791-066 Information Technology III

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Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to enable students to:

• develop skills in evaluating computer software. This will be based towards evaluation of software developed for agricultural applications;
• explain systems analysis for an agricultural application and to specify all requirements necessary for a programmer to develop a software package for a commercial agricultural application;
• develop advanced skills in the use of spreadsheet software for agricultural applications;
• develop an understanding of developments in the use of computers in agriculture such as artificial intelligence and expert systems.

The content includes: Systems Analysis - An introduction to the use of systems analysis for producing a computerised system for an agricultural application. Considering hardware and software, including the issues of program function and design, screen and printed report layout, error checking, data file design, test data, and program verification. Software Evaluation - Factors to consider in evaluating commercially available software. User friendliness, screen design, flexibility, error checking, printed reports, ease of data collection and entry. Spreadsheets - The use of spreadsheets for agricultural applications. A consideration of the advanced topics of graphics, IF statements, lookup tables, consolidation and macros. Expert Systems - The application of expert systems and artificial intelligence to agriculture.

Assessment

Two assignments of 2500 and 1500 words (40% and 20%); three hour exam (40%).