BAM6005

Information Systems for

Business Strategy
Assignment 1
2016/2017
Semester 1
Level HE6

Bolton Business
School

Contents
1

1.

Overview

2.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

3.

Module Communications

4.

Module Description

5.

Expected Learning Outcomes and Assessment

6.

Assessment Deadlines

7.

Module Calendar

8.

Indicative Reading

9.

Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Assignments

10.

General Assessment Criteria Level HE6

11.

Assessments

Appendix 1 Assignment 3 Presentation Proforma

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1. Overview
Module Tutor:
Room:
Tel:
Email:
Level:
Credits:
Module Pre-requisits:

Mildred Brown-Houston
M2-29
01204 903617
meb1@bolton.ac.uk
HE6
20
0

2. Learning and Teaching Strategy

The learning and teaching strategy will provide a variety of delivery methods that enable
you to meet the learning outcomes for the module by use of mass lecture to impart
academic theory, with seminar and small-class tutorial support utilising case studies, group
activities, class discussions, individual tutorial sessions and specific tasks to guide
independent study. Seminars and workshops will explore the concepts of management
support systems in organisations, the use of strategic information systems and its
implementation as well as furthering understanding of methodologies used in the
formulation of decision support systems, information systems and Information systems
strategies.

Methods
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Guided independent study

KIS
Scheduled
Scheduled
Scheduled
Independent

Hours
24
12
12
152

3. Module Communications
The Module Tutors contact details are provided at the top of this page.
You must check your University email address regularly as many module communications
are channelled through this medium.
4. Module Description
This module enables students to understand and evaluate the application of computer-based
information systems used in business for the support of management (management
Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Expert systems) to achieve and sustain
competitive advantage. Furthermore it aims to develop a critical appreciation of the key
processes involved in management decision making at all levels within a business
organisation and of the ways in which information and information systems support decision
making; a detailed understanding of the structure and function of different types computer
based information system that have a role in supporting managers in their decision-making; a
critical awareness of the methods and techniques used to develop computer based
management support systems and a critical appreciation of the strategic advantage
organisations can gain through the use of information systems.
5.

Expected Learning Outcomes and Assessment

Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate a critical understanding of control
process techniques, tools and methods required
for the development of information systems for
competitive advantage.
Provide answers to questions based on a given
business scenario through synthesis, displaying
appropriate academic style and referencing
techniques.

6.

Assessment
Assessment 1

Assessment 1

Assessment Deadlines
Assessment item
Presentations begin

Due Date
05/10/2016

Weight
50%

7. Module Calendar:
Week
1

Date

2
3
4

Theory Topic
Module introduction: assessment and information sources
Information Systems in the digital age
Information Systems in Business today
Perspectives on Information Systems and Information
Technology
Factors affecting

Understanding Information Systems

Core rules for bett

6
7

Information systems that support decision making

Management Information Systems
Knowledge applic

How to make an e

8
Executive Information Systems
9
Knowledge Management
10
Achieving operational excellence and customer intimacy
11
E-commerce
12
Systems Theory and Design
13
Project Management
14
IS Communications
NB: Please note that this module calendar may be subject to change.

Assignment Number 1: Presentation (50%)

Assignment Title:

Presentation on topic of choice

Assignment Length:

20 minutes

Submission Deadline:

Assignment Brief:

Information Systems for Business Strategy

4

Assessed Seminars
Purpose of the seminars
These seminars are intended to disseminate current developments in Business
Information Systems and stimulate discussions on symbolic issues in the subject
area. Seminar sessions will start during the third week of this semester.
Requirements
You are required to choose a question from the list provided below. You are expected
to conduct research into the topic area you selected, which should form the basis of
your research and subsequent presentation. The findings from your research must
be presented using Microsoft PowerPoint during the weekly seminars.

Each student is expected to select a question during the first week of the semester.
The Question number must be e-mailed to the lecture along with your name before
the end of the first lecture session. A maximum of two students will be allowed to
research one question. You will be given a week and time when you are expected
to present. You must stick to the presentation slot allocated to you. Please be
prepared to answer questions about your presentations from your colleagues.
Students are responsible for identifying their own literature source.
Topics
1. BlackBerry was once the favourite mobile handled for business. Is this still
the case?
2. Once you have constructed a firewall, are you secured?
3. How is Samsung changing the mobile phone industry for businesses?
4. How is cloud computing changing the way businesses use applications and
store data?
5. Dont blame the users for e-mail that embarrassed the company, it is up to
you to make and enforce the rules
6. Is the technology giant Apple running out of ideas for its mobile device
business? Discuss.
7. Mobile Apps. What are the benefits to business?
8. Online shopping. What are the benefits and pitfalls?
9. Are businesses able to keep up with rapid technology changes?
10. Do you use IT for keeping your customers?
11. Do ERPs improve business efficiency and profitability?
12. Describe out-sourcing and explain how organisations are using it for strategic
advantage
13. Is Google still the number 1 search engine? Explain
14. What are the benefits of mobile devices to organisations?
15. Do you use online banking? If so what capabilities do you use most or find
most useful? If not, why not?
16. Would you consider online banking to be safe? Explain
5

17. Radio frequency identification (RFID), what are the benefits of using this
technology?
18. What are the benefits and pit falls of self-service supermarket checkouts?
19. What is e-commerce and how are organisations benefitting from this
technology?
20. What is a customer relationship management system, and what are its
primary components?
21. Compare and contrast a worm, a virus, a Trojan horse and a logic or time
bomb.
Assessment criteria
This piece of assessment accounts for 50% of your assignment grade. Students will
be assessed during the seminar sessions based on the following criteria.

Relevance of contents to the research area

Importance and sequencing of issues covered
Connection of conclusion to introduction
Presentation
Delivery
Handling of discussion session

See page 14 for a copy of the assessment proforma.

Secondary Research Level HE6 - It is expected that the Reference List will contain
between ten and fifteen sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include three
refereed academic journals and three academic books.
Specific Assessment Criteria (see page 8 for General Assessment Criteria):
First class: Various aspects of Information Communication Technologies are clearly
presented. Lessons or importance of study findings for Information Systems are
presented from a critically prospective. Presentation and structure of findings/arguments
are of a very high level. Contribution to topic/discipline clearly demonstrated. Evidence of
relevant literature used throughout presentation was of a very high standard. Evidence of
understanding of the requirements of the assignment was of a very high standard.

Second class: Expertise and knowledge about topic area demonstrated. Key features of
topic/study presented. Well structured presentation with clear linkage to each section.
Some of the key issues presented in detail. Presentation of level of analysis still low and
fairly uncritical. Linkages to literature, interesting points relatively under-developed during
the presentation. Clear evidence of understanding the requirements of the assignment
during the presentation.

Third class: Some structure to presentation. At lower levels more research needed to be
clearly shown in the presentation. The organisation of material could have been easily
improved by rearrangement and/or alteration of space allocated to various points. Some
evidence of understanding of the requirements of the assignment. Some evidence of
effective research, through the use of relevant literature in the presentation.

Fail: Some description and no analysis. No structure to presentation. Little evidence on

theoretical, conceptual and practical elements of Information Systems presented. Scant
evidence of understanding of the requirements of the assignment. Little evidence of
effective research, through the use of relevant literature in the presentation.
Additional Submission Instructions:
You will need to submit a title sheet and copy of the slides and a reference list to the module
tutor on the day of the presentation.

Bolton Business School

ASSIGNMENT 2 FEEDBACK FORM
Student Names:
Academic Year: 2016/17

Semester: 1

Level: HE6

Assignment Title/number: 1 (Presentation)

Marking Tutor: Mildred Brown-Houston
Weight: 50%

Module Title: ISBS

Deadline: Check presentation timetable

Student Feedback/Comments: How well do you think you performed in this assignment? What do
you think are the strengths and weaknesses of your work? What improvements would you make
in the future?

Excellent

Good

Satisfactory

Needs some
Needs
more work much more
work

Seminar presentation

1. Introduction
2. Arguments supported by
interesting/relevant text examples.
3. Relevant literature referred to in
presentation.
Critical and analytic approach.
4. Conclusion
5. Individual interpretation of the
literature offered.
Overall
5. Structure
6. Length
7. Cohesion
8. Clarity and style
9. Visual Aids
10.Research/References
Key strengths

Areas requiring development

1st Markers
Grade

Moderated
Grade

Please note that any marks advised to you on this feedback form are provisional only
Appendix
Signed
(module2:tutor):

8.

Date: ..

Indicative Reading:

Text Books
Various web sites (to be notified when available)
Magazines and journals
Laudon K & Laudon J (2014) Essentials of Management Information Systems, Eight
Edition, Pearson publication.
Ward, J. & Griffiths, P. (1996) Strategic Planning for Information Systems Wiley
Robson, W. (1997) Strategic Management and Information Systems. Pitman
Bocij P, Greasley A. and Hickie S. (2008) Business Information Systems, Technology,
Development and Management (4th ed.), London: Prentice Hall
Cleary, T. (1998) Business Information Technology. Pitman
Daniels, N.C. (1994) Information Technology the Management of Challenge.
Addison-Wesley
Brown C., DeHayes D.W., Hoffer J., Martin E. and Perkins W. (2012) Managing
Information Technology (7th ed.), Harlow: Pearson Education Limited
Lucey, T. (1996) Management Information Systems. 7th Ed., DPP
Yeates, D. & Cadle, J. (1996) Project Management for Information Systems. Pitman
Galliers, R.D. & Baker, B.S.H. (1994) Strategic Information Management
Challenges and Stategies in managing information systems. Butterworth-Heinemann
Rowley, J. (1994) Strategic Management Information Systems and Techniques.
Blackwell
Journals
Journal of Management Information Systems
International Journal of Information Systems
Information Systems Journal
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Online sources
Due to rapid developments in IS/IT technologies and practices, relevant online
sources would be recommended to students during the module delivery.

10

9. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Assignments:

1.

Assignments should be word-processed in Arial 12 point font, be double-spaced, on

A4 size paper. Writing should appear on only one side of the paper, be fully justified and with
each page being numbered in the footer, numbering to be centred.

2.

There should be a title page detailing the programme, module title, assignment title,
student number, marking tutor and date of submission. Do not put your name on the
assignment. It is good practice to put your student number in the top left hand side of the
header of each page, and the date of submission in the top right.

3.

Word Count. You are expected to revise and edit your assignment to remain within
+/- 10% of the allocated word limit for that piece of work. In order to ensure that word counts
can easily be checked you should include a note of the word count as performed by your
word processing package (in Word menu Tools: word count). A deduction should be made
from this figure for all tables, figures, quotations, appendices and references which DO NOT
count towards the overall word limit.
Assignments that exceed the word count by over 10% will be ruled through after the
word count plus 10% has been reached. The work will be marked only on the text
that remains within the word limit.
Assignments containing less that the word count limit will not have marks deducted
(even if these are more than 10% short). However, it is likely to be an exceptional
piece of work that covers the assignment requirements fully in much less than the set
word count less 10%.

4.

All written work must be referenced using the Harvard System, full details of which
are available from the Library website:
http://data.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/infoskills/useinfo/cite/harvard/index.htm
Electronic copies of assignments will usually be requested via Turn-it-in. Please
ensure you follow the instructions provided by your module tutor and on the
assessment brief.
Submission of assessments may be done on or before the published submission
date. Assignments not available at this time will be considered late unless an
extension has been previously agreed.
Penalties for late submission of coursework are:
- Up to one week late, 10% of the mark deducted.
More than one-week late, maximum mark 40% (if handed in before the end of the
module).
It is your responsibility to ensure that the assignment is received by marking tutor.
No responsibility will be taken for assignments left with colleagues, given to friends to
hand in, left on desks or slid under staff room doors. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ENSURE
YOU KEEP A COPY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED BY WHATEVER METHOD
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5. In the case of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, an extension to the

assessment hand-in date may be granted by the Module Tutor. If you wish to apply
for an extension for submission prior to the final teaching week*, you will need to
submit an Extension Request Form (available from the School Office), and submit
this along with material evidence of your extenuating circumstances to the Module
Tutor for approval. The Module Tutor will consult with the Course Leader prior to
giving you a decision. Please note that claims based on unexceptional or
foreseeable circumstances will not be successful.
*

Extensions requested after the final teaching week will need to be requested via
the Mitigating Circumstances procedure (see section 2.5 of your Programme
Handbook).

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