Mr S. G. Fraser. None. First semester Two 1-hour lectures, a 1-hour computing workshop, and a 1-hour tutorial per week. On completion of this subject a student should:

• be able to outline the key characteristic of different computer systems that provide information for decision-making, from transaction processing systems to decision support systems;
• be able to understand the situations in which the above different forms of computer system might be most useful;
• be able to understand the potential for using computers for business competitive advantage;
• be able to explain the normal process used for building effective computer-based information systems;
• be able to demonstrate understanding of the nature and role of each of the following components of a computer system:
  1. processor;
  2. main memory;
  3. secondary storage;
  4. operating system;
  5. network;
  6. file/database system.
• be able to understand sufficient of DOS and Windows to be able to manage file and sub-directories competently;
• be able to use a spreadsheet package competently, including being able to copy range of absolutely - and relatively-addressed formulae (including @IF formulae) with relative ease;
• be able to use a word processing package competently, including being able to explain how embedded control codes specify the way a document is to appear on paper;
• know how to create and manipulate data in database tables.

An introduction to business computing. Lecture topics include: Basic elements of computer hardware and software: central processor, primary and secondary storage, computer networks, operating systems, file management, and application software. Typical applications of computers in business: transaction processing systems, decision support/expert systems; case studies. Practical computing focused on spreadsheets in an MS-DOS environment and word processing software. A 1-hour mid-semester examination (15%); a 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%); four computer-based assignments (20%); constructive participation in tutorials (5%). The assessment in this subject includes practical and theoretical components. An overall pass in each of these components is required to achieve a pass in the subject as a whole. Stair R, Principles of Information Systems: A Managerial Approach Boyd & Fraser 1992 Shelly GB, and Cashman T J, Learning to Use Windows Applications Boyd & Fraser 1994 306-205 Business Computing Subject Notes Case Studies for 306-205 Business Computing