Unit Title: Introduction to Management Information Systems
Guided Learning Hours: 100
Level: Level 4
Number of Credits: 12
Learning Outcome 1
The learner will: Understand the meaning of ‘Information System’ and related terms.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
1.1 Explain the terms
‘information’ and ‘system’.
1.2 Explain the types of
information needed by
management.
1.3 Discuss the concept of
an information system.
Indicative Content
1.1.1 Explain the meaning of the term ‘system’ using
examples from everyday life.
1.1.2 Distinguish between the terms ‘data’ and ‘information’.
1.2.1 Explain the reasons why managers need information in
order to perform their varied roles.
1.2.2 Describe the different types of information (such as
routine, exception and summary) with examples from the
workplace.
1.2.3 Highlight the importance of relevance, timeliness and
accuracy in the delivery of information.
1.3.1 Explain the concept of an information system using
familiar commercial examples.
1.3.2 Identify the common features of information systems in
terms of data input, storage, processing and the output of
results.
1.3.3 Illustrate the extent to which computer systems partly or
wholly support the work of information systems.
1.3.4 Outline the features of computer systems in common
use, ranging from laptops to supercomputers and including
networked systems.
Learning Outcome 2
The learner will: Understand the major hardware and software components of a PC and their
purposes
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
2.1 Name the major
hardware components and
describe briefly the
function of each.
2.2 Categorise the
peripheral devices in
common use and identify
appropriate applications
for them.
2.3 Classify the backing
store devices employed
and summarise their
properties and uses.
2.4 Distinguish between
systems software and
applications software, and
illustrate typical functions
in each group.
Learning Outcome 3
The learner will: Understand the importance of selecting an appropriate development
environment for a project.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
3.1 Describe, in outline,
the typical stages in
developing a software
product.
Indicative Content
2.1.1 Distinguish between the central processing unit (CPU)
and the peripherals.
2.1.2 Describe the primary function of the CPU.
2.2.1 Identify the output peripherals in common business use
and suggest applications for each one.
2.2.2 Describe the current data entry methods which are in
general use.
2.3.1 Explain the need for backing storage and provide
examples of devices and their media.
2.3.2 Compare the main properties of fixed and portable
backing store devices.
2.4.1 Explain the role and importance of software in computer
systems.
2.4.2 Distinguish between the functions of systems software
and applications software.
2.4.3 Describe the typical appearance of a graphical user
interface (GUI) in a modern operating system.
Indicative Content
3.1.1 Explain the importance of a systematic approach to the
creation of effective software.
3.1.2 Describe the typical stages in the development of a
software product using a high-level language.
3.1.3 Explain the role of translator programs such as
compilers and interpreters.
3.2 Explain the benefits of
program development
environments as a means
of increasing productivity.
Learning Outcome 4
The learner will: Know the common office packages used in business and their main
functions.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
4.1 Name the packages in
common use in business.
4.2 Describe the main
functions of each package
and how they contribute to
office efficiency.
4.3 Determine the value of
integrating the functions of
packages in a software
suite.
Learning Outcome 5
The learner will: Understand the data processing stages of common business applications
which have been implemented on a computer system.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
5.1 Identify the data
necessary for input to the
system.
5.2 Suggest suitable file
structures for data storage.
3.2.1 Describe the features of a program development
environment (PDE).
3.2.2 Justify the use of a PDE when developing a modern
software product.
Indicative Content
4.1.1 Name the packages in common use, including word
processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, presentation, and
email.
4.2.1 Describe the main functions of each individual software
package.
4.2.2 Suggest ways in which each package can improve office
efficiency.
4.3.1 Indicate what additional facilities can arise by integrating
functions across packages.
4.3.2 Give examples to show the benefits of using integrated
software suites in the business environment.
Indicative Content
5.1.1 Identify, for a common application, such as payroll or
stock control, the items of data which need to be input to the
system.
5.1.2 Describe the checks and procedures which should ensure
that data is stored accurately within the computer.
5.2.1 Explain the main methods of organising individual data
files.
 5.2.2 Suggest suitable file structures for common business
applications.

5.2.3 Account for the need to relate several data files (tables) to
form a database.

5.3 Describe briefly the
likely processes applied to
the data.
5.3.1 Distinguish between querying and updating processes
using examples.
5.3.2 Compare the updating processes achieved by batch and
online methods.

5.4 Summarise the results 5.4.1 Describe briefly the various media which can be used for
which are output from the issuing results produced by a computer system.
system, and compare
alternative methods of
producing and
disseminating the
information.

Learning Outcome 6
The learner will: Understand the impact of the internet and other recent technologies on
business models and commercial activities.

Assessment Criteria Indicative Content

The learner can:

6.1 Distinguish between 6.1.1 Explain what is meant by the internet and name the main
the internet and the services which it supports.
services which it supports.

6.2 Describe the purpose 6.2.1 Describe the purpose of the main internet services such
of the main internet as the world wide web, email and file transfer protocol.
services such as the world
wide web, email and file
transfer protocol.

6.3 Describe well-known e-
Commerce applications
employed on the internet
such as Amazon and
eBay.
6.3.1 Explain the potential benefits and drawbacks of e-
Commerce to businesses and their customers.
6.3.2 Describe well-known e-Commerce applications such as
Amazon and eBay.

6.3.3 Outline a typical procedure for obtaining goods or services

using an e-Commerce application.

6.4 Explain how mobile 6.4.1 Name the various media which can be used to obtain a
(wireless) devices can be connection to the internet.
used to communicate and
obtain information. 6.4.2 Identify the hardware, software and services needed to
communicate over the internet.

Learning Outcome 7
The learner will: Understand the staff and skills required for effective development,
implementation and use of computer systems.

Assessment Criteria Indicative Content

The learner can:

7.1 State the job titles of
individuals employed in a
computer project.
7.1.1 List the job titles of the staff employed in the
development of a computer systems project.
7.1.2 Identify the job titles of staff employed in the long-term
support of a working computer system.

7.2 Outline the functions of, 7.2.1 Outline the functions of the individuals identified in 7.1.1
and the skills required by, and 7.1.2, and summarise the skills they require.
the individuals identified in
7.1.

Learning Outcome 8
The learner will: Understand the importance of adequate security measures in the operation
of computer systems.

Assessment Criteria Indicative Content

The learner can:

8.1 Outline the risks and
threats to which computer
systems are exposed.
8.1.1 Name the components of a computer system which are
exposed to risk.
8.1.2 Categorise the threats faced by computer systems
under the headings: accidental and deliberate.

8.2 Summarise the security
precautions which should be
adopted in order to achieve
adequate levels of
protection.
8.2.1 Explain the meaning of general methods of protection
such as physical, technical and procedural.
8.2.2 Suggest practical precautions which should achieve a
degree of protection for each of the threats in 8.1.2.

8.3 Describe the importance 8.3.1 Justify the need for a business continuity plan in every
and the main contents of a commercial organisation.
business continuity plan.
 8.3.2 Summarise the main contents of a business continuity
plan.

Assessment:
• Assessment method: written examination (unless otherwise stated).
• Written examinations are of three hours’ duration.
• All learning outcomes will be assessed.

Recommended Reading:
Please refer to the Tuition Resources section of the Members Area of the ABE website
(www.abeuk.com) for the recommended reading for this subject.