Digital Networks and Digital Business (Byte Size) Course

In this course, we explore the dramatic effect that connection and networking can have on the power of information systems that are based on the exploitation of modern IT. We are therefore developing the important concept of integration. Integration can have important strategic effects. In this course, you see just what these effects are in the fields of managing in a global, digitised business environment.

Networking can also be important at a more local level. Both organisations and individuals can be affected in various, but often conflicting, ways. We look at how networked computer-based information systems can promote discovery, communication and collaboration. We begin by taking an overall view of the Internet and explaining the ways that people can use it to communicate. Since communication enables collaboration, we then go on to describe group support systems and how they can help management decision making in organisations.

In the business context, a major promise of the Internet is the development of electronic commerce. We therefore consider the potential range of operation, benefits and limitations of e-commerce. Our study will include a number of practical applications.

Finally, we consider the ethical and other issues at the human level which all these developments bring with them. Like previous technological revolutions, global information systems have significant implications for both individuals and society, and we need to be aware of these as management decision makers.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• distinguish between various forms of networked information technology
• understand the concept of the Internet and explain the ways in which it enables communication
• demonstrate how networks facilitate collaboration between users
• describe the main features of electronic commerce and critically appreciate its dimensions, benefits and limitations
• demarcate managerial strategies for using networks
• identify the ethical impacts of global networked information technology.

Introduction

Objectives

Networked Computing

The Internet

Groups, Group Working and Groupware

Electronic Commerce

Values and Ethics

Electronic Communities

Tutor-marked Question Paper

Qualification 1: Digital Networks and Digital Business (Byte Size) Certificate

Digital Networks and Digital Business (Byte Size) Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Cert after your name.

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

When you study through ElearnUK you can quickly access your course material online and submit all of your question papers to your tutor online, using your unique student account. You have access to all of your course material immediately, and when you submit question papers, your tutor sends you an email containing your results and feedback.

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 20 hrs.

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Textbook

For this course, you will need to either purchase or borrow the textbook: Information Technology for Management: Making Connections for Strategic Advantage (1999) Efraim Turban, Ephraim McLean, and James Wetherbe, second edition, New York: John Wiley.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support

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