CAPP07018 2016 Business Computer Applications
This module builds on students' knowledge of computer applications (such as spreadsheets and databases) with an emphasis on solving business problems and capturing and analysing business data.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Select and use the appropriate tools to manage, analyse and report on business data, based on a range of detailed business scenarios (eg. databases and spreadsheets)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of end-user development.
Explain how business intelligence can be used to improve decision making within an organisation.
Module Assessment Strategies
Students knowledge is tested at every step by means of on-line quizzes.
Students will be required to work on projects to produce a database and a number of spreadsheets for business use. Both the database and spreadsheet projects will incorporate elements of end-user computing and business intelligence.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
1. End-user computing Describe end-user computing, highlighting the advantages and risks involved. Compare and contrast end-user computing with typical SDLC.
2. Data Management
Identify what data a business should save in a database for a given business problem (eg Stock Control, Sales Management, Customer Profiles, Supplier Details, Questionnaire Analysis) and possible sources for this data.
Interpret entity relationship diagrams that model this data.
Design, create and maintain database tables using both a simple ERDs and data from spreadsheets.
Identify the best tool/combination of tools for facilitating information storage and extraction in given business scenarios.
Produce simple databases, forms, queries, reports and macros.
3. Business Analysis using Spreadsheets
Produce spreadsheet models which can be used to analyse business situations (eg Projected Cash Flow, Sales Forecasting).
Perform "what if" analysis, sensitivity analysis and goal seeking.
Import data from databases and do pivot table analysis.
Produce reports from spreadsheets.
4. Introduction to business intelligence
Identify how companies can use operational and other data to make business decisions.
Discuss data quality issues.
Describe how information systems can be used for both operational and analytical purposes.
Explain how web analytics is carried out.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Project Produce a set of spreadsheets | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | Week 1 | 1,2 |
2 | Project Produce a database solution for a business problem | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | Week 7 | 1,2 |
3 | Multiple Choice Ongoing quizzes | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam 2 hour written exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 40 % | End of Term | 1,2,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Theory and class discussions | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Computer Laboratory | Computer practical work | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Project Work | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Module Resources
Microsoft and Office Excel 2007 : data analysis and business modeling Microsoft Press, 2007, by Winston, Wayne
Excel for small business owner Holy Macro! Books, 2008, by Hari, P. K.
Databases a beginner's guide McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, 2009, by Oppel Andy
Multichannel marketing : metrics and methods for on and offline success Sybex, 2008, by Arikan Akin