IAB201 Modelling Techniques for Information Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | IAB201 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (IFB103 or ITD103) and (IFB105 or IFB130 or ITD105) |
| Antirequisite(s): | ITD122 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,104 |
| International unit fee | $4,788 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IAB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (IFB103 or ITD103) and (IFB105 or IFB130 or ITD105) |
| Anti-requisite: | ITD122 |
| Coordinators: | Chun Ouyang | c.ouyang@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This is an introductory unit that will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required for understanding, designing and analysing information systems. The unit aims to develop an ability to manage the complexity of contemporary and future information systems and the domains in which they are used. It will also provide you with the skills to design artefacts, fit for purpose and audience, that can be used to solve real-world problems related to information systems. Unit content will play an important role in future units and a wide variety of professional IT activities.
This unit expands on knowledge acquired in IFB103: IT Systems Design by introducing conceptual modelling techniques that underpin most modern systems modelling languages. Subsequent units will build on the conceptual modelling skills learned in this unit, for example, by applying it to the techniques covered in IAB203: Business Process Modelling and IAB204: Business Requirements Analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the basic modelling principles required to present and analyse complex information and systems.
- Design information and system models using appropriate modelling techniques to solve complex business problems from information systems viewpoint.
- Analyse limitations and advantages of different modelling paradigms for designing and analysing complex information systems.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in decision-making when designing information and system models.
- Communicate effectively in written and visual to present information and system models to stakeholders.
Content
Modern information systems need to be designed for global-scale use (e.g., social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn) and for emerging and highly complicated purposes (e.g., to measure and track the carbon footprint of organizational processes). They span traditional corporate areas (e.g., manufacturing and commerce) but also private domains (e.g., gaming, social networking and parenting) on an unprecedented scale.
The complexity of socio-technical information systems and the domains in which they are used require an ability to appreciate and manage this complexity. In this unit, principles of modelling are introduced as mechanisms to reduce and manage complexity in efforts of analysing or designing information systems. You will learn to understand different modelling principles such as abstraction and composition, and how these principles are instantiated in different modelling paradigms and techniques. You will draw on examples of modern complex socio-technical systems in a variety of domains to investigate appropriate ways of modelling such systems. You will also learn to apply different models depending on the problems-solving tasks that necessitate the modelling.
To that end, in this unit you will be given exposure to the following topics:
- Principles of modelling: Basic concepts and key characteristics of information systems models.
- Perspectives of modelling: Different modelling paradigms and their manifestation in different information systems modelling languages.
- Applications of modelling: the creation and use of information systems models for different design and analysis problems relating to the development of organizational and IT systems in modern areas.
- Issues and developments in modelling: contemporary and future challenges of information systems modelling.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and resources available in the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical modelling exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Teaching staff will be available in tutorials to frame the activities and guide you in their completion. You will develop appropriate models throughout the semester.
The unit emphasises a "hands-on" approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples, case studies and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios using real-world case studies. You will work on the case studies in the tutorials where you will engage in collaborative activity with peers, tutors and lecturers. You will be presented with relevant analysis and design questions to solve, and it will be your task to develop or adapt learned procedures to generate solutions to the questions. The tutorials will be used to practice your problem-solving skills under close guidance by the tutors. The assignments are designed to assess your learning progress.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. This includes a mix of oral and written feedback from tutors and lecturers on your assignments. You are also invited to take advantage of the evaluation opportunities offered in this unit or to contact the unit coordinator directly with any feedback and suggestions.
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit via the following mechanisms:
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during the tutorial sessions;
- each of your assessments tasks will be returned to you before the next assessment task with comments on your progress; and
- private consultation with teaching staff via email or during consultation hours;
Assignments one and two will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit web page. A marking guide will be available for both assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.
Tutors are available during the tutorial sessions and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the lecture, tutorial or assignment content and provide constructive feedback.
Assessment
Overview
General assessment information
The assessment in this unit has been designed so that you may develop an understanding of the application of conceptual modelling, both in terms of creating conceptual models, and using conceptual models for problem-solving. You will also develop adequate skills to work collaboratively and present confidently demonstrating effective interpersonal, written and oral communication.
You will be expected to complete two assignments and to complete an online Quiz test over the course of the semester. You will submit your assignments electronically through Canvas. You are expected to work on the assignments independently by yourself, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Knowledge Assessment
You will be asked to complete an individual timed online quiz test in which you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the unit's theoretical and practical contents taught in the Weeks 1 - 3.
Assessment: Design of Conceptual System Models
You will be asked to develop a portfolio of different conceptual models of an information system based on a case description provided to you. Your portfolio will consist of models following different conceptual modelling paradigms that you will learn to build on a weekly basis. You will compare and contrast the different conceptual modelling paradigms used to develop the portfolio.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Modelling of Complex Information Systems
You will be asked to develop a set of different, yet interrelated models, which correctly capture an abstraction of a complex information system based on a real-world case study and are suited to comprehensively analyse the information system at hand. You will also be asked to discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the conceptual modelling techniques employed.
You will be asked to produce a written report to present the above models and the related discussions about the development of the models and the modelling techniques employed. The report is to demonstrate your ability to apply essential modelling skills such as abstraction, decomposition, simplification and integration in the modelling and analysis of an existing information system and the design of an improved information system based on the analysis findings.
You will receive individual marks for the contributions made to the group report and presentation based on predefined marking criteria.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge
2: ICT Problem Solving
3: Technology Resources
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online
| Unit code: | IAB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (IFB103 or ITD103) and (IFB105 or IFB130 or ITD105) |
| Anti-requisite: | ITD122 |
Overview
This is an introductory unit that will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required for understanding, designing and analysing information systems. The unit aims to develop an ability to manage the complexity of contemporary and future information systems and the domains in which they are used. It will also provide you with the skills to design artefacts, fit for purpose and audience, that can be used to solve real-world problems related to information systems. Unit content will play an important role in future units and a wide variety of professional IT activities.
This unit expands on knowledge acquired in IFB103: IT Systems Design by introducing conceptual modelling techniques that underpin most modern systems modelling languages. Subsequent units will build on the conceptual modelling skills learned in this unit, for example, by applying it to the techniques covered in IAB203: Business Process Modelling and IAB204: Business Requirements Analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the basic modelling principles required to present and analyse complex information and systems.
- Design information and system models using appropriate modelling techniques to solve complex business problems from information systems viewpoint.
- Analyse limitations and advantages of different modelling paradigms for designing and analysing complex information systems.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in decision-making when designing information and system models.
- Communicate effectively in written and visual to present information and system models to stakeholders.
Content
Modern information systems need to be designed for global-scale use (e.g., social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn) and for emerging and highly complicated purposes (e.g., to measure and track the carbon footprint of organizational processes). They span traditional corporate areas (e.g., manufacturing and commerce) but also private domains (e.g., gaming, social networking and parenting) on an unprecedented scale.
The complexity of socio-technical information systems and the domains in which they are used require an ability to appreciate and manage this complexity. In this unit, principles of modelling are introduced as mechanisms to reduce and manage complexity in efforts of analysing or designing information systems. You will learn to understand different modelling principles such as abstraction and composition, and how these principles are instantiated in different modelling paradigms and techniques. You will draw on examples of modern complex socio-technical systems in a variety of domains to investigate appropriate ways of modelling such systems. You will also learn to apply different models depending on the problems-solving tasks that necessitate the modelling.
To that end, in this unit you will be given exposure to the following topics:
- Principles of modelling: Basic concepts and key characteristics of information systems models.
- Perspectives of modelling: Different modelling paradigms and their manifestation in different information systems modelling languages.
- Applications of modelling: the creation and use of information systems models for different design and analysis problems relating to the development of organizational and IT systems in modern areas.
- Issues and developments in modelling: contemporary and future challenges of information systems modelling.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and resources available in the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical modelling exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Teaching staff will be available in tutorials to frame the activities and guide you in their completion. You will develop appropriate models throughout the semester.
The unit emphasises a "hands-on" approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples, case studies and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios using real-world case studies. You will work on the case studies in the tutorials where you will engage in collaborative activity with peers, tutors and lecturers. You will be presented with relevant analysis and design questions to solve, and it will be your task to develop or adapt learned procedures to generate solutions to the questions. The tutorials will be used to practice your problem-solving skills under close guidance by the tutors. The assignments are designed to assess your learning progress.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. This includes a mix of oral and written feedback from tutors and lecturers on your assignments. You are also invited to take advantage of the evaluation opportunities offered in this unit or to contact the unit coordinator directly with any feedback and suggestions.
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit via the following mechanisms:
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during the tutorial sessions;
- each of your assessments tasks will be returned to you before the next assessment task with comments on your progress; and
- private consultation with teaching staff via email or during consultation hours;
Assignments one and two will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit web page. A marking guide will be available for both assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.
Tutors are available during the tutorial sessions and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the lecture, tutorial or assignment content and provide constructive feedback.
Assessment
Overview
General assessment information
The assessment in this unit has been designed so that you may develop an understanding of the application of conceptual modelling, both in terms of creating conceptual models, and using conceptual models for problem-solving. You will also develop adequate skills to work collaboratively and present confidently demonstrating effective interpersonal, written and oral communication.
You will be expected to complete two assignments and to complete an online Quiz test over the course of the semester. You will submit your assignments electronically through Canvas. You are expected to work on the assignments independently by yourself, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Knowledge Assessment
You will be asked to complete an individual timed online quiz test in which you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the unit's theoretical and practical contents taught in the Weeks 1 - 3.
Assessment: Design of Conceptual System Models
You will be asked to develop a portfolio of different conceptual models of an information system based on a case description provided to you. Your portfolio will consist of models following different conceptual modelling paradigms that you will learn to build on a weekly basis. You will compare and contrast the different conceptual modelling paradigms used to develop the portfolio.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Modelling of Complex Information Systems
You will be asked to develop a set of different, yet interrelated models, which correctly capture an abstraction of a complex information system based on a real-world case study and are suited to comprehensively analyse the information system at hand. You will also be asked to discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the conceptual modelling techniques employed.
You will be asked to produce a written report to present the above models and the related discussions about the development of the models and the modelling techniques employed. The report is to demonstrate your ability to apply essential modelling skills such as abstraction, decomposition, simplification and integration in the modelling and analysis of an existing information system and the design of an improved information system based on the analysis findings.
You will receive individual marks for the contributions made to the group report and presentation based on predefined marking criteria.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge
2: ICT Problem Solving
3: Technology Resources
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IAB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (IFB103 or ITD103) and (IFB105 or IFB130 or ITD105) |
| Anti-requisite: | ITD122 |
| Coordinators: | Andrzej Janusz | andrzej.janusz@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This is an introductory unit that will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required for understanding, designing and analysing information systems. The unit aims to develop an ability to manage the complexity of contemporary and future information systems and the domains in which they are used. It will also provide you with the skills to design artefacts, fit for purpose and audience, that can be used to solve real-world problems related to information systems. Unit content will play an important role in future units and a wide variety of professional IT activities.
This unit expands on knowledge acquired in IFB103: IT Systems Design by introducing conceptual modelling techniques that underpin most modern systems modelling languages. Subsequent units will build on the conceptual modelling skills learned in this unit, for example, by applying it to the techniques covered in IAB203: Business Process Modelling and IAB204: Business Requirements Analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the basic modelling principles required to present and analyse complex information and systems.
- Design information and system models using appropriate modelling techniques to solve complex business problems from information systems viewpoint.
- Analyse limitations and advantages of different modelling paradigms for designing and analysing complex information systems.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in decision-making when designing information and system models.
- Communicate effectively in written and visual to present information and system models to stakeholders.
Content
Modern information systems need to be designed for global-scale use (e.g., social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn) and for emerging and highly complicated purposes (e.g., to measure and track the carbon footprint of organizational processes). They span traditional corporate areas (e.g., manufacturing and commerce) but also private domains (e.g., gaming, social networking and parenting) on an unprecedented scale.
The complexity of socio-technical information systems and the domains in which they are used require an ability to appreciate and manage this complexity. In this unit, principles of modelling are introduced as mechanisms to reduce and manage complexity in efforts of analysing or designing information systems. You will learn to understand different modelling principles such as abstraction and composition, and how these principles are instantiated in different modelling paradigms and techniques. You will draw on examples of modern complex socio-technical systems in a variety of domains to investigate appropriate ways of modelling such systems. You will also learn to apply different models depending on the problems-solving tasks that necessitate the modelling.
To that end, in this unit you will be given exposure to the following topics:
- Principles of modelling: Basic concepts and key characteristics of information systems models.
- Perspectives of modelling: Different modelling paradigms and their manifestation in different information systems modelling languages.
- Applications of modelling: the creation and use of information systems models for different design and analysis problems relating to the development of organizational and IT systems in modern areas.
- Issues and developments in modelling: contemporary and future challenges of information systems modelling.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and resources available in the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical modelling exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Teaching staff will be available in tutorials to frame the activities and guide you in their completion. You will develop appropriate models throughout the semester.
The unit emphasises a "hands-on" approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples, case studies and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios using real-world case studies. You will work on the case studies in the tutorials where you will engage in collaborative activity with peers, tutors and lecturers. You will be presented with relevant analysis and design questions to solve, and it will be your task to develop or adapt learned procedures to generate solutions to the questions. The tutorials will be used to practice your problem-solving skills under close guidance by the tutors. The assignments are designed to assess your learning progress.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. This includes a mix of oral and written feedback from tutors and lecturers on your assignments. You are also invited to take advantage of the evaluation opportunities offered in this unit or to contact the unit coordinator directly with any feedback and suggestions.
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit via the following mechanisms:
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during the tutorial sessions;
- each of your assessments tasks will be returned to you before the next assessment task with comments on your progress; and
- private consultation with teaching staff via email or during consultation hours;
Assignments one and two will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit web page. A marking guide will be available for both assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.
Tutors are available during the tutorial sessions and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the lecture, tutorial or assignment content and provide constructive feedback.
Assessment
Overview
General assessment information
The assessment in this unit has been designed so that you may develop an understanding of the application of conceptual modelling, both in terms of creating conceptual models, and using conceptual models for problem-solving. You will also develop adequate skills to work collaboratively and present confidently demonstrating effective interpersonal, written and oral communication.
You will be expected to complete two assignments and to complete an online Quiz test over the course of the semester. You will submit your assignments electronically through Canvas. You are expected to work on the assignments independently by yourself, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Knowledge Assessment
You will be asked to complete an individual timed online quiz test in which you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the unit's theoretical and practical contents taught in the Weeks 1 - 3.
Assessment: Design of Conceptual System Models
You will be asked to develop a portfolio of different conceptual models of an information system based on a case description provided to you. Your portfolio will consist of models following different conceptual modelling paradigms that you will learn to build on a weekly basis. You will compare and contrast the different conceptual modelling paradigms used to develop the portfolio.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Modelling of Complex Information Systems
You will be asked to develop a set of different, yet interrelated models, which correctly capture an abstraction of a complex information system based on a real-world case study and are suited to comprehensively analyse the information system at hand. You will also be asked to discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the conceptual modelling techniques employed.
You will be asked to produce a written report to present the above models and the related discussions about the development of the models and the modelling techniques employed. The report is to demonstrate your ability to apply essential modelling skills such as abstraction, decomposition, simplification and integration in the modelling and analysis of an existing information system and the design of an improved information system based on the analysis findings.
You will receive individual marks for the contributions made to the group report and presentation based on predefined marking criteria.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge
2: ICT Problem Solving
3: Technology Resources
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Online
| Unit code: | IAB201 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (IFB103 or ITD103) and (IFB105 or IFB130 or ITD105) |
| Anti-requisite: | ITD122 |
Overview
This is an introductory unit that will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required for understanding, designing and analysing information systems. The unit aims to develop an ability to manage the complexity of contemporary and future information systems and the domains in which they are used. It will also provide you with the skills to design artefacts, fit for purpose and audience, that can be used to solve real-world problems related to information systems. Unit content will play an important role in future units and a wide variety of professional IT activities.
This unit expands on knowledge acquired in IFB103: IT Systems Design by introducing conceptual modelling techniques that underpin most modern systems modelling languages. Subsequent units will build on the conceptual modelling skills learned in this unit, for example, by applying it to the techniques covered in IAB203: Business Process Modelling and IAB204: Business Requirements Analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the basic modelling principles required to present and analyse complex information and systems.
- Design information and system models using appropriate modelling techniques to solve complex business problems from information systems viewpoint.
- Analyse limitations and advantages of different modelling paradigms for designing and analysing complex information systems.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in decision-making when designing information and system models.
- Communicate effectively in written and visual to present information and system models to stakeholders.
Content
Modern information systems need to be designed for global-scale use (e.g., social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn) and for emerging and highly complicated purposes (e.g., to measure and track the carbon footprint of organizational processes). They span traditional corporate areas (e.g., manufacturing and commerce) but also private domains (e.g., gaming, social networking and parenting) on an unprecedented scale.
The complexity of socio-technical information systems and the domains in which they are used require an ability to appreciate and manage this complexity. In this unit, principles of modelling are introduced as mechanisms to reduce and manage complexity in efforts of analysing or designing information systems. You will learn to understand different modelling principles such as abstraction and composition, and how these principles are instantiated in different modelling paradigms and techniques. You will draw on examples of modern complex socio-technical systems in a variety of domains to investigate appropriate ways of modelling such systems. You will also learn to apply different models depending on the problems-solving tasks that necessitate the modelling.
To that end, in this unit you will be given exposure to the following topics:
- Principles of modelling: Basic concepts and key characteristics of information systems models.
- Perspectives of modelling: Different modelling paradigms and their manifestation in different information systems modelling languages.
- Applications of modelling: the creation and use of information systems models for different design and analysis problems relating to the development of organizational and IT systems in modern areas.
- Issues and developments in modelling: contemporary and future challenges of information systems modelling.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and resources available in the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical modelling exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Teaching staff will be available in tutorials to frame the activities and guide you in their completion. You will develop appropriate models throughout the semester.
The unit emphasises a "hands-on" approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples, case studies and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios using real-world case studies. You will work on the case studies in the tutorials where you will engage in collaborative activity with peers, tutors and lecturers. You will be presented with relevant analysis and design questions to solve, and it will be your task to develop or adapt learned procedures to generate solutions to the questions. The tutorials will be used to practice your problem-solving skills under close guidance by the tutors. The assignments are designed to assess your learning progress.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. This includes a mix of oral and written feedback from tutors and lecturers on your assignments. You are also invited to take advantage of the evaluation opportunities offered in this unit or to contact the unit coordinator directly with any feedback and suggestions.
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit via the following mechanisms:
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during the tutorial sessions;
- each of your assessments tasks will be returned to you before the next assessment task with comments on your progress; and
- private consultation with teaching staff via email or during consultation hours;
Assignments one and two will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit web page. A marking guide will be available for both assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.
Tutors are available during the tutorial sessions and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the lecture, tutorial or assignment content and provide constructive feedback.
Assessment
Overview
General assessment information
The assessment in this unit has been designed so that you may develop an understanding of the application of conceptual modelling, both in terms of creating conceptual models, and using conceptual models for problem-solving. You will also develop adequate skills to work collaboratively and present confidently demonstrating effective interpersonal, written and oral communication.
You will be expected to complete two assignments and to complete an online Quiz test over the course of the semester. You will submit your assignments electronically through Canvas. You are expected to work on the assignments independently by yourself, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Knowledge Assessment
You will be asked to complete an individual timed online quiz test in which you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the unit's theoretical and practical contents taught in the Weeks 1 - 3.
Assessment: Design of Conceptual System Models
You will be asked to develop a portfolio of different conceptual models of an information system based on a case description provided to you. Your portfolio will consist of models following different conceptual modelling paradigms that you will learn to build on a weekly basis. You will compare and contrast the different conceptual modelling paradigms used to develop the portfolio.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Modelling of Complex Information Systems
You will be asked to develop a set of different, yet interrelated models, which correctly capture an abstraction of a complex information system based on a real-world case study and are suited to comprehensively analyse the information system at hand. You will also be asked to discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the conceptual modelling techniques employed.
You will be asked to produce a written report to present the above models and the related discussions about the development of the models and the modelling techniques employed. The report is to demonstrate your ability to apply essential modelling skills such as abstraction, decomposition, simplification and integration in the modelling and analysis of an existing information system and the design of an improved information system based on the analysis findings.
You will receive individual marks for the contributions made to the group report and presentation based on predefined marking criteria.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.