The module firstly introduces information systems (introduction to information management, introduction to concepts of systems and organisations, strategic uses of information technology and outlines the computer systems resources that can be employed by a supply-chain oriented company (computer hardware & software, file and database management systems, communications and distributed Systems, and office automation).
Following, the most common business application areas are reviewed (a manager’s view of information systems, enterprise resource planning systems, customer relationship management systems, knowledge management systems, decision support systems, expert systems).
The next part of the module comprises the planning and development stages of an information system (information systems planning, systems analysis and design, systems implementation and maintenance, quality of information systems).
Additionally, the module illustrates the managerial aspect of implementing information systems (controlling information systems, managing information systems, security and ethical issues of information systems) and evolving to a “digital supply chain firm” as a whole (the internet and the new IT infrastructure, the new role of information systems, electronic business and electronic commerce).
Furthermore, this module scrutinises fundamental concepts of applied statistics, delving into the area of descriptive and referential statistics. Statistical software packages are utilised for data analysis purposes.
