Systems Analysis for Business

Associated learning outcomes

Investigate, analyse and review methodologies relating to Information Systems Analysis and Design.

Compare, contrast, evaluate and select appropriate approaches for developing Information Systems.

Develop a strategic understanding of systems analysis in modern organisations.

 

 

Specification

Critically discuss what you have learned from this

module which will be useful to help frame your approach to an MSc project topic, and why.

 

This coursework is about applying the systems thinking you have learned on this module to a particular 

subject area.  Think about a subject area that either (a) you are doing an MSc project in or (b) that you

could do a project in.

Task 1: Give the title of your idea.  Explain the scope and purpose of your idea.

Task 2: From each of the four topics presented on Moodle:

 

• Stakeholders and perspectives

• Knowledge management

• Systems thinking

• Information systems

   

Identify one source (article) from each of the four topics within the Moodle resources provided

  which is particularly interesting to you, and applicable to your MSc project topic. 

Cite example statements from these sources (author, year, page number).  

Explain what is interesting and/or useful about each statement, from the point of view of your project 

topic. You should also indicate why the statement is/would be interesting and relevant for your project 

topic.  

Note that you should comment on how the different topics we have covered in the module will help you

 develop a strategic understanding of your MSc project topic. This work may eventually be included as 

an appendix for your MSc project and should be shared with your project supervisor.

There will be the opportunity for formative feedback on your drafts, and examples of project topics and

 good work will be put onto Moodle. 

Plagiarism and referencing

It is your responsibility to understand the concept of plagiarism and poor scholarship.  You are

 required to read and think for yourself, and to avoid a copy-paste approach.  Please accurately 

reference your work using the APA format.
See http://www.referencing.port.ac.uk/apa/index.html for details. 

It is recommended that you use a bibliographic software tool to support your work, 

such as EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley. 

Grammar and spelling

Correct UK English grammar and spelling is expected in critical essay writing. You will be marked

 down on Structure and Presentation if your grammar and spelling are deficient. You may be

 marked down in other sections if poor language usage makes your meaning or argument difficult to

 follow. 

Anonymity

All coursework must be anonymous. You must not put your name on your work. Work should only be

 identified by your student ID number in the document (see above instructions about file name format). 

Marking and feedback

Marks and feedback will be given to students within twenty working days of the submission date. 

Marking criteria (based on University grade criteria)

Mark range %	Criteria
80-89	As below plus: Excellent work – able to express an original reasoned argument  in a lucid manner by reviewing and critiquing a wide range of material.   Original, critical thinking based on outstanding insight, knowledge  and understanding of material. Wide reaching research showing breadth and depth of sources.
70-79
60-69	As below plus: Clear, balanced, coherent, critical and rigorous analysis of the subject matter.  Detailed understanding of knowledge and theory expressed with clarity. Extensive use of relevant and current literature to view topic in perspective ,analysis content and develop new explanations and ideas.
50-59	As below plus: Detailed review and grasp of pertinent issues and a critical contextual  overview of the literature. Thorough knowledge of theory and methods and  uses this to underpin arguments and conclusions. Confidence in understanding and using literature.
40-49	Demonstrates grasp of key concepts and an ability to develop and support an  argument in a predominantly descriptive way with valid conclusions drawn from  the research. Familiarity with key literature which is cited and presented according to  convention. Logical and clear structure, well organised with good use of language and  supporting material.
30-39	FAIL – Some knowledge of relevant concepts and literature but significant gaps  in understanding and / or knowledge. Little attempt at evaluation, conclusions vague,  ambiguous and not based on researched material. Limited or inappropriate research.  Deficits in length, structure, presentation and / or prose.
20-29