements using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). Appreciate that the process of developing information requirements is a process of enquiry, learning and critical reflection. Use SSM for undertaking Information Analysis and Information Systems development.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Checkland, P.B., (1981), Systems Thinking, Systems Practice, Chichester, John Wiley and Sons. Wilson, B., (1984), Systems - Concepts, Methodologies and Applications, Chichester, John Wiley and Sons. Stowell, F.A., (1995), Information Systems Provision - The Contribution of Soft Systems Methodology, McGraw-Hill Information Systems, Management and Strategy Series, England, McGraw-Hill. Jayaratna, N., (1991), Systems Analysis - The Weak Link In the Systems Development Process, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, Volume 18, pp. 61 - 68. Nielsen, P.A., (1990), Approaches to Appreciate Information Systems Methodologies - A Soft Systems Survey, Scandanavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 2, pp. 43-60. Salaway, G., (1987), An Organisational Learning Approach to Information Systems Development, MIS Quarterly/June 1987, pp.245-263. Page, S., The Ontological/Epistemological Dichotomy in Information Systems Development - An Ethnographic Contribution. cispom.boisestate.edu/cis320emaxson/ssmxt.htm

Unit Texts:

Checkland, P.B. and Scholes, J., (1990), Soft Systems Methodology In Action, Chichester, John Wiley and Sons. Jayaratna, N., (1994), Understanding and Evaluating Methodologies - NIMSAD - A Systemic Framework, England, McGraw-Hill.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Lesson Abstracted Document 40%. Major Assignment - Case Study Final Presentation by Groups 60% (Presentation 30% and Document 30%). This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y