305478 (v.1) Analysis (Adaptive Methodologies) 300

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Area:	School of Information Systems
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	3.0
Seminar:	1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Anti Requisite(s):	2787 (v.9) Information Analysis 311
Syllabus:	Exploration at an advanced level of adaptive business oriented analysis methodologies. Methodological frameworks are explored, along with a systems approach to organisational analysis. From an appreciation of ontological and epistemological concepts, students work with a case applying a situation-driven adaptive methodology.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit students will have- Obtained a good understanding of systems and systemic forms of analysis, analysed a case study using SSM to determine requirements, have an appreciation of methodological frameworks. Become able to differentiate between ontological and epistemological philosophical stances. Appreciated action learning cycles that link theory with practice, learn about facilitation and critical reflection in the context of applying the methodology, understood the place of adaptive methodologies within the process of systems analysis. Demonstrated the ability to apply epistemological and ontological concepts of systems to address and structure potential problem situations as evidenced in the case study/ case studies and/ or major assignment. Appreciated and articulated different worldviews as evidence through case study work, used an adaptive methodology such as SSM as a process of learning and enquiry and undertaken critical reflection of the task, the process methodology and self as analyst/facilitator.
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. (1999). Soft Systems Methodology - A 30-Year Retrospective In Soft Systems Methodology in Action By Peter Checkland and Jim Scholes, Wiley. Checkland, P.B., (1981). Systems Thinking - Systems Practice. England, Wiley. Checkland, P.B. and Holwell, S. (1998). Information, Systems and Information Systems - Making Sense of the Field. Chichester, Wiley. Davies, L.J. and Ledington, P. W.J. (1991). Information in Action - Soft Systems Methodology. London, Macmillan. Guba, E.G. and Lincoln, Y.S. (1994). Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research. In Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage Publications, California. Hirschheim, R.A. and Klein, H.K.K. (1994). Realising Emancipatory Principles In Information Systems Development - The Case of Ethics. MIS Quarterly. Jayaratna, N. (1994). Understanding and Evaluating Methodologies - NIMSAD A Systemic Framework. London, McGraw-Hill. Stowell, F.A (Ed.), (1995) Information Systems Provision. The Contribution of Soft Systems Methodology, Maidenhead, Berkshire, McGraw-Hill.
Unit Texts:	Checkland, P.B and Scholes, J. (1990), Soft Systems Methodology in Action, Chichester, Wiley.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Continuous assessment 50%, Examination 50%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y