Wk 1 INSAD - Introduction

This week in INSAD (Information Systems Analysis and Design) has been very different in terms of the structure of the lecture we had on Tuesday. I was a bit worried at first because transferring from a very technical course (Computing HND) to a business oriented course, I always knew at the back of my mind that it would be a challenge and a lot on my part was required - but back to my point. INSAD will defiantly allow me to reflect about IT and how i relate to it in the real world.

We were told to buy a core text book: Information Systems Development 4th Edition - David Avison, Guy Fitzgerald, - Like many students I look at text books with an air of caution. What can this book teach me that I can't find by reading something else or just getting from experience. But in this case i guess i will have to give it the benefit of doubt and I'm sure with time I will see the benefits of this core text book.

We were also strongly encouraged to read Designing Human Systems: the ETHICS method by Enid Mumford. I have started reading this already and so far it has proved to be a great read, discovering a very popular method to allow Analysis and Design in an ethical manor. ETHICS is actually an acronym meaning: Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer based Systems.

We were also given a very detailed introduction to what the coursework for this unit will be about. It sound straight forward - but not to be the one that jumps the gun, it is also a very large amount to complete.

There are two parts

1. Study Diary - which will have notes and my personal comments from what I have learnt in my own private study - this is a great way for the lecturer to see what we have learnt on a weekly basis and our opinions. Very different method to asses a unit to what I'm used to.

2. Case Study - this is a template that will allow us to apply the methodologies that has been thought to a case study - this year will be a local newsagent - which we have to find our self and arrange an interview to ask questions - more details at a late date!