Course Title: Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
Course Code: COSC7358C
Course Title: Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5341 - Diploma of Information Technology
Course Contact: Val Christou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5076
Course Contact Email: val.christou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Chandra Nannegari chandra.nannegari@rmit.edu.au +61 3 9925 1657
Catherine Han Lin
+61 3 9925 1336
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
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to ensure information and communications technology (ICT) services meet current and future internal operational enterprise requirements.
It applies to individuals whose responsibilities may include maintaining and supporting critical infrastructure for objectives in small-to-medium sized organisations.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICTICT511 Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise |
Element: |
1. Evaluate current business strategy |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Analyse 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 ICT gaps and improvement opportunities 1.3 Report information regarding the effect of ICT developments to an appropriate person |
Element: |
2. Evaluate effect of changes |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Review information on current ICT systems supported by the organisation 2.2 Compare and document advantages and disadvantages of current and proposed ICT 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
This course is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with:
(ICTSAD501) COSC 7363C - Model data objects
Week |
Week Commencing |
Topics |
Assessment |
Competencies Delivered |
1 |
05/02/2018 |
Introduction to the Course including: • Course requirements |
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
2 |
12/02/2018 |
|
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
3 |
19/02/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 1, 2, 3 - Project Specs issued |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
4 |
26/02/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 1 - draft due for feedback |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
5 |
05/03/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 1 submission due. This is a team submission. Assessment & feedback of this assessment in Week 06 & Week 7 |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
6 |
12/03/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) : Stage 1 assessment & feedback If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 09.
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
7 |
19/03/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) : Stage 1 assessment & feedback If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 09. Assessment 1 (project) Stage 2 - project specs issued. |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
8a |
26/03/2018 |
|
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
Mid-Semester Break (Thursday 29th March to Wednesday 4th April 2018 inclusive) | ||||
8b |
02/04/2018 |
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
|
9 |
09/04/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 2 - draft due for feedback
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
10 |
16/04/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 2 submission due. This is an individual submission. Assessment & feedback of this assessment in Week 11 & Week 12 If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 13. |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
11 |
23/04/2018 |
|
Assessment (project) Stage 3 - project specs issued. Assessment (Project) Stage 2 assessment & feedback If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 13.
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
12 |
30/04/2018 |
|
Assessment (Project) Stage 2 assessment & feedback If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 13. |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
13 |
07/05/2018 |
|
Assessment - (Project) Stage 3 - draft feedback |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
14 |
14/05/2018 |
|
Assessment 1 (project) Stage 3 submission due. This is a team submission. Demonstration & feedback of this assessment in Week 15 & 16 If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 16. |
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
15 |
21/05/2018 |
|
Assessment 2(Skill Review TEST) Assessment (project) Stage 3 - Demonstration & feedback If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of Week 16.
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
16 |
28/05/2018 |
|
|
ICTICT511 ICTSAD501 |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Peter Rob , Carlos Coronel & Steven Morris, Database Systems: Design, Implementation & Management, 10e Edition, Course Technology |
ISBN 1-111-96960-4 |
References
Maley, C.(2012), Project Management Concepts, Methods and Techniques, Taylor & Franscis, |
eISBN: 9781466502895 |
Hoffer , Prescott & Topi, Modern Database Management 9/E , Prentice Hall |
ISBN 978-0-13-600391-5 |
Schwalbe, K(7th edn, 2014), Information Technology Project Management, Thomson course Technology |
ISBN: 978-1-133-52685-3 |
Other Resources
Students may also refer to various Websites as indicated their teacher.
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- access and analyse relevant information on changes to technology and resources
- analyse strategic plans to determine future technology needs
- monitor resource use and cost-efficiency and effectiveness of technology
- develop and document action plan detailing standards, targets, timelines and implementation methods.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- identify methods of analysis and planning approaches to technical problems and management requirements
- assess and document the hardware platform used by the organisation and network, and the subsequent security guidelines required
- explain current system functionality to forecast for planning
- identify and specify operating systems supported by the organisation to forecast for planning
- compare competing and complementary internal and external operating environments
- identify and assess technology and product directions for evaluating and forecasting vendor and technology trends.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the general information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and include access to:
- a site where ICT needs and strategic directions of the enterprise may be coordinated
- detailed information relating to a business strategic plan
- information on a range of ICT business solutions.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete TWO assessments- Assessment 1 (Project) & Assessment 2 (Skills Review TEST). You must complete both assessments and demonstrate competency in these assessments.
As part of Assessment 1 (Project), you are required to design and implement a fully-functional customised database for a real client, in consultation with key stakeholders, such as your teacher and the client.
The Assessment 1 (Project) requires you to design, build and validate a database application to process transactions and store the required data for a client. You are also required to ensure information and communications technology (ICT) services meet the current and future internal operational requirements of your client.
This assessment consists of three stages: Stages 1 & 3 are team submissions and Stage 2 is an individual submission. Work for each stage of the project (outlined below) should be submitted on the due date, as per the Teaching Schedule.
Assessment 1 (Project ) Stage 1 (Team): Submission Due: Week 5
During this stage you are required to analyse and understand the current and future requirements (including ICT infrastructure) for implementing a database to record all data necessary for a smooth functioning of client's business.
- Analyse business and other data to identify area of business operations (as an example payments made by students) and boundaries of the system.
- Analyse and submit each of these documents – a form used for capturing data, invoice issued to a customer, a weekly report generated by the client and one query used to extract data.
- Based on the above analysis, develop business rules and identify possible entities.
- Analyse ICT infrastructure and identify possible ICT gaps based on the strategic plan of the client. Also document the effect of ICT developments.
Assessment 1 (Project) Stage 2 (Individual): Submission Due: Week 10
In continuation of stage 1, in this stage you need to design and build a prototype database for the client. You also need to determine and evaluate the result of proposed ICT changes.
- Identify (or refine) business rules and assumptions from Stage 1.
- Draw an ERD using VISIO tool with appropriate template.
- Build a prototype (with appropriate data types, PK and FK) with sample data in MS Access.
- Write program / s to populate tables up to 50000 records in a table.
- Determine and evaluate the effect of ICT changes.
Assessment 1 (Project) Stage 3 (Team): Submission Due: Week 14
Stage 3 of the project requires you to build and validate prototype and apply normalisation principles while managing changes requested by the client.
- Re-examine the ERD within the team and optimise it.
- Modify and update the ERD if client suggests changes to specifications.
- Apply normalisation principles to refine the model.
- Build prototype in MS Access (or use an appropriate platform) with forms and reports as required by the client.
- Build and validate the model in MS SQL Server / MS Access.
- Document the entire model, including training requirements.
- Develop action plans to implement proposed changes in ICT infrastructure.
Students will receive feedback or confirmation for each stage of submission. It is therefore vital that any design documentation and other work required for each stage be submitted in a timely manner.
In order to be deemed competent in this Assessment 1 (Project) 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 principle.
- Ability to normalise your tables to store data effectively
- Ability to evaluate current ICT infrastructure and develop ICT services to meet future enterprise requirements.
- Documentation of the complete model and training requirements.
You will be asked to demonstrate understanding of the project submission.
Assessment 2 (Skills Review TEST): Week 15
This is a paper based TEST administered in class covering the course material:
For this assessment task you will need to analyse one of the business documents to design data structures in 3NF. This is an open book assessment. You will be able to review and verify your design on your computer using resources such as any RDBMS software / VISIO tool.
You are also required to ensure that the ICT infrastructure you recommend supports data structures derived in the above analysis.
You are also required to analyse sample data in a table for normalisation.
Late submissions of work required for any stage of this project will be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved) level only.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task | Weighting (%) | Due Date |
Assessment 1 (Project) Stage 1 | 50% | Week 05 |
Assessment 1 (Project) Stage 2 | Week 10 | |
Assessment 1 (Project) Stage 3 | Week 14 | |
Assessment 1 (Skills Review Test) | 50% | Week 15 |
Other Information
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Canvas.
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
- Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks (hard copy and soft copy).
- 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.
- 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.
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w (unresolved)
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Re-submissions (VET Programs)
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one re-submission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the re-submission. The highest grade you will receive if your re-submission is successful is "CAG".
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following Website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
Marking Guide (Competency)
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:
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