Information Systems for Organisations

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Credits
6
Types
Specialization compulsory (Information Systems)
Requirements
  • Prerequisite: BD
  • Prerequisite: EEE
Department
ESSI
The course "Information Systems in Organizations" (SIO) 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 SIO, which facilitates their projection towards the rest of the IS Itinerary, 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. SIO-M0-ObjGral. Knowing the general organization and logistics of learning the course's contents, in relation to its themes and transversal case, as an "index" course and gateway to the IS Itinerary of the GEI of the FIB.
    Related competences: CSI1, CTI1.1,
  2. SIO-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:
    • • SIO-M1-obj2. Distinguish the fundamental components of information system of an organization.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj4. Able to relate the information system with subsystems and production decisions of the organization.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj1. Understand the concept of information system of an organization, from the analysis of their intrinsic functions.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj7. Understanding the differences and relationships that exist between the concepts of information systems and information technology.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj3. Understand the organizational purposes of the information system.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj5. Relate the basic concepts of data, information and knowledge in the context of information systems in organizations.
    • • SIO-M1-Obj6. Distinguish between computer information system and other parts of the global information system of an organization.
  3. SIO-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:
    • • SIO-M2-Obj3. Understanding relations, historical and types of systems established between information systems and information technology.
    • • SIO-M2-Obj8. Know the basic purpose of CRM and SCM information systems in the wider context of information systems business.
    • • SIO-M2-Obj1. Understand the historical development of computer information systems in organizations in recent decades.
    • • SIO-M2-Obj6. Assess the impacts caused by typical information systems for management and BI.
    • • SIO-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.
    • • SIO-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.
    • • SIO-M2-Obj5. Able to relate information systems for management and BI, with the managerial work of potential users and the organization in general.
    • • SIO-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.
  4. SIO-M3-ObjGral. Understand the various strategic roles that IS can play for organizations, as well as alternatives for the strategic planning methodology, and the role of IS as a powerful tool for enterprise integration in a context defined international frameworks of IS governance and audit.
    Related competences: CSI2.6, CSI3.2, CES1.1, G4.3, CSI1, CSI2.5, CSI3.1, CTI1.1, G2.3,
    Subcompetences:
    • • SIO-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.
    • • SIO-M3-Obj5. Knowing the patterns of international best practice in relation to governance and audit and control of information systems in organizations.
    • • SIO-M3-Obj1. See some of the conceptual schemes of perception of various known roles of SI and organizations.
    • • SIO-M3-Obj4. Knowing the recent use of information systems as a powerful tool for integrating business strategy.
    • • SIO-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.
  5. SIO-M4-ObjGral. Understand the historical development and current situation regarding the role and function of the internal organization of information systems at enterprises, in a context defined by international quality schemes and organization of the work computer.
    Related competences: G4.2, CES1.9, CSI1, CSI2.1, CSI2.2, CSI3.1, CSI3.5,
    Subcompetences:
    • • SIO-M4-Obj3. Understand the roles and professional jobs that typically are associated with the function of SI.
    • • SIO-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.
    • • SIO-M4-Obj5. See and understand some classic organizational alternatives that must be considered regarding the functional management of IS.
    • • SIO-M4-Obj4. Know about the challenges facing today's IF function, which can change its appearance and internal organization.
    • • SIO-M4-Obj6. Knowing the patterns of international best practice in relation to the quality of organization and function of information systems in organizations.
    • • SIO-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.
  6. SIO-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 SIO and its projection to the rest of the the IS Itinerary, and beyond.
    Related competences: G4.3, CSI2.1, G2.3,
    Subcompetences:
    • • SIO-M5-obj2. See and understand prospective studies on the topics discussed at SIO.
    • • SIO-M5-Obj1. Synthesize a conceptual map of the IS organizations, applied to a specific case.
    • • SIO-M5-Obj3. Understanding how the issues will be discussed and students at SIO extended to the rest of the IF Mode GHG, and more advanced in the MEI.

Contents

  1. Module 0. Introduction and preparations of the course. (1s)
    0.0. General Introduction to the thematic and the case of the course.
    0.1. The course in its close context: Itinerary of IS, within the GEI.
    0.2. Presentation of the course learning logistics.
  2. Module 1. Concept of information system. (2s)
    1.0. Case of IS: Editorial Defsa. First fascicle "Where we come from."
    1.1. Intrinsic functions of the information system.
    1.2. Basic components of the information system.
    1.3. The information system in an organization.
    1.4. Organizational purposes of the information system.
    1.5. The computer-based information system.
    1.6. Information systems and information technologies.
  3. Module 2. Use of information systems in organizations. (4s)
    2.0. Case of IS: Editorial Defsa. Second fascicle "Where we have arrived at."
    2.1. Transactional Information Systems.
    2.1.1. Ad-hoc systems and ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning systems).
    2.1.2. ERP systems in relations with the processes of negotiating and the string-value system.
    2.1.3. Modeling and Management of business processes.
    2.1.4. Provision and implementation of ERP systems.
    2.1.5. Inspection and parameterization of an ERP system.
    2.2. Decisional Information Systems.
    2.2.1. Decision Support Systems (DSS).
    2.2.2. Business Expert Systems (BES).
    2.3. Communicational Information Systems.
    2.4.1. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS).
    2.4.2. Team support information systems.
    2.4. Executive Information Systems (EIS).
    2.5. Information systems for BI (business intelligence systems).
    2.6. SCM and CRM systems: Introduction, contextualización and Prospects.
  4. Module 3. Strategic Management of Information Systems. (3s)
    3.0. Case of IS: Editorial Defsa. Third fascicle (Part 1): "Where do we want to go?"
    3.1. Elements of perception of the role of IS in the organization.
    3.1.1. Hypothesis of the stages in the use and management of IS in the organization.
    3.1.2. Critical success factors.
    3.1.3. The strategic grid of IS.
    3.1.4. The matrix benefit / beneficiary of the SI.
    3.1.5. Implications for IS responsible.
    3.2. Strategic planning of IS.
    3.3. Some current strategic alternatives.
    3.3.1. Custom development versus acquisition packages.
    3.3.2. Redesign of business processes.
    3.3.3. IS outsourcing.
    3.3.4. Integrated IS, such as ERP, CRM or SCM.
    3.4. The IS as a Strategic Enterprise Integration tool.
    3.5. Frameworks for governance, audit and risk management of IS (ITIL, COBIT, etc.).
  5. Modul 4. Functional Management of Information Systems. (3s)
    4.0. Case of IS: Editorial Defsa. Third fascicle (Part 2): "Where do we want to go?"
    4.1. Historical development of the IS function in organizations.
    4.2. Responsibilities of the role of IS in the organization.
    4.2.1. Development and maintenance.
    4.2.2. Production or exploitation.
    4.2.3. Technical systems.
    4.2.4. Data Management.
    4.2.5. Other areas.
    4.3. Professional roles and jobs in the function of SI.
    4.4. Current challenges for the IS function.
    4.5. Some organizational alternatives for the IS function.
    4.5.1. Centralization / decentralization.
    4.5.2. Organizational alignment.
    4.6. Quality schemes for the IS function (ITIL, ISO-20000, CMMI, PMBOK, etc.).
  6. Modul 5. Summary and projection of the course themes. (2s)
    5.0. IS Case Recap: Editorial Defsa. "The next fascicle ... still in writing".
    5.1. Summary: Toward a conceptual framework of IS in organizations.
    5.2. Prospective studies relating to the themes of the course.
    5.3. Projection: The SIO issues elsewhere in the IS Itinerary of the GEI, and in the MEI.

Activities

Activity Evaluation act


Activities of Module 0.

Students should read this guide, which will specify the materials associated with the module.
Objectives: 1
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 1. (1st part)

Students should read this guide, which will specify the materials associated with the module. Themes from the module will be distributed and assigned to the established student teams.
Objectives: 2
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 1. (2nd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 2
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 2. (1st part)

Students should read this guide, which will specify the materials associated with the module. Themes from the module will be distributed and assigned to the established student teams.
Objectives: 3
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 2. (2nd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 3
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 2. (3rd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 3
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 2. (4th part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 3
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 3. (1st part)

Students should read this guide, which will specify the materials associated with the module. Themes from the module will be distributed and assigned to the established student teams.
Objectives: 4
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 3. (2nd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 4
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 3. (3rd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 4
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 4. (1st part)

Students should read this guide, which will specify the materials associated with the module. Themes from the module will be distributed and assigned to the established student teams.
Objectives: 5
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 4. (2nd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 5
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 4. (3rd part)

Students can discuss in team exercises the AC module, but must resolve individually. The exercises will be the topics discussed collectivelly all, and the topics assigned to each team.
Objectives: 5
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 5. (1st part)

Conceptual map of 'IS in organizations' and course summary.
Objectives: 6
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Activities of Module 5. (2nd part)

Prospective studies and projection of the course.
Objectives: 6
Contents:
Theory
1h
Problems
1h
Laboratory
2h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
6h

Teaching methodology

SIO's learning methodology will consist in the active assistance of students to all or most of the classes, which are of three types of sessions (theory, problems and laboratory). To make maximum use of these sessions, and closely synchronized with these, students will be working on various teaching materials for the course (chapters of the base reference book, articles, reports, blogs and other materials selected, etc..).

The teacher will propose and introduce, along the various course modules, the selective reading of the materials (distributed by themes, assigned to student teams), through the publication of a Didactic Guide at the beginning of each module. In order to ensure maximum utilization and completion of the course, students should follow the study guidelines and recommendations concerning the contents of the subject published in the didactic guide for each module as a guiding principle of work. Both the didactic guides and most materials are available to students through Atenea, in the space designated for SIO.

Active monitoring of the SIO Atenea space is of paramount interest of the students, since, besides the reminders made at the classroom, this will be the virtual home that the teacher uses to guide students, and to outline the various activities of research and evaluation. Additionally, this area of ​​Atenea will become the access point and common reference which, in addition to the face-to-face sessions, will be used for written doubts and questions, and where answers and proposals will be discussed, at least the most common ones.

This course has a clear conceptual theoretical nature, but the teacher will put a special emphasis on linking and promoting a vision of professional practice-oriented topics, through materials and activities proposed for the subject, that will be selected and presented for students to think and analyze professional experiences (their own and that of others, through cases) in the topics within the scope of the course.

Given the nature of the subject - and the fact that this is a first pilot and experimental edition- we have considered as appropriate to establish a model of continuous assessment (CA) as the only way to overcome the course. The syllabus is structured in four central Modules, preceded and closed by two finishing modules for introduction and summary, respectively.

The complete schedule of the subject will be found fully detailed at the FIB Racó and at Atenea, in the space set for SIO. The dynamic functioning of the modules will be uniform throughout the course.

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.