Information Systems Concepts

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Credits
6
Types
Specialization complementary (Software Engineering)
Requirements
  • Prerequisite: BD
  • Prerequisite: EEE
Department
ESSI
The course "Information Systems Concepts" (CSI) wants to position itself at the intersection of organization and informatics, and presents the role of information systems in organizations. Everything starts from the detailed introduction of the concept of information system, and its application to support the operations of human organizations.

This introduction allows us to connect to the module on uses of information systems in organizations, which analyzes the uses that organizations are doing of the various categories and sub-systems of computer-based information systems, those that have appeared over recent decades and until today. Thus, we present the categories of transactional, decisional and communicational information systems, and for each category the main subtypes of information systems are treated, connecting them with the information technologies most relevant for each case.

Once the types of systems and applications have been addressed, we go on with the strategic and functional management of the information systems function, in the broader context of the organization that includes it and which is the object of its usefulness. With regard to the strategic management of information systems, we present how information systems can play a strategic role for organizations, including enterprise integration, and alternatives for their methological strategic planning in the context of IS governance and audit.

Regarding the functional management of the IS function, we should know the historical development and current situation regarding the roles and function of the internal organization of the area, in a context defined by international quality and organization schemes for computing and IS.

The course ends with a final wrap-up and projection of the themes studied, from the synthesis of a conceptual map of the IS in organizations, and knowledge of prospective studies relevant to the issues covered in CSI, which facilitates their projection towards the rest of the GEI, and beyond.

Teachers

Person in charge

  • Marc Alier Forment ( )

Others

  • Àlex Rubio Quintana ( )
  • Jose Luis Beltran Andreu ( )

Weekly hours

Theory
1
Problems
1
Laboratory
2
Guided learning
0
Autonomous learning
6

Competences

Technical Competences

Common technical competencies

  • CT2 - To use properly theories, procedures and tools in the professional development of the informatics engineering in all its fields (specification, design, implementation, deployment and products evaluation) demonstrating the comprehension of the adopted compromises in the design decisions.
    • CT2.4 - To demonstrate knowledge and capacity to apply the needed tools for storage, processing and access to the information system, even if they are web-based systems.
  • CT3 - To demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the organizational, economic and legal context where her work is developed (proper knowledge about the company concept, the institutional and legal framework of the company and its organization and management)
    • CT3.2 - To know and describe the main processes of the functional areas of a company and the existent links between them, which make possible the coordination and integration in a group.
    • CT3.5 - To identify the use possibilities and benefits which can be derived from an application in the different business software typologies and existent ICT services.

Technical Competences of each Specialization

Information systems specialization

  • CSI2 - To integrate solutions of Information and Communication Technologies, and business processes to satisfy the information needs of the organizations, allowing them to achieve their objectives effectively.
    • CSI2.1 - To demonstrate comprehension and apply the management principles and techniques about quality and technological innovation in the organizations.
    • CSI2.2 - To conceive, deploy, organize and manage computer systems and services, in business or institutional contexts, to improve the business processes; to take responsibility and lead the start-up and the continuous improvement; to evaluate its economic and social impact.
    • CSI2.5 - To demostrate knowledge and capacity to apply business information systems (ERP, CRM, SCM, etc.).
    • CSI2.6 - To demonstrate knowledge and capacity to apply decision support and business intelligence systems.
  • CSI3 - To determine the requirements of the information and communication systems of an organization, taking into account the aspects of security and compliance of the current normative and legislation.
    • CSI3.1 - To demonstrate comprehension of the principles of risks evaluation and apply them correctly when elaborating and executing operation plans.
    • CSI3.2 - To develop the information system plan of an organization.
    • CSI3.5 - To propose and coordinate changes to improve the operation of the systems and the applications.
  • CSI4 - To participate actively in the specification, design, implementation and maintenance of the information and communication systems.
    • CSI4.1 - To participate actively in the specification of the information and communication systems.
  • CSI1 - To demonstrate comprehension and apply the principles and practices of the organization, in a way that they could link the technical and management communities of an organization, and participate actively in the user training.

Software engineering specialization

  • CES1 - To develop, maintain and evaluate software services and systems which satisfy all user requirements, which behave reliably and efficiently, with a reasonable development and maintenance and which satisfy the rules for quality applying the theories, principles, methods and practices of Software Engineering.
    • CES1.1 - To develop, maintain and evaluate complex and/or critical software systems and services.
    • CES1.9 - To demonstrate the comprehension in management and government of software systems.
  • CES2 - To value the client needs and specify the software requirements to satisfy these needs, reconciling conflictive objectives through searching acceptable compromises, taking into account the limitations related to the cost, time, already developed systems and organizations.
    • CES2.2 - To design adequate solutions in one or more application domains, using software engineering methods which integrate ethical, social, legal and economical aspects.
  • CES3 - To identify and analyse problems; design, develop, implement, verify and document software solutions having an adequate knowledge about the current theories, models and techniques.
    • CES3.2 - To design and manage a data warehouse.

Information technology specialization

  • CTI1 - To define, plan and manage the installation of the ICT infrastructure of the organization.
    • CTI1.1 - To demonstrate understanding the environment of an organization and its needs in the field of the information and communication technologies.

Transversal Competences

Sustainability and social commitment

  • G2 [Avaluable] - To know and understand the complexity of the economic and social phenomena typical of the welfare society. To be capable of analyse and evaluate the social and environmental impact.
    • G2.3 - To take into account the social, economical and environmental dimensions, and the privacy right when applying solutions and carry out project which will be coherent with the human development and sustainability.

Effective oral and written communication

  • G4 [Avaluable] - To communicate with other people knowledge, procedures, results and ideas orally and in a written way. To participate in discussions about topics related to the activity of a technical informatics engineer.
    • G4.2 - To use strategies to prepare and perform oral presentations and write texts and documents with a coherent content, adequate structure and style and a good orthographic and grammatical level. To perform an oral presentation in front of a limited audience. To choose properly the contents, style, timing and format of the presentation. To be capable of communicating effectively with the user in a non-technical language, and understand its needs.

Objectives

  1. CSI-M0 Understand the concepts of organization, business, information system, and computer information system.
    Related competences: CSI1, CTI1.1,
  2. CSI-M1-ObjGral. Identify, distinguish and relate the basic concepts about the meaning of the information system of a human organization, and its close relations with other concepts.
    Related competences: CES1.9, CSI1, CTI1.1, CT3.2, CT3.5,
    Subcompetences:
    • • CSI-M1-Obj3. Understand the organizational purposes of the information system.
    • • CSI-M1-obj2. Distinguish the fundamental components of information system of an organization.
    • • CSI-M1-Obj5. Relate the basic concepts of data, information and knowledge in the context of information systems in organizations.
    • • CSI-M1-Obj6. Distinguish between computer information system and other parts of the global information system of an organization.
    • • CSI-M1-Obj7. Understanding the differences and relationships that exist between the concepts of information systems and information technology.
    • • CSI-M1-Obj1. Understand the concept of information system of an organization, from the analysis of their intrinsic functions.
    • • CSI-M1-Obj4. Able to relate the information system with subsystems and production decisions of the organization.
  3. CSI-M2-ObjGral. Understand the types of uses of information systems in organizations, as well as major current alternatives, both for transactional information systems, decision-making as communicational, with special practical emphasis on ERP systems.
    Related competences: CSI2.6, CSI4.1, CES2.2, CES3.2, G4.2, CSI1, CSI2.2, CSI2.5, CTI1.1, CT2.4, CT3.2, CT3.5,
    Subcompetences:
    • • CSI-M2-Obj1. Understand the historical development of computer information systems in organizations in recent decades.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj2. Understand the purpose, architecture and conditions of the various categories and sub-types of computer and information systems to capture their advantages and limitations.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj3. Understanding relations, historical and types of systems established between information systems and information technology.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj4. Understand in detail the concept of information system for management, based on detailed knowledge of their duties, driving factors and relationships with other legacy systems.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj5. Able to relate information systems for management and BI, with the managerial work of potential users and the organization in general.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj6. Assess the impacts caused by typical information systems for management and BI.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj7. Understand the organizational factors, methodological and staff more critical to consider in a project design, development and implementation of an information system for the management and BI.
    • • CSI-M2-Obj8. Know the basic purpose of CRM and SCM information systems in the wider context of information systems business.
  4. CSI-M3-ObjGral. Understand how information systems can be strategic for organizations, options for their planning, and how they can integrate the business in a context of international standards of computer auditing and governance.
    Related competences: CSI2.6, CSI3.2, CES1.1, G4.3, CSI1, CSI2.5, CSI3.1, CTI1.1, G2.3,
    Subcompetences:
    • • CSI-M3-Obj4. Knowing the recent use of information systems as a powerful tool for integrating business strategy.
    • • CSI-M3-Obj5. Knowing the patterns of international best practice in relation to governance and audit and control of information systems in organizations.
    • • CSI-M3-Obj2. Understand the purpose of strategic planning activity of SI and IT, as well as existing planning approaches and the situations for using these approaches.
    • • CSI-M3-Obj1. See some of the conceptual schemes of perception of various known roles of SI and organizations.
    • • CSI-M3-Obj3. Understand the main strategic alternatives facing managers in the current SI, and capture its impact on the departments of information systems as well as other functional areas of the organization.
  5. CSI-M4-ObjGral. Learn about the history and current role of information systems in businesses, within a context of international standards for quality and organization of computer work.
    Related competences: G4.2, CES1.9, CSI1, CSI2.1, CSI2.2, CSI3.1, CSI3.5,
    Subcompetences:
    • • CSI-M4-Obj2. Understand the classical responsibilities carried out the function of SI, from the development and maintenance of SI to the farm, together with the tasks of technical systems, data management and other more recent.
    • • CSI-M4-Obj3. Understand the roles and professional jobs that typically are associated with the function of SI.
    • • CSI-M4-Obj1. Understand the evolution followed by the function of SI over the last decades, especially as regards their situation to prevail in the context of the rest of the organization.
    • • CSI-M4-Obj4. Know about the challenges facing today's IF function, which can change its appearance and internal organization.
    • • CSI-M4-Obj5. See and understand some classic organizational alternatives that must be considered regarding the functional management of IS.
    • • CSI-M4-Obj6. Knowing the patterns of international best practice in relation to the quality of organization and function of information systems in organizations.
  6. CSI-M5-ObjGral. Synthesize a conceptual map for IS in organizations with an to the transversal case of the course, and know both the prospective studies relevant to the issues of CSI and its projection to the rest of the GEI, and beyond.
    Related competences: G4.3, CSI2.1, G2.3,
    Subcompetences:
    • • CSI-M5-Obj1. Synthesize a conceptual map of the IS organizations, applied to a specific case.
    • • CSI-M5-obj2. See and understand prospective studies on the topics discussed at CSI.
    • • CSI-M5-Obj3. Understanding how the issues will be discussed and students at CSI extended to the rest of the GEI, and more advanced in the MEI.

Contents

  1. Introduction to Information Systems
    Concepts of organization, company, information system and computer information system. Understand and apply the principles of organizations.
  2. Basic Concepts of Information Systems
    Analysis of the intrinsic functions of the information system. Components of the information system. Organizational purposes of the information system. Relationship of the information system with the productive and decision subsystems.
  3. Information Systems in Organizations
    Historical evolution of computer information systems. Purpose, architecture and conditioning of different categories of information systems. Impact and application of information systems for management and BI.
  4. Information Systems Strategy and Planning
    Information systems as a tool for strategic business integration. Strategic planning of information systems and information technologies. International rules for governance and auditing of information systems.
  5. History and Role of Information Systems in Companies
    Evolution of the IS function in the organizational context. Responsibilities and tasks related to the IS function. Professional roles and jobs associated with the IS function. Current challenges for the IS function.
  6. Synthesis and Application of Information Systems in Organizational Contexts, Prospective Studies and Projections
    In this section, students dedicate themselves to the construction and synthesis of a conceptual map on Information Systems (IS) within organizations, making special application to the transversal case discussed during the subject. In addition, the projection of this knowledge beyond the course is explored providing a comprehensive view of the potential and scope of these systems in different sectors.

Activities

Activity Evaluation act


Theory classes

The teacher will teach the theoretical classes using various methods that may include exhibitions with or without the support of transparencies. These sessions may also include interactive discussions with the students, based on the content and consultation materials proposed, such as cases, articles, or audiovisual materials. It is essential that students study these materials in advance in order to participate effectively in these discussions.
Objectives: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Theory
13h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
15h

Problem-solving sessions

During problem sessions, students will work in small groups to analyze and solve real problems related to information systems, thus encouraging critical thinking and decision-making. Each group of students will prepare and perform regular presentations about their solutions, thus facilitating collaborative learning and effective communication. In addition, these sessions will include open debates where all students can contribute their points of view, encourage constructive dialogue and promote active and participatory learning .
Objectives: 1 2 3 4 5
Contents:
Theory
0h
Problems
15h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
15h

Project concepts of information systems

Throughout the course there will be a group practice in which the concepts learned during the course will be worked on.
Objectives: 6
Contents:
Theory
0h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
30h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
50h

Final Exam


Objectives: 1 2 3 4 5
Week: 14
Theory
2h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
10h

Teaching methodology

The CSI/SIO course is characterized by a three-part structure that includes theory classes, problem-solving classes, and laboratory sessions.

During the laboratory sessions, a project will be developed that spans the entire academic year. Although the project will consist of various partially evaluated submissions, its final grade will constitute the total score for the laboratory component (LAB).

On the other hand, the problem-solving classes will focus on solving and submitting problems, developing minor projects, thematic debates, and student-led presentations. The Continuous Assessment (CA) grade will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the submissions made during these sessions.

Evaluation methodology

The final grade of the course is calculated as the average of the laboratory project grade (LAB) and the theory grade (T). The latter is determined by continuous assessment (AC), provided the student has completed at least 80% of the required submissions during problem classes. If the student does not achieve this minimum, they will have to take a final exam. In this case, the theory grade (T) will be calculated as a combination of 60% of the final exam (E) and 40% of the continuous assessment (AC).

If problem submissions >= 80% => T = AC
Otherwise, T = E * 0.6 + AC * 0.4

FINAL Grade = (LAB + T) / 2

The competence in sustainability and social commitment will be assessed in submissions made in problem classes.
The competence in effective communication will be assessed with presentations and individual problem submissions.

Bibliography

Basic:

Complementary:

Web links

Previous capacities

B1 level of English to read some articles that we will use.

Professional fields in which SIO is projected:

Consultants, computing services enterprises and departments, that develop information systems projects for public or private organizations. Development and innovation in the field of Engineering and Management of Services and Information Systems.