32531 Global Information Systems
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 32557 Enabling Enterprise Information Systems
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Recommended studies: a general awareness of computers, the internet and modern business issues (particularly globalisation)
Description
This subject covers new requirements placed on information systems arising from the globalisation of business operations. It covers new ways of doing business in global environments, including the formation of alliances and joint ventures and ways that information systems must be developed to support them.
The topics covered include an overview of the global IT industry, including its direction and structure; the value of IT in business; implications of e-commerce, customer relationship and knowledge management, outsourcing, and off-shoring; and legal issues in the new economy for formalising those relationships. The subject also looks at ways of organising business information in organisations, with a focus on informal flows found in organisations. Relationships differ in the type of work undertaken and the process followed in team formation and management. This subject covers relationship building by having students use tools such as portals for maintaining customer loyalty and outsourcing collaborations.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain the general nature of global information systems and how they differ from contemporary systems. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Describe the role of information systems to conduct business globally. (D.1) |
| 3. | Identify legal and cultural issues related to implementation of global information systems to recognise implications of products and services. (B.1) |
| 4. | Recognise new information processes and management structures arising out of “e” (electronic) ways of conducting business within the global environment. (D.1) |
| 5. | Explain the effect of disruptive and sustainable technologies to recognise the relationship between people and businesses within the global environment. (B.1) |
| 6. | Demonstrate skills at working in group projects. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Global Information Systems is run as a three hour discussion with group activities. It is taught by a combination of classes, discussions and group activities based on case studies.
Most weeks the tutorial sessions will consist of three main activities: (1) questions and/or exercises relating to that
week’s class material; (2) student discussions that will be assessed (see "Contribution to Discussion" in the section on
Assessment); and (3) guidance and assistance with understanding the concepts covered in classes and tutorials. Time will be available during the tutorials for students to ask specific questions regarding the class or tutorial aspects of the subject. Verbal feedback will be given each week to guide and inform learning. Tutorials will commence in week 3. Details of tutorial allocations will be provided in week 2. Students are required to access and use the weekly pre-class materials on Canvas as a sense making exercise attempting to create questions and explanations that will be used in class.
Content (topics)
- The Global IT industry -
New ways of doing e-business within the global environment including business networking and formation of collaborative arrangements. - Interorganisational and Global Information Systems, IT as a Business -
Business and trading alliances and the effect of technology on the globalization of these relationships within and outside the alliances
IT outsourcing
Sharing knowledge within global teams; distribution of responsibilities and functions within global information systems - Legal and Cultural issues within the context of global information systems
- Explore opportunities and threats within the local IT industry.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Individual Report
| Intent: | The report will help students gain a deeper understanding of Global Information System issues, both theoretically and practically through a critical examination of literature published in books, refereed journals, conference proceedings etc., published after 2010. A minimum of 20 separate articles and/or books should be accessed as a basis for the report. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | The Report should be not more than 2000 words. |
Assessment task 2: Group Assignment Report
| Intent: | The report helps to gain a general understanding of global information systems and how organisations attempt to leverage business performance and even deliver new business directions. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | The Report should be not more than 4500 words. |
| Criteria: | 30% Group Report 10% Individual Presentation (marked individually for your part of your Group’s presentation) 10% Peer Evaluation Please see subject guide for mark allocation. |
Assessment task 3: Take-Home Examination
| Intent: | To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the concepts thought at the lectures and tutorials by applying them in a case study. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Please note - Weightings are approximate. Please see subject guide for mark allocation. |
Assessment task 4: Contribution to discussion and engagement
| Intent: | To apply knowledge and theories gained during lectures and tutorials to discussions at tutorials by engaging with the tutors and students by asking questions and giving comments. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
- Subject lecture slides
- Baltzan, P. and Phillips, 2023, A. Business Driven Information Systems. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill.
Other resources
Online support for this subject will be via Canvas: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/