Module Details

Module Code: INFO6028
Title: Practical IT for Business
Long Title: Practical IT for Business
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4820 - Information Systems
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to database technology concepts and relational database design. It also includes the practical lab application of MS Access and Excel software and the integration of spreadsheet and database data.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain how database technologies can be used to support decision making in business.
LO2 Explain and evaluate the relational database model.
LO3 Identify and outline current trends in database technologies.
LO4 Design and implement relational databases using MS Access.
LO5 Complete a lab project that integrates spreadsheet and database software.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Introduction to Information Technology (INFO6014), Information Technology 2.1 or equivalent.
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Database Environment
Introduction to Database Management Systems; Advantages of DBMS; Types of database design systems; The Relational Database Model and its properties.
Database Technologies
Data Warehousing; Data Marts; Data Mining; quality and value of data; Practical examples of where database technologies are applied. Data Protection Act and its implications for business.
Creating Databases (using Access)
Database concepts; design, creation and update of a relational database; referential integrity; use of input forms; reports; queries; calculations; graphics; hyperlinks; macros.
Advanced Excel
Excel financial PMT; What If Analysis; data tables; scenarios; importing and exporting data.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Access Lab Exam. Individual lab assessment within class time to include: Part 1 - Creation of an Input Form, a Report with calculations and SQL Queries (with criteria) from an existing database file. Part 2 - Design a 3 table database and create linking relationships with referential integrity.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Design an individual Access project with project aims. Design and create a relational database with specific Table structures, Input Forms for data entry, Reports and Query capabilities. Apply importing and integration of data from Excel to Access; use of Mail Merge; Macro buttons; Password Security.
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
The purpose of this assessment is to examine the theoretical element of the module using a multiple choice question format. Questions will be asked from each of the theory topics covered in the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Computer Lab Session Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Computer Lab Session Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed Study Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Kroenke, D., Auer D., Scott L, Yoder, R.. (2020), Database Concepts, 9th. Pearson, Western Washington University, [ISBN: 9780135188149].
  • Laudon K. & Laudon J.. (2020), Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, 16th. 6 & 12, Pearson, New York, [ISBN: 978013519264].
  • Gaskin S. & Graviett N.. (2016), GO! with Microsoft Access 2016 Comprehensive, 1st. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780134443935].
  • Dillon A.. (2014), Step by Step Databases, 3rd. Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717160433].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Connolly T, Begg C.. (2015), Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Database Design, Implementation & Management, 6th. 29, 30,31,33, Pearson, Paisley, [ISBN: 978013519264].
  • Shellman M. & Vodnik S.. (2016), New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365 & Access 2016, Loose-leaf Version: Comprehensive, 1st. Cengage, Stamford CT, [ISBN: 9781337251457].
  • Mott J.& Rendall I.. (2008), Database Projects in Access for Advanced Level, 3rd. Hodder Education, London, [ISBN: 9780340929254].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BBUSS_7 Bachelor of Business 4 Group Elective 1
CR_BBUSS_6 Higher Certificate in Business 4 Elective