Course Title: Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: COSC6109C

Course Title: Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Chandra Nannegari

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99251657

Course Contact Email:Chandra.Nannegari@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with:

1.  (ICASAD501A) COSC 6118C - Model data objects

2. (ICADBS412A) COSC 6117C - Build a database

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to ensure information technology (IT) services meet current and future internal operational enterprise requirements.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAICT511A Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise

Element:

1. Evaluate current business strategy

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Analyse the current strategic plan of the organisation to understand the industry environment and current organisational goals
1.2 Compare information related to current operational practices and the strategic plan to determine possible IT gaps and improvement opportunities
1.3 Report information regarding the effect of IT developments to an appropriate person
 

Element:

2. Evaluate effect of changes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Review information on current IT systems supported by the organisation
2.2 Compare and document advantages and disadvantages of current and proposed IT systems
2.3 Determine the objectives and implications of introducing changes
2.4 Document findings and forward to appropriate person for feedback
 

Element:

3. Develop action plans

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Develop plans to implement proposed changes, according to organisational policy and procedures
3.2 Document action plans, ensuring that standards, targets and implementation methods are detailed
3.3 Forward documentation to appropriate person for feedback and approval
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown. Learning activities will generally consist of both conceptual and practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts. Students should attend all sessions.

Students will also be expected to undertake work on a database project and other activities for homework.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule


The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
 

Week Week Commencing Topics Assessment Competencies Delivered 
1 11th Feb 2013

Pre-training review:
• RPL
• LLN as required

Familiarisation with:
• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard

Overview of assessment requirements:
• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy

Course Topic
• Business Rules, Design & Build ERD (Basic ERD problems)
• Data Structures
• Analyse current strategic plan of organisation.
 

 

 

ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 

2 18th Feb 2013 • Business Rules continued.
• VBA basics and Loops
• Determine possible IT gaps.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
3 25th Feb 2013 • ERD continued . Analyse Business Data.
• VBA continued.
• Effect of IT developments.
 
TASK 1 - Project Specs issued
TASK 1 - Project Teams selected
ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
4 4th Mar 2013 • ERD continued. Identify boundaries of the system.
• Logical database design
• Review current IT systems.
 TASK 1 - Project Stage 1 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
5 11th Mar 2013 • ERD continued.
• GUI Form Subform
• Review current IT systems continued.
TASK 1 - Project Stage 1 due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
6 18th Mar 2013 • Determinant & Dependencies
• Insert Update Form
• Compare IT infrastructure.
Task 1 : Stage 1 feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
7 25th Mar 2013 • Data Redundancy & Anomalies
• Confirm DB Design. Document inconsistencies in DB design.
• Objectives of changes continued.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
MID-SEMESTER BREAK (28th Mar - 3rd Apr 2013 inclusive)
7 1st Apr 2013 • Data Redundancy & Anomalies
• Confirm DB Design. Document inconsistencies in DB design.
• Objectives of changes continued.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
8 8th Apr 2013 • Steps in Normalisation. Relational Schema. Normal Forms -1NF & 2NF
• Prototype created.
• Document findings.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
9 15th Apr 2013 • Normal Forms - 3NF. Steps in Database Development. Identify suitable business data.
• Install DBMS.
• Develop plans to implement proposed changes
 TASK 1 - Project Stage 2 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
10 22nd Apr 2013 • Index, Data Dictionary.
• Implement security and access controls.
• Develop plans continued.
TASK 1 - Project Stage 2 due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
11 29th Apr 2013 • Validation of data model by client.
• Implement security continued
• Document action plans to standards.
TASK 1 - Project Stage 2 - feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
12 6th May 2013 • Validation of data model continued.
• Implementation plan.
• Document action plans continued
TASK 1 - Project Stage 2 - feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
13 13th May 2013 • Revision for Final Test
• Evaluate Database
• Feedback and approval
 TASK 1 - Project Stage 3 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
14 20th May 2013 • Final class work on project.
• Practical Test conducted
• User training requirements.
TASK 2 - Skills Review ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
15 27th May 2013 Final project submission & demonstrations TASK 1 - Project Stage 3 due
(beginning of first class)
ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
 16 3rd Jun 2013 Course & assessment feedback. Re-submission of work if required   ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Schwalbe, K. (4th edn, 2012), An Introduction to Project Management, Thomson Course Technology, ISBN: 978-0-928003-3-1


Other Resources

Students may also refer to various Websites as indicated by the teacher.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.


A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:


• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques
 


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete 2 tasks. You must successfully complete each task to be deemed competent in this unit.

TASK 1 - Database Project (Due Dates: Refer to Teaching Schedule)

The task will be submitted in three stages. Stage 2 is an individual submission and Stage 1 & 3 are team submissions.

For this assessment task you will be asked to plan and develop a database for a library from scratch in consultation with key stakeholders. You will first need to identify information sources, gather data and confirm client database requirements. 

In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of areas including (and not limited to)  the following key areas:

  • Skills in gathering and analysing data to determine requirements
  • Ability to produce ERDs for a wide variety of scenarios
  • Ability to build and implement a database using established design.
  • Ability to normalise your tables to store data effectively
  • Ability to create objects such as forms and reports
  • Ability to write programs to simulate data and build flexibility in implementation
  • Ability to evaluate current IT infrastructure and develop IT services to meet future enterprise requirements.
  • Documentation of security and recovery procedures and training requirements.

Work for each stage of the project (outlined below) should be submitted on the due date, as per the Teaching Schedule. You will be expected to submit and retain soft copies of any documents required. In some cases printouts may be required.

Project Stage 1 (Team): Initial draft of proposal outlining details elicited by questioning the client

  • Area of business operations, as well as purpose & scope of database project
  • Key library processes such loans, payments , search & hold.
  • Technical constraints including hardware & software e.g. DBMS
  • Any key business rules & particular database requirements
  • Any issues requiring further clarification from key stakeholders (further questions)
  • Team member responsibilities & communication plan
  • Sample business documents e.g. forms & reports from current system
  • Analyse strategic plan of the organisation, identify IT gaps and document the effect of IT developments.

Project Stage 2 (Individual): 

  • Complete template (will be provided) for database design includes first draft of ERD (with cardinalities) created in Visio.
  • Prototype with sample data built in MS Access
  • Evaluate effect of IT changes.

Project Stage 3 (Team):

  • Complete template (will be provided) for final version of database, including forms and reports
  • Final project documentation, including access, security, and training.
  • Evaluate, effect and develop action plans.

Students will receive feedback or confirmation at each stage in relation to client requirements. In many cases changes or modifications will be required. It is therefore vital that any design documentation and other work required for each stage be submitted in a timely manner.

TASK 2 - Skills Review (Date: Refer to Teaching Schedule)

  • You will be asked to develop data models and design data structures, for scenarios under test conditions.
  • You will be required to implement the model with sample data on a given platform.
  • You will be required to identify gaps in IT infrastructure.
  • You will also need to be able to analyse simple data in order to confirm database requirements.
  • Some knowledge of security concepts and procedures will also be required.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
     
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy).
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
     
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.


Resubmission Guide:


Once a student has submitted an assessment task, a resubmission may be granted if deemed NYC. On resubmission, a student will not receive a grade higher than CAG (Competency achieved).

 
Marking Guide (Competency)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT).

So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.


Marking Guide (Grading):

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.

The grading will include the following criteria:

1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications. You should endeavour to demonstrate a high level of initiative in your approach to gathering data and designing your databases, particularly in the team project.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required to gather data and design a database. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of information gathering and data modelling techniques in each of the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for a high level of skill in data gathering and database design techniques. In particular you will need to be familiar with the appropriate technology such as modern database management systems, including multi-user systems.

You will need also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in designing a  database and how these might be addressed. You will need to demonstrate a dgree of perseverence, and be able to use normalisation techniques to improve your designs.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT

You should aim to attend all class sessions and save your solutions to all exercises and assessment tasks you have completed, for example on your home drive or USB device. An organised folder structure is highly recommended.

It will be very advantageous to prepare for and review class materials using suggested resources, such as the recommended textbook or Websites indicated by your teacher.

We also expect to see ongoing progress your portfolio of documents for the project, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course guidelines and timely submission of all assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled group sessions. For the project in particular you will need to work effectively in a team, and manage your work to ensure timely completion and client approval. You should therefore also liaise with key stakeholders, such as your client or teacher, on a regular basis throughout the project.


Final Grades Table:

CHD       Competent with High Distinction
CDI        Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG       Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC       Not Yet Competent
DNS       Did Not Submit for assessment

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview