Modules

Module title: User-centred Organisational Systems
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: INF09114
Module leader: Gemma Webster
School School of Computing
Subject area group: Creative and Social Informatics
Prerequisites

n/a
2019/0, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Gemma Webster
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Lectures cover the theoretical background to user- organisation systems, and outline relevant tools and techniques. Case studies and illustrative examples are used in the lectures to aid comprehension of subject matter. LOs 1,2,3,4.

Tutorial activities are based on small-group analysis of case studies, scenarios and techniques applied, with informal presentation of findings to the whole group. LOs 1,2,3,4.

Practical labs are run as small group based activities using ‘research based’ case-studies, where students apply the methods over a sustained period of time. LOs 1,2,3,4.
Formative Assessment:
Tutorial/practical sessions are used to provide formative feedback for students on the module. During these sessions, module tutors assess and evaluate student performance on tasks relevant to the summative assessment, providing timely feedback which supports the development of students’ capabilities.
Summative Assessment:
Students submit an individual coursework portfolio report at the end of the group based activities. The report consists of work based on the different user-centred methodology techniques covered in the group exercise. This provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate that they both understood the method and employed it correctly, and to reflect on the process adopted and the outcomes produced. The coursework assesses their ability to specify and design a system and to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the method (LO2, LO3).

Students also submit an individual report which is used to assess students’ detailed understanding of the purpose of the methodology, it’s main components and possible alternative approaches. The report assesses students’ abilities to research and apply user-centred research methods to an organisation system (LO1, LO2), identify and understand the legal and ethical implications of their approach (LO4) and to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the method (LO3).


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 12
Face To Face Tutorial 12
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Learning Guided independent study 152
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Portfolio 40 2,3 12 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 3000
Report 60 1, 2, 4 14/15 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 2000
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The module addresses user-centred approaches to the design and evaluation of information systems for organisations. It focuses on research and usability testing to ensure that systems are designed to meet organisational objectives and the needs of users and other stakeholders. You will gain practical research skills in obtaining and analysing data on organisational and user requirements which may also be applied in other types of research project (including your final year Honours project). You will learn about theories, models, methods and techniques for quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting. This knowledge will be applied in a coursework project to analyse an existing system or to specify a new system and produce a set of recommendations and/or design specifications.
This module will cover standard user-centred research methods for understanding organisational systems. In particular the following topics will be covered:
- Organisational imperatives for user-centred systems
- Contextual enquiry (understanding user needs), generating requirements, identifying stakeholders, and user experience modelling
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods including interviewing, focus groups, ethnography
- Data collection and analysis techniques for research methods
- Evaluation methods and criteria
- Legal and ethical implications of user-centred research methods in organisations
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Critically assess organisational drivers for, and benefits from, user-centred information systems
LO2: Understand and evaluate the different kinds of user-centred methods for identifying and collecting information to assist development of organisational systems
LO3: Design and apply user-centred research methods to an organisational system
LO4: Understand the legal and ethical implications of the user-centred methodology approach to organisational systems
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
INF09114 User-Centred Organisational Systems
 

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