41195 Information Systems Capstone

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Computer Science
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ( 41186 Social Impact of IS Studio OR (41191 Business Intelligence AND 31257 Information System Development Methodologies))

Description

An information system is a formal organisational system designed to collect, process, store, and distribute information. These systems are composed of five components: hardware, software, data, people, and process. The subject considers a wider perspective in understanding information systems by drawing on socio-technical theories. In other words, it considers the first three components as the technology category, while the other two, people and process, emphasise the role of social context in an organisation. This subject exposes students to real-world problems where they could understand how all of these components work together to bring value to an organization and society. In this subject, students choose a real-world project of interest and, with the help of a staff mentor and an industry client when possible, research, plan, and produce an outcome. They communicate the results of the project in a detailed report.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Demonstrate competency in conceptualising, designing, planning, and implementing information systems solutions in real-world information system problems
2.	Select and apply appropriate information systems tools and methods for solving a real-world information system problem; and
3.	Explain and justify your problem solution-solving by reporting it in the required format and style.
4.	Develop an appropriate systems-based solution, assess its impact on the organisation or society, and make management recommendations.
5.	Design and implement a strategy for introducing change to a corporate information system.
6.	Clearly communicate contributions to practical situations.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject involves independent and self-motivated work by a team of students, assisted by the student's individual project supervisor and the subject co-ordinator. Students and the project supervisor will develop a learning contract by week 3 where they agree on the tasks and scope of the project and form a plan for doing the project. The learning contract shall be a statement containing: the title of the proposed project; the aim of the project; a list of tasks to be carried out by the student to fulfil the project aims; and a set of milestones and delivery dates.

Projects shall be of real-world significance and it is intended that the project report would be of sufficient quality to demonstrate competence to a prospective employer. Students will need to do some background research in the problem area and methods to be used under the guidance of the mentor to be able to solve the problem in the agreed project.

Students will meet regularly with their project supervisor (weekly or fortnightly) where they will report and receive feedback on their progress, determine how they are tracking against the project plan, and whether that plan needs to be modified.

Students may collaborate with other students in a meaningful way as the need arises but this is not necessary. Mentors are guided by the student’s needs in the case and will suggest online readings and other research material to aid their project development.

There are no formal classes in this subject.

Content (topics)

The student will negotiate a suitable topic with their project supervisor who will guide the student's learning and studies.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Research Project

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Group, individually assessed
Weight:	80%
Length:	This is up to the discretion of the supervisor, but reports would normally be between 35 and 50 pages long.

Assessment task 2: Presentation

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3, 4 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1
Type:	Presentation
Groupwork:	Group, individually assessed
Weight:	20%
Length:	Video: 6-9 minutes

Minimum requirements

Student and supervisor will develop a learning contract by week 3 where they agree on the tasks and scope of the project.

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Recommended texts

As relevant to the proposed project.

References

Writing a Literature Review, accessible at https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/Literature_Review.pdf

Other resources

Subject announcements, the topic discussion boards for the subject, and other communication tools will be in Canvas: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.