Stage 2 (2nd year of the Bradford BSc (Hons) in Business Computing programme)
Database Systems
Introduces the fundamental ideas that lie behind the database approach. To provide a grounding in the relational data model and skills in its use, and an appreciation of the hierarchical and network data models and recent developments. The course content includes: The database approach: Advantages and Costs, how it contrasts with the conventional fi le approach, the ANSI/SPARC database architecture • The relational model: What a data model is, structural part of the relational model, relational algebra, entity and referential integrity rules, architecture of a relational database management system (RDBMS) and its relationship to the relational model, SQL • Database design, entity relationship modelling, relational data design, normalisation, physical data design, database housekeeping, security, concurrency, integrity, database administration • Use of a proprietary relational database management system limitations of the relational model, Codds 12 rules and the gap between theory and practice, a brief survey of object and object-relational.
User Interface Development
Provides a coordinated and consistent coverage of theory, design and development of a user interface. The course content includes: Methods for user interface specifications, user requirements and semantics of HCI • Visual and functional design • Design and development of graphical user interfaces using a modern high level language • Design algorithms and development techniques • Evaluation techniques for user interfaces • System design.
Network Business And Distributed Information Management
Provides basic principles, methods and techniques for designing and developing:
a) Business applications over Information Networks b) Distributed Information Systems based on networks of computers and the client/server and co-operative models of computing. The course content includes: Internet business strategy and business models • Functional architecture and implementation strategies • Creating and managing content. Payment and transaction systems. Network security and cryptography • Technological building blocks of Internet business systems • Providing interactive content and managing state information. Systems design • Internet applications and the construction of web pages to support electronic commerce and information processing.
Information Systems Analysis And Design
To provide students with a practical understanding of the software analysis, design and development process. The lab work will be carried out using CASE tools and the main emphasis of the design methods is on the object-oriented method UML. The course content includes: System design methods (structured methods, OO methods, UML) • Basic principles of system development • Software processes (process models) • Systems analysis (system requirements, requirement capture methods).
Software Engineering with Group Project
Theory and practical experience of a collaborative software development project. The course content includes: Assessment of requirements, assured quality and verification • Design and development methodology • Purpose and standards for documentation • Group project, beginning with defined problem (user requirements) through to proven working software solution.
Resource Planning
To extend and further develop some of the themes and issues associated with operations planning, quality management and capacity management. To explore new concepts and techniques for the management of operations, including introductions to reliability, statistical process control, purchasing and materials management. Reliability and equipment selection; statistical process control; capacity management; inventory management; material requirements planning (MRPI); purchasing.
Management of Service Operations
To expand on the study of service characteristics of organizations and their implications on the production of quality and the control of performance of service operations. Service package/product characteristics; Service strategy; Service distribution and location; Service process design and layout; Productivity measurement in services; Management of queues; Customer satisfaction and service quality link.
Financial Management
An introduction to the key aspects of financial management to boost the profitability of a business entity as well as create and improve shareholder value. To develop an understanding of how business are financed, and how methods of financing can affect decision-making. Investment appraisal; Risk and return; Bond valuation; Valuation of shares and firm; Cost of capital; Basic capital budgeting decisions; Dividend policy and share repurchase; Basic capital structure theory; working capital management.
Marketing Management And Strategy
To gain an understanding of a full range of marketing management and strategy frameworks. Strategic marketing; Consumer behaviour; Organisational buying behaviour; Competitive macro environment; Strategic marketing analysis; Marketing strategy formulation; Relationship marketing strategies; E-marketing strategy; Marketing strategy for mass-mediated services.
Stage 3 (3rd and final year of the Bradford BSc (Hons) in Business Computing programme)
Social, Professional and Technical Issues
Discusses issues relating to computing as a professional discipline, including the wider implications of undertaking a computing application, and a broad appreciation of professional conduct. The course content includes : The Engineering Profession • Structure of Organisations • Finance and Accounting • Anatomy of a software house • Computer contracts • Intellectual property rights • Health and Safety at work • Software safety • Computer misuse and criminal law • The BCS Codes of practice • Data Protection Act.
Decision Support System
To understand the characteristics, feasibility and the supporting mathematics of Decision Support Systems. The module comprises three major components. The fi rst examines the types of decision which have to be made, the different working environments in which they could be used, the different types of people who make decisions and the different styles of decision making. It addresses the question “is it possible to construct a generalised DSS given the wide diversity of environments in which it has to reside?” and concludes by examining ways in which the organization of industry may change as the consequence of applying this technology. The second component of this course studies Decision Theory and reviews the generalised theories which have been developed for supporting decisions. The final component merges these two to demonstrate that DSS can indeed be of use and have real potential.
Information Engineering
Provides an awareness of the range of Information Systems Development Methodologies and guidance for the selection of the right method for the job in hand. To provide the opportunity to specify and implement a prototype Information System using the latest tools available. The course content includes : A review of Information Systems Development Methodologies (ISDM) • Computer support for the Analyst: Review of CASE tools, CASE support for the future, 4GLs and Prototyping • Research issues in the development of Information Systems: related to new methods, related to tool support • Interface and multimedia issues in the design and development of user centred information systems.
HRM: Strategic Resourcing and Development
To examine the nature of the HRM function in its historical and organisational context. To examine the strategic contribution of HRM to organisational effectiveness, with particular emphasis on the specific areas of employee resourcing and development.
Role of human resource managers; Human resource planning; Attracting and selecting human resources; Performance management; Training and development; International human resource; Strategic management of HRM function.
International Business Strategy
To develop an understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin the strategic moves of organisations in their internationalisation process. Address the strategic issues in the context of regional and global competitive factors. International trade theory; Modes of foreign market servicing; Strategy, structure and control; Functional strategies.
Global Business Environment
Establish a firm foundation in the practice of international business through an in-depth understanding of the key environmental factors that impact on the global competitive moves of companies. Globalisation; Political, economic and cultural environment; International capital flows and financial volatility; Regionalisation of world economy; Regulation of international business.
Computing Project
To provide students with the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of the material presented during the first two years of the course, normally through the solution of a problem involving the practical development of a product or process.