Unit Name: Developing Information Systems (30%)

Unit Outline: 

New information systems are created when existing systems do not adequately meet the needs of users of the information system, or when there is a need that could be met by an information system. The success of a new system depends upon how well the problem is understood, how the system is designed, how it is tested, evaluated and maintained over time. This topic introduces students to the traditional method for developing systems. Students must engage in project work, both individually and in teams, which supports this understanding by planning, designing and implementing a series of discrete information systems. Alternatives to this model are presented in the HSC course. Students may begin their project work at any time during the Preliminary course.

Project work requirements are described in the Course Structure on page 9.

Glossary of terms: understanding the problem, planning, designing, implementing, testing, evaluating and maintaining, participants, requirements, data/information, design tools, specifications, Gantt charts, test and evaluate, communication, interpersonal, technical, organisational, information system in context, user interfaces, machine-centred and human-centred systems

Syllabus Reference:

NSW Board of Studies, Information Processes and Technology, Stage 6 Syllabus, Preliminary and HSC Courses (Annotated 2007), Pages 18-25

Outcomes:

A student:

P1.1 describes the nature of information processes and information technology

P1.2 classifies the functions and operations of information processes and information technology

P2.1 identifies and describes the information processes within an information system

P2.2 recognises and explains the interdependence between each of the information processes

P3.1 identifies and describes social and ethical issues

P4.1 describes the historical developments of information systems and relates these to current and emerging technologies

P5.1 selects and ethically uses computer based and non-computer based resources and tools to process information

P6.1 analyses and describes an identified need

P6.2 generates ideas, considers alternatives and develops solutions for a defined need

P7.1 recognises, applies and explains management and communication techniques used in individual and team-based project work

P7.2 uses and justifies technology to support individuals and teams