To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts associated with the computing global environment and the position of these concepts within the context of the IT industry. To equip students with a wide-ranging comprehension of current trends with respect to: enterprise oriented software and systems enterprise development, data management and big data analytics and cyber security and risk management within the global context. To allow students to gain a comprehensive insight into current and emerging trends in the domain of IT in a manner that encourages the sharing of globally based perspectives and experiences. To highlight the integrative, global characteristics, of the IT discipline; the need for holistic approaches while recognising the relevance and impact of unique regional contexts.

(LO1) An ability to participate in, and contribute to, an academic community through online discussion, whilst applying writing style conventions and academic integrity to academic writing.

(LO2) An ability to analyse and evaluate scholarly resources and writing.

(LO3) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key concepts associated with computer based-systems, information modelling and computing and information technology, within the global commercial and economic context.

(LO4) Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of current topics in Cyber Security including methods used to secure information systems.

(LO5) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and benefits of Software Engineering processes.

(LO6) Demonstrate a general but critical understanding of the use of databases in the context of data warehousing and big data analytics.

(LO7) An ability to critically evaluate different approaches to risk management, in the context of cyber security, within the global context.

(S1) Organisational skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) IT skills

(S4) Communication and collaboration online participating in digital networks for learning and research

(S5) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

Week 1 Case studies representative of the global technological environment to encourage an initial student engagement with the complexity of the modern IT industry. The academic standards expected of Masters level work.   Week 2 The key contexts of computing, highlighting concepts of storage, memory, operating environments and networks.   Week 3 The components of software engineering, programming trends and the ways in which systems are developed within a global setting.   Week 4 The practice of software development and programming so as to provide a critical understanding of the processes involved.   Week 5 Core concepts of data management, data warehousing, big data analytics and the ways in which data and information is managed within a global context (including addressing issues of data privacy).   Week 6 The decision making processes associated with developing enterprise systems, and the core concepts of risk and security.   Week 7 The practice of risk management within the global context and the challenges and experiences of working with diverse viewpoints in IT management.   Week 8 Core concepts of cyber security contexts to allow students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the themes of central security design and management.   Week 9 Key management challenges of privacy, regulation and enterprise.   Week 10 Emerging trends in IT and the impact on the global technological environment.

Teaching Method 1 - Online learning
Description: Weekly seminar supported by asynchronous discussion in a virtual classroom environment facilitated by an online instructor.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to attend the virtual classroom to participate in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 7.2.