IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Introduction to Information Systems

IINS5211
MODULE OUTLINE 2022

This document enjoys copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the Copyright Act, no
98 of 1978, no part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any other
information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the proprietor.

The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd is registered with the

Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education
institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002).
Company registration number: 1987/004754/07.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Using this Module Outline ....................................................................................................................... 4
Module Resources ................................................................................................................................... 5
This Module on Learn .............................................................................................................................. 6
Icons Used on Learn ................................................................................................................................ 7
Module Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Module Outcomes................................................................................................................................... 8
Assessments ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Module Pacer ........................................................................................................................................ 12

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Introduction
Welcome to the Introduction to Information Systems (IS) module. This module provides you
with an insight into the role of information systems within organisations. This module focuses
on the concept of the value of technology for future accounting and finance professionals, and
decision makers.

Since the dawn of technology, there have been significant shifts from IS being trendy a piece
of hardware for an IT manager, towards the driving IS to meet the demands of businesses
related to increased profitability, reduced cost, and strategic business value. In the early days
of technology, the “best tech” was reserved for large corporate organisations with sizeable IT
budgets. However, we are aware that technology has become commoditised and easily
accessible to organisations of all sizes, irrespective of their IT budgets.

In order to fully understand how IS can help organisations to achieve value, this module begins
with outlining the fundamentals of IS in organisations. Thereafter, focus is placed on Internet
technologies including different computing models (centralised and decentralised) and
different e-commerce models. Then, the module focuses on information security threats, risk
management and controls. The issues to consider when working with IS are then discussed
ranging from ethical to legal and social issues.

Throughout this module, you will be required to engage with several texts including seminal
works, blogs, websites, whitepapers, and academic articles. In engaging with these resources
alongside your own research, you will develop an understanding of how IS influences
organisations and adds strategic business value.

To obtain maximum value from this module, it is encouraged that you do not limit your
knowledge to what is contained in the Module Guide and prescribed material. Instead,
broaden your horizon by following global and local technology blobs on social media and
attempting to situate current affairs into what you learn in this module – your lecturer will also
point out how what is happening in the world around you is related to this module. Consider
how organisations are using various technologies to solve their business problems and begin
to seek solutions to the problems of your profession and your community in the technologies
you see around you. As you will learn in this module, it’s how you use the technology that
really adds value.

We hope that you enjoy this module and that you leave with an interest in contemporary
technologies which you could ultimately utilise in your profession.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Using this Module Outline

A Module Outline is a brief summary of the module and is given to you to support your
learning. The content of this module is on Learn as well as in the prescribed material. You
will not succeed in this module if you focus on this document alone.

To succeed in this module, you will need to:

• Attend lectures/ online sessions;

• Go through the material and activities on Learn;
• Read the prescribed material.

Your lecturer will decide when activities are available/open for submission and when these
submissions or contributions are due. Ensure that you take note of announcements made
during lectures and/or posted in the Student Portal and within Learn in this regard.

• Your campus will provide you with details about when your assessments are due.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Module Resources
Prescribed Material (PM) for IIE Manual
this Module
Recommended RM1:
Readings, Digital, and Laudon, K. C.; and Laudon, J. P
Web Resources (RM) Management Information Systems - Managing the Digital
Firm
16th ed
2020
Pearson Education, Hoboken, NJ.
Pearson
ISBN: 978-0-13-519179-8s

Please note that several additional resources and links to

resources are provided throughout this module on the
Learn platform. You are encouraged to engage with these
as they will assist you in mastering the various objectives of
this module. They may also be useful resources for
completing assignments. You will not, however, be assessed
under examination conditions on any additional or
recommended reading material.
Software required Microsoft Office and Web browser
Module Overview You will find an overview of this module on Learn under the
Module Information link.
Assessments Find more information on this module’s assessments in this
document and on the Student Portal.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

This Module on Learn

Learn is an online space, designed to support and maximise your learning in an active manner.
Its main purpose is to guide and pace you through the module. In addition to the information
provided in this document, you will find the following when you access Learn:

• A list of prescribed material;

• Critical questions to guide you through the module’s objectives;
• A variety of additional online resources (articles, videos, audio, interactive graphics, etc.)
in each learning unit that will further help to explain theoretical concepts;
• Collaborative and individual activities with time-on-task estimates to assist you in
managing your time around these;
• Activities and Revision Exercises after each learning unit.

Kindly note:

• Unless you are completing this as a distance module, Learn does not replace your
contact time with your lecturers and/or tutors.
• This module IINS5211 is a Learn module, and as such, you are required to engage
extensively with the content on the Learn platform. Effective use of this tool will
provide you with opportunities to discuss, debate, and consolidate your
understanding of the content presented in this module.
• You are expected to work through the learning units on Learn in your own time –
especially before class. Any contact sessions will therefore be used to raise and
address any questions or interesting points with your lecturer, and not to cover every
aspect of this module.
• Your lecturer will communicate submission dates for specific activities in class and/or
on Learn.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Icons Used on Learn

The following icons are used in all your modules on Learn:

Icon Description

A list of what you should be able to do after working through the learning
unit.

Specific references to sections in the prescribed work.

Questions to help you recognise or think about theoretical concepts to be

covered.

Sections where you get to grapple with the content/theory. This is mainly
presented in the form of questions which focus your attention and are
aimed at helping you to understand the content better and to achieve the
learning objectives. Ensure that you can answer all these questions in
detail. In these sections, you will also be presented with online resources
to work through (in addition to the prescribed work) that will help you to
understand the work better and to achieve the learning objectives.

Opportunities to make connections between different chunks of theory in

the module or across modules.

Real life or world of work information or examples of application of theory

for self-exploration.

REMEMBER:
You need to log onto Learn to:
• Access the learning material and online resources such as articles, interactive
graphics, explanations, video clips, etc. which will assist you in mastering the content;
• View instructions and submit or post your contributions to individual or group
activities which are managed and tracked on Learn; and
• Submit assessment documents.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Module Purpose
This module introduces Information Systems from an overall business, financial and auditor’s
perspective. It develops an understanding of how IS support the operations and control of
an organisation, decision making and reporting. It creates awareness and understanding of
risk management, security, and cybercrime, including identifying the financial and
transactional risks. It also considers the ethical, legal, and social issues related to information
systems and emerging technologies.
Module Outcomes
Analyse the role of information systems in collecting, filtering, and processing
MO1 data in order to create and distribute information to support business
operations, management, decision making and reporting.
Describe different types of information systems, including ERP systems, and
MO2 how these work together across organisations, feeding into accounting systems,
the production of financial statements, and the auditing process.
Demonstrate an understanding of new and emerging technologies and
architectures, and how these both contribute to efficient and effective business
MO3
operations, while introducing the need for systems control, security and risk
management.
Discuss the ethical, legal and social issues of information systems in business
MO4
(including POPI and other relevant legislation).

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Assessments
Integrated Curriculum Engagement (ICE)
Minimum number of ICE activities to complete 4
Weighting towards the final module mark 10%

Formatives Test Assignment

Weighting 30% 25%
Duration 21 hours (Open book) Approximately 10 hours
Write/Submit after LU4 LU3
Learning Units covered LU1 to-4 LU1 to 3
Additional research
Resources required Additional research required
required

Summative Examination
Weighting 35%
Duration 21 hours (Open book)
Total marks 120
Open/Closed book Take Home Assessment
Resources required Additional research required
Learning Units covered All

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IIE Module Outline
Assessment Preparation Guidelines
Format of the Assessment
Test (take-home)
The test for this module will Before the test:
assess your understanding •
of Learning Units 1 to 4.
The test will require you to
apply your theoretical
knowledge to different •
situations relating to IS in
organisations.
The format of the test will
be a series of case-study During the test:
questions that will require •
you to conduct additional
research in addition to
engaging with the module •
manual.
Assignment
The assignment will assess •
your understanding of
Learning Units 1, 2 and 3.
You will be required to •
integrate and apply the
theoretical content to case-
study examples.
You will be required to
conduct additional research •
to complete the assessment •
successfully.
© The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 2022
IINS5211
Preparation Hints
Ensure that you focus on the relevant learning units,
and that you have mastered the concepts covered in
each. This means that you need to understand what
you will be expected to do with which knowledge, i.e.
applicability to the real-world.
Ensure that you understand the relevant sections in the
prescribed resources.
• Work through all the relevant activities, exercises and
revision questions on Learn and in your prescribed
work.
Before answering the question, ensure that you
understand the task word (e.g. describe, apply etc.) and
the topic (theoretical content).
Check the mark allocations of each question to ensure
that you are able to provide the correct depth and
detail in your answers.
• Use the provided rubric to guide your responses.
Before answering the question, ensure that you
understand the task word (e.g., describe, apply, etc.)
and the topic (theoretical content). Consult with your
lecturer if you require clarity.
If there are several questions, check the mark
allocations of each question to ensure that you are able
to provide the correct depth and detail in your answers.
• Read through the prescribed material, any
recommended reading, Learn content and source your
own readings for content related to the topic.
Use the provided rubric to guide your response.
Ensure that you conform to the prescribed referencing
conventions.
• Submit your assignment on Learn through SafeAssign a
few days before the assignment is due so that you have
time to make any amendments.
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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Examination- Take Home Exam

The examination will assess Before the examination:
all learning units in this • Consult your examination brief for this module, which
module. will be made available prior to your examination. Make
sure that you are familiar with the kinds of questions
The questions will focus on likely to appear in the examination itself.
your application of the • Ensure that you focus on the relevant learning units,
theory to different and that you have mastered the concepts covered in
scenarios. each. This means that you need to understand what
you will be expected to do with which knowledge, i.e.
The format of the applicability to the real-world.
examination will be a series • Ensure that you understand the relevant sections in the
of case-study questions that prescribed resources.
will require you to conduct • Work through all the relevant activities, exercises and
additional research in revision questions on Learn and in your prescribed
addition to engaging with work.
the module manual. During the examination:
• Before answering the question, ensure that you
understand the task word (e.g. describe, apply etc.) and
the topic (theoretical content).
• Check the mark allocations of each question to ensure
that you are able to provide the correct depth and
detail in your answers.
• Use the provided rubric to guide your responses.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Module Pacer
Module Code Programme Contact Sessions Credits and
notional time
IINS5211 BAC322 48 contact hours + 15
5 Learn hours (150 notional
hours)

Learning Unit 1 Information Systems in Business

Overview:
This learning unit introduces you to the fundamentals of Information Systems (IS). This
learning unit commences with the building blocks of IS and then shifts toward IS
development. Approaches and implications of developing enterprise and cross-platform
applications will be discussed. Thereafter, the role of IS in business to yield strategic value
is explored.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 6 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant prescribed
source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning
unit, please also ensure that you complete all the activities on Learn.

The challenge you may experience in this learning unit is around the shift from technology
being a commodity towards being a tool for strategic value. It is important that you
interrogate the prescribed sources and conduct additional research on how IS has shifted
over the past few decades.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 1: Theme Breakdown

Sessions: 1-6 Theme 1: Building blocks of Information Prescribed Material (PM)
Systems (IS)
Academic Week: LO1: Define an information system (IS). Module Manual
1 LO2: Describe the components of an
Related Module information system.
Outcomes: LO3: Distinguish between the different
MO1 types of information systems
MO2 Theme 2: IS Development Module Manual
LO4: Explain the process of developing
software
LO5: Discuss the different approaches to
developing enterprise applications
LO6: Discuss the implications of
developing cross-platform
applications.
Theme 3: Strategic value of IS in Module Manual
organisations
LO7: Explain the strategic value of IS for
business
LO8: Explain the strategic evolution of
technology in organisations
LO9: Discuss the impact of the 4th
industrial revolution on 21st century
organisations

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 2 Web Technologies for Business

Overview:

This learning unit focuses on the role of web technologies for business. In this learning unit,
you will explore the evolution of the Internet from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 through to Web
3.0. As part of outlining this evolution, this learning unit will introduce you to utilising the
Internet for commerce, and centralised and decentralised computing technologies. The
implications of these technologies on business are discussed.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 8 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2, and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant prescribed
source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning
unit, please complete all the activities on Learn.

The challenge that you might experience is this learning unit will involve understanding
cloud computing and the blockchain technologies. There are several misconceptions
around these technologies that you should be in a position to navigate by the end of this
learning unit.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 2: Theme Breakdown

Sessions: 7-14 Theme 1: Evolution of the Web Prescribed Material (PM)
Academic Week: LO1: Explain the history and evolution of Module Manual
2 the web.
LO2: Discuss the ways in which
organisations can harness Web 2.0
and Web 3.0 technologies.
Related Theme 2: Centralised and distributed Module Manual
Outcomes: computing
MO1 LO3: Distinguish between centralised and
MO2 distributed computing
MO3 LO4: Understand the key principles of
cloud computing.
LO5: Outline the benefits and challenges
of cloud computing for
organisations.
LO6: Discuss the key principles of
blockchain technologies.
LO7: Outline the benefits and challenges
of the blockchain for organisations
and communities.

Theme 3: e-Commerce and m-Commerce Module Manual

LO8: Explain the role of e-commerce and
m-commerce in organisations
LO9: Differentiate between e-commerce
and m-commerce.
LO10: Outline the benefits and risks of
utilising e-commerce and m-
commerce for business
LO11: Discuss strategies to mitigate the
risks of e-commerce and m-
commerce.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 3 Information Security

Overview:

Now that you understand web-based technologies, we need to be cognisant that there are
risks that affect businesses. It is important that these risks are understood and managed.
As such, this learning unit focuses on information security threats, risk management and
control mechanisms that may be put into place to counteract cybercrime.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 8 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the prescribed source/s.
To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning unit,
please complete all the activities on Learn.

A challenge you might encounter in this learning unit is understanding the different types
of threats and how they may be managed by organisations. Therefore, you need to
dedicate additional research to ensure that can differentiate between these threats and
mitigation strategies.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 3: Theme Breakdown

Sessions: 15-22 Theme 1: Cybersecurity Threats Prescribed Material (PM)
Academic Week: LO1: Describe information security Module Manual
3 threats that confront organisations.
LO2: Differentiate between the various
types of information security
threats that organisations may face.
Related Theme 2: Cybersecurity control Module Manual
Outcomes: mechanisms
MO2 LO3: Discuss the various control
MO3 mechanisms to avoid or mitigate
MO4 the risks of information security.
LO4: Outline the need for remote-
working and bring your own device
(BYOD) strategies in organisation
Theme 3: Risk management Module Manual
LO5: Explain the role of cyber security
risk management.
LO6: Outline the process of cyber
security risk management.
LO7: Describe the process of risk
assessment.
LO8: Differentiate between business
continuity and disaster recovery.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 4 Issues presented by Information Systems

Overview:

Aside from information security, there are other issues presented by IS for business. This
learning unit explores the legal, ethical, and social issues associated with technology. When
exploring legal issues, we will explore South African legislation and how they affect IS in
organisations. We will also explore the ethical issues like misinformation, and the role of
artificial intelligence in decision making. Lastly, we will discuss societal issues like the digital
divide, broadband access being a human right and how to bridge the digital divide.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 12 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete all the activities on Learn.

A challenge that you may encounter in this learning unit centres around the fact that the
challenges that confront IS in organisations do not detract from the value they bring.
Therefore, you will need to approach this learning unit with the lens towards managing the
issues associated with using IS rather than avoiding IS altogether.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 4: Theme Breakdown

Sessions: 23-34 Theme 1: Legal Issues of IS Prescribed Material (PM)
Academic Week: LO1: Outline the legal issues brought Module Manual
X about by IS
LO2: Discuss the implications of
legislation on IS in organisations.

Related Theme 2: Ethical Issues of IS Module Manual

Outcomes: LO3: Discuss ethical issues of IS.
MO3 LO4: Discuss the challenge of intellectual
MO4 property in organisations.
LO5: Describe the challenges brought
about by misinformation.
LO6: Outline the implications of utilising
artificial intelligence in decision-
making processes.
Theme 3: Societal Issues of IS Module Manual
LO7: Describe the issues of the digital
divide.
LO8: Describe the challenges associated
with broadband access in South
Africa.
LO9: Discuss strategies that may be
adopted to bridge the digital divide.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 5 Organisational Information Systems

Overview:

Now that you are equipped with an understanding of Information Systems (IS), this
learning unit explores the different types of organisational information systems, enterprise
resource planning systems, Accounting Information Systems and the impact of the Fourth
Industrial Revolutions (4IR).

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 14 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete all the activities on Learn.

In this learning unit, you may encounter challenges when it comes to understanding how
these FIAS actually provide business value. It is recommended that you identify suitable
case studies which you interrogate to develop a deeper understanding.

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IIE Module Outline IINS5211

Learning Unit 5: Theme Breakdown

Sessions: 35-48 Theme 1: Information Systems Prescribed Material (PM)
Academic Week: LO1: Discuss the different types of Module Manual
X systems within an organisation.
LO2: Explain the role of a transaction
processing system in an
organisation
LO3: Explain the role of a management
information system in an
organisation
LO4: Explain the role of a decision
support system in an organisation
LO5: Explain the role of an executive
support system in an organisation
LO6: Explain the role of a customer
relationship management system in
an organisation
LO7: Explain the role of a knowledge
management system in an
organisation
Related Theme 2: Enterprise Resource Planning Module Manual
Outcomes: Systems
MO1 LO8: Explain the role of an ERP system in
MO2 organisations
LO9: Outline the key components of an
ERP system.
LO10: Explain the role of ERP systems in
an organisation.
Theme 3: Accounting Information Module Manual
Systems (AIS)
LO10: Explain the role of AIS in
organisations
LO11: Distinguish between the features
of an accounting information systems
available to organisations;
LO14 :Explain how can 4IR enable the
role of AIS in an organisation

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