Sheffield’s MSc on Information Management: Uma configuração possível?

INF6901 Practical Computing
0 Credits
AUTUMN
Aims/Description: The course aims to introduce students to basic practical techniques of information management including web searching and web page authoring, presentation software, spreadsheets and bibliographic databases. Many of the other Information Studies postgraduate modules assume that students will have the skills and understanding gained in this module
Restrictions on availability: Only available to postgraduate students registered in Information Studies
Staff Contact:  Mr Peter Stordy, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Practicals

INF6002 Information and Knowledge Management
15 Credits
SPRING
Aims/Description: This module addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of managing information in organisations. It introduces conceptual frameworks from information science in order to enable students to understand key aspects of information and knowledge management in organisations, and to engage critically with a number of current issues and debates in this field. Assessed coursework focuses also on the development of skills in literature searching and review in the domain of information and knowledge management.
Staff Contact:  Ms Ana Cristina Vasconcelos, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Laboratory Sessions
Assessment:  Individual Report

INF6011 Educational Informatics
15 Credits
SPRING
Pre-requisites: Students must be computer literate and specifically, must have basic practical competence in authoring Web pages using HTML (eg gained through taking INF6901)
Aims/Description: This module introduces students to current practice and research in educational informatics. It addresses theoretical and practical issues associated with the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support learning in the information society, and aims to enable students to engage critically with issues and debates in the field. It focuses in particular, but not exclusively, on the higher education context, and on the roles of information systems specialists, information managers and librarians in areas such as computer-supported collaborative learning, the design of on-line learning environments, the creation and management of digital learning materials, and ‘eliteracy’ education/training.
Restrictions on availability: Restricted to students on Postgraduate Programmes in the Department of Information Studiess
Staff Contact:  Dr Miguel Nunes, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Seminars, Laboratory Sessions
Assessment:  Individual Essay, Group Project

INF6400 Information Systems and the Information Society
15 Credits
AUTUMN
Aims/Description: The module develops students’ critical understanding of the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on social change in ‘the Information Society’. Topics will include: technological trends and social change; cybercultures and online communities; the digital divide; the impact of ICTs on learning, work and leisure; key technologies such as geographic information systems; and the development of information policy
Staff Contact:  Mr Andrew Cox, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures
Assessment:  Coursework
WebCT resources are available for this module

INF6110 Information Systems Modelling
15 Credits
AUTUMN
Aims/Description: To consider the role of information modelling within the organisation and provide an appreciation of the rigorous methods that are needed to analyse, design, develop and maintain computer-based information systems. The course is intended to provide an introduction to information modelling techniques. Students gain experience in applying the wide range of systems analysis methods. Students cover topics including: soft systems analysis; structured systems analysis methodologies; data flow modelling; entity modelling; prototyping, and object-oriented approaches (RUP and UML).
Staff Contact:  Dr Miguel Nunes, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Problem Solving/Example Classes
Assessment:  Coursework

INF6001 Information Systems Project Management
15 Credits
SPRING
Pre-requisites: INF6110
Aims/Description: This module aims to provide a broad understanding of the fundamentals of project management as they apply to the development of Information Systems (IS). The module uses a flexible approach combining face-to-face seminars with web-based learning material. The module will begin with an overview of the principles involved in IS project management, followed by a discussion of IS development methodologies and their different characteristics and specialisms. The rest of the module will discuss the requirements for various project control activities, including estimating development resources, risk management, guidelines for system quality assurance, and various project control techniques that have been developed in recent years. The module will culminate with a review of human resource management issues.
Staff Contact:  Dr Miguel Nunes, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Seminars, Practical Sessions, Problem Solving
Assessment:  Coursework

INF6180 Libraries, Information and Society I
15 Credits
AUTUMN
Aims/Description: This module provides an overview of the role of library and information services (LIS) in contemporary society and introduces students to public policy issues and their implications for the provision of LIS. Students are introduced to current practices and contemporary concerns in academic, national, public and special/workplace libraries and encouraged to develop an awareness of the social, economic, political and cultural environment in which LIS operate. It examines the importance of users in the design and management of LIS, explores ethical issues and aims to develop a critical awareness of the role of LIS in contemporary society.
Staff Contact:  Ms Briony Train, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Seminars, Site Visits
Assessment:  Coursework, Essay or Report (3,500-4,000 words)
Notes: This module is offered as a core module within the regulations of programmes accredited by the Chartered Insititute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

INF6200 Libraries, Information & Society II: Academic and Research Libraries
15 Credits
SPRING
Pre-requisites: INF6180 preferred
Aims/Description: This module introduces students to the purposes, functions and practices of a range of academic research and other specialist library and information/knowledge services in the public and private sectors. It considers the challenges of delivering and developing services in a demanding, fast-moving and complex environment. Lectures are combined with sector-based case studies presented by visiting speakers drawn from diverse backgrounds giving extensive opportunites for interaction with specialist practitioners.
Staff Contact:  Professor Sheila Corrall, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Seminars
Assessment:  Coursework

INF6340 Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation
15 Credits
GRADUATE YEAR
Cannot be taken with: INF6030, INF6920
Aims/Description: AIMS: to assist students in the identification of, and preparation of a dissertation proposal and to prepare the initial literature search for the chosen dissertation research topic. OBJECTIVES: Students will: become aware of ongoing research in the department; identify and prepare a dissertation proposal; carry out a preliminary literature search in the area of the dissertation research topic; be introduced to the use of social research methods and statistics for information management; start to collect data, compile questionnaires, etc. on the basis of discussions with their supervisor.
Staff Contact:  Dr Peter Bath, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Tutorials
Assessment:  Coursework

INF6000 Dissertation
45 Credits
GRADUATE YEAR
Aims/Description: This module introduces students to research in information management, information systems or librarianship by means of a small-scale project that is carried out under the supervision of one of the members of staff. The project can be suggested by the students themselves, by staff within the Department or by external organisations following discussion with the Department.
Staff Contact:  Professor Nigel Ford, Information Studies
Teaching Methods:  Tutorials
Assessment:  Project/Dissertation