This unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of the use of information systems modelling within information systems development. Critical comparisons are made of the various approaches to information systems modelling. Topics include philosophical foundations of information systems modelling; approaches to information systems modelling - data modelling, process modelling, event driven modelling, object-oriented modelling; information systems modelling in practice - the process of information systems modelling; quality in information systems modelling;
Objectives
At the completion of this unit a student will
have Knowledge and Understanding of:
Abstraction techniques in information systems modelling
A range of information systems modelling techniques
The role of information systems modelling in information systems development
The strengths and weaknesses of particular information systems modelling techniques
Design and evaluation of alternative information systems
Have skill to:
Identify and perform abstraction techniques in information systems modelling
Perform a range of information modelling techniques
Use a range of information systems modelling approaches
Have developed attitudes which enable them to:
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of particular information systems modelling techniques
Critique issues relevant to the practice of information systems modelling
recognise the applicability and limitations of using particular information systems modelling techniques.
Prerequisites
Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed
IMS9001, IMS9003, IMS9049, or equivalent.
Unit relationships
IMS5024 is a elective unit in the Systems development specialisation of the MIMS.
Texts and software
Required text(s)
No single text is prescribed for this unit. A list of reading will be provided for each lecture.
Textbook availability
No single text is prescribed for this unit. A list of reading will be provided for each lecture.
Software requirements
You will be required to complete two assignments, one using a word processing package and the othe using a graphics package of your choice (for example Visio or Rational Rose)
Hardware requirements
Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the Faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access. On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 2 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.
Recommended reading
A list of reading will be provided for each lecture. See the website for the list.
Library access
You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
Study resources
Study resources for IMS5024 are:
The IMS5024 web site on MUSO, where lecture slides, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications and supplementary material will be posted.
The role of modelling techniques in systems development
5
Object oriented modelling (1)
6
Object oriented modelling (2)
21 August 2006
7
Process modelling
8
Data modelling
9
Event driven modelling
10
Human Activity modelling
Non teaching week
11
Data warehousing
2 October 2006
12
Knowledge management
13
Revision
Timetable
The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+
Assessment
Assessment weighting
Assessment for the unit consists of 2 assignments with a weighting of 50% and an examination with a weighting of 50%.
Assessment Policy
To pass this unit you must:
Assessment for the unit consists of 2 assignments with a weighting of 50% and an examination with a weighting of 50%.
Your score for the unit will be calculated by:
The 40% rule applies to this unit and determines the final result for a student where the studen't performance in either the examination or assignment component of the unit is unsatisfactory.
In order to pass this unit, a student must gain all of the following:
at least 40% of the marks available for the examination component: i.e. the final examination and any tests performed under exam conditions, taken as a whole
at least 40% of the marks available for the assignment component: i.e. the assignments and any other assessment tasks (such as presentations) taken as a whole
at least 50% of the total marks for the unit.
Where a student gains less than 40% for either the examination or assignment component, the final result for the unit will be no greater thatn '44-N'
Assessment Requirements
Assessment
Due Date
Weighting
Assignment 1: Modelling literature review
21 August 2006
25%
Assignment 2: Object oriented modelling
2 October 2006
25 %
The exam is [3] hours long and is [open] book.
Exam period (S2/06) starts on 23/10/06
50 %
Assignment specifications will be made available IMS5024 Unit Website Assignment Page.
Assignment Submission
Assignments will be submitted by paper submission during the tutorial. On-campus Students submit the assignment to the tutor by the due date, with the appropriate cover sheet correctly filled out . The due date is the date by which the submission must be received.
Extensions and late submissions
Late submission of assignments
Assignments received after the due date will be subject to a penalty of 10 % per day of the total assignment marks per day (including weekends). Example:
Total marks available for the assignment = 100 marks
Marks received for the assignment = 70 marks
Marks deducted for 2 days late submission (20% of 100) = 20 marks
Final mark received for assignment = 50 marks
This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment.
Extensions
It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions.
Requests for extensions must be made by email to the unit lecturer at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.
Grading of assessment
Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:
Grade
Percentage/description
HD High Distinction -
very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction -
high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit -
sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass
acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory
failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.
Assignment return
We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within two weeks after assignment receipt.
Feedback
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.
Feedback from you
You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.
And if you are having problems
It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Plagiarism and cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.
In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work.
When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer.
Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.
Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.
Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Communication
Communication methods
Communication in this unit will be through:
class contact
email to tutors/lecturer
consultation with tutors/lecturer
unit discussion group
If you need a staff member urgently and are unable to contact them, please contact: Caulfield School of IT Reception Desk, Level 6 – Building H, Ph: 9903 2535
Notices
Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Notices Newsgroup in the Unit Website. Check this regularly. Failure to read the Notices newsgroup is not regarded as grounds for special consideration.
Consultation Times
By appointment. The times for consultation will be made available in week 1
If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:
All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.
